A worthy sequel that expands the world building from the first book while also moving the plot forward. I love all the heroes and I love to hate the villains. Great cliffhanger that will make you want book 3 immediately!

Iron Flame is a great follow up to Fourth Wing. Since this book is the second in the series, the rest of my review WILL contain spoilers.
 
Iron Flame is an adventurous, suspenseful sequel in which we see the development of the war against the venin, as well as Violet’s personal growth as a rider and a person. Admittedly, Violet can be extremely annoying and grating in this novel as she struggles to find her footing, but it is also inspiring to watch her overcome the obstacles and challenges she faces. Her relationship with Xaden starts off rocky in this novel, but her and Xaden’s growth allows them to slowly overcome Xaden’s betrayal. I also really enjoy reading about Xaden groveling and being open about the depth of his feelings for Violet.

Plot wise, I think the book is solid, but slow. It often felt like the Violet and Xaden’s development happened at the expense of the plot. However, I did enjoy the overall plot and cliffhangers/plot twists in the last act of the novel.

Overall, this was a great sequel to the Empyrean series and I can’t wait to start Onyx Storm!

My brain hasn't worked since I finished this book because all its energy has been spent trying to process the ending. I reread the final chapter three times and have not stopped thinking about it since finishing. Thank god I finished just in time for the Onyx Storm release, as I'm not sure if I could bare having to wait to find out whats next. 
Only giving 4 stars because I found Violet to be a bit childish and needy throughout the first half of the book. Part two took and turn and had me in a chokehold that would not relent. 

It was so good! Sometimes the 1st book in a series is the best and then they dwindle in quality. This one kept my attention the entire time! 

Rating: ★★★★.5

Started: 15 January 25

Finished: 20 January 25

 

 

WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK

 

My heart is broken, my eyes are stinging, I have a headache from crying.

 

I loved seeing more of the fourth wing team, I love these characters so much!

 

I had so many thoughts and theories again, some turned out credible some did not but I’ve loved this series so far for being able to theorise.

 

Violet is still so strong and she’s such a great character, I’ve really loved her so much.

 

Xaden annoyed me a little I won’t lie, his asking questions clause was annoying me, never mind Violet. But I’m glad she pushed back and made her own rule.

 

It was such a good book and I can’t wait to read Onyx Storm!

 

 

FULL ON SPOILERS:

 

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I miss Liam :((( that scene was so lovely!

 

If Liam didn’t like Cat, I don’t like cat, I trust that man with my life and it’ll be my honor to honor his hate - she pissed me off so badly, I really hope she tames in the next book like the ending of this book kind of implies. But also, Xaden didn’t do enough for me where she was concerned, he said all the right things to Violet but he never said them in front of people to claim her as his and claim him as hers.

 

I will NEVER forgive Nolan - not even for bringing JACK FUCKING BARLOWE back but because of his betrayal to Violet.

 

I CANT FUCKING BELIEVE JACK FUCKING BARLOWE IS ALIVE IM SO ANGRY! I FUCKING GUESSED IT AND IM STILL SO ANGRY.

 

Even though I didn’t care for their mother, I bawled like a fucking baby when reading them pages, I won’t lie at first I thought they were gonna kill Sloane so I was grasping my book saying “no” but then when I realised, I broke, I cried so much I couldn’t see the pages and my brother came in to see if I was alright lmao.

 

Also, that ending??? SO many theories, but holy hell Xaden!

Book starts to drag a little in the 3rd quarter, but picks back up for the finale. Does less "tell, doesn't show" than the first book, but Xaden's character is, in my opinion, much worse of a guy in this book