Iron Flame: Book 2

Violet finds it hard to trust Xaden after he lied about something so fundamental, the existence of Venin and the Wyverns that they create, that she thought were only folklore. Xaden is also going to be graduating from the Basgiath War College in a few days. Before they can figure out any of that, Violet and Xaden have to get home and convince leadership that they did not desert or die in battle. Will Violet be able to hold it together long enough to get through to both of their graduations? Will Violet be able to lie to all of those who are close to her or keep them at arms length? Will they be able to defeat the threats from outside of the college and from within?

I absolutely loved this book. There is so much story packed into just 640 pages that it is almost unbelievable. The many small challenges that Violet and Xaden face all build to a massive battle. Every challenge is just as exciting and every set back hits just as hard, even the smaller scale ones. I love the balance of different characters that we get to explore, but wish we spent more time with Xaden. Since the author prioritizes keeping you with Violet for most of the book, the reader gets the benefits of a more cohesive story, but loses out of seeing some of the action and getting Xaden’s perspective and thoughts on what is going on. There is so much world development in this book, but it feels natural and interesting. The characters make decisions that fit with who they are as a character. I loved every minute of it from beginning to end and I cannot wait for the next book to come out.

If you liked this book, the next book in the series is Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros which will be out in January 2025. Other books like this one are: Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken because both of the main characters are smart and resourceful, Young Elites by Marie Lu because both of the main characters are relentless, and The Seven Devils by Laura Lam and Elizabeth May because both books are amazing at world building and creating character relationships.