Book Review: Iron Flame (The Empyrean #2) by Rebecca Yarros

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“Iron Flame” is the second romance fantasy book in The Empyrean series. The story follows Violet Sorrengail’s education as a dragon rider during her second year at the Basgiath War College.

Buy “Iron Flame”

“Iron Flame” continues to follow Violet Sorrengail’s journey throughout her second year at the Basgiath War College. She’s a dragon rider like no other since she has the wits of a scribe and the protection and bond of a powerful dragon, Tairn. In this second installment, we watch as she uncovers secrets about her family, her world, her war, and her lover Xaden Riorson.

What I found interesting in “Iron Flame” is the inspiration the book has taken from other book series… We have the use of ‘runes’ which reminds me of Cassandra Claire’s Shadowhunter series. Then we also have the epigraphs written by the scribe and trusted friend Jessina that remind me of the ones written in the Dune series by Princess Irulan.

Although this book was far too long with clunky borderline unedited writing, I did enjoy the family and found family aspects of this book. It was heartfelt to watch Violet’s mother sacrificing herself, to see Violet reconnecting with her two siblings Brenan and Mira, and to witness the Sorrengail siblings fight together for the same cause.

Other elements I enjoyed:

• Violet and Xaden’s relationship, although in the first 100-200 pages they were being annoying.
• Liam’s sister Sloane joining the Rider’s Quadrant and the grief Violet is experiencing.
• Dain coming back to his senses and being Violet’s good friend again. Thank god, we didn’t have to witness a dragging love triangle.
• Andarna being a special dragon. Her adolescent stage was endearing to read.
• Tairn. Tairn’s commentary carries the story. He almost reads like a fatherly figure.
• The story around the vernins is finally growing as well with the reveal of Jack and Xaden both being turned.
• Watching scribes in action, researching in the library to figure out how to grow the wards.

I do hope in the third book, we’ll see more of the different Quadrants coming and working together.

Honestly, I read this book so quickly that my review feels sparse and incomplete.

“I do. I’m sorry if you expect me to do the noble thing. I warned you. I’m not sweet or soft or kind, and you fell anyway. This is what you get, Violet — me. The good, the bad, the unforgivable. All of it. I am yours.” His arm wraps around the small of my back, holding me steady and close. “You want to know something true? Something real? I love you. I’m in love with you. I have been since the night the snow fell in your hair and you kissed me for the first time. I’m grateful my life is tied to yours because it means I won’t have to face a day without you in it. My heart only beats as long as yours does, and when you die, I’ll meet Malek at your side. It’s a damned good thing that you love me, too, because you’re stuck with me in this life and every other that could possibly follow.” p. 323

⭐⭐⭐