A golden thread joined them, a bond that went deeper than love - and it had nearly destroyed them.Heart-wrenching choices, a found family to root for - and a love that defies the odds. From bestselling author Helen Scheuerer, Thorns & Fire is the spellbinding sequel to the romantasy phenomenon Iron & Embers and the second instalment in the Ashes of Thezmarr series.Wren Embervale and Torj Elderbrock share a dark and bloody history. With Thezmarr 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 gift for alchemy 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?Tropes include . . .Bodyguard romanceEnemies-to-loversAcademiaForced ProximityTouch her and dieFound FamilyReaders love Thorns & Fire . . .'A captivating romantasy with a slow-burn which will keep you hooked until the end!''The chemistry between these two is electric and there were numerous points when I was giggling and kicking my feet''The yearning in this one is absolute perfection''I am still completely and utterly obsessed with Wren and Torj's story''This book has everything: aching romance, sharp banter, gut-punch reveals, and a heroine who refuses to break no matter how much is stacked against her'