Helen Scheuerer returns with the second installment of The Ashes of Thezmarr series, delivering a breathtaking exploration of love, sacrifice, and the crushing weight of destiny. Thorns & Fire picks up where Iron & Embers left off, plunging readers deeper into the tempestuous relationship between Wren Embervale and Torj Elderbrock while expanding the political machinations threatening the midrealms.
A Story of Hearts Divided and Kingdoms at War
The narrative centers on the devastating aftermath of Wren and Torj’s soul bond—a mystical connection that literally binds their hearts, minds, and magical essences. Scheuerer masterfully weaves the personal stakes with the political, as Wren struggles with her dual identity as both an advanced alchemy student at Drevenor Academy and the rightful heir to Delmira’s throne. Meanwhile, Torj grapples with his decision to sever their soul bond to protect her, a choice that haunts every page of their fractured relationship.
The plot thickens when Silas the Kingsbane, leader of the People’s Vanguard, marches on Delmira and claims the throne. This forces Wren into an impossible position: embrace her royal heritage and fight for her kingdom, or continue pursuing her passion for alchemy while watching the midrealms burn. The political intrigue deepens with the introduction of various noble houses, each with their own agendas, creating a chess game where every move carries deadly consequences.
Scheuerer’s pacing is relentless yet purposeful. The first half of the book builds tension through intimate character moments—Wren’s desperate research into alchemical cures, Torj’s silent suffering as he maintains distance while serving as her bodyguard, and the growing threat of dark alchemy that can strip magic wielders of their power. The second half explodes into action with political assemblies, betrayals, and the shocking revelation of Wren’s engagement to the manipulative Darian Devereux.
Characters That Bleed Ink and Emotion
Wren Embervale continues to shine as a complex protagonist who refuses to be diminished by her circumstances. Her journey from reluctant royal to queen-in-waiting is fraught with self-doubt and determination in equal measure. Scheuerer doesn’t shy away from showing Wren’s darker moments—her obsessive dedication to her alchemical research borders on self-destruction, and her willingness to manipulate others for the greater good reveals a pragmatic ruthlessness that adds depth to her character.
Torj Elderbrock remains the beating heart of the series, though his suffering in this installment is almost painful to witness. The Bear Slayer’s internal conflict between his duty as a Warsword and his love for Wren creates some of the book’s most emotionally devastating scenes. His decision to sever their soul bond—believing it would save her life—speaks to both his nobility and his tragic misunderstanding of what Wren truly needs.
The supporting cast continues to impress, particularly:
- Zavier Terling, whose struggle with his own magical abilities and family loyalty adds compelling complexity
- Dessa Chamberlain, whose unwavering friendship provides both comic relief and emotional anchor
- Thea Embervale, whose own journey from free-spirited Warsword to reluctant royal mirrors her sister’s struggles
- Kipp Snowden, the Son of the Fox, whose strategic mind and loyalty make him an invaluable ally
The introduction of new antagonists, particularly the shadowy figures manipulating events from behind the scenes, raises the stakes considerably. Silas the Kingsbane emerges as a formidable opponent whose motivations remain tantalizingly unclear.
The Magic of Dark Academia and Political Intrigue
Scheuerer’s world-building continues to impress, particularly in her detailed portrayal of Drevenor Academy. The ancient institution serves as more than just a backdrop—it becomes a character in its own right, with its ivy-covered walls, extensive archives, and dangerous alchemy laboratories creating an atmosphere of scholarly pursuit tinged with peril. The academy’s motto, “Knowledge is the victor over fate. The mind is a blade,” perfectly encapsulates the book’s themes.
The magic system receives further development, particularly the exploration of soul bonds and their consequences. The golden thread that connects Wren and Torj isn’t merely romantic—it’s a fundamental force that affects their magical abilities, emotional states, and very survival. Scheuerer’s decision to make this connection both a blessing and a potential curse adds layers of complexity to their relationship.
The political landscape of the midrealms expands significantly, with the restoration of Delmira serving as a catalyst for shifting power dynamics. The kingdom’s transformation from wasteland to fertile paradise raises questions about environmental magic and political responsibility that feel surprisingly relevant to contemporary concerns.
Prose That Cuts Like Lightning
Scheuerer’s writing style has evolved beautifully since the first book. Her prose crackles with electricity, much like Wren’s lightning magic. Dialogue feels natural and emotionally authentic, particularly in the quieter moments between Wren and Torj where years of history and unspoken understanding create subtext beneath every word.
The author excels at balancing action sequences with introspective character moments. A scene where Wren demonstrates her alchemical cure to the academy masters becomes as tense and engaging as any sword fight, while intimate conversations between the main characters carry the weight of kingdoms.
Some standout passages showcase Scheuerer’s growing confidence as a writer:
“Gold flickered once more between them. I love you, her voice bloomed in his mind, loud and clear, strong and unyielding. I have always loved you.”
The metaphorical language throughout reinforces the book’s themes—thorns that protect but also wound, fire that destroys but also purifies, and alchemy that transforms base materials into something precious.
The Thorns Among the Roses
While Thorns & Fire succeeds on many levels, it’s not without its challenges. The middle section occasionally feels weighed down by political maneuvering that, while necessary for plot development, sometimes slows the emotional momentum. Readers seeking constant romantic tension may find themselves frustrated by the extended separation between Wren and Torj, though this serves the larger narrative arc.
The introduction of multiple noble houses and political factions, while adding depth to the world, occasionally feels overwhelming. Some secondary characters blur together, and certain plot threads feel underdeveloped compared to the central romance and Wren’s alchemical research.
The book’s climax, involving Wren’s shocking betrothal to Darian Devereux, feels somewhat rushed. While the political necessity is clear, the emotional impact might have been stronger with more groundwork laid earlier in the narrative. Additionally, some readers may find the soul bond concept’s rules and limitations inconsistently applied.
Romance That Transcends the Physical
The romantic elements remain the series’ strongest asset. Scheuerer understands that true romantic tension comes from emotional stakes rather than physical attraction alone. The soul bond concept allows her to explore themes of sacrifice, trust, and the sometimes destructive nature of love.
The relationship between Wren and Torj feels earned and lived-in. Their history spans years, and their connection transcends the typical enemies-to-lovers or instalove tropes common in the genre. When they finally reunite and acknowledge their bond’s restoration, the emotional payoff feels genuinely satisfying rather than convenient.
However, the romantic subplot involving other potential love interests feels less developed. While necessary for political intrigue, these relationships lack the depth and authenticity of the central pairing.
A Bridge Between Past and Future
Thorns & Fire succeeds as both a continuation of Iron & Embers and setup for the series’ conclusion in Silver & Smoke. Scheuerer manages to resolve several character arcs while opening new questions about the nature of power, responsibility, and sacrifice. The book’s ending—with Wren accepting her role as Queen of Delmira and Torj pledging his service—feels both inevitable and surprising.
The exploration of how past trauma affects present relationships adds emotional weight to the fantasy elements. Both Wren and Torj carry scars from their experiences, and their journey toward healing feels realistic within the magical context.
Comparing to Scheuerer’s Previous Works
Readers familiar with Scheuerer’s earlier series, The Legends of Thezmarr (Blood & Steel, Vows & Ruins, Fate & Furies, Shadow & Storms), will appreciate the deeper character development and more sophisticated plotting in The Ashes of Thezmarr series. While her previous works established her talent for action and world-building, this series showcases her growth in handling complex emotional narratives and political intrigue.
For Readers Who Love
Fans of the following books and series will find much to appreciate in Thorns & Fire:
- Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series – for complex magic systems and royal intrigue
- Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth Wing – for the intense romantic tension and magical bonds
- Jennifer L. Armentrout’s From Blood and Ash – for the chosen one narrative with romantic elements
- Stephanie Meyer’s The Host – for the exploration of soul connections
- Holly Black’s The Folk of the Air series – for political maneuvering and complex relationships
- Elise Kova’s Air Awakens series – for elemental magic and royal romance
Final Verdict: A Worthy Successor
Thorns & Fire proves that second books in a series don’t have to suffer from middle-book syndrome. Scheuerer has crafted a novel that deepens the emotional stakes while expanding the world in meaningful ways. While not without its minor flaws, the book succeeds in its primary goals: advancing character development, escalating political tension, and maintaining the romantic chemistry that drew readers to the series.
The book asks important questions about duty versus desire, the price of power, and whether love can survive the weight of destiny. Scheuerer doesn’t provide easy answers, which makes the journey all the more compelling.
For readers invested in Wren and Torj’s relationship, Thorns & Fire delivers both heartbreak and hope in equal measure. The promise of their eventual reunion and the mystery of how they’ll navigate Wren’s new role as queen ensures that readers will eagerly await Silver & Smoke.
Thorns & Fire stands as a testament to Scheuerer’s growth as a storyteller and confirms her place among the rising stars of fantasy romance. It’s a book that burns bright with passion, politics, and the promise of even greater things to come.