Blood & Steel: An epic romantic fantasy (The Legends of Thezmarr Book 1)

Scheuerer never fails to create a world that wholly consumes me! This is another stunning, wildly imaginative and captivating story, and I cannot bear the wait until book 2. A criminally underrated writer, Helen delivers excellence time after time. I’ve loved her storytelling since Heart of Mist but this might be my new favourite! I’m simply obsessed. This is some of the best romantic fantasy I’ve read in recent years.Althea is such a strong character, I loved her right away and was totally cheering for her success. Even in one book she grew so much, the character development was well written; subtle and meaningful. I can’t wait to see more of her and what legend she carves out for herself.Her and Wilder are so fantastic together. The chemistry is incredible, the back and forth’s were entertaining, and the softer moments between them really got me!!! I love them and the deep conversations both grow their bond, but also give us more insight into both of their characters. They really are so good together and I’m so excited to see their relationship blossom. I really enjoyed how things developed and progressed through their time together, they start as enemies but the small things build up and the tension is oh so good! It’s also the tinest gestures I swear; the flower necklace and the peppermint tea were big favourite moments for me! Wilder’s chapters were such a treat and made this book even better. The ‘who did this to you’ was immaculate and the contrast between both their connection and who they were individually at the start to now was so great to read. I could keep going on about how much I love them, this may be Scheuerer’s first “romantic fantasy” but it is a masterpiece.Malik completely stole my heart. I loved every moment he was on page and I hope there are more interactions with him in the future. His whole relationship with Thea is beautiful and wholesome. Also he’s so effortlessly funny at times, I adore him. Kip is also such a joy of a character. Helen has always written fantastic secondary characters and the cast here is no different; Audra, Wren, the King, Torj… the list goes on about those who I’m interested in learning more about as the story evolves.The revelations at the end were amazing and of course have me dying to read more. Slight spoiler but I was more shocked by the magic than the reveal of lineages, I love the potential for all this means. The last line omg omg omg! Bring on Vows & Ruins. You would do yourself a great disservice by not reading this.

3.5 ⭐ rounded upWhile this book wasn't something to blow me away, it was a fun read and I'll continue with the series. There were a few parts that seemed to drag on and then all of a sudden characters were in the woods together (up to no good 🌶️🫣) but I wasn't sure how/when they arrived. The grumpy mentor x perky apprentice trope was enjoyable but felt that they got together out of nowhere and the romance to develop that was a bit lacking. Many of the plot twists were predicted but I enjoyed them nonetheless and there were definitely moments where I couldn't put the book down.After having my heart ripped out by Penn Cole, this has felt like a nice wee palate cleanser.

I really enjoyed this book, the world-building was detailed enough to give me a good feel for the world but still with enough "spaces" that it can be expanded on more throughout the next books.Thea's character was interesting, and I loved the idea of her knowing her death date and having the unquenchable need to make her mark before that time runs out. It certainly added a stronger edge to the driving desire to become a legend. I thought that was a good take on the story.Unusually, while the main story was done from Thea's POV, there were a few odd chapters from Wilder's POV (the MMC). I'm so used to a book either in one POV or bouncing equally between 2+ multiple characters. However, this worked really well as it gave us merely glimpses of the MMC's thoughts.Wilder was a little more frustrating, while I love Enemies to Friends, his moodiness probably went a little too far for me. It felt like he was extremely moody and distant, with everyone, I would have liked a little more connection and softness even with another character.I think I actually liked Kipp and Cal the most, their dynamic between each other and Thea was good.The pace was great, and each chapter had me wanting to finish "just another one". Overall, I enjoyed this and will be eagerly awaiting the next.

This is way I love fantasy romance, especially ones that have a wonderful strong and independent main character that Theia is, I absolutely loved how she goes for what she wants even if that is being a shield bearer in a dominantly male world. The way she fights and carries on with everything and everyone against her is wonderful. The friendship between her Kipp and Cal is so wholesome and I love how they have each others backs throughout training and all the obstacles that are thrown at them, the banter is also one of my favourite things I just love Kip as a character. Add in the grumpy loner Warsworder in Wilder Hawthorne who trains and slowly falls for Theia this book has it all.From the descriptive writing, to an engaging plot filled with mystery, reveals and plenty of action, epic world building, great side characters, found family, strong and independent fmc, grumpy loner MMC who falls first and you have the perfect read. Highly recommend and can’t wait to carry on with the series.

'You're beautiful as you are. And I'd wager even more so with steel in your hand and the bl0od of your enemies splattered across your face.'This was my first book by Helen, and when I say I fell in love with this world, the way its built, the characters, and the beautiful way its told, I'm not lying.Feminine rage may just be my new favourite trope and Thea has it. A prophecy foretold that forced women were to give up their weapons, hang up their blades and no longer allowed to fight. However all Thea wants to become is a Warsword and she will do anything to become one. I adored how strong she was and how she overcame absolutely everything for her dreams.Wilder Hawthorne, deadly, lethal, and mine. The tension between these two, the constant push and pull, I felt it all. Their chemistry just sizzled. I'm so excited to see what is to come from the two of them in Vows and Ruin.Absolutely superb start to a series that I cannot stop thinking about.

Oh, what a magnificent book. It’s set in Thezmarr, a hard world where woman aren’t allowed to fight. In comes Thea, a strong and competent female character who finds her strength in wielding a weapon. I loved watching her grow from secretly training in the forest to becoming a fierce warrior by the end. And not only did I love her, I admired her love interest. He was grumpy, strong and loyal. The perfect amount of each. His resistance was truly astounding—if you know what I mean. There is magic, there’s trials, there’s enemies, action packed scenes, charming and witty supporting characters and mystery that keeps you wanting more. Helen Scheuerer is officially on my automatic buy list. Her writing style kept me engaged. I can’t wait to read the next book!

oh boy oh boy! i Almost didn't read this book because personally i prefer books in the first person...But! i gave it a chance and gotta tell ya it was so good! the story is compelling and entertaing, the bullies are truly evil you really want revenge ,the romance is just so nicely balanced ,the brooding "bad boy" is just delicious and the heroine is just brave and determined you just want her to succeed because she frickin deserves itof course it ended in a cliffhanger and i'm typing this review as fast as i can to go the the sequel, i couldn't put it down i read it in a day and halfHappy Reading

Ok.. ok, so.. You love romantasy books?! You love a strong FMC and a grumpy MMC?! The whole one horse trope?! You need to read this. The storytelling is captivating, the characters you just love and want to know more of including side characters. And the antagonist makes you want to reach through the page and just throat p* nch them.. yeah.. this is that book. With giddiness and just kiss her already! Can’t wait to dive in to book two.

This book was a great introduction to a fantastic world. The characters were likable from the start, so itvwas easy to get into it all.Thea wants to become a warrior and the first female Warsword. However there is a prophecy that forbids women to wield wapons. This doesn't stop FMC in fantasy books as we know.The behinning of Theas journey in this book was extremly to my liking. It's been a while, that a story got me hooked this quickly.The world building was easy enough to get into (I read the prequel story "Slaying the Shadow Prince" first though) and the pace was just right.What I really loved was, that not just the MC were well written but a lot of the side characters had such great personalities that you really felt connected to them. This is a really important part for me when starting new books.I couldn't put this book down in the end.

Se trata de una tetralogía Disponible en Kindle UnlimitedCon su destino predicho en una piedra que lleva al pecho, Althea solo tiene 3 años para convertirse en lo que siempre ha soñado: una guerrera 🥷 En un mundo cambiado por una profecía, las mujeres tienen prohibido empuñar un arma. Thea que ha entrenado toda su vida en secreto, tiene ahora que luchar contra reloj para conseguir un puesto en la elite de guerrero que luchan para defender el reino.Es un libro perfecto para fans de la saga De Sangre y Cenizas, o fans de los libros, videojuguegos y serie de la saga The Witcher.Blood & Steel es un libro Romantasy que lo tiene todo: personajes diferentes entre si que se van desarrollando durante la historia; escenas de acción que te dejan con los pelos de punta; un relación de amorodio super Slowburn con un guerrero (Wilder)🌶️🌶️; y finales de capitulos con plot twist que hace que lo de “solo un capítulo más” se quede extremadamente corto. Literalmente lo he devorado!Para mi es un 5/5⭐️ y tengo unas ganas increíbles de leerme los dos siguentes.