Book Review: Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Iron Flame

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Iron Flame 〰️

This book had much to live up to, being the sequel to Fourth Wing. And you know what? I think it rises to the occasion. Some parts did feel a bit flat compared to the rest of the novel, but it hit the mark perfectly for 96.7% of the book. It's not often we get a highly anticipated sequel that lives up to the expectations set by the first. And now that I've read this book, I now have to impatiently wait for the next book in this series to come out.

This book amped up its stakes and storytelling from the first book. I found it to be darker but still with a perfect balance of comic relief (and sexy times) when necessary. I felt more emotionally attached to many of the OG squad (like Rhi, Ridoc, Sawyer, etc.) in this book and was genuinely upset to see them go through the struggles they went through, but also happy when they triumphed.

I love how we get to see more of Xaden's world and home. I loved reading all the surprises we learned about him in this book.

I also love that we get to see the griffins and their fliers and learn more about them. It would be cool to get a spinoff someday about a flier. I bet Yarros can pull that off. Plus, it would expand the world of the Continent even more!

I don't want to make this review with spoilers, so if you're looking to dive more into the world Yarros built, this is a worthy continuation. Just know it ends exactly like the first, on another cliffhanger. But hey, it will keep us coming back for more! If Yarros is good, anything (including chapter endings), it's a good cliffhanger.

Book Review: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Fourth Wing

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Fourth Wing 〰️

I’m speechless, but I’ll find the words anyway.

First off, that cover! And the interior formatting! And the map(s)! They’re soooo beautiful. But we all knew that part. It’s probably what made us pick up the book in the first place.

That being said, it’s been a while since I’ve read a fantasy book that was this engaging and done well. I’ve read ACOTAR fairly recently, and while those books were great, they have nothing on Fourth Wing. ACOTAR was basically modern-day with faeries. It didn’t feel too fantasy-like, with a few exceptions here and there. (In my opinion, anyway). But Fourth Wing? This book nailed it. And it’s been even longer since I read a book with dragons that was done right. And the world-building in this book? Exceptional. I love using Violent’s training as a scribe; she had her reciting facts about the world we are in to calm herself down. That way, we learn about the world in a way that doesn’t feel like a massive exposition dump, even though it was.

Yarros truly knows what she was doing when she wrote this book. The amount of world-building she had to do off-screen to make it work in the novel is astounding. And the characters! So fully fleshed out, even if most of them die during the book. She made you love (or hate) them, no matter how short or long their screen time was. (LIAM!!! My poor boy).

I love a good enemies-to-lovers trope; it’s one of my favourites. And Yarros nailed it. They were literally enemies, too! I thought there might be a slight love triangle between Violet, Dain, and Xander, but Yarros snuffs that out quickly and makes sure you know Dain isn’t meant to be her lover. This is great because I’m not the biggest fan of love triangles (but I’ll still read them). And bad boy Xander? Yeah, I can see why Violent eventually falls for him. I thought the pair slowly bonding over time was beautifully done. I also applaud Yarros for not having it be insta-love. (Yes, Violet is attracted to him physically almost immediately, but she’s not romantically attracted until later. Therefore, not insta-love).

Also, that ending!!!! I’m glad I finished this book right as the second came out because I needed to dive into it immediately.

This is a book (series) that I can see myself reading over and over again and still gain more insight with each read. Actually, there was so much that I think a second read would be beneficial. If you are looking for a great fantasy read (with dragons and a badass female MC), I highly recommend picking up this book. The hype is real for a reason.