The Empyrean Book 2: Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

 

The Empyrean Book 2

“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.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/90202302-iron-flame

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

What a freaking wild ride. Wow! This series only gets better and better and I am in desperate need of the next book after that ending. But let me back up because again WOW! So many revelations in this one, and so much more to learn I’m sure. The story picks up basically where the first book ended. Violet’s world is turned upside down a bit but there is plenty left to do. First off, Xaden, Violet, and the others have to make it back to Basgaith and explain their short absence. But now they know the truth of what is really going on and they have to prepare. The book is split into two parts and both are equally a rollercoaster. We have Violet and Xaden working to stay alive while separated. Violet is starting second year and she has a lot of secrets to keep. Xaden is sent out to where he is stationed. And though they get to see one another every week thanks to their bonded dragons, there are those trying to plot against them. Let’s just say it ain’t pretty. And once that first part is over, we enter a new stage to this war and they have to keep learning and preparing for what is to come. I really don’t want to spoil things, so I’ll keep it vague, but we learn a lot. As for Violet and Xaden, well Violet is still mad at him but loves him. A complicated feeling. Xaden will fight for her in every way he can. When it comes to their relationship, it’s not an easy one. But the feelings they have for one another at the end of the day is greater than anything. They have a lot of growing to do in this book and plenty of ups and downs. And despite wanting to shake them at points, I do love that they grow together. Overall, I adored this book, except that cliffhanger-ish ending!!! Not cool! But there was plenty of action, romance, dragons, and so much more. This series is starting at so strong and I’m hoping we keep that up! I cannot wait for the next one!