Book Review: Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Iron Flame (Empyrean #2) by Rebecca Yarros
Genre: Young Adult Fiction (Paranormal/Fantasy Romance)
Date Published: November 7, 2023
Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books

“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

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.

Iron Flame is the second book in the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros. This one fell into the second book syndrome just a bit at times, and I found my mind wandering off. But, I’m still so unbelievably addicted to this series. There were a lot of new characters added rid time around. A lot! And I don’t feel like I know any of them well yet. However, the world building and the lore surrounding these books are top notch. The brutality we loved about book one is all there and then some. The romance is steamy and makes some decent progress in the trust department. Is it trust? Maybe it’s more of a sense of security with each other? Regardless, I feel like things are heading in the right direction. Bring on book 3. I’m ready.

Have you read the first book yet?

Rebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and coffee addict. She is the New York Times bestselling author of over twenty novels, including Fourth Wing, The Last Letter and The Things We Leave Unfinished. She’s also the recipient of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence for Eyes Turned Skyward. Rebecca loves military heroes and has been blissfully married to hers for over twenty years. A mother of six, she is currently surviving the teenage years with all four of her hockey-playing sons.

To learn more about Rebecca Yarros and her books, visit her website. You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, Instagram,  Pinterest, and Twitter.

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