“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
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. Iron Flame is the second book in the The Empyrean series. This is my review.
The Plot, Characters and Story Progression
Going into Iron Flame I was very aware of the divided opinions on the book. People often telling me they couldn’t finish it and how the first half feels slow. Frustrated by Xadan and Violet’s persistent relationship issues following the events at the end of Fourth Wing. I didn’t feel like this and here’s why:
Every second book in a series has a slower pace to start. The first book is often very fast paced and ends on a nail biting cliffhanger and so going into book two there is often a lot of information processing for the characters and a lull in events as we build up to wherever the story is going to take us next. That is why the first half is less action-packed. We’re on a come down from book one and this shouldn’t be a criticism in my opinion – it makes sense for things to flow that way.
With regard to Violet and Xadan’s relationship issues. I feel the criticism is coming from people who don’t understand what it’s like to be in a strained relationship. When you enter into a partnership with someone and they massively break your trust, it takes a LOT of work to rebuild that. They clearly have very strong feelings for each other and are trying to navigate that through the trust that has been broken. It is never just one argument, its constant. And I really appreciate Rebecca representing the perils of relationships, not all of us get to live life on easy mode.
” You and I are not easy people. What we build together has to be strong enough to withstand a storm. Or a war. Easy isn’t going to give that to us.” -page 248.
And that ending? Speechless.
World Building, Atmosphere and Setting
The world building in Iron Flame remains impeccable. I like how time is spent to flesh out what life is like for Violet as a second year. Mentoring the first years through everything she went through the year prior. To skip this element of the world building would have taken away from the military school setting, despite Violets trials and tribulations she still has a duty as a student of Basgiath and these scenes were a necessary reminder of that in my opinion.
The Verdict
I loved this book more than Fourth Wing, I said it!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Like the sound of this book? Purchase from Waterstones & Audible.
Thank you for reading!
– Dominique xox