Book Review: Iron Flame By Rebecca Yarros
Iron Flame By Rebecca Yarros
Iron Flame By Rebecca Yarros - Book 2 in the Empyrean series
Tropes: Fantasy Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Dragons, War College Setting, Slow Burn, Chronic Illness Rep, Action
Summary:
Iron Flame picks up right where Fourth Wing left off, plunging readers back into the ruthless world of Basgiath War College. After surviving the unimaginable in her first year, Violet Sorrengail enters her second year as a dragon rider—only to find even greater challenges waiting. With new leadership determined to break her spirit, secrets threatening the future of the entire quadrant, and the impossible choices that come with love, Violet must draw on every ounce of strength, intelligence, and resilience she has left. As war brews and betrayal lurks in every shadow, Iron Flame tests the limits of loyalty, power, and what it truly means to survive.
💚 LD -
What a bloody journey this book was! I loved that Iron Flame picked up right where Fourth Wing ended—it made diving back into the world so much easier. Even as someone who doesn’t typically read fantasy, I found myself completely immersed once again. Yes, I had to remind myself of some character names and territories (there’s a lot going on), but once I settled in, I was hooked.
The bond between Violet and her dragons continues to be one of the best parts of this series—Tairn’s wisdom and Andarna’s sass absolutely steal every scene. Their dialogue, their loyalty, their power—it all makes for such an emotional connection. And then that ending?! I had chills. I audibly gasped.
Rebecca Yarros has mastered the art of tension and emotional devastation. I’m already counting down to book three—because after that cliffhanger, how could I not be?
“My house. My chair. My woman.”
🤍 AD -
This. Book. Wow. I honestly don’t even know where to start. I’ll admit, it took me a few chapters to get into the rhythm again, but once the action picked up, I couldn’t stop.
Violet continues to grow into such a strong, fearless character, and watching her stand her ground—even when everything is stacked against her—was incredible. But Xaden? He absolutely owns this book. The way his love and loyalty come through even in the darkest moments? Ugh. No other fantasy MMC compares. That “My house. My chair. My woman.” line? Melted me.
And the dragons—especially Andarna—brought so much humor and heart. I laughed, I swooned, and by the end, I was wrecked. That final twist had my jaw on the floor. I genuinely have no clue what the next book will bring, but I already know I’m terrified and excited in equal measure.
“Violence, remember it's only the body that's fragile. You are unbreakable.”
💙 AG -
I really struggled with parts of this book—mainly because it felt so long and emotionally heavy—but despite that, I couldn’t help but be drawn in by the story. The character development, the emotional depth, and the way every chapter left you questioning who to trust made it completely addictive.
There were moments when I wanted the pacing to be a bit tighter, but overall, I loved getting to know all the side characters better and seeing how the relationships evolved. The dragons—especially Andarna—were such a highlight for me. They add so much personality and power to every scene.
And that plot twist at the end? I did not see it coming. I’m still thinking about it. This series is officially one of my favorite fantasy reads, and I’m both terrified and desperate to see where Violet’s story goes next.
“Because love, at its root, is hope. Hope for tomorrow. Hope for what could be. Hope that the someone you’ve entrusted your everything to will cradle and protect it. And hope? That shit is harder to kill than a dragon.”
