Though Yarros continues to build an intriguing world in her Empyrean series, was ultimately disappointed by a book-long

miscommunication

trope, especially after Fourth Wing set up a

better communication dynamic 

between the main characters. 

I rated the actual book higher. Things about the graphic audio annoyed me greatly (like how the main narrator mispronounced timbre and macabre) and the cheesiness of some of the sound choices. 

I loved this book, this and Fourth Wing I couldn't put down. I will be re-reading both to get ready for book 3 in January 25. 
I loved the characters, banter, plot, everything. 

No notes, marking it down from 5 stars purely because the ending was so infuriating. Onyx storm cannot come fast enough. Violet is so irrational sometimes but tbh so was I at 20 y/o so can't really blame her for that haha.

Finished Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros, which was a stunning sequel to Fourth Wing, but Violet’s stubbornness (though it probably saves her more times than not) will likely be the death of me. I still love all of these characters, but Violet reads with so much angst it’s almost unbearable (of course Xaden and her squad help bring out her more redeeming qualities but suffice to say she’s not my favorite protagonist). I’m hoping that as the books go on, she becomes less angsty and grows more. Aside from that, the dragons are without a doubt my favorite part of this series. Tairn is absolutely my favorite character (sorry Xaden) thus far and every time he has a little grumpy quip I can’t help but smile. Overall, the book didn’t feel as long as it was, and I devoured it in a little less than 48 hours, as you should (just kidding, read at your own pace, I’m just saying that you won’t want to put this thing down to save your own life). I couldn’t put it down and I truly have no idea how you all lived with THAT cliffhanger for so long. I’m looking forward to sinking my teeth into Onyx Storm as soon as humanly possible, and I can’t wait to see where else this series goes.