Iron Flame Review
SPOILERS AHEAD!
I recently finished reading Iron Flame, the second book in Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean series, and wow, what a ride it’s been. After the whirlwind of emotions I experienced in Fourth Wing, I was eager to dive right into Violet Sorrengail’s next chapter. But, I’ll be honest… it took me a bit longer to get through this one than the first. The pacing was different and the emotional rollercoaster just never stopped. So, let’s dive into the highs, the lows, and everything in between as I reflect on Iron Flame.
A Different Pace, But Still Engaging
Unlike the quick momentum of Fourth Wing, Iron Flame felt like it slowed down a bit to really dig into Violet’s internal world and the politics surrounding her. We see Violet not just struggling with the immense responsibilities thrust upon her as a dragon rider, but also coming to terms with her own emotions, her newfound powers, and her place in this complex world. I’ll admit that at times, I found myself wishing for a bit more action, but the slower pacing did give me the space to really connect with Violet as a character. The buildup to the big events was slower, but necessary for the eventual explosion of emotion and chaos that would follow.
What I appreciated however, was how well this book expanded on the relationships and power dynamics at play, particularly with Xaden. That’s where things got really interesting for me.
Falling for Xaden—But With Caution
One of the most compelling aspects of Iron Flame was Violet’s relationship with Xaden Riorson. In the first book, their bond was fiery and intense, but in this one, it felt like we got a deeper, more complex look at their relationship. And let me tell you, I am all for it.
Violet not fully trusting Xaden- honestly, I found that so real. As much as I love Xaden and want to believe in his love for Violet, I completely understand her hesitation. She’s young, still trying to figure out who she is and what she stands for, and trusting someone completely, (especially when he’s so adamant on keeping things from her) doesn’t come easily. The tension between them, especially when it comes to Violet questioning his motives and how much she can rely on him, felt so authentic. She’s dealing with a lot, grief, trauma, immense responsibility, and expecting her to just fall headfirst into a relationship without any doubts would have felt out of character.
I’ve seen some people being harsh on Violet, saying that she’s "doing too much" or that she’s being "too indecisive" when it comes to Xaden. But this makes the love story so much more believable for me. She’s still navigating the love, trust, and independence in the midst of literal war. People forget that love isn’t always a straight line, especially when you're figuring out who you are and where you fit into a world that seems bent on tearing you apart. Violet’s hesitation, her back-and-forth with Xaden, was, for me, one of the most relatable aspects of her character.
The Cliffhanger That Made Me Thankful for the Third Book
Okay, that ending. Can we talk about it? Because holy cow, if I had to wait after that cliffhanger, I think I might have lost my mind. The tension between Violet and the people around her was absolutely crushing. It felt like every character was holding their breath, and I was too. If I didn’t have Onyx Storm (the third book) ready and waiting, I would have been absolutely gutted to have to wait.
I’ve heard some people say they feel the cliffhangers are over the top, but for me, they keep me invested in the series. It’s such a compelling hook, one that makes you need to know what happens next, and trust me, I was ready for more. Thank goodness Onyx Storm was out because I can’t imagine having to wait after Iron Flame’s ending.
Ridoc, the Comedic Relief We All Need
Even with all the intense drama and the emotional tension, I couldn’t help but smile at Ridoc. His sense of humor added such a lightheartedness to the book, especially when things got heavy. Every time Violet or Xaden or anyone else was spiraling or battling inner turmoil, Ridoc would swoop in and provide that perfect comedic relief. I genuinely look forward to his scenes because they always make me smile. A little humor goes a long way in a world that is so hectic.
Overall Thoughts
Iron Flame may not have grabbed me the same way Fourth Wing did, but it was still an incredibly important piece of Violet’s journey. There was so much focus on her personal growth, her complicated relationship with Xaden, and the political intrigue that surrounds her world. Violet is not a perfect character, and she doesn’t have all the answers, but that’s what makes her so compelling. She’s navigating love, trust, and survival in the most chaotic way possible, and I think people who criticize her for being "too much" or "doing too much" miss the bigger picture.
So, while Iron Flame didn’t grip me from start to finish like the first book, it set the stage for even greater developments to come. I’m excited to see where Violet’s journey goes next, and with the third book in my hands, I’m all in for whatever comes next. The world of Empyrean is rich, vibrant, and filled with enough twists and turns to keep me hooked. And, let’s be honest, I can’t wait to see how things unfold with Xaden, Violet, and the rest of the characters.
