I was excited to dive into Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros and return to the Empyrean series. Swoons, battles, tests, discoveries and twists have me yearning for the next book in this addictive series. Narrated by Rebecca Soler & Teddy Hamilton, you’ll want to grab your earbuds.
by Rebecca Yarros
Series: The Empyrean #2
Narrator: Rebecca Soler, Teddy Hamilton
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.5x
She survived her first year at Basgiath War College . . . but the danger is only beginning.
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 tale picks up shortly after Fourth Wing. Violet has survived her first year at Basgiath War College but now faces a whole new set of challenges. Our hero graduated last year and the two have to be content seeing each other during breaks. In the second school year there is a new commander who seems determined to break Violet. The story that unfolds held me captive from beginning to end. I laughed, shed a tear and screamed through scenes.
In Iron Flame, Yarros fleshes out more of the world, introduces us to new characters and turns the suspense up a notch as war enters the equation. Violet is tested and some aspects of it are dark. There are triggers here and if violence is an issue for you, proceed with caution. I loved seeing the growth in Violet as she test her abilities, and commands. I became attached to characters, enjoyed the dragons, and was fascinated by the different factions.
The book falls into two parts. Part one takes place at Basgiath War College and part two focuses on the Revolution. Yarros paced the story well with plenty of action and a buildup to a cliffhanger ending that left me shaken. We suffer loss, gain knowledge and find ourselves wanting more. It’s going to be awhile for the next book, but we learned there are seven planned…so that is exciting.
The romance is fun with plenty of banter, quibbles, and tests between moments of heat. Violet tested me. Sometimes she gets caught up on things, but she is fearless and loyal. Despite my annoyance at Xaden for placing the burden of sharing & truths on Violet, I adore him. He is confident, loyal and sexy.
Secondary characters are well developed, allowing me to form strong opinions and endear me to this motley cast of characters, from riders to staff. We travel to different parts of the world, learn more about the wards and see other creatures. Violet even begins training to control her magic.
I confess aspects of the ending blew my mind. I didn’t predict or see twists coming, despite having guessed some. It was brilliant, and I needed a moment after listening to collect myself. I loved the magic, beasts, and passion.
The audio was better than then its predecessor. Rebecca Soler narrates most and was health this time around. Teddy Hamilton does some parts from Xaden’s point of view. Both were wonderful. Post production still had some issues with volume changes, swallows and empty spaces. I still recommend listening and found increasing the speed slightly helped.
About Rebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and coffee addict. She is the New York Times bestselling author of over twenty novels, including Fourth Wing, The Last Letter and The Things We Leave Unfinished. She’s also the recipient of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence for Eyes Turned Skyward. Rebecca loves military heroes and has been blissfully married to hers for over twenty years. A mother of six, she is currently surviving the teenage years with all four of her hockey-playing sons.
About Rebecca Soler
Rebecca Soler is a New York-based actress who voices numerous principal characters for the CW s Saturday morning cartoon lineup, including "Viva Pinata", "Huntik", "The Winx Club", and "Chaotic". Her audiobook credits include "Lock & Key" by Sarah Dessen and "After "by Amy Efaw, for which she was awarded an AudioFile Earphones Award.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
BonnieReadsAndWrites
I was late to Fourth Wing, and I picked it up because everyone was raving about it. I devoured Iron Flame when it came out. I loved it. I’m glad you did too. I don’t know when Book 3 is coming, but it’s not soon enough.
Kimberly
Same. She hasn’t even written it yet, so maybe 2025?
Samy @ insamyniac
So, is there multiple POV or singular POV? Because the first book was 99% from one perspective. Now I’m curious if that changed
Kimberly
99% is still the heroine’s POV.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I just finished this audio! I’m stunned over the ending and wonder what it’ll mean for the future. Tough times ahead for sure. I could hardly take some of the intense gritty scenes with Varish! I had to speed it waaayyy up! Like over 2x+ because I was so distressed! Violet tested me as well with her “I can’t trust him”, but still it was really good!
Kimberly
Yep. I had some killer anxiety!
Katherine
I absolutely loved the audio for Fourth Wing and I cannot wait to get this one! I’m so glad to see how much you enjoyed it!
Kimberly
Wahoo!
Lorna
I read the two books back to back with only a novella in between. I finished the first book the day before the second book came out. It’s not a genre I read or normally would like. An author I follow(J.T. Geissinger) out of the blue asked if I had read the first book. I said no but then decided to get it from Libby. I loved the whole thing! And the second one almost as much. Now we have to wait a year or better. It’s going to be a long wait!
Kimberly
YES!! This is more romantic. I love, love, love that you dipped your toe into this genre. There are so many series similar that I think you’d love!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
I finally got my copy of the first one, and so now I need to read it! Hoping to get it done over Christmas break, or else it will go on my top 10 list for books I wish I’d read this year, lol.
Kimberly
Enjoy Lisa!
Anne – Books of My Heart
I loved this. It was a rough year for Violet with finding that everything she thought she knew wasn’t true in many ways. She had to more carefully examine who to trust or not. The ending had some bad shocks and I can’t imagine where it will go next but I’m ready to continue and glad there will be more books.
Kimberly
Agreed. I am looking forward to continuing.
Rolé @ Hooked By That Book
Can’t wait! This is on hold at the library for me. Hopefully soon.
Kimberly
I hope you aren’t too far down the list 🙂
ailyn koay
I am finally reading fourth wing, so I can’t wait for this one. Hopefully before end of next year
Kimberly
Wahoo! Happy reading.
DEBBIE HAUPT
Sounds good Kimberly new to me author and narrator(s)
Kimberly
Thanks Debbie.
Nadene
I am glad to see the series lived up to the hype.
Kimberly
Yes. The story is addictive.
Carla
I have been wanting to listen to both of the books but haven’t fit them in yet. I didn’t realize they were steamy though. I might have to rethink it. Wonderful review, Kimberly. It definitely sounds like ones I want to read.
Kimberly
Yes, there is some heat. I do hope you push through and listen.