“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.
“There’s a reason they want us to watch our friends die, Rhi.” I tap my chest with one finger. “We are the weapons, and this place is the stone they use to sharpen us.”
The end of Iron Flame is an absolute heartstopper. Rebecca Yarros seriously has a gift. Iron Flame is absolutely just as amazing as Fourth Wing. I wanted to stomp on my book with the ending we got, but holy heck was the ride getting there an absolute stunner.
Everyone we love (and hate) is back in Iron Flame. And mannnn, I absolutely love with all my being second squad, flame section, Fourth wing so much. Ridoc, Sawyer, Rhi, Imogen, Garrick, Bodhi… they’re all back and I could not get enough of them. There are even some new characters introduced that I’m growing to love their presence and cannot wait to see more of them in future books.\
“You and me? Not a game.”
Of course Xaden and Violet are back full storm… literally and figuratively. A good chunk of the book revolves around them. Honestly, I love their bond so damn much and the revelations that come to light in this installment… phew talk about mind-blowing (iykyk). If they are not end game… I WILL riot.
I also love Rebecca’s uncanny ability to constantly have tension, angst, and thrilling moments. There is always something happening and with books this size there are always 2-3 big “oh sh!t” moments. I am SO here for it. There are still so many things plot-wise that need to be figured out and with the end of the book, a new HUGE one is thrown in too. I will absolutely be counting down the days until book 3 releases. Bravo, Rebecca, bravo… two absolutely stunning books in this series so far.
Jotted by Jena 