Kiss of the Black Flame: A Novel (The Bookbinder's Bargain)
Helen Scheuerer
Thorns & Fire: The Ashes of Thezmarr, Book 2
by Helen ScheuererCategory
About this book
A golden thread joined them, a bond that went deeper than love—and it had nearly destroyed them. Wren Embervale and Torj Elderbrock share a dark and bloody history. On the brink of another war, and overwhelmed by the force of their feelings for one another, Torj discovers there is far more to their bond than mere passion. The legendary warsword is determined to protect Wren at all costs, even if it means lying to her… Even if it means losing her forever. Meanwhile, Wren is struggling to find her place in the world both as an advanced student of alchemy at the ancient academy of Drevenor, and as one of the heirs to a lost kingdom. With the midrealms once again facing destruction, Wren must decide: loyalty or liberation? Legacy or love? As new political players emerge, Wren discovers that her storm magic is more powerful than she ever imagined and that it could tear the kingdoms apart. Will she and Torj find their way back to each other, or will the ancient magic that binds them become their undoing? From the author of the bestselling Legends of Thezmarr series, Thorns & Fire by Helen Scheuerer is the second book in The Ashes of Thezmarr trilogy. Perfect for romantasy fans, this spellbinding sequel delivers heart-wrenching choices, a found family to root for, and a love that defies the odds.
Available Formats
Kindle: $12.99 Audiobook: $0.00
What readers are saying
Megan BajorekFIRE, STEEL, HURT, FURY, STRENGTH, ACCEPTANCE, PASSION!
"I have loved every page written by Helen Scheuerer. This book has changed that love to obsession over every page Helen has written. This woman should never be silenced because her prose, world building and character development is beyond compare. The sequel to Iron & Embers, our characters are left in uncharted territory with broken hearts and fear closing in. The second of three books, it's easy to see that somehow the two will resolve their significant issues and come back together in a beautiful yet slow burn, passion filled journey. Is that journey smooth? Heck no! Do both of them make decisions for the other from a place full of good intentions and yet disregard each other's automony? Yup! Do they finally cut the crap, talk things out and come together in a beautiful moment of passion and heartfelt declarations? An enthusiastic YES!! Wren as a character is one of depth, pain, love and determination; a combination of which brings out the best of all of the characters around her. Her dedication to her friends is what makes her stand out as possibly the best characters of this series and previous series! She is logical, pragmatic, clever, feisty and passionate about those she loves and her ability to make change. A driving force for this installment is Wren's unyielding desire to save the realms through her alchemy and intellect because if not her, who? Torj's conflict between what he wants and what he thinks is right, haunts every step Torj takes; constantly challenged by factors around him to change his mind! The depth of his feelings about Wren fog and cloud his perspective as to what is possible if they remain together. Life is fraught with risk but also fraught with the opportunity for the sweetest reward. Quickly Torj's love for Wren is solidified when he realizes she is his perfect match regardless of the danger; it is her wit, savage quips, passion and determination that is the equal match to Torj's sarcasm, dedication, strength and understanding. His support and love allows Wren to step into her power and Wren's choosing Torj gives him the confidence and certainty that together they will change the world. And when they finally come together, absolute fireworks and squeals of joy over here! I tip my hat to Helen for writing the absolute best slow burn tension followed by mind-blowing, appropriately positioned, spine tingling spice! I would be remiss if I didn't extend an additional round of applause for Kristopher F-ing Snowden who definitely deserves his own spin off!! I cannot wait to see how Wren and Torj execute their plan to save their friends, the innocent, the realms and the future together they both deserve!!! ["
November 2, 2025 Verified Purchase
Lynn BrownGreat book 2!
"Once more I was pulled into this world and did not want to leave it. After the cliffhanger mess between our main characters in book 1, I was anxious to see how book 2 will go.... It starts right off where we left in book 1 and we begin to learn more about Torj and Wren's connection. Plus we've got the new mysterious baddy that the realm needs to identify and defeat. This was a page turner with so much tension and banter, I loved it! And I loved Wren's character growth even more, she continues to be a badass, who I think we will learn in the next book, you don't want to mess with. I also enjoyed that our friends from the Legends of Thezmarr continue to make an appearance & are still a part of this story. ["
March 31, 2026 Verified Purchase
