Start On: November 17 , 2023
Finished On: November 30, 2023
Format: Physical Book

The Empyrean, Book #2
Get the book here (paid link)

“The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity.”

(Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros)

Book Summary

“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.

(Summary from Goodreads)

“Violence, remember it’s only the body that’s fragile. You are unbreakable.”

(Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros)

Review/Thoughts:

There are many mixed reviews on this book, but I devoured it! I loved it just as much as the first book. It was an emotional rollercoaster. I enjoyed the plot, the relationships, the conflicts, the pacing – I loved it all. This was a solid second book in the series.

I enjoyed following Violet as she worked through all her thoughts and feelings after what happened in the first book. I also loved seeing Xaden grow and their relationship develop. I liked meeting new characters and discovering new settings in this world.

The plot twists, particularly the ending, were completely unexpected and took me by surprise. I’m super excited to continue the series and find out what happens next!

“But Violet chose me too.”

(Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros)