Iron Flame (The Empyrean #2) Review

I just finished the second book of The Empyrean series, and my mind is reeling. Without giving away ANY spoilers, check out my review below!

Iron Flame The Empyrean #2 by Rebecca Yarros

Publisher: Red Tower Books

Page Count: 878

Format: Hardback

Genre: Fantasy & Romance

Source: Dog-Eared Books Ames

Goodreads | Amazon | Audible | Barnes & Noble

Content Warnings: war, psychological and physical torture, imprisonment, intense violence, brutal injuries, perilous situations, blood, dismemberment, burning, murder, death, animal death, graphic language, loss of family, grief, and sexual activities that are shown on the page.

“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.

I went into this book with very high expectations, and I am not at all surprised that they were immeasurably met.

This book did not leave me wanting except for the next one in the series. Going into this knowing it would be a five book series has helped temper my impatience, but not eradicated it—the story is too good.

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.

I’m very excited to see where this story continues to go, but 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.

Rating:

Spice:

Like this post? Pin me, please!