Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros Book Review

Title: Iron Flame (The Empyrean, Book 2)
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Year of Publication: 2023
Date of Publication: November 7, 2023
Pages: 640
ISBN-10: 1649374178
ISBN-13: 978-1649374172

Summary of Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

The story picks up after the twist at the end of Fourth Wing. Violet and the rest of the group return back to Basgiath War College for graduation. Out of the 11 first years who came through Violet’s squad, only 5 remain.

Violet moves into her second year but unlike her first year when most of her challenges were from other cadets and riders, some of her most challenging situations arise from the new Vice Commandant who replaced Colonel Aetos (Dain’s dad). His name is Major Varrish and he is ruthless, a bit of a devil if you ask me.

Violet also feels compelled to protect one of her former squad mate’s sister who is in her first year.

The book really expands the world beyond Navarre. We learn more about Poromiel, where griffins are from, Krovla, which has vital resources ,and Aretia, which becomes a focal point for the rebellion against Navarre’s leadership. We also learn about wyverns, which are creatures created by the venin, a group of magic-wielders who siphon power from the earth.

Main Plot & Characters

• Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson: Both Violet and Xaden return in this book.
• Major Varrish, The New Vice Commandant: An authoritative figure introducing stricter regimes, complicating Violet’s journey.

Other characters in the book include Brennan and Mira Sorrengail (Violet’s siblings), General Lilith Sorrengail (Violet’s mother), Tairn (Violet’s dragon), Sgaeyl (Xaden’s dragon), Andarna, (Violet’s second bonded dragon), Bodhi Durran (Xaden’s cousin), Garrick Tavis (Xaden’s best friend), Dain Aetos (Violet’s childhood best friend), and Rhiannon Matthias, Imogen, Ridoc and Sawyer, who are fellow riders and trusted allies.

The narrative follows Violet as she faces new trials, discovers hidden truths, and deals with new and evolving relationships.

Key Themes of Iron Flame

A lot of the story is really centered towards finding out information that has been removed or hidden from history. So there is a lot of focus on trust and the quest for truth.

Writing Style

One thing you can count on Rebecca Yarros to deliver is a fast-paced narrative. You really go through each chapter easily and once you start you almost do not want to put it down. There is always that hint of tension throughout, and you are almost waiting for what could go wrong next. Of course she throws in the romance, which spices things up but always balances it out with suspense and the fear of impending dread.

With that said, there were a few portions (arguments) that dragged on just a little too long but we are compensated with the back to back action throughout the book.

Favorite Quote

• Nothing kills powerful, unshakable love faster than opposing ideologies – The Journal of Warwick Luceras.
• How long does it take for someone to fall out of love because I think it would take you all of a heartbeat once you know – Xaden Riorson.

Impact of Iron Flame

As the sequel to Fourth Wing, naturally Iron Flame was highly anticipated for its continuation of the Empyrean series at the time of its release.

What are your thoughts on this book? Have you had a chance to read it? Let us know in the comments!