Iron Flame (The Empyrean #2) By Rebecca Yarros-Fantasy Book Review

 

Book Summary

“The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity.” —Xaden Riorson

Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky.

Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves.

Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules.

But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year.

Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.

Book Details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Entangled: Red Tower Books (November 7, 2023)
• Genre: Fantasy
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 640 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1649374178
• I bought my own copy with the sprayed edges! Of course, I had to have this.

My Review

Wow! I rarely begin my review with such passion, but Iron Flame was simply so enthralling, I just couldn't help myself. I finished Iron Flame last night and I wanted to scream but I knew other people in the house were fast asleep. This review will be spoiler-free so there won't be many specific details.

The number one thing I wanted to say is that Iron Flame didn't have the "Second Book Curse". The main difference between Fourth Wing and Iron Flame lies in their purposes. Book one introduced the world, its characters, and the dragons. Iron Flame expands the world and the history and politics were fascinating. I loved them both but differently; like a parent does with their children. Also, this book was packed with a lot of action and I seemed to be on pins and needles with each chapter. The final few chapters were particularly intense and left me in a state of apprehension and breathlessness.

Let's talk Dragons. I hadn't anticipated loving Tairn and Andarna any more than I did in Fourth Wing, yet, boy was I mistaken. Tairn's steadfast loyalty to Violet, and his unwavering devotion to the dragons, were awe-inspiring. Andarna, now a teenager, is lively and full of attitude. The witty banter between the dragons and Violet is nothing short of hilarious. Both characters were standouts in this novel. Some intriguing twists involving Andarna await in Book Three."

The supporting characters in Iron Flame were truly outstanding and underwent extensive character development, particularly Ridoc, Sawyer, Imogen, and Rhi, who provided unwavering support to Violet and Xaden. Speaking of the main characters, the beginning of the book is laden with tension between Violet and Xaden. I must confess my love for Xaden only grew stronger as the plot progressed. The plot is complex and filled with intricate secrets, epic battles, and growing romance. The novel ends with an intense cliffhanger that is sure to leave readers in shock. If you enjoyed Fourth Wing, Iron Flame is a must-read that will not disappoint.

****Meet Author Rebecca Yarros****

Rebecca is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, Sunday Times, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over fifteen novels, including FOURTH WING, and is always ready to bring on the emotions. She's also the recipient of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence in New Adult for Eyes Turned Skyward from her Flight and Glory series.

She loves military heroes and has been blissfully married to hers for twenty-one years. She’s the mother of six children and lives in Colorado with her family, their stubborn English bulldog, feisty chinchillas, and Maine Coon cat who rules them all. Having fostered then adopted their youngest daughter, Rebecca is passionate about helping children in the foster system through her nonprofit, One October.

Visit her website at www.RebeccaYarros.com for more!

~*~*~*~*Purchase Iron Flame~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Hardcover-https://amzn.to/3Sh4Qt4

Paperback-https://amzn.to/3ScHFzZ

Kindle-https://amzn.to/427BaD8