Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Title: Iron Flame

Author: Rebecca Yarros

Series: The Empyrean

Release Date: November 7, 2023

Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books

Genre: Romantasy

Source: hardback, Dog Eared Books

TW: graphic sexual content, violence, torture, death of parent, war, death, vomit, fire/fire injury, animal death, chronic illness

Synopsis

“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.

Thoughts

I went into this book with very high expectations, and I'm not at all surprised that they were immeasurably met. The world-building, character development, and intricate plot twists were all executed flawlessly. From the very first page, I was hooked and found it nearly impossible to put the book down.

One of the things that stood out to me was how the author managed to create such a vivid and immersive world. The details were so rich and textured that I felt like I was right there alongside the characters, experiencing their struggles and triumphs firsthand. The dragons, the magic system, and the various factions all added layers of complexity to the story that kept me engaged from start to finish

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This book didn't leave me wanting except for the next one in the series. Knowing it would be a five-book series has helped temper my impatience, but not eradicated it—the story is too good. Each chapter left me eager for more, and I can't wait to see how the plot continues to unfold in the subsequent books.

I understand why this was so quickly picked up as a series because it's going to be the next Hunger Games/Divergent, and I mean that as a compliment. It's going to pull in people who aren't originally fans of the fantasy genre to enjoy the depth and complexity of the story. The characters are relatable, the stakes are high, and the pacing is perfect, making it a compelling read for a wide audience.

I'm very excited to see where this story continues to go. The plot twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, and the emotional depth of the characters added a layer of realism that I truly appreciated. As always, it will be the conclusion that truly makes or breaks a series. Though, I have no doubts it will continue to exceed my hopes and expectations. Given how strong the first book was, I have high hopes for the rest of the series.

In conclusion, this book was a fantastic read that lived up to all my expectations and more. The writing was compelling, the characters were well-developed, and the plot was intricate and engaging. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new series to get lost in. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment and can't wait to see where this journey takes us.