By Rebecca Yarros
Fantasy Romance
Published October 31 2023
Iron Flame is the second book in the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros, released in November 2023. It builds directly on the events of Fourth Wing and continues Violet’s harrowing journey through dragon-rider training and revolution.
Story highlights
-Immediate Aftermath- The book begins with Violet grappling with shocking truths: her brother Brennan is alive and leading a rebellion. There’s a dangerous creature called Verin beyond Nevvarreis wards,and her love interest, Xaden, has been hiding secrets.
-Back at BasgiathWar College-
Violet returns for her second year, facing brutal training under a sadistic new vice president, Major Varrish, while her dragon Andorra, undergoes a mysterious sleep-like transformation.
-Secrets and Mistrust-
Her relationship with Xaden continues to strain under secrets and conflicting ideals of trust. Meanwhile, Violet distances herself from some friends, with betrayals like Dain’s memory-readings, and steps deeper into revolutionary plots.
-Uncovering Ancient Lore-
Violet and her allies steal long-lost journals of the First Six-the creators of Novarre Wards- hoping to learn how to fix the failing shields protecting their world.
-Capture and Torture-
Varrish eventually captures Violet, torturing her for information. Dain intervenes, stabbing Varrish, and Xaden arrives to rescue Violet as he professes his love.
-Rebellion Rises-
The truth about the venting is finally revealed to the school. Many students join the rebellion. A new base is built in Aretia rallying more allies- including Violet’s sister, Mira
-Dramatic Finale-
The venin attack Basgiath, overwhelming its wardstone. Violet discovers Andarna’s vital role in restoring the wards-only to lose her mother. Who sacrifices herself to power the magic. Xaden seeking to protest Violet, channels venin magic, himself changing the stakes-and himself forever.
Characters navigate a web of secrets, loyalty, and betrayal. Violet’s struggle between honesty and survival is consistently on her mind.
The magics, politics, and history of the Empyrean universe deepen in this installments: ancient ward love, terrifying venin, and darker magic take the forefront.
I had no clue this series was so good. Personally I do like the fantasy and steam punk romance. It did have several steamy scenes, intense chemistry. The perfect book for me!
If you haven’t started this series yet. I highly recommend it to you!
