Iron & Embers is the breathtaking first installment in The Ashes of Thezmarr series, blending lush world-building, heart-pounding action, and sizzling chemistry. Alchemist-turned­-assassin Wren Embervale, driven by vengeance for her friends’ deaths, is pulled from the shadows when dark magic threatens the kingdoms. Offered a place at the ancient alchemy academy of Drevenor, she must conquer the deadly Gauntlet — a trial that could cost her life or sanity. But there’s more at play than competition — magic wielders are being targeted, and Wren becomes entangled in deception, bloodshed, and danger that puts the realm at risk. The man assigned to protect her, Torj Elderbrock, is a silver-haired war hero who has hated her since she assassinated his last charge. As ancient tensions spark into a simmering attraction, peace and trust are scarce — and love itself may be the most lethal poison of all.