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4.32 AVERAGE
4.32 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This one struggled to keep my attention for most of the book. The pacing felt slow, with the romance overshadowing the fantasy plot instead of blending naturally. There were a few plot points scattered in, but they didn’t have the urgency or stakes I was hoping for. The characters still had their charm, but the relationship dynamic didn’t land as hard as in the first series, leaving me less emotionally invested.
That said, the final 2–3% hooked me completely — the ending hit just right and left me actually wanting book 3.
That said, the final 2–3% hooked me completely — the ending hit just right and left me actually wanting book 3.
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Firstly, when I originally requested this ARC, I was blind to the fact that it’s the follow on series to another. I had Iron and Embers ready to GO and read once approved…and then realised it was a bit of a bigger task to prepare for it!
So here I am, 6 books & 1 Novella later, utterly captivated and obsessed with this world the author has crafted.
Never have I been so absorbed in a fantasy world, every page turn I feel like I’m there. Wishing I could experience every smell, taste and touch. (And hoooo boy, those touches are STEAMY).
Wren’s growth and journey in this book is exceptional. Gone is the angry, grieving poisoner and here instead stands a Queen. She’s unafraid to speak her opinion, she’s smart and she’s incredibly witty. I’ve really grown to love her as a character. She’s changed so much from Legends of Thezmarr, the Shadow War really taking that toll on here (and it shows).
Naturally, the side characters are equally as loveable as the main characters. I love that we still get to spend time with Kipp, Cal and occasionally Wilder and Thea. Yet have been introduced to a host of new ones in I&E who are strongly developed with excellent backstories themselves. Their inclusion in the story never feels false or forced - they fit perfectly within Wren’s story and I cannot imagine reading it without them.
The relationship between Wren and Torj is incredible. Building from Legends, that spark between them builds and builds into an inferno. One that Torj thinks he has quenched. However, throughout it is clear to everyone but them it seems in places, that they are inevitable.
I cannot quite believe that Helen is managing to release THREE books in a series, completing it, within a year. Especially with books of such high calibre writing. It almost beggars belief that such a thing is achievable, but I am so very glad it is. I need the third and final ASAP!
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
fast-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I absolutely loved this sequel to Iron and Embers!! It was everything I wanted in a sequel and for being a second book I thought the pacing was perfect and it held my attention the entire time. I really loved where Helen Scheuerer went with the story and the characters are just absolutely amazing, I always want more of them! This entire world is the best and I can’t wait to see where it goes in book 3! Also I need a series about Kipp and Cal STAT!
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Easy enjoyable listen. Not the most engaging plot
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence