Iron Flame
Ratings992
Average rating4
Rebecca Yarros absolutely delivered with Iron Flame. If you thought Fourth Wing was intense, buckle up, because this sequel takes everything up a notch. The stakes are higher, the twists hit harder, and the characters? Even more badass. It's the kind of sequel that keeps you on edge and makes you yell at the book (in a good way). Fast-paced, fierce, and downright addictive – If I wasn't obsessed before, I'm officially obsessed now.
I didn't not like this book. It felt longer than the Bible. It just went on and on. I didn't mind the world building, I didn't mind the final battle at the end, loved a lot of the secrets, but it just took forever to end. It was like walking uphill, in the sand, during a storm with too much downward wind. It dragged. Still will finish the series, but ugh....
The second in the I love series. I enjoyed the first in the series, however there was too much detailed sex scenes for my taste. This one wasn't quite as bad, but I did skip past a bit.
I enjoy the writing and became engrossed in the story. The main characters are believable and interesting. I look forward to the next in this series.
Yes!!! I loved this sequel. A perfect follow up to Fourth Wing full of action, plot twists, magic, and spice.
The ending has me so sad you're telling me I have to wait for a third :( I honestly didn't even notice how long it was, I appreciated the fighting between Xaden and Violet rather than acting like everything was happy all the time. I honestly expected not to like this book as I've heard so much against it but I genuinely did enjoy it a lot.
3.5/4 (creía q ya lo había guardado como leído), el primero mejor pero las ultimas 100 páginas son una joyita
This sequel is ‘more of the same' from the first novel, but in the best way possible. There is a natural progression to the story and despite a few slower/side plot points in the first half, the second half moves at a very quick and engaging pace. The quality of the writing in the action, dialogue, and sexual tension all carryover as strong as they were before and the build up to an epic conclusion that hits all of the right story beats. There is even a pretty good twist built in just as you think the book might settle into a few predictable outcomes.
¿El primero es mejor? Sí.
¿He disfrutado leyéndolo y voy a basar mi personalidad en este libro? Por supuesto.
El libro tiene sus pegas, obviamente. Pero he disfrutado tanto con él que no puedo darle menos de 5 estrellas.
REBECCA YARROS TENEMOS QUE HABLAR, ¿¿¿¿¿¿EL TERCER LIBRO PARA CUÁNDO??????
It's been a really, really long time since I finished a book and then immediately started it again (much less two books) Fourth Wing and Iron Flame are really something special.
Struggling to gather my thoughts after that ending – it's left me in quite a whirlwind. Admittedly, it's been a few weeks since I turned the final page of Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros. Yet, despite the passage of time, I've found myself unable to muster the energy to pen a review devoid of my frustration with its conclusion. However, I'll strive to offer a balanced perspective.
Let me begin by acknowledging that Iron Flame serves as a commendable sequel to Fourth Wing, earning a solid 4-star rating akin to its predecessor. I approached this book with deliberate pacing, opting to immerse myself fully by simultaneously listening to the audio version while reading. Additionally, a physical copy of Iron Flame is needed to grace my shelf.
The dynamic between Violet and Xaden, while captivating, also incited a fair share of exasperation. Their love is undeniable, yet their constant skirmishes grew wearisome. Amidst the fiery passion, the abundance of arguments overshadowed the narrative's enjoyment. While a couple of discussions about trust would suffice, the repetitive nature of their exchanges became draining, detracting from the story's allure.
Furthermore, my admiration for Violet waned throughout the novel. In Fourth Wing, she epitomized strength and resilience, employing her intellect to navigate challenges. However, in Iron Flame, her character seemed diminished, particularly in her inability to grasp Xaden's predicament. Despite his efforts to elucidate his constraints, she remained obstinate, a trait that proved irksome and diminished her appeal.
Violet's vacillation regarding her role compounded my frustrations. Oscillating between self-blame and a sense of inadequacy, she struggled to find equilibrium. While burdened with immense responsibilities, her inconsistency and emotional volatility detracted from her character's depth, at times rendering her portrayal somewhat grating.
The narrative's exposition occasionally overwhelmed, bogging down the initial chapters. While essential for world-building, the deluge of information proved taxing, leading to a sluggish start that hindered engagement.
However, amidst these criticisms, Iron Flame's merits endure. Its intricate plot and unique storytelling captivated my imagination, ensuring my investment in the characters and their tumultuous journey. Despite my grievances, the novel's twists and turns continue to intrigue, underscoring its compelling narrative.
As a final plea to the author, I implore an end to cliffhangers, as they only compound the emotional toll of prolonged anticipation
Last night I finished Iron Flame, sequel to The Fourth Wing (second and most recent in the Empyrean series, which the internet thinks will end up being a quintet). I loved The Fourth Wing, it was one of my top picks for 2023, and was super excited to finally read this one. For the uninitiated, I think this series is the standard-bearer for the new “romantasy” genre (romance + fantasy, get it?), and as such it focuses both on the relationship between our protagonist, Violet, and Xaden, who live in a world full of castles and magic and dragons.
What can I say about this book? The top line is, I objectively loved it. As in, hard time putting it down, spending most of my precious free time with my nose in this book, and finished all 623 pages in less than a week. It's good. The world building is cool, I love the dragons, I'm invested in the characters. Buuuuuutttt....I could pick some nits. As in Fourth Wing, the foreshadowing is a bit on the heavy side for my taste. I actually think it's better in this book, as I was surprised more than once this time - but many things feel so obvious to me as the reader that you almost have to think the characters are totally unobservant to not get it sooner. Also, I would love to see Violet and Xaden evolve so that they don't have to be constantly at odds with each other. Like, there are enough obstacles in the world around them? Their relationship could be interesting and full of drama without the constant question of if they'll stay together? (Which, duh, of course they will). Really, though, those are nits. The book is great. If you loved Fourth Wing...you've probably already read this book. If you haven't, and you are either a fantasy or a romance reader, it's worth giving a try.
If you have read both and are not sure what else to read that might be similar - may I suggest Hunt the Stars by Jessie Mihalik? To me very similar vibes to Fourth Wing but in a sci fi setting rather than a fantasy setting.
I am heartbroken to report that I did not love this one as much as I did the first one.
It didn't read the same. It was much more of a drag for me to try to get through and it took me way longer to finish.
I found myself getting so angry at Violet and Xaden throughout this book and I was just yelling at them HOW FUCKING HARD IS IT TOO COMMUNICATE?? You keep having the same fucking fight about how he isn't telling you things, and she isn't asking. And then they fuck and it's all better. This book made them so toxic. And Xaden didn't even seem like the same person! The entirety of the first book was how he trusted her to take care of herself and he believed in her and this one undid all of that with how protective he became of her. It was beyond annoying.
I did cry again because I still love these characters so much and their pain also caused me pain. Theory:
I think Violet's dad is involved with the Venin and that's why none of them are allowed to kill her. but I will definitely be finding out if I'm right because I'm still going to be reading Onyx Storm as soon as I can get my grubby little hands on a copy.
Well that was un-fucking-believably painful. I quite literally sobbed my way through the last few chapters.
Woah… That was amazing. Heartbreaking. Wild. Addictive.
As we all know, this book is very popular on Booktok, but I keep seeing a lot of criticism for it. Unlike a lot of people out there, I really liked this book. The pacing was much different from the first book, but for me, I liked it. It was much more serious and slowed down than the first book which makes sense as Violet and the squad that we love so much enter into their second (and deadlier) year at Basgiath. They have more time to take stock of their surroundings and lives. I also keep seeing a lot of criticism about Violet and Xaden’s relationship, specifically their back and forth / “lack of growth”. I may be in the minority here, but it made sense to me. For a large portion of the book (minor spoiler!), they are separated and only see each other for less than 24 hours every couple weeks. Of course, you aren’t going to solve your major issues in your relationship that quickly. Especially with everyone watching you like a hawk. Also, while Violet isn’t 16 or anything, she also isn’t 30 year old with life/relationship experience and access to a good therapist. She is a general’s daughter… and Xaden is a war revolutionary’s son. That doesn’t say warm and cuddly communication, you guys.
Criticism that I disagree with aside…. there were also parts that I really loved. I loved Xaden and Violet’s snarky back and forth. I loved seeing the loyalty and found family vibes from the squard (Ridoc is the best!). I loved Tairn and his relationship with Adarna. AND I absolutely loved the plot of the “revolution” and what the government is hiding from the rest of the public. This book really has a bit of everything, and I can see how the author is laying the groundwork for future books.
Overall, I literally cannot wait for the next book! The cliffhanger was jaw-dropping, and I need answers!! 100% recommend reading this if you have read Fourth Wing. And if you haven’t read Fourth Wing… Go read it!
I'm a mess after reading this.. but like in a good way? The ending broke me.
Contains spoilers
Uhh, pretty mid read. Story could have been great, so many missed opportunities. Everyone LOVED Liam, why would we not have gotten to read those letters and watch Sloane stop hating violet? Just more weird pacing and immature writing, 700 pages of the same juvenile fight between MCs, just, meh. But apparently all it takes for me to like a book is personified dragons 🤷
Not as good as the first one, but still very enjoyable. Great ending. This is a guilty pleasure and I'm ready for more.
Violet thought that surviving the first year in Basgiath was going to be difficult. Little did she know that surviving the second year after finding out life-changing secrets at the end of Fourth Wing is going to be even more difficult. Between discovering new enemies, more hidden secrets, and making new allies, the second year is going to be more interesting, but definitely more difficult than the first.
This book was a journey to read! For one thing, I am happy that the Sorrengail siblings got back together. I kept expecting Mira to pick the wrong side of the conflict, so I was thrilled she showed up at Aretia. I loved seeing the growth in Xaden's character and his relationship with Violet. However, his insistence on her asking questions to receive information felt unfair. If these two communicated better, maybe things wouldn't have ended the way they did. Oh, and that ending! It HURT! Oh, and I love adolescent Andarna more than I love teenage Groot, and that's saying a lot. And Tairn rules!
I don't often theorize about where the stories I am reading will go, but I have a theory for this I want to share. I felt a lot of betrayal from Markham, having been Violet's mentor before she joined the riders. There was a mention that the leadership positions used to be occupied by members of the different quadrants. I think the scribes did not like this, and, not being able to face the riders, they needed someone stronger, so they dug up the knowledge to create the venin and wyverns. I am also worried the venin's leader will be Xaden's mom!
Definitely better than the first book, with more than sexual tension driving the plot. But both Violet and Xaden were unbearable to read
4★
because this book started off a little slower than the previous one but it picked up quite quickly! the action, politics, relationships.. i loved it all!
this series has easily become one of my favourites, but i'm gonna need the next book ASAP because wtf was that ending? i'm so shaken.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHRHRGRGRGRRRGURBHJB EORWPSOJWPJORGWOIRGWSGODEWPGOHEPW09GJEDPOKSD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!0924QU8T63095JRGHWPE09UJ0PWHRGW
rtc maybe idk