I’ve been deep into my Legends of Thezmarr journey and decided to take a quick break after finishing book two to dive into this prequel/spin-off, which focuses on the highly anticipated Talemir Stirling— a character we’ve heard a lot about in the main series. While I’m a huge fan of the Thezmarr books overall, I didn’t quite enjoy this one as much as Helen’s other works set in this world. That said, I still had a good time reading it, but it just didn’t leave the same impact as the main books in the series.

What I did love was the pacing. From the very first chapters, it’s clear this is going to be a fast-paced adventure. The story quickly reveals Talemir’s big secret—he’s a Half-Wraith, and he's struggling with the weight of this revelation. Drue, our protagonist, is initially determined to kill him, but the two of them are forced to team up against a larger threat, and the tension between them escalates as the story unfolds. I was definitely rooting for the romance, and I’m happy with how their relationship ends, but I have to admit that it felt like insta-love, which isn’t really my favorite trope. By the end, I found myself skimming through some of the more steamy scenes just to get back to the main plot.

Another highlight of this book was the world-building. It offers some exciting new details that enrich the overall Thezmarr universe, particularly when it comes to the origins of the Half-Wraiths. I’m now more curious than ever about their mysterious past and how they differ from the "evil" Wraiths. I’m looking forward to seeing these elements explored further in the core series.

Another favourite of mine is the subtle exploration of female rage and power, especially in the context of the prophecy and the societal ban on women using weapons. The small group of female warriors in this book defy this absurd rule, and it’s a powerful moment, especially given that the original Furies—whom the Warswords are moulded after—were all women. I loved seeing this defiance in action. This book also proves the Prophecy somewhat false . . . Women can wield a blade and have been doing so without any dire consequences? I am SO eager for everything to unfold.

All in all, this tale was an enjoyable read, and I do think it will be crucial for the larger Thezmarr series moving forward. However, it didn’t quite grip me as much as the other books in the world. It’s still a solid addition, though, and I’m eager to see how it connects to the rest of the saga!