Book Review: Shadow & Storms by Helen Scheuerer
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Adult
Pages / Hours: 420 / 13h8 mins
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 
Goodreads summary: “She was ready to shed blood, ready to take back what was hers.”
The time has come to make one last stand against the forces of cursed men and monsters. But Thea’s enemies are only getting stronger. With allies divided and an outnumbered army, she must race against her own fate to secure the future of the midrealms – or die trying.
A prophecy is looming, and Thea’s life is in the balance. Does she have the power to cheat death itself?
Love and loyalty will be tested. Bonds will fracture forever. But all must fight for a better world.
In the final war for survival, will Thea and Wilder emerge victorious? Or will the shadows consume them at last?
Previous reviews of books in the series: Blood & Steel, Vows & Ruins and Fates & Furies
Spoilers ahead!
Shadow & Storms is the epic conclusion to The Legends of Thezzmar series, and despite a few criticisms, I really enjoyed my time with this series. It’s fast-paced, engaging, and full of action—even if some elements feel familiar. Thea and Wilder’s romance had its moments (though, at times, the spice was a lot), but I was excited to see how everything wrapped up after Fates & Furies.
The book picks up right where we left off—Thea and Talemir heading to the Scarlet Tower to rescue Wilder. And here’s where I contradict myself: normally, I hate when the FMC and MMC are separated, but their reunion felt too fast. Two weeks? Barely any time at all! Thea and Talemir practically waltz in and break Wilder out with minimal struggle. As a War Sword and a storm wielder, Thea is completely OP at this point, so it all felt too easy. Even the shadow wraiths and reapers didn’t pose much of a threat. Also, I have to say—the Scarlet Tower gave major Azkaban vibes, especially with the wraiths circling overhead. Tell me that doesn’t sound like Dementors!
That said, I appreciated getting Wilder’s POV and seeing how he struggled with trauma after being imprisoned. The mind games, the fear of being turned into a monster—it’s heavy stuff. But, and I know this is petty, it was just two weeks. The way his trauma was written made it feel like he went through what Aelin (Throne of Glass) endured, and she was tortured for months. I get that everyone processes things differently, but I wish his captivity had lasted longer to justify his struggles more.
One of the best parts of this series for me has been the characters and friendships. I love the group dynamic, their banter, and the rare moments where they just exist together. I’m still waiting on a Kip POV (or even a novella, please!). The Laughing Fox, Singing Hare, and Dancing Badger were great consistent elements, and watching Thea, Wren, and Anya bond as sisters was a highlight. Their journey to Queen Reina’s court? Loved it.
Now, about Thea and Wilder… sometimes their romance felt like a soap opera. After the Scarlet Tower rescue, when Thea starts crying and says, “I told myself I wouldn’t,” and Wilder responds, “You never have to hide your tears from me,”—I physically cringed. And don’t get me started on the spice. These people have no decorum! At one point, Wilder finds Thea’s “death notes” (LOL), storms into the library/war room, and they just start going at it in the open. No shame. It would’ve been just as hot if he came in and picked her up and threw her over his shoulder and took them to their room. I actually started a spice count—it ended at nine. But while I can mostly get behind Thea and Wilder, Torge and Wren? I don’t buy it. No chemistry. Feels forced.
Going into this finale, I was hoping for high stakes and maybe some Game of Thrones-style unexpected deaths. I mean, this is an adult series after all. The whole series builds up Thea’s fate stone and how she’s destined to die at 27. Did I actually believe that? No. But I wanted to be surprised. Instead, when Kip almost died, I was ready to lose my mind. And then the Dancing Alchemists were wiped out—not exactly the high-stakes deaths I wanted. But finally, finally, justice was served, and Seb Barlow met his brutal end. Thea gave him way too many chances, so I was relieved to see him get what he deserved. And shoutout to Dax for his part too—always reliable.
As for the final battle, I knew there had to be more going on when Artos was kidnapped. And then—surprise—Princess Jessira turns out to be the real Daughter of Darkness and the strongest empath of them all. That was a solid twist. But the reveal that the fate stone was actually Anya’s and she was the one meant to die? That annoyed me. Thea, Wren, and Anya just found each other again, and now she’s gone? That’s just cruel. Also, I have to mention how Wren is suddenly able to share her lightning with Torge, and he wields it with his hammer. So… he’s Thor now? Come on.
The book wraps up with (surprise, surprise) a spicy scene—because apparently, Scheuerer couldn’t help herself. But as far as endings go, it did a good job tying up storylines. Seeing Cal become a War Sword, Kip still being his sarcastic, strategic self, and Audra stepping into her new role as a Guild Master—all satisfying.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and series and would recommend it to fantasy romance lovers who like fast-paced adventure, strong friendships, and (very) spicy romance. It wasn’t perfect, but it was fun, and sometimes, that’s all you need.
