Iron Flame – Rebecca Yarros

I know my last post was a review of Fourth Wing but I devoured Iron Flame in two days.

Iron Flame is the second book in the Empyrean series. This will contain spoilers for the first book, Fourth Wing. You can find my review for that one here.

Okay, now that the warning is out of the way…

I didn’t even mention my favorite character in my Fourth Wing review because I didn’t want to spoil the fact that Violet got a dragon, so let me gush for a second.

Holy crap. Tairn has my whole soul. I love him. I adore him. He’s just so matter-of-fact and unconditionally supportive of Violet’s growth. Whenever she starts doubting herself, he just reminds her that he chose her for a reason. Is that arrogant of him? Absolutely. Does it make my heart swell? Yes. Yes it does.

“To which I will remind you that not a single dragon chose her. You were selected by two. Pull yourself together.”

Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame

Also, Andarna is a cute, precious, sweet baby.

Alright.

Iron Flame starts in Aretia, with Violet eating biscuits. That’s not as interesting as crossing the Parapet, but when you take into consideration the fact that her assumed dead brother is sitting across from her, it holds your interest in a different way.

Violet has joined the revolution. She has been hurt and betrayed by those around her. And she’s expected to go back to Basgiath, as if nothing changed?

Ridiculous.

“There’s no perspective, which pretty much feels like a metaphor for my entire life right now.”

Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame

The book is centered on the development of the revolution, Vi developing her powers, Andarna developing into an adolescent, finding ways to fight Venin, and her conflict with Xaden.

Part of me wants to take this rating down to four stars because her conflict with Xaden is so irritating and time-consuming.

“Love doesn’t even have the decency to die. It just transforms into object misery.”

Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame

It grated on my nerves every time I saw her doubt him and her trust for him. Xaden hid a lot, of course, but he was helping lead a revolution and she was a liability. I don’t know what more she was expecting. She comes across as insecure, irrational, and overtly emotional.

I understand it. I am an emotional person. I can be irrational.

But dude.

The revolution is eternal. Leave it be.

Xaden is such a softie in this book. He all but grovels for her love and attention. He bends to her every whim. It is both attractive and annoying.

“But I’m begging you, Violet. Don’t offer me your body unless you’re offering me everything. I want you more than I want to fuck you. I want those three little words back.”

Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame

Iron Flame introduces new characters that are both lovable and irritating. Catriona, for example, is irritating. But Sloane is endearing, towards the end of the book, at least. Current characters are further developed. I fell in love with Ridoc, Sawyer, and Rhiannon throughout the course of this book. They became three-dimensional, dynamic characters. The dynamic in the squad is delightful to read about.

It also terrifies me.

Within Iron Flame, we learn more about the venin, wyverns, and the gryphons. I appreciated that.

I can see how the scope of the novel is expanding. I’m eager to learn more, particularly about the Sage. I was not expecting the book to end the way it did. It overwhelmed me. I walked into the living room and stared blankly at my family as I tried to process it all.

The book had a breakneck pace that did not let up until the last page. I was craving information, I was surprised, I was crying. It was an enjoyable read, just as good as the first. It didn’t suffer from that second book slump.

5/5.

“Violence, remember it’s only the body that’s fragile. You are unbreakable.”

Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame