Cait’s Review of “Iron Flame” by Rebecca Yarros

By: Cait Marie

Blurb

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.

Review

I finally finished! It took me four months to read this sequel, despite being beyond excited for it. Because it took so long, I’ll be honest… I don’t know how to review it.

So, let’s start with the good. First of all, I’d like to remind everyone that Fourth Wing was my favorite read of 2023, and I read it twice within a few months because I’m deeply obsessed. I love these characters so much it hurts. The story continued to build in this second book, and I really enjoyed the direction of the plot and how things connected.

That being said, I do feel like it dragged at times. I was in a reading slump, but I don’t know if it’s what caused me to read so slow or if the book caused the slump. Regardless, I just didn’t really get sucked in like with the first one, especially in the middle of the book. I felt like there was somehow a lot going on yet nothing really happened… It’s difficult to explain without spoiling. Essentially, the overall story arc didn’t progress very much despite it being 640 pages. There were a couple big points that were important, and then a lot of filler in between.

Don’t get me wrong, I still loved the book. I’m still obsessed with the series and can’t wait for the third book. This one was well written, and Yarros is truly a spectacular storyteller. The world building and characters are impeccable (though, I was getting annoyed with Violet in the first half of the book because her development seemed to backtrack, but it got better). It was interesting getting more of the history in this book and learning more about the different countries, the rebellion, etc. There were a couple big twists that sent my mind reeling.

I have so many theories! I need more! I really don’t want to wait another year or however long for the next book. But I also fully respect Yarros taking her time with it and not pushing herself too hard. As a fellow author who happens to be physically disabled, I understand the toll this can take on someone. And I don’t even tour the country or world for my books like she does. I can only imagine how overwhelming it would be to balance that, writing, and a large family. So, I’ll wait as long as it takes! 💕