Synopsis
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.
Rating
★★★½
Thoughts
Book number two of the Empyrean series didn’t quite capture or hold my attention like the first in the series had. Fourth Wing was a five-star book that left me hungry for more of the story.
Iron Flame didn’t quite deliver. It seemed like a lot was going on, yet nothing interesting was happening at many points throughout the story. It dragged pretty hard for me. Character depth and development felt weaker in this part of the story. Further, I was surprised to feel that I wasn’t as connected to the characters or invested in the plot this time around. I hope that the next book will bring back the level of depth and passion that was present in Fourth Wing.
Overall, this was a good book. It wrapped up some issues and presented new ones. I suppose we shall see where it leads as the series progresses.
Edition
In addition to Iron Flame, I picked up the Fourth Wing Special Edition, which offers additional content and an enhanced design. It’s a gem!