Rebecca Yarros masterfully crafts a narrative that is as enthralling as it is vivid. With an exceptional talent for describing characters and scenes, the author brings the fantastical world within the pages to life with striking detail and accuracy. Each description is meticulously crafted, painting a picture so clear it feels as though you're standing right in the midst of the action, witnessing the events unfold before your very eyes.
The plot of "Iron Wing" is a labyrinth of twists and turns. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning pages as you are drawn deeper into the intricately woven narrative. The story’s ability to engage and surprise is its strongest suit, making it impossible to put the book down. Just when you think you have figured it out, the story veers into uncharted territory, demonstrating the author's skill in storytelling.
Adding to the allure of "Iron Wing" are the spicy scenes interspersed throughout the book. These moments are penned with a finesse that makes them utterly captivating, ensuring that they are sure to make the reader melt. The chemistry between characters is palpable, written in a way that is both tasteful and electrifying. These scenes add a layer of intensity to the narrative, making the emotional highs and lows of the characters even more profound.
In conclusion, "Iron Wing" is a masterpiece of fantasy literature that offers everything a reader could wish for: a vividly realized world, a gripping plot full of surprises, and moments of intense emotion that are beautifully depicted. The author's ability to describe the characters and scenes with such detail and accuracy, coupled with a storyline that captivates from the first page to the last, and the perfectly placed spicy scenes, makes this book an unforgettable read. Whether you're a fan of fantasy or just looking for your next great read, "Iron Wing" is sure to satisfy.
Iron Flame (The Empyrean Book 2)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 230,342 ratings
Price: 14.99
Last update: 12-31-2024
About this item
Discover the instant #1 New York Times bestseller! Now optioned for TV by Amazon Studios.
Accolades for Fourth Wing
Amazon Best Books of the Year, #4 • Apple Best Books of the Year 2023 • Barnes & Noble Best Fantasy Book of 2023 (Fourth Wing and Iron Flame) • NPR “Books We Love” 2023 • Audible Best Books of 2023 • Hudson Book of the Year • Google Play Best Books of 2023 • Indigo Best Books of 2023 • Waterstones Book of the Year finalist • Goodreads Choice Award, semi-finalist • Newsweek Staffers’ Favorite Books of 2023 • Paste Magazine's Best Books of 2023
“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
Top reviews from the United States
Melissa Deible5.0 out of 5 stars
Iron Wing: A Riveting Flight Through Fantasy
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2024
CrazyAboutBooks5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly, highly recommended!!!
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2024
I am so in awe of both "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" that I thought I would sit here staring at a blank screen for a long time while trying to find words to express my respect for Rebecca Yarros, author of both books. I just spent 3 days reading them and the only reason it took so long is that one still has to bath, eat, water plants, feed pets and sleep though I did not do much of the latter.
What writers call voice in both books is so very perfect that I immediately want to reread both books! The voice is fresh and up-to-date and modern even for the dragons yet fits perfectly into whatever period of time this fantasy took place but clearly when there were dragons! Before proceeding, however, I need to hyperventilate briefly.
First of all, it is totally immature and so unnecessary for anyone to post a critical plot point in a review especially on purpose and without first posting a spoiler alert. This happens not only with these books but others as well. Doing so is just another, although minor, example of how Homo sapiens have free will which they unfortunately can and often do waste on trivialities. So, then, here is how I deal with the review situation.
I do not read them until after I read the book, then I read them to see how others felt about the book. Since one needs to know what the book is about before purchase, then reading the descriptive paragraphs at the listing along with reading the free chapters Amazon thankfully offers at the listing itself will provide that. Thanks Amazon. Reading those chapters and the description plus checking the star/purchase numbers are good steps to take to avoid learning too much in a review prior to reading the book.
The second rant has to do with plot. Let me assure everyone there are NO NEW PLOTS. People have been murdering people since the beginning of time. It is how the author takes a plot(s) and makes it her/his own that matters to the reader. It is doubtful anyone knows how many dragon/people/rider fantasy books are out there so in the end it is a personal opinion as to which book(s) one chooses to like.
Having so many to choose from means some plot points will seem similar. For instance how many ways are there to shove a dagger into someone's ribs, a plot point in a massive number of books? This author knew how to handle the plot she chose and then developed with aplomb. Both books kept my attention fully--page after page after page.
I so love both books. What is so outstanding about both is that we learn most everything we need to know about each well developed character, not by telling, but by showing through their actions and their sharp and sometimes witty dialogue. It is beyond skillful at how on point the conversations are not only between the humans but the humans and their dragons especially Tairn and Violet and with Andarna--such a cutie and definitely my favorite dragon. The growing relationship between Violet and Xaden is razor sharp and on point.
Violet gets wonky with her "having to know all the truth up front demands" regardless of how Xaden has put forth so much effort to show her he cares. Everyone has secrets but a book needs tension to advance so whoa and hold on the tension builds and builds between those two. Xaden is my favorite character out of many favorites. Their arguments are worth "eavesdropping" on and their love scenes are well done (Chapter 48 is mentioned by some reviewers).
In this book Violet, in spite of her fragile bones and smaller size but because of her iron will and cleverness, and all those who made it through First Year at the Basgiath War College (covered in
Fourth Wing") are now Second Years. Third years like my favorite character, Xaden, have graduated out and been assigned to outposts outside Basgiath. Thus begins an every other week trip for Violet and Xaden, him with her one weekend, her with him the next weekend. This is so their mated dragons can have time together each weekend.
It is also in this book that Basgiath and all the outposts are put in perspective regarding the coming battle. The 'revolution' becomes a much larger focal point and Violet learns about Xaden's connection to the estate in Aretia. One can already see by this point how hard it is to give this book the 10 star, 100% review it deserves! Just read it and see what I mean. It is one well-done, well written heck of a book and do not forget "Fourth Wing first!!
This book covers in more detail wards, the reason for them and the ins and outs of setting them up and what happens when they do not work (descriptive details I liked BTW). Details regarding the approaching battle then the battle itself are incredible. I am skimming plot points here since others have covered them very well but there is a lot of stuff left hanging at the end of this book and the end itself will floor you. It is like learning to fly on your own and suddenly losing that ability and plopping onto the ground and then fighting to just take a breath. It is shocking, promise.
When an author has done their job, the reader will fantasize about what may happen next but this book leaves so much stuff hanging that there has to be another book. My favorite character deserves a better ending--the last two chapters still has me plopped on the ground breathless. So here's a partial list of the left-hanging questions.
What happens between Violet and Xaden after the battle's aftermath? What happens to Aretia? Will Andarna's newly acquired fire play a role in the future especially in helping to set up wards? What happens to Basgiath after the war? What happens about the new dragon hatchlings? Will Cat's crew of riders play a future role? And, BTW, how did Jack get the way he turned out?
So very many unanswered questions in addition to many, many not covered here. So, then, Rebecca Yarros, listen up: We readers have to have another book--please, please and thank you!!
What writers call voice in both books is so very perfect that I immediately want to reread both books! The voice is fresh and up-to-date and modern even for the dragons yet fits perfectly into whatever period of time this fantasy took place but clearly when there were dragons! Before proceeding, however, I need to hyperventilate briefly.
First of all, it is totally immature and so unnecessary for anyone to post a critical plot point in a review especially on purpose and without first posting a spoiler alert. This happens not only with these books but others as well. Doing so is just another, although minor, example of how Homo sapiens have free will which they unfortunately can and often do waste on trivialities. So, then, here is how I deal with the review situation.
I do not read them until after I read the book, then I read them to see how others felt about the book. Since one needs to know what the book is about before purchase, then reading the descriptive paragraphs at the listing along with reading the free chapters Amazon thankfully offers at the listing itself will provide that. Thanks Amazon. Reading those chapters and the description plus checking the star/purchase numbers are good steps to take to avoid learning too much in a review prior to reading the book.
The second rant has to do with plot. Let me assure everyone there are NO NEW PLOTS. People have been murdering people since the beginning of time. It is how the author takes a plot(s) and makes it her/his own that matters to the reader. It is doubtful anyone knows how many dragon/people/rider fantasy books are out there so in the end it is a personal opinion as to which book(s) one chooses to like.
Having so many to choose from means some plot points will seem similar. For instance how many ways are there to shove a dagger into someone's ribs, a plot point in a massive number of books? This author knew how to handle the plot she chose and then developed with aplomb. Both books kept my attention fully--page after page after page.
I so love both books. What is so outstanding about both is that we learn most everything we need to know about each well developed character, not by telling, but by showing through their actions and their sharp and sometimes witty dialogue. It is beyond skillful at how on point the conversations are not only between the humans but the humans and their dragons especially Tairn and Violet and with Andarna--such a cutie and definitely my favorite dragon. The growing relationship between Violet and Xaden is razor sharp and on point.
Violet gets wonky with her "having to know all the truth up front demands" regardless of how Xaden has put forth so much effort to show her he cares. Everyone has secrets but a book needs tension to advance so whoa and hold on the tension builds and builds between those two. Xaden is my favorite character out of many favorites. Their arguments are worth "eavesdropping" on and their love scenes are well done (Chapter 48 is mentioned by some reviewers).
In this book Violet, in spite of her fragile bones and smaller size but because of her iron will and cleverness, and all those who made it through First Year at the Basgiath War College (covered in
Fourth Wing") are now Second Years. Third years like my favorite character, Xaden, have graduated out and been assigned to outposts outside Basgiath. Thus begins an every other week trip for Violet and Xaden, him with her one weekend, her with him the next weekend. This is so their mated dragons can have time together each weekend.
It is also in this book that Basgiath and all the outposts are put in perspective regarding the coming battle. The 'revolution' becomes a much larger focal point and Violet learns about Xaden's connection to the estate in Aretia. One can already see by this point how hard it is to give this book the 10 star, 100% review it deserves! Just read it and see what I mean. It is one well-done, well written heck of a book and do not forget "Fourth Wing first!!
This book covers in more detail wards, the reason for them and the ins and outs of setting them up and what happens when they do not work (descriptive details I liked BTW). Details regarding the approaching battle then the battle itself are incredible. I am skimming plot points here since others have covered them very well but there is a lot of stuff left hanging at the end of this book and the end itself will floor you. It is like learning to fly on your own and suddenly losing that ability and plopping onto the ground and then fighting to just take a breath. It is shocking, promise.
When an author has done their job, the reader will fantasize about what may happen next but this book leaves so much stuff hanging that there has to be another book. My favorite character deserves a better ending--the last two chapters still has me plopped on the ground breathless. So here's a partial list of the left-hanging questions.
What happens between Violet and Xaden after the battle's aftermath? What happens to Aretia? Will Andarna's newly acquired fire play a role in the future especially in helping to set up wards? What happens to Basgiath after the war? What happens about the new dragon hatchlings? Will Cat's crew of riders play a future role? And, BTW, how did Jack get the way he turned out?
So very many unanswered questions in addition to many, many not covered here. So, then, Rebecca Yarros, listen up: We readers have to have another book--please, please and thank you!!
Mary4.0 out of 5 stars
Couldn't live up to the Fourth Wing Hype
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2024
I had such incredibly high hopes for Iron Flame after Fourth Wing that I stayed up and read all in one night (finished at 5 am!), but while Iron Flame is a good book, it doesn't live up to Fourth Wing. I was able to get an early copy of the book and it still took me 4 days to finish.
So what's done well?
The story itself is incredible. There are many intricacies both with the humans, dragons, and other species we are introduced to. Rebecca Yarros knows how to throw in a few really good twists. Violet is a relatable main character who doesn't always believe in herself, but still rises to any challenge. Character development for Violet's mother delves us deeper into who she is as a person and why she does the things she does. Dain has finally redeemed himself mostly.
What's done poorly?
Character development for some of the main characters felt either nonexistent (Hi Sawyer, forgot you were here) or is such a drastic change (Xaden is now lovesick and while I felt like it was meant to be a strong, I'll burn this world down for you, I was starting to get Tamlin vibes instead. I felt like he got kind of whiney). Then there's the whole issue of the book feeling like it revolved entirely around Violet and Xaden's relationship (the first 3/4 of the book is Violet just lusting after Xaden while the other 1/4 is them fighting) and everything else (including the Venin, Wyverns, displacement of people and cadets, dragon issues) were all completely secondary. What I had loved about the first book was that it felt the opposite - where Xaden and Violet had a budding romance, but it was a fantasy first novel. This felt like fantasy became the subplot in a way with how much of the focus was on their relationship specifically.
Overall, I'd give it 3.5 stars. It was a good book. Will I reread it? No.
So what's done well?
The story itself is incredible. There are many intricacies both with the humans, dragons, and other species we are introduced to. Rebecca Yarros knows how to throw in a few really good twists. Violet is a relatable main character who doesn't always believe in herself, but still rises to any challenge. Character development for Violet's mother delves us deeper into who she is as a person and why she does the things she does. Dain has finally redeemed himself mostly.
What's done poorly?
Character development for some of the main characters felt either nonexistent (Hi Sawyer, forgot you were here) or is such a drastic change (Xaden is now lovesick and while I felt like it was meant to be a strong, I'll burn this world down for you, I was starting to get Tamlin vibes instead. I felt like he got kind of whiney). Then there's the whole issue of the book feeling like it revolved entirely around Violet and Xaden's relationship (the first 3/4 of the book is Violet just lusting after Xaden while the other 1/4 is them fighting) and everything else (including the Venin, Wyverns, displacement of people and cadets, dragon issues) were all completely secondary. What I had loved about the first book was that it felt the opposite - where Xaden and Violet had a budding romance, but it was a fantasy first novel. This felt like fantasy became the subplot in a way with how much of the focus was on their relationship specifically.
Overall, I'd give it 3.5 stars. It was a good book. Will I reread it? No.