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The Empyrean #1-2
Fourth Wing, Iron Flame
Please Note That The Following Individual Books As Per Original ISBN and Cover Image In this Listing shall be Dispatched The Empyrean Series 2 Books Collection Set By Rebecca Fourth Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general―also known as her tough-as-talons mother―has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of dragon riders. Iron “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.
1168 pages, Hardcover
Published November 20, 2023
211 people are currently reading
5360 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Yarros
65 books199k followersRebecca 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.
Want to know about Rebecca’s next release? Check her out online at www.rebeccayarros.com.
Want to know about Rebecca’s next release? Check her out online at www.rebeccayarros.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
December 11, 2023
The ending of the second book left me shocked! I really hope we don't see enemies to lovers back to enemies with Xaden and Violet. I would hate to see her end up with Dain. REALLY excited to finish this series. It's like of Harry Potter meets Game of Thrones - the perfect steamy dark academia fantasy books.
February 3, 2024
I just finished Iron Flame and went to look for the 3rd book only to see that it's still being written. Rebecca Yarros, whatever you want in exchange for an early sneak peek, it's yours! I NEED to know what happens next 😫 Hoping for an early release 🤞🏼🤞🏼 otherwise if anyone needs me I'm counting down the second until I can read more
January 24, 2024
4.5/ 5⭐
2.5/5 🌶️
1. Fourth Wing: 5 ⭐️
2. Iron Flame: 4 ⭐️
I'm not even going to acknowledge that ending. It was unacceptable. PERIOD. 🔥🔥
Liam... Oh, Gods, Liam. Violate. That part absolutely destroyed me. I mean, it shattered my heart into a million pieces. Rebecca!! Those chapters! I could barely handle them. My heart feels like it's been through a blender. I need a moment to recover from the emotional wreckage.
I dislike Cat, and I think we could have been fine without that character. She is pointless fluff.
Tairn and Andarna might have been the funnest/best part of the book. I need more of them in the third book. ADOLESCENTS.
Andarna!!! Didn't see that coming! LOVE IT. Love it. She my favorite. ADOLESCENTS. teehee
2.5/5 🌶️
1. Fourth Wing: 5 ⭐️
2. Iron Flame: 4 ⭐️
I'm not even going to acknowledge that ending. It was unacceptable. PERIOD. 🔥🔥
Liam... Oh, Gods, Liam. Violate. That part absolutely destroyed me. I mean, it shattered my heart into a million pieces. Rebecca!! Those chapters! I could barely handle them. My heart feels like it's been through a blender. I need a moment to recover from the emotional wreckage.
I dislike Cat, and I think we could have been fine without that character. She is pointless fluff.
Tairn and Andarna might have been the funnest/best part of the book. I need more of them in the third book. ADOLESCENTS.
Andarna!!! Didn't see that coming! LOVE IT. Love it. She my favorite. ADOLESCENTS. teehee
January 2, 2024
My best friend told me about these books. She deeply, deeply loves Eragon. I had very high hopes.
The main character has health issues with her joints. Like the author and myself, she has EDS. I appreciate seeing a character with chronic illness, though I think it could have been written better.
My main gripe with the series is that for the entire first book, amongst all the horror and death, the main character is so horny it drowned out everything else. Like, this girl acts like she's never seen a man in her life and if she doesn't have sex with him right then, she's going to shrivel up and die. I literally could not care less about these two boys and their muscles.
And SHE WOULD'VE CONTINUED if not for the fact one of them pissed her off. Can I tell you I've never been so happy for characters to fight? Can I tell you how cathartic it was to escape descriptions of his penis for a few chapters?
Frankly, on that note, why does this world have magical birth control but not PENS
My secondary gripe is that the horror never actually feels impacting. I never cared about a single character that died. There have been many times where I wished Xaden would die because maybe then a character death might have an impact. (The impact being I never have to hear about his abs ever again).
The main character has health issues with her joints. Like the author and myself, she has EDS. I appreciate seeing a character with chronic illness, though I think it could have been written better.
My main gripe with the series is that for the entire first book, amongst all the horror and death, the main character is so horny it drowned out everything else. Like, this girl acts like she's never seen a man in her life and if she doesn't have sex with him right then, she's going to shrivel up and die. I literally could not care less about these two boys and their muscles.
And SHE WOULD'VE CONTINUED if not for the fact one of them pissed her off. Can I tell you I've never been so happy for characters to fight? Can I tell you how cathartic it was to escape descriptions of his penis for a few chapters?
Frankly, on that note, why does this world have magical birth control but not PENS
My secondary gripe is that the horror never actually feels impacting. I never cared about a single character that died. There have been many times where I wished Xaden would die because maybe then a character death might have an impact. (The impact being I never have to hear about his abs ever again).
January 29, 2024
4.5
Again, couldn’t put it down.
Did anybody else get Aro from Twilight when Violet had to visit and display her lightning?
I know the ending was a shock but I’m sure the next book is all about finding a cure, right?
Again, couldn’t put it down.
Did anybody else get Aro from Twilight when Violet had to visit and display her lightning?
I know the ending was a shock but I’m sure the next book is all about finding a cure, right?
February 17, 2024
Ugh I’m not sure if this is a three or five star review because I enjoyed reading it but the ending of this book angered me. Wtf is happening and I have to wait for another to come out?
October 4, 2024
Violet is a pick me ass bitch fr
December 8, 2023
book written by chatGPT
February 6, 2024
Magic!! Great books! Can't wait for the next one
May 28, 2024
Big fat slay
January 14, 2025
Favorite quotes part 4: 💋
Bonus content:🤍
Chapter 9
“That brilliant, devious mind might regrettably be a complete turn-on.”
“I dip my head so the others won’t hear, and gods she smells really fucking good like—
No thinking about how she smells, jackass.
‘Don’t trust a single person who faces you on this mat,’ I lecture quietly near the shell of her ear, careful to keep my mouth off her. Since when do I think about putting my mouth on an opponent?”
“A corner of my mouth lifts. Gods, she’s just as merciless as Sgaeyl when it comes to her tongue.”
“‘What did I say about being reckless?’ Sgaeyl pushes through my shields. ‘The silver-haired girl is a distraction you can’t aff—‘
I reinforce my shields, blocking her out. She’s never going to let me live this down.”
“ Pink flushes up her neck and into her cheeks, and suddenly I find myself studying her for an entirely different reason. The blush, the skittered pulse, the way her gaze flicks toward my mouth for less than a second… I’m not the only one attracted here.
Fuck. This is dangerous. She is dangerous.
The world outside the mat ceases to exist as my focus narrows to just Violence. She really is stunning, especially when pissed. Tension surges between us, and my heartbeat jumps despite my best effort to lock that shit down. But damn if I’m not critically aware of the feel of her body beneath mine, the warmth of her skin under my fingertips, the way her breath catches as I lower my face to hers slowly.”
“She tenses under me, and fuck, her thighs clench around my hips. I have to get the fuck off her before she realizes she has another weapon at her disposal when it comes to me.”
“Thank gods she has the common sense to release my hips from the grip of her thighs, because mine has fled, replaced by the urge to leave them right where they were and carry her to the nearest empty room to see just how attracted we both are.”
“‘You in the mood to spar with first-years?’ Garrick asks. ‘Or just that particular first-year?’
’Sometimes I hate how fucking observant you are.’
‘It’s hard to miss the way you look at her,’ he says, lowering his voice.
‘Like I want to kill her?’ I retort.
‘Or fu—‘
‘Don’t finish that sentence when I’m in the mood to hit people.’
‘Oh, would you, please?’ He puts his hand to his heart and grins. ‘I need you to use those big, strong hands to show me—‘
I shove his shoulder hard enough to send him staggering sideways.”
Chapter 16
“If I act every time someone drags my name through a pile of bullshit, I’ll never get anything done. For the most part, I take note of the offense, file it away for future consideration, and move on. As Sgaeyl loves to remind me, dragons are not concerned with the opinions of the sheep… or most humans.”
“But Aetos’s fingers dent in on the shoulders of Sorrengail’s uniform, and unexplainable rage pumps into my veins like little shards of ice, cutting everything in its path. Aetos takes his hands off Sorrengail’s shoulders, and I decide to let him keep them for now.”
“Seriously. Of all the laws I break around here, that’s the one he goes with?”
“I keep my gaze locked on Aetos and off Sorrengail’s wide, hazel eyes and the scrapes that mar her skin. I definitely don’t let my attention wander down those tight curves—
Fuck she’s a distraction.”
“‘You did not just bring me into this nonsense.’
‘You sure as hell dragged me into it. Since when do you get all mushy over smaller dragons?’
‘Since when do you get emotional over human women?’ Sgaeyl challenges.
‘I’m pissed, not emotional,’ I correct her.”
“In one second on that field, my attitude toward Violence changed from maybe-I’ll-kill-her-or-maybe-I-won’t to protect-her-at-all-costs.”
“Odd time to grow a spine, but good for him.”
“‘Oh, so we’re not discussing that you were already moving when Tairn landed?’ She fires back. ‘That had he not arrived, you’d be guilty of the very thing the colonel’s offspring accuses you of doing?’
‘I moved on instinct to protect—‘
‘Let’s not embarrass each other by letting you finish that sentence.’
I fucking hate when she does that. She’s the only being on the Continent with a sharper tongue than mine. Well. Violence might give her a run for her money.”
“Fucking rule-loving coward. He doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as Violence. She’s half his size and a thousand times braver. Talk about a disproportionate relationship. There’s no rule in this godsforsaken college that would keep me from saving Bodhi’s, Garrick’s, or Liam’s life… and now hers.”
“Aetos scurries away like the little rat he is.”
“Her eyes flare and her lips part.
And I’m definitely not thinking about her mouth, not when I have bigger concerns like how to keep her alive. Not thinking about the best angle to kiss her, either. Or what her perfect ass would feel like in my hands.”
“‘He knows exactly how much you dislike her and how often you stare—‘
‘I will volunteer for every cold-weather mission in existence if you—‘
‘Rude. As if you’re inability to control your own hormones should result in my discomfort.’ She mentally shudders. Ruthless and vicious as my girl might be, she draws the line at the cold unless we’re flying for Aretia.”
“My gaze roaming down Sorrengail’s body. There’s absolutely nothing to dislike about what I see. In fact, if Amari herself ever designed a woman with my downfall in mind… Well, fuck. Maybe that’s exactly what Violence is—my downfall. Soft skin. Sharp mind. Fierce temper. Deadly with a dagger. Brave to a fault. And utterly unruffled. What makes her lose complete control? What kind of man would she let unravel her?
‘She’s two years to your junior and in your chain of command.’ Sgaeyl feigns outrage.
‘And you’re fifty years younger than Tairn. Your point?’”
“Sorrengail shrugs, and my gaze locks onto the flush in her cheeks, that delicate bloom of pink that tells me she’s not as unaffected by me as she likes to pretend.”
“The gold dragon lands behind us, followed by the monstrosity Sgaeyl calls a mate.”
“‘Is this going to be a problem?’ Garrick asks.
‘No.’
‘Right.’ The word drips with sarcasm.
‘I’m fine.’
‘I’ve seen a corpses more fine than you,’ my best friend mutters.”
“I lower my shields just enough to feel for the bond. The hard sapphire one I share with Sgaeyl is locked into place as always, but now there are two more. The onyx I recognize as Tairn, and the other, a glimmering strand of… silver, like the ends of her hair.”
“‘But if that’s the route you choose, everyone likes Liam, so hopefully she will, too. It will make it easier for him to guard her.’
‘She’ll like him.’ That unpleasant feeling flares in my gut again, twisting into a knot.
Garrick grins. ‘Don’t worry. He won’t fuck her.’
My eyes narrow at Garrick. ‘Why would I care if he…” The words die on my tongue as Aetos walks behind Sorrengail and reaches for her back. That asshole is unlacing her armor. He’s got his hands on her skin. I breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth.”
“‘Relax, he’s just lacing her back up,’ Garrick says, and I know without looking the asshole is still smiling. ‘See? She’s already turning around. Nothing to… Oh shit.’ Garrick’s voice fades to a whisper as Aetos lowers his head and kisses Sorrengail.
Fire rushes through my veins and shadows spasm around me, distorting my vision for a second. Dain-fucking-Aetos has his mouth on my Violence.
Not mine. But that doesn’t stop the knot in my stomach from unfurling, spreading like acid into my system, burning through my chest and making it hard to draw breath until that snot-nosed asswipe lifts his head.
‘Damn. You all right over there?’ Garrick asks, laughter lacing his tone.
‘I’m…’ I pin my feet to the field with shadows to keep from marching over there and feeding Aetos my fist. How fucking dare he kiss the mouth he wouldn’t bend a rule to protect, when I would—
‘Yes, what would you do?’ Sgaeyl asks.
Fuck me. What wouldn’t I do?
‘You’re looking a little green.’ Garrick flat-out laughs, and I force air in and out of my lungs as Sorrengail steps back from Aetos.
He grins down at her, but…wait. She isn’t returning the sentiment. No, Sorrengail looks like she just accidentally kissed her cousin and can’t retreat fast enough. Talk about awkward.
‘In twenty years, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you jealous before. This is amazing.’ Garrick claps his hand on my shoulder.
Jealous. That’s exactly what this hot, corrosive feeling is—jealousy. And now I’m linked to this woman for the rest of our lives.
I need to stay as far away from her as possible.
‘’But you won’t,’ Sgaeyl predicts, and I’d be tempted to raise my middle finger if I didn’t think she’d bite the damned thing off as a reminder that she can.”
Chapter 27
”Dain Aetos is dancing on my last fucking nerve. I’m ready to lean over and introduce his face to the Montserrat briefing table.
But Violence wouldn’t like that🎀.”
“Shit like that is why I keep my inconvenient feelings about Violet to my damned self, no matter how good she looks today or how delectable she smells sitting next to me, like some kind of citrus that makes me want to bury my face in the side of her neck and see just how pink I can get her cheeks to flush.”
“Leave it to me to fall for the one woman on the Continent I can never fucking have.”
“But I keep my attention on making Dain as uncomfortable as possible just for fun.”
“I glance in Violet’s direction and catch her lips pursing in concentration. Gods, that mouth. I dream about that mouth. Fantasize about that mouth. That kiss is burned into my memory like a relic, taunting me with what will never happen again, with what I never should have tasted in the first place.”
“‘Yours are better,’ I whisper under my breath to Liam.
‘I know.’ He grins, running his thumb over the chunky wings of the figure.”
“Holy shit, we really are connected. This could be—
‘Dangerous? Reckless? An unaffordable distraction?’ Sgaeyl snaps, and I swear I hear her teeth clash.
‘Fun.’ There’s no denying the bond between us when it’s shining at me like a fucking mage light.”
“It worked. My heart stumbles, and I bite back a laugh. I was wrong. This isn’t just fun, it’s instantly vital to my existence. I turn toward her, letting a corner of my mouth rise, and look straight into those hypnotic hazel eyes. ‘You’re staring. It’s going to get awkward in about thirty seconds if you don’t stop.’”
“If it were safe for Violet, I’d be ecstatically guilty of inappropriate behavior. Wickedly inappropriate. In my bed. In hers. On a table in the Archives. In the bathing chamber and every room with a door to lock so no one else can see what’s mine. I’d be so decadently inappropriate that her voice would turn hoarse from screaming my name every single day.”
“‘It seemed a prudent course of action, considering your insufferable intolerance to being separated from the general’s daughter.’ She huffs.
‘Insufferable? That’s a bit far.’
‘Where’s Violet now?’ she mocks. ‘What is she doing? Is she thinking of me? Is she missing me? Is she getting closer to Aetos? Does she dream about that kiss? How many days until Violet’s—‘
‘Point fucking taken.’ She’s going to be unbearable on the flight home.”
“And there she goes again, defending me. Fuck, I love this woman.”
“Fucking love her.”
“I shouldn’t be impressed—it’s just lesser magic—but damn she’s sexy when she takes charge.”
“‘Sound shield.’ Dain smiles. ‘Nice.’
What a suck-up.”
“An irrational, ugly feeling sours my stomach. They have the kind of history that lingers, the kind that has me really contemplating the word “jealousy.””
“Lying is easy, except when it comes to Violet. I haven’t quite figured that one out yet.”
“I chose Violet over my wing.”
“‘There’s nothing anyone can do about the way I’m made.’
The way she’s made? She’s fucking perfect. Everything about her is what makes her…Violet.”
“But damn, her courage has me tripping over my feelings for her.”
“The way she opens for me, kissing me back with abandon, nearly takes me out at the knees. Gods, I’ll never get enough of this woman. Her mind. Her tenacity. Her mouth.”
“I kiss her like she’s mine.”
Bonus content:🤍
Chapter 9
“That brilliant, devious mind might regrettably be a complete turn-on.”
“I dip my head so the others won’t hear, and gods she smells really fucking good like—
No thinking about how she smells, jackass.
‘Don’t trust a single person who faces you on this mat,’ I lecture quietly near the shell of her ear, careful to keep my mouth off her. Since when do I think about putting my mouth on an opponent?”
“A corner of my mouth lifts. Gods, she’s just as merciless as Sgaeyl when it comes to her tongue.”
“‘What did I say about being reckless?’ Sgaeyl pushes through my shields. ‘The silver-haired girl is a distraction you can’t aff—‘
I reinforce my shields, blocking her out. She’s never going to let me live this down.”
“ Pink flushes up her neck and into her cheeks, and suddenly I find myself studying her for an entirely different reason. The blush, the skittered pulse, the way her gaze flicks toward my mouth for less than a second… I’m not the only one attracted here.
Fuck. This is dangerous. She is dangerous.
The world outside the mat ceases to exist as my focus narrows to just Violence. She really is stunning, especially when pissed. Tension surges between us, and my heartbeat jumps despite my best effort to lock that shit down. But damn if I’m not critically aware of the feel of her body beneath mine, the warmth of her skin under my fingertips, the way her breath catches as I lower my face to hers slowly.”
“She tenses under me, and fuck, her thighs clench around my hips. I have to get the fuck off her before she realizes she has another weapon at her disposal when it comes to me.”
“Thank gods she has the common sense to release my hips from the grip of her thighs, because mine has fled, replaced by the urge to leave them right where they were and carry her to the nearest empty room to see just how attracted we both are.”
“‘You in the mood to spar with first-years?’ Garrick asks. ‘Or just that particular first-year?’
’Sometimes I hate how fucking observant you are.’
‘It’s hard to miss the way you look at her,’ he says, lowering his voice.
‘Like I want to kill her?’ I retort.
‘Or fu—‘
‘Don’t finish that sentence when I’m in the mood to hit people.’
‘Oh, would you, please?’ He puts his hand to his heart and grins. ‘I need you to use those big, strong hands to show me—‘
I shove his shoulder hard enough to send him staggering sideways.”
Chapter 16
“If I act every time someone drags my name through a pile of bullshit, I’ll never get anything done. For the most part, I take note of the offense, file it away for future consideration, and move on. As Sgaeyl loves to remind me, dragons are not concerned with the opinions of the sheep… or most humans.”
“But Aetos’s fingers dent in on the shoulders of Sorrengail’s uniform, and unexplainable rage pumps into my veins like little shards of ice, cutting everything in its path. Aetos takes his hands off Sorrengail’s shoulders, and I decide to let him keep them for now.”
“Seriously. Of all the laws I break around here, that’s the one he goes with?”
“I keep my gaze locked on Aetos and off Sorrengail’s wide, hazel eyes and the scrapes that mar her skin. I definitely don’t let my attention wander down those tight curves—
Fuck she’s a distraction.”
“‘You did not just bring me into this nonsense.’
‘You sure as hell dragged me into it. Since when do you get all mushy over smaller dragons?’
‘Since when do you get emotional over human women?’ Sgaeyl challenges.
‘I’m pissed, not emotional,’ I correct her.”
“In one second on that field, my attitude toward Violence changed from maybe-I’ll-kill-her-or-maybe-I-won’t to protect-her-at-all-costs.”
“Odd time to grow a spine, but good for him.”
“‘Oh, so we’re not discussing that you were already moving when Tairn landed?’ She fires back. ‘That had he not arrived, you’d be guilty of the very thing the colonel’s offspring accuses you of doing?’
‘I moved on instinct to protect—‘
‘Let’s not embarrass each other by letting you finish that sentence.’
I fucking hate when she does that. She’s the only being on the Continent with a sharper tongue than mine. Well. Violence might give her a run for her money.”
“Fucking rule-loving coward. He doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air as Violence. She’s half his size and a thousand times braver. Talk about a disproportionate relationship. There’s no rule in this godsforsaken college that would keep me from saving Bodhi’s, Garrick’s, or Liam’s life… and now hers.”
“Aetos scurries away like the little rat he is.”
“Her eyes flare and her lips part.
And I’m definitely not thinking about her mouth, not when I have bigger concerns like how to keep her alive. Not thinking about the best angle to kiss her, either. Or what her perfect ass would feel like in my hands.”
“‘He knows exactly how much you dislike her and how often you stare—‘
‘I will volunteer for every cold-weather mission in existence if you—‘
‘Rude. As if you’re inability to control your own hormones should result in my discomfort.’ She mentally shudders. Ruthless and vicious as my girl might be, she draws the line at the cold unless we’re flying for Aretia.”
“My gaze roaming down Sorrengail’s body. There’s absolutely nothing to dislike about what I see. In fact, if Amari herself ever designed a woman with my downfall in mind… Well, fuck. Maybe that’s exactly what Violence is—my downfall. Soft skin. Sharp mind. Fierce temper. Deadly with a dagger. Brave to a fault. And utterly unruffled. What makes her lose complete control? What kind of man would she let unravel her?
‘She’s two years to your junior and in your chain of command.’ Sgaeyl feigns outrage.
‘And you’re fifty years younger than Tairn. Your point?’”
“Sorrengail shrugs, and my gaze locks onto the flush in her cheeks, that delicate bloom of pink that tells me she’s not as unaffected by me as she likes to pretend.”
“The gold dragon lands behind us, followed by the monstrosity Sgaeyl calls a mate.”
“‘Is this going to be a problem?’ Garrick asks.
‘No.’
‘Right.’ The word drips with sarcasm.
‘I’m fine.’
‘I’ve seen a corpses more fine than you,’ my best friend mutters.”
“I lower my shields just enough to feel for the bond. The hard sapphire one I share with Sgaeyl is locked into place as always, but now there are two more. The onyx I recognize as Tairn, and the other, a glimmering strand of… silver, like the ends of her hair.”
“‘But if that’s the route you choose, everyone likes Liam, so hopefully she will, too. It will make it easier for him to guard her.’
‘She’ll like him.’ That unpleasant feeling flares in my gut again, twisting into a knot.
Garrick grins. ‘Don’t worry. He won’t fuck her.’
My eyes narrow at Garrick. ‘Why would I care if he…” The words die on my tongue as Aetos walks behind Sorrengail and reaches for her back. That asshole is unlacing her armor. He’s got his hands on her skin. I breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth.”
“‘Relax, he’s just lacing her back up,’ Garrick says, and I know without looking the asshole is still smiling. ‘See? She’s already turning around. Nothing to… Oh shit.’ Garrick’s voice fades to a whisper as Aetos lowers his head and kisses Sorrengail.
Fire rushes through my veins and shadows spasm around me, distorting my vision for a second. Dain-fucking-Aetos has his mouth on my Violence.
Not mine. But that doesn’t stop the knot in my stomach from unfurling, spreading like acid into my system, burning through my chest and making it hard to draw breath until that snot-nosed asswipe lifts his head.
‘Damn. You all right over there?’ Garrick asks, laughter lacing his tone.
‘I’m…’ I pin my feet to the field with shadows to keep from marching over there and feeding Aetos my fist. How fucking dare he kiss the mouth he wouldn’t bend a rule to protect, when I would—
‘Yes, what would you do?’ Sgaeyl asks.
Fuck me. What wouldn’t I do?
‘You’re looking a little green.’ Garrick flat-out laughs, and I force air in and out of my lungs as Sorrengail steps back from Aetos.
He grins down at her, but…wait. She isn’t returning the sentiment. No, Sorrengail looks like she just accidentally kissed her cousin and can’t retreat fast enough. Talk about awkward.
‘In twenty years, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you jealous before. This is amazing.’ Garrick claps his hand on my shoulder.
Jealous. That’s exactly what this hot, corrosive feeling is—jealousy. And now I’m linked to this woman for the rest of our lives.
I need to stay as far away from her as possible.
‘’But you won’t,’ Sgaeyl predicts, and I’d be tempted to raise my middle finger if I didn’t think she’d bite the damned thing off as a reminder that she can.”
Chapter 27
”Dain Aetos is dancing on my last fucking nerve. I’m ready to lean over and introduce his face to the Montserrat briefing table.
But Violence wouldn’t like that🎀.”
“Shit like that is why I keep my inconvenient feelings about Violet to my damned self, no matter how good she looks today or how delectable she smells sitting next to me, like some kind of citrus that makes me want to bury my face in the side of her neck and see just how pink I can get her cheeks to flush.”
“Leave it to me to fall for the one woman on the Continent I can never fucking have.”
“But I keep my attention on making Dain as uncomfortable as possible just for fun.”
“I glance in Violet’s direction and catch her lips pursing in concentration. Gods, that mouth. I dream about that mouth. Fantasize about that mouth. That kiss is burned into my memory like a relic, taunting me with what will never happen again, with what I never should have tasted in the first place.”
“‘Yours are better,’ I whisper under my breath to Liam.
‘I know.’ He grins, running his thumb over the chunky wings of the figure.”
“Holy shit, we really are connected. This could be—
‘Dangerous? Reckless? An unaffordable distraction?’ Sgaeyl snaps, and I swear I hear her teeth clash.
‘Fun.’ There’s no denying the bond between us when it’s shining at me like a fucking mage light.”
“It worked. My heart stumbles, and I bite back a laugh. I was wrong. This isn’t just fun, it’s instantly vital to my existence. I turn toward her, letting a corner of my mouth rise, and look straight into those hypnotic hazel eyes. ‘You’re staring. It’s going to get awkward in about thirty seconds if you don’t stop.’”
“If it were safe for Violet, I’d be ecstatically guilty of inappropriate behavior. Wickedly inappropriate. In my bed. In hers. On a table in the Archives. In the bathing chamber and every room with a door to lock so no one else can see what’s mine. I’d be so decadently inappropriate that her voice would turn hoarse from screaming my name every single day.”
“‘It seemed a prudent course of action, considering your insufferable intolerance to being separated from the general’s daughter.’ She huffs.
‘Insufferable? That’s a bit far.’
‘Where’s Violet now?’ she mocks. ‘What is she doing? Is she thinking of me? Is she missing me? Is she getting closer to Aetos? Does she dream about that kiss? How many days until Violet’s—‘
‘Point fucking taken.’ She’s going to be unbearable on the flight home.”
“And there she goes again, defending me. Fuck, I love this woman.”
“Fucking love her.”
“I shouldn’t be impressed—it’s just lesser magic—but damn she’s sexy when she takes charge.”
“‘Sound shield.’ Dain smiles. ‘Nice.’
What a suck-up.”
“An irrational, ugly feeling sours my stomach. They have the kind of history that lingers, the kind that has me really contemplating the word “jealousy.””
“Lying is easy, except when it comes to Violet. I haven’t quite figured that one out yet.”
“I chose Violet over my wing.”
“‘There’s nothing anyone can do about the way I’m made.’
The way she’s made? She’s fucking perfect. Everything about her is what makes her…Violet.”
“But damn, her courage has me tripping over my feelings for her.”
“The way she opens for me, kissing me back with abandon, nearly takes me out at the knees. Gods, I’ll never get enough of this woman. Her mind. Her tenacity. Her mouth.”
“I kiss her like she’s mine.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2024
Czytałam te dodatkowe rozdziały do pierwszej części z perspektywy Xadena, ale to była strata czasu 😂
February 18, 2025
my review for an iron flame fanfic: truth and talon by hurricane on ao3 deserves ALL the flowers. i can't remember the last time a fanfic made me cry real tears. I LOVE remi and xaden and I think they they belong together forever and ever. their wedding and the tyrrish tattoos were so beautiful wow. and the ending gagged me a bit, but it is so them. i think I am more excited for the next installment than I am for the actual 4th book. 5 stars!!!!!
word count (374,502)
word count (374,502)
November 30, 2024
Oh. My. Freaking. Gosh!
I am so glad I waited this long to read this series because I only have a month until the next book comes out. Unfortunately I read some reviews and knew the book would end with me wanting to throw it. I tried predicting what would happen, but I DID NOT SEE THIS COMING! Aaaarrrggghh. What the heck!
I am so glad I waited this long to read this series because I only have a month until the next book comes out. Unfortunately I read some reviews and knew the book would end with me wanting to throw it. I tried predicting what would happen, but I DID NOT SEE THIS COMING! Aaaarrrggghh. What the heck!
December 30, 2024
Perfection 😍
Read
January 15, 2025Re-read of fourth wing and iron flame. In preparation for Onyx Storm
January 21, 2025
Petition to have Goodreads allow you to reread books and it be less complicated to get into your read count lol. Also to remove the dumb bookmark challenge thing. Anyway, I’ve prepped and am ready!!
January 25, 2025
EVEN BETTER THE SECOND TIME!!
January 27, 2025
Finished the reread of iron flame. Totally didn’t cry again 🥹🥹. This book series is just 🔥. So much happening and an amazing world build. Now to start Onyx Storm
February 3, 2025
This re-read was so wonderful.
Listening to Iron Flame this time around was a crazy experience, especially the ending scene. Like wow, just wow. I adore this world and these characters like no other and I’m terrified for Onyx Storm.
Listening to Iron Flame this time around was a crazy experience, especially the ending scene. Like wow, just wow. I adore this world and these characters like no other and I’m terrified for Onyx Storm.
January 20, 2025
Marking this one because it’s a re-read in prep of Onyx 🥹🐉🗡️
January 28, 2025
Great book. So glad the 3rd book in the series just came out.
February 21, 2024
buckle in everybody, we're going for a ride.
I should point out that when I initially read Fourth Wing, I enjoyed it. However, at the time I read it, it was new, I had a deep obsession with all things 'dragon' and I had never read any book with the sort of romance that was in Fourth Wing. (So that was eye-opening)
I'm the sort of person who (mostly) separates media from the maker. I bought my copy of Fourth Wing before all of the controversy about Rebecca Yarros came out. Does this mean I'm going to burn my copy because I don't agree with her views? No. If I saw this book in a bookshop knowing the controversy would I buy it/ encourage others to buy it? Probably not.
So with that out of the way, this is my honest review of these two books:
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
FOURTH WING
Let me begin with our protagonist, Violet. First of all, I have grievances with the name. Yes I am aware that it is, just a name, but in a fantasy setting where she's surrounded by names like Xaden and Dain, some of the more basic names seem out of place. If she had some connection to violets, either in appearance or symbolism, then I would understand. But it seems her name has been chosen just for the nickname Violence. (Which let us not forget, was given to her by the main love interest)
For a book that seems to reward itself for its feminism and 'girl power' there seems to be quite a bit of doing things for the sake of men. Even her disability, which even one Google search will let you know, plays in favour of men, where she only displays the 'attractive' or 'quirky' (for lack of a better word) traits of the syndrome. (Which is of course, hyper mobile joints).
I have nothing to say about Xaden except for: The reason he's 'such a good love interest' is because he is conventially attractive and 'possesive'. In times like this people really need to do some sanity checking after giggling and kicking their feet over a 'book boyfriend' is imagine the man in real life. A large percentage of those people would give him a weird look, maybe a disgruntled 'eugh' if they were really approached in the same way.
The plot was interesting, I'll give it that, and I liked the minor characters. But when the main characters are insufferable when they're not intentionally written that way, it's hard to like the book.
IRON FLAME
Well.
This book reads like fanfiction.
Did I read it on my phone? Yes.
Did that contribute to it seeming like fanfiction? Maybe
But also it just seems like a 'what if we dragged these already well established characters through a series of strange adventures where the main character is insecure and the love interest hates her again, for no apparent reason'.
Yarros is trying to push the 'enemies to lovers' trope so hard it's ruining the overall story because Xaden and Violets relationship looks like a bloody sine wave. One minute they love each other, one minute they hate each other and the next they still hate each other but can't seem to keep their hands to themselves(!).
It was disheartening when I found out this was originally meant to be a trilogy but she's pushed it out to five books (probably for money, I don't blame her). But it shows. The pacing is different and the world building is sinking trying to hold up so much backstory on bad supports.
BOTH
well. This has been fun.
If you like this book, go for it. No one is stopping you. (I'm certainly not). But remember this is not a good representation of what fantasy is. People will read this, having never read fantasy before, and will go into fantasy with the mindset 'has it got spice' when really what fantasy is trying to achieve is commenting on real world issues, past, present or even future, and using the fantasy world to make it less personal to the reader sk they can enjoy a story. (Sometimes it's even as simple as, look at them! They're on a DnD style adventure, good for them!) But the focus of fantasy has never been romance (and/or sex). That's not to say it doesn't happen, but that is not one of the main plot factors.
So if this is your first fantasy book and you enjoyed the fantasy elements (the dragons, the magic, the predictable, but classic villains) go and read some more fantasy. Start with fairytale retellings, so it's familiar and work your way up to full blown- drop it and run- high fantasy.
I should point out that when I initially read Fourth Wing, I enjoyed it. However, at the time I read it, it was new, I had a deep obsession with all things 'dragon' and I had never read any book with the sort of romance that was in Fourth Wing. (So that was eye-opening)
I'm the sort of person who (mostly) separates media from the maker. I bought my copy of Fourth Wing before all of the controversy about Rebecca Yarros came out. Does this mean I'm going to burn my copy because I don't agree with her views? No. If I saw this book in a bookshop knowing the controversy would I buy it/ encourage others to buy it? Probably not.
So with that out of the way, this is my honest review of these two books:
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
FOURTH WING
Let me begin with our protagonist, Violet. First of all, I have grievances with the name. Yes I am aware that it is, just a name, but in a fantasy setting where she's surrounded by names like Xaden and Dain, some of the more basic names seem out of place. If she had some connection to violets, either in appearance or symbolism, then I would understand. But it seems her name has been chosen just for the nickname Violence. (Which let us not forget, was given to her by the main love interest)
For a book that seems to reward itself for its feminism and 'girl power' there seems to be quite a bit of doing things for the sake of men. Even her disability, which even one Google search will let you know, plays in favour of men, where she only displays the 'attractive' or 'quirky' (for lack of a better word) traits of the syndrome. (Which is of course, hyper mobile joints).
I have nothing to say about Xaden except for: The reason he's 'such a good love interest' is because he is conventially attractive and 'possesive'. In times like this people really need to do some sanity checking after giggling and kicking their feet over a 'book boyfriend' is imagine the man in real life. A large percentage of those people would give him a weird look, maybe a disgruntled 'eugh' if they were really approached in the same way.
The plot was interesting, I'll give it that, and I liked the minor characters. But when the main characters are insufferable when they're not intentionally written that way, it's hard to like the book.
IRON FLAME
Well.
This book reads like fanfiction.
Did I read it on my phone? Yes.
Did that contribute to it seeming like fanfiction? Maybe
But also it just seems like a 'what if we dragged these already well established characters through a series of strange adventures where the main character is insecure and the love interest hates her again, for no apparent reason'.
Yarros is trying to push the 'enemies to lovers' trope so hard it's ruining the overall story because Xaden and Violets relationship looks like a bloody sine wave. One minute they love each other, one minute they hate each other and the next they still hate each other but can't seem to keep their hands to themselves(!).
It was disheartening when I found out this was originally meant to be a trilogy but she's pushed it out to five books (probably for money, I don't blame her). But it shows. The pacing is different and the world building is sinking trying to hold up so much backstory on bad supports.
BOTH
well. This has been fun.
If you like this book, go for it. No one is stopping you. (I'm certainly not). But remember this is not a good representation of what fantasy is. People will read this, having never read fantasy before, and will go into fantasy with the mindset 'has it got spice' when really what fantasy is trying to achieve is commenting on real world issues, past, present or even future, and using the fantasy world to make it less personal to the reader sk they can enjoy a story. (Sometimes it's even as simple as, look at them! They're on a DnD style adventure, good for them!) But the focus of fantasy has never been romance (and/or sex). That's not to say it doesn't happen, but that is not one of the main plot factors.
So if this is your first fantasy book and you enjoyed the fantasy elements (the dragons, the magic, the predictable, but classic villains) go and read some more fantasy. Start with fairytale retellings, so it's familiar and work your way up to full blown- drop it and run- high fantasy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2025
Loved the End of this Book. I can‘t wait until the next one is published! I hope that there is a cure for Xaden.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2025
Violet Sorrengail approaches her mother’s office on Conscription Day, the day on which all 20-year-olds across the Navarre must select their branch of military service. Although Violet’s late father initially trained her for the Scribe Quadrant, her mother, General Sorrengail, orders her to enter the Rider Quadrant, in which Violet will spend the next three years fighting for her life against her fellow cadets as she prepares to become a dragon rider. Entering her mother’s office, she finds her sister Mira, who is already a dragon rider, arguing with General Sorrengail about Violet’s low prospects, given that an illness during Violet’s infancy caused her to be frail and small. General Sorrengail maintains her decision, even when Mira evokes the memory of her brother Brennan, who died serving on the front lines as a dragon rider. Mira then helps Violet prepare to enter the Basgaith War College and gives her a corset lined with dragon scales to protect her from injury. Mira also advises Violet to seek out Dain Aetos, their childhood friend. She warns Violet against interacting with anyone who bears a tattoo on their arm marking them as the child of a rebel; all such children are forced to enter the Rider Quadrant on Conscription Day as an institutionalized form of punishment for their parents’ previous attempt at insurrection.
All cadets must first cross the parapet, a narrow wall between the rider school and the rest of the college. Violet meets Xaden Riorson, the son of the leader of the rebellion who is also a high-ranking third-year cadet. Although they feel an instant attraction, they loathe each other because Xaden’s father killed Brennan, a crime for which Violet’s mother executed Xaden’s father. As Violet crosses the parapet, a fellow cadet named Jack tries to kill her—an action that reflects the harshly competitive nature of the war college—but she escapes his murderous attempts and is found by Dain. He urges her to join the scribes, then accepts both her and her new friend Rhiannon into the squad he oversees. At the last minute, his squad is transferred from the Second Wing to the Fourth, putting them directly under Xaden’s command.
The next day begins their training. Dain privately warns Violet that Xaden wants to kill her. He also reveals that his connection to his dragon gives him the power to see other people’s recent memories when he touches their temples. Violet stands out in class due to her superior knowledge and intellect but continues to be a target during sparring as other cadets try to kill her, due to her physical weakness and her mother’s reputation as a general. She makes a deal with Rhiannon to teach her history if Rhiannon helps her learn to spar. After initial training, the professors allow the cadets to engage in challenges, some of which become deadly. Violet uses her late brother’s journal to determine her challengers’ identities before the fights and poisons them to give herself the advantage. One night while collecting ingredients, she overhears a mentorship meeting between the children of the rebels. When the gathering breaks up, Xaden calls out to her, swearing her to secrecy in exchange for a later favor.
Cadets are challenged to climb the Gauntlet, a vertical obstacle course meant to mimic the difficulties of riding a dragon; squads are timed on their climbing, and the results of the challenge determine the order in which they will first be presented to dragons who are willing to bond with humans. Violet twists some rules during her climb, frustrating one of the wingleaders. Her squad is presented to the dragons, and several cadets are incinerated for being impertinent or rude. Among the gathered dragons is a small golden feathertail, a breed of dragon known for its refusal to bond with humans.
When the event called Threshing arrives, cadets are released into a valley in the hopes of bonding with a dragon. Because there are so few dragons willing to bond, many cadets resort to murdering fellow cadets in order to improve their chances. Violet hides from Jack and his cohorts but realizes that they intend to kill the golden dragon because of its perceived weaknesses. She goes to the dragon’s defense and is severely injured before Xaden and his dragon, Sgaeyl, arrive and observe. Violet fights off Jack and a second cadet before a rare black dragon named Tairn arrives and kills the third cadet, then takes Violet back to the college. Both Tairn and the golden dragon, Andarna, give their names as Violet’s bonded dragons, making her the first rider in history to have two bonds. Dain kisses Violet. Violet also learns that Tairn is Sgaeyl’s mate, which gives Xaden a vested interest in keeping Violet alive.
Although Violet’s physical prowess improves, she cannot remain seated on Tairn during flying practice. One evening, Tairn wakes Violet as six unbonded cadets try to kill her; Andarna uses her power to stop time until Xaden can come to her rescue. Violet tells him that a senior cadet let the others into her room. The next day, Xaden accuses the cadet in question in front of all the students; when she is found guilty, she is executed.
Xaden and Violet meet with their dragons and learn that Andarna is a child, not a rare breed; therefore, her time-stopping power must be kept a secret, because until she reaches maturity, her ability is vulnerable and can be stolen. Meanwhile, new developments come thick and fast. Xaden asks Liam, a fellow rebel’s child, to act as Violet’s bodyguard. Xaden and Violet spontaneously kiss during a moment of passion caused by their dragons. Violet is forced to fight Jack and exposes him to an allergen to save herself. During the annual Squad Battle, cadets are instructed to steal something that their enemies would desire; Violet’s squad steals General Sorrengail’s map of military outposts, winning the chance to shadow soldiers on the front lines. Once there, Violet reconnects with her sister, but gryphon fliers from the enemy country of Poromeil attack, cutting their visit short. During a later game of capture-the-flag, Violet saves Liam from Jack’s attempt to murder him. In doing so, she finally manifests her “signet,” the unique power she gains from being bonded to a dragon. Her signet is the ability to control lightning; she kills Jack. That night, Xaden and Violet have intercourse; Violet later insists that they will only be intimate again if Xaden confesses that he has romantic feelings toward her.
Reunification Day comes—the commemoration of the day upon which the separatists were defeated and the rebellion overcome—and the college hosts a celebration. As it is also the anniversary of the day Brennan died, Violet seeks Xaden, who is mourning the death of his father. The two confess their mutual romantic attraction and have intercourse; however, they are interrupted by the announcement of the final stage of the War Games, which is a battle simulation. Xaden leads a group of rebel children and Violet to an outpost outside of the empire. There, they meet gryphon fliers, and Xaden admits that he has been supplying them with weapons to fight the venin, evil beings from folklore who forcibly take magic from the earth and corrupt it for their own gain. Violet is heartbroken that he lied to her about his collaboration with Navarre’s enemy to combat this greater enemy to humankind. They find a letter from the college telling them of an upcoming venin assault; Xaden realizes that Dain read Violet’s memories and informed the college that they were helping the fliers, and this mission is meant to kill them.
Although given the option to flee, the group decides to stay and fight alongside the fliers. In the battle, Liam is killed, and Violet is stabbed with a poisoned knife. She manages to ensure their victory by using her lightning abilities. The survivors take her to an abandoned fortress to heal. When she awakens after three days, Xaden swears his loyalty to her and his devotion to helping her trust him again, although she resists his advances and doubts his intentions. Violet’s brother Brennan, whom she thought was dead, arrives and welcomes Violet to the revolution. The novel ends on a cliffhanger, and the story continues in the next book in the series, Iron Flame (2023).
All cadets must first cross the parapet, a narrow wall between the rider school and the rest of the college. Violet meets Xaden Riorson, the son of the leader of the rebellion who is also a high-ranking third-year cadet. Although they feel an instant attraction, they loathe each other because Xaden’s father killed Brennan, a crime for which Violet’s mother executed Xaden’s father. As Violet crosses the parapet, a fellow cadet named Jack tries to kill her—an action that reflects the harshly competitive nature of the war college—but she escapes his murderous attempts and is found by Dain. He urges her to join the scribes, then accepts both her and her new friend Rhiannon into the squad he oversees. At the last minute, his squad is transferred from the Second Wing to the Fourth, putting them directly under Xaden’s command.
The next day begins their training. Dain privately warns Violet that Xaden wants to kill her. He also reveals that his connection to his dragon gives him the power to see other people’s recent memories when he touches their temples. Violet stands out in class due to her superior knowledge and intellect but continues to be a target during sparring as other cadets try to kill her, due to her physical weakness and her mother’s reputation as a general. She makes a deal with Rhiannon to teach her history if Rhiannon helps her learn to spar. After initial training, the professors allow the cadets to engage in challenges, some of which become deadly. Violet uses her late brother’s journal to determine her challengers’ identities before the fights and poisons them to give herself the advantage. One night while collecting ingredients, she overhears a mentorship meeting between the children of the rebels. When the gathering breaks up, Xaden calls out to her, swearing her to secrecy in exchange for a later favor.
Cadets are challenged to climb the Gauntlet, a vertical obstacle course meant to mimic the difficulties of riding a dragon; squads are timed on their climbing, and the results of the challenge determine the order in which they will first be presented to dragons who are willing to bond with humans. Violet twists some rules during her climb, frustrating one of the wingleaders. Her squad is presented to the dragons, and several cadets are incinerated for being impertinent or rude. Among the gathered dragons is a small golden feathertail, a breed of dragon known for its refusal to bond with humans.
When the event called Threshing arrives, cadets are released into a valley in the hopes of bonding with a dragon. Because there are so few dragons willing to bond, many cadets resort to murdering fellow cadets in order to improve their chances. Violet hides from Jack and his cohorts but realizes that they intend to kill the golden dragon because of its perceived weaknesses. She goes to the dragon’s defense and is severely injured before Xaden and his dragon, Sgaeyl, arrive and observe. Violet fights off Jack and a second cadet before a rare black dragon named Tairn arrives and kills the third cadet, then takes Violet back to the college. Both Tairn and the golden dragon, Andarna, give their names as Violet’s bonded dragons, making her the first rider in history to have two bonds. Dain kisses Violet. Violet also learns that Tairn is Sgaeyl’s mate, which gives Xaden a vested interest in keeping Violet alive.
Although Violet’s physical prowess improves, she cannot remain seated on Tairn during flying practice. One evening, Tairn wakes Violet as six unbonded cadets try to kill her; Andarna uses her power to stop time until Xaden can come to her rescue. Violet tells him that a senior cadet let the others into her room. The next day, Xaden accuses the cadet in question in front of all the students; when she is found guilty, she is executed.
Xaden and Violet meet with their dragons and learn that Andarna is a child, not a rare breed; therefore, her time-stopping power must be kept a secret, because until she reaches maturity, her ability is vulnerable and can be stolen. Meanwhile, new developments come thick and fast. Xaden asks Liam, a fellow rebel’s child, to act as Violet’s bodyguard. Xaden and Violet spontaneously kiss during a moment of passion caused by their dragons. Violet is forced to fight Jack and exposes him to an allergen to save herself. During the annual Squad Battle, cadets are instructed to steal something that their enemies would desire; Violet’s squad steals General Sorrengail’s map of military outposts, winning the chance to shadow soldiers on the front lines. Once there, Violet reconnects with her sister, but gryphon fliers from the enemy country of Poromeil attack, cutting their visit short. During a later game of capture-the-flag, Violet saves Liam from Jack’s attempt to murder him. In doing so, she finally manifests her “signet,” the unique power she gains from being bonded to a dragon. Her signet is the ability to control lightning; she kills Jack. That night, Xaden and Violet have intercourse; Violet later insists that they will only be intimate again if Xaden confesses that he has romantic feelings toward her.
Reunification Day comes—the commemoration of the day upon which the separatists were defeated and the rebellion overcome—and the college hosts a celebration. As it is also the anniversary of the day Brennan died, Violet seeks Xaden, who is mourning the death of his father. The two confess their mutual romantic attraction and have intercourse; however, they are interrupted by the announcement of the final stage of the War Games, which is a battle simulation. Xaden leads a group of rebel children and Violet to an outpost outside of the empire. There, they meet gryphon fliers, and Xaden admits that he has been supplying them with weapons to fight the venin, evil beings from folklore who forcibly take magic from the earth and corrupt it for their own gain. Violet is heartbroken that he lied to her about his collaboration with Navarre’s enemy to combat this greater enemy to humankind. They find a letter from the college telling them of an upcoming venin assault; Xaden realizes that Dain read Violet’s memories and informed the college that they were helping the fliers, and this mission is meant to kill them.
Although given the option to flee, the group decides to stay and fight alongside the fliers. In the battle, Liam is killed, and Violet is stabbed with a poisoned knife. She manages to ensure their victory by using her lightning abilities. The survivors take her to an abandoned fortress to heal. When she awakens after three days, Xaden swears his loyalty to her and his devotion to helping her trust him again, although she resists his advances and doubts his intentions. Violet’s brother Brennan, whom she thought was dead, arrives and welcomes Violet to the revolution. The novel ends on a cliffhanger, and the story continues in the next book in the series, Iron Flame (2023).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2024
Violet was absolutely insufferable in this book. There first 350 pages was just the same fight over and over again.
Instead of actually wanting to spend any amount of time with her family especially her brother who she hadn’t seen in years and was in fact alive - she only seemed to care about Xanden, a guy she met a minute ago. She fully abandons her friends and family for this random dude.
Also I can't understand the authors description of this character. She is fragile, but fast, but scared, but the smartest, but anxious, but sharp, but super insecure but the strongest in the whole kingdom. Like am I really to believe not one but TWO dragons bonded with this character…nah.
Instead of actually wanting to spend any amount of time with her family especially her brother who she hadn’t seen in years and was in fact alive - she only seemed to care about Xanden, a guy she met a minute ago. She fully abandons her friends and family for this random dude.
Also I can't understand the authors description of this character. She is fragile, but fast, but scared, but the smartest, but anxious, but sharp, but super insecure but the strongest in the whole kingdom. Like am I really to believe not one but TWO dragons bonded with this character…nah.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2024
After the first book, this one was a real disappointment. It dragged on for nearly 700 pages, building up to what was supposed to be an epic war, but when the battle finally happened, it was over in about 30 pages. We were also missing one of the dragons for most of the book, which felt like a huge letdown. Then there was the whole torture situation — they brought the character back, but not really? It was so confusing.
Some characters died, but honestly, I didn’t feel any emotional impact. The ending was a mess and made the whole thing feel like a waste of 8 hours. Here's hoping the third book redeems the series.
XOXO
Minmin
Some characters died, but honestly, I didn’t feel any emotional impact. The ending was a mess and made the whole thing feel like a waste of 8 hours. Here's hoping the third book redeems the series.
XOXO
Minmin
May 21, 2024
"Violence, remember it's only the body that's fragile. You are unbreakable." - S. 219 Xaden
Band zwei. Ich hatte sehnsüchtig gewartet. Das Ende von Band eins war packend, hat Lust auf mehr gemacht.
Und jetzt versteht mich nicht falsch. Band zwei war gut, aber ich hatte doch mehr erwartet. Woran lag das? Aber zuerst die positiven Sachen.
Die Freundschaften in diesem Teil haben mit unglaublich gefallen. Es war spannend. Es war mitreißend. Es gab viel zu entdecken. Viel zu hinterfragen, am Ende viel zu betrauern und ein noch böseres Ende wie Band eins.
Aber nicht gefallen hat mir leider hier auch ein paar Dinge. Zu aller erst konnte ich die ersten 200/250 Seiten nichts mit Violett anfangen wo sie in Band eins so stark und unnachgiebig war, wo sie auch rational sein konnte, war es mir nun zu viel Drama was Xaden angeht. Dazu kam dann das Thema Doppelmoral und damit konnte sie mich nicht erreichen. Ich habs einfach nicht verstanden. Als sich das allerdings halbwegs aufgelöst hatte, wurde es besser (ein Hoch auf Vis Familie und XADEN). Daher war der Anfang auch eher ereignislos. Klar langweilig nicht, da Armee Drachen etc. Aber wirklich viel passiert ist erst später. Aber da hatte es mich dann auch wieder fest im Griff.
Was mir allerdings auch sehr gefehlt hat, ist die Welt kennenzulernen. Mehr über die Drachen, mehr über die Geschichte, mehr über die Funktionen etc. Es wird eine 5 teilige Reihe Band eins und zwei sind alles andere als dünn, da hätte ich mir einfach mehr erhofft. Aber es gibt ja noch drei Teile und ich hoffe aufs beste.
Band drei wird glaube ich einfach ein Wendepunkt und ich bin gespannt.
Band zwei. Ich hatte sehnsüchtig gewartet. Das Ende von Band eins war packend, hat Lust auf mehr gemacht.
Und jetzt versteht mich nicht falsch. Band zwei war gut, aber ich hatte doch mehr erwartet. Woran lag das? Aber zuerst die positiven Sachen.
Die Freundschaften in diesem Teil haben mit unglaublich gefallen. Es war spannend. Es war mitreißend. Es gab viel zu entdecken. Viel zu hinterfragen, am Ende viel zu betrauern und ein noch böseres Ende wie Band eins.
Aber nicht gefallen hat mir leider hier auch ein paar Dinge. Zu aller erst konnte ich die ersten 200/250 Seiten nichts mit Violett anfangen wo sie in Band eins so stark und unnachgiebig war, wo sie auch rational sein konnte, war es mir nun zu viel Drama was Xaden angeht. Dazu kam dann das Thema Doppelmoral und damit konnte sie mich nicht erreichen. Ich habs einfach nicht verstanden. Als sich das allerdings halbwegs aufgelöst hatte, wurde es besser (ein Hoch auf Vis Familie und XADEN). Daher war der Anfang auch eher ereignislos. Klar langweilig nicht, da Armee Drachen etc. Aber wirklich viel passiert ist erst später. Aber da hatte es mich dann auch wieder fest im Griff.
Was mir allerdings auch sehr gefehlt hat, ist die Welt kennenzulernen. Mehr über die Drachen, mehr über die Geschichte, mehr über die Funktionen etc. Es wird eine 5 teilige Reihe Band eins und zwei sind alles andere als dünn, da hätte ich mir einfach mehr erhofft. Aber es gibt ja noch drei Teile und ich hoffe aufs beste.
Band drei wird glaube ich einfach ein Wendepunkt und ich bin gespannt.
December 1, 2025
Fourth Wing absolutely gripped me from the very first chapter. Rebecca Yarros delivers a fast-paced, addictive fantasy full of dragons, danger, romance, and characters you can’t help but root for.
Violet Sorrengail is an unforgettable protagonist—strong in ways people don’t expect, vulnerable but determined, and constantly proving everyone wrong. Watching her navigate Basgiath War College had me hooked, especially with all the high-stakes tests, brutal challenges, and betrayals lurking around every corner.
And then there’s Xaden Riorson… dark, intense, loyal, and the perfect balance to Violet’s fire. Their chemistry is electric without taking away from the action or world-building. The slow-burn tension was so well done, and their emotional connection really brought the story to life.
Yarros builds a world that feels vivid and dangerous, full of twists that hit hard. The dragons were a massive highlight—powerful, clever, and full of personality. By the time I reached the ending, I was left stunned, emotional, and immediately wanting the next book.
If you love fantasy with heart-pounding action, unforgettable characters, and a romance that keeps you turning pages, Fourth Wing is a must-read. A fantastic start to the Empyrean series.
Violet Sorrengail is an unforgettable protagonist—strong in ways people don’t expect, vulnerable but determined, and constantly proving everyone wrong. Watching her navigate Basgiath War College had me hooked, especially with all the high-stakes tests, brutal challenges, and betrayals lurking around every corner.
And then there’s Xaden Riorson… dark, intense, loyal, and the perfect balance to Violet’s fire. Their chemistry is electric without taking away from the action or world-building. The slow-burn tension was so well done, and their emotional connection really brought the story to life.
Yarros builds a world that feels vivid and dangerous, full of twists that hit hard. The dragons were a massive highlight—powerful, clever, and full of personality. By the time I reached the ending, I was left stunned, emotional, and immediately wanting the next book.
If you love fantasy with heart-pounding action, unforgettable characters, and a romance that keeps you turning pages, Fourth Wing is a must-read. A fantastic start to the Empyrean series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2024
Another day, another enormous book finished. This is the follow up to Fourth Wing, the book everyone loves, and I assume will no doubt be made into a film very soon! So we have a school, dragons, an incredible love story, rebellion, and war. What's not to love! The writing is so weirdly addictive, there is something about the style, the pace, the characters, the story, something, that makes her books completely addictive...and I galloped through this HUGE book in record time! I do find the love story and detail therein annoying, a bit 50 Shades and a bit Mills & Boone, which is a lot within the rest of the fast paced story, and I could do without all the detail, but otherwise it's heart stopping and exciting and I love the dragons, the bonds, the chat with them, the powers they can wield,the friendships, the school, the squads, the riders...but I hated the end. Nope. Argh. Now, I have to wait for the next one to see what happens, and that's going to be painful.
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