Iron Flame

Posted November 14, 2023 by Carole in Reviews / 8 Comments

Iron FlameIron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Narrator: Rebecca Solar, Teddy Hamilton
Series: Empyrean #2
Published by Recorded Books, Red Tower Books on November 7, 2023
Genres: Fiction / Fantasy / Dragons & Mythical Creatures
Length: 28 hours 16 minutes
Pages: 640
Format: Audiobook, Hardcover
Source: Purchased
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five-stars

“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.

The Empyrean series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 Fourth Wing
Book #2 Iron Flame

I loved this book! I cannot remember the last time that I was so excited to read a book so to say that my expectations were high is an understatement. I was a little worried that I would end up being disappointed because I was expecting a lot from this novel but I had nothing to worry about. This book was even better than I had hoped it would be.

This story picks up right after the events of the previous book. You will definitely want to read Fourth Wing prior to reading this book. The story took more than a few twists and turns that came as a complete surprise. This installment was just as exciting as the first book and Violet and Xaden are in just as much danger as they ever have been. I loved watching the relationships between the characters strengthen over the course of this story.

Rebecca Soler and Teddy Hamilton did an amazing job with this audiobook. Rebecca Soler does almost all of the narration with only a small contribution from Teddy Hamilton. I thought that she added a lot to the story and did a fantastic job of bringing Violet and the rest of the characters to life. I am certain that the narrators’ performances added to my overall enjoyment of this book.

I would highly recommend this series to others. I had such a wonderful time with this story that when I finished I was sad that it was over. I found it impossible to put down and am already looking forward to reading it again.

8 responses to “Iron Flame

  1. I just finished the audio yesterday and I totally agree with Rebecca Soler’s narration. The only disappointment for me was the choice for the ending. But on the other hand that will certainly make it for an interesting third book …

  2. I’ve heard several people’s reaction to the first book and anticipation for Iron Flame so I’m glad it came through for you, Carole.

  3. I’m going to have to use an Audible credit for this one. There’s no way I can make it till my library hold comes in! I do love Rebecca Soler’s narration!