Legends of Thezmarr Fantasy Series Reviews
I started the first book in the Legends of Thezmarr series, Blood & Steel, on my kindle and I was only about 60 pages into it when I decided this was one I needed a physical copy of! I ordered the entire series and am happy to report that I don’t regret that decision as this series is now one of my favorites!
Overview of the Series
There are 4 books in the main series, a prequel, and a standalone that is part of the same world, but focuses on other characters from the main series. And yes, you should absolutely read them all! Check out our recommended reading order before getting started.
This series is an adult fantasy series that follows Thea Zoltaire, a woman who wants to be a warrior, in a land where women are forbidden to wield blades. After years of training in secret, she finally gets a shot to become a champion of Thezmarr. The initiation test is deadly, and so is her growing attraction for Wilder Hawthorne, a fierce warsword and her mentor. As evil infiltrates the kingdom, will Thea have the opportunity to become the warrior she’s always dreamed of, or will everything be taken away before she has the chance?
Series Ratings
If you like enemies to lovers, forced proximity, woman in a man’s world, forced proximity, blade wielding FMC, and found family… this series will capture your heart!
Book 1: Blood & Steel
“A true man won’t cut you down as you fight your battles, nor will he fight them for you. A true man will help sharpen your sword, guard your back and fight at your side, in the face of whatever darkness comes.”
This book set the stage for what would become an incredible story. It has everything I love in a fantasy book. Strong FMC, found family, tension, witty banter, lost heirs, training scenes, fighting, magic, and some spice. There was not a single thing I disliked. I am so grateful to my past self for having the foresight to buy the next book because I immediately started it after I finished Blood and Steel.
Book 2: Vows & Ruins
“Wilder Hawthorne had never begged for anything in his life, for her he would beg.”
I would have rated this one five stars, but the smut was too heavy and absolutely not necessary to the plot. I love a good build up. The tension. The enemies turned lovers. Then the moment when they finally get together. But this book had too much. It made me a little sad because I truly think the characters and world are interesting and I would have rather that been explored instead of the constant banging. If you like spice, great! If not, hold out, because the third book is back to what I loved about the series to begin with. And the twist ending left me speechless!
Back to five stars baby! After the twist at the end of book two I was READY! This book focuses a lot on the side characters and I was living for it! I thought the plot to romance was balanced much better in this one, and things are starting to fall into place! I would recommend reading Slaying the Shadow Prince, the standalone, (link recommended reading order here) before this book as there are characters and backstories you’ll get which will make you appreciate the plot more!
Book 4: Shadow & Storms
“She was ready to shed blood, ready to take back what was hers.”
This finale was EVERYTHING. Can you tell I love this series yet? It wrapped up the story beautifully and was an emotional rollercoaster with an epic battle. A truly beautiful conclusion to an incredible story. Please, I’m begging you, read this series!