Embark on an exhilarating journey through the skies with Rebecca Yarros’ instant #1 New York Times bestseller, Fourth Wing, now set to captivate audiences on Amazon Studios. This colossal fantasy novel, spanning 884 pages, has not only won hearts but also garnered widespread acclaim, securing top spots in Amazon’s Best Books of the Year and Barnes & Noble’s Best Fantasy Book of 2023, among other prestigious honors.
Following the indomitable Violet Sorrengail, who defied expectations surviving the perilous first year at Basgiath War College, Fourth Wing unveils a world of brutal challenges and shifting loyalties. As Violet faces the malevolent vice commandant and discovers a centuries-old secret, the novel explores themes of power, leadership, and the unyielding spirit of dragon riders.
With its TikTok and Instagram popularity, Fourth Wing emerges as a literary sensation, paving the way for the equally enthralling Book #2, Iron Flame. Prepare to be swept away by the breathtaking world of dragons and unforeseen challenges, as Fourth Wing takes its well-deserved place among the most celebrated works of the year.
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Iron Flame
“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. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves.
Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules.
But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year.
Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.
Our Overview
Violet emerges as a commendable heroine, battling tenaciously for the revolution she joined in the first book despite coping with a chronic illness. Enduring repeated peril and physical challenges, she consistently rises to the occasion, supported by her friends and dragons. The dragons, as in Fourth Wing, remain a standout element in the narrative.
Entering her second year at dragon rider school, Violet and her friends delve deeper into their distinct magical abilities and powers. They also uncover the truth about the ongoing war outside their city, realizing they have been deceived. As they strive to overthrow the ruling powers, they face significant dangers, compounded by the hazardous training environment where, much like in Fourth Wing, not all students survive.
Iron Flame promises to be a thrilling continuation of the Empyrean series, combining elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure. The book’s early success and the anticipation surrounding its release are a testament to Yarros’ storytelling prowess and the captivating world she has created.
Our Review
Fourth Wing provided an exhilarating ride from the very first page, and I cherished every moment of it. Despite acknowledging and considering all criticisms, my affection for the inaugural installment of Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean series remains steadfast. However, I must confess that I encountered some struggles with parts of Iron Flame. Did I ultimately love it? Absolutely. Although my connection with Iron Flame didn’t blossom immediately as it did with Fourth Wing, it evolved into a compelling narrative that expanded upon the world introduced in the previous book, leaving me yearning for more.
Fourth Wing immediately thrusts readers into action with Violet’s entrance into the riders’ quadrant, creating a gripping experience. However, in Iron Flame, it took a bit longer for the momentum to build. Consequently, I found myself paying closer attention to elements like Violet’s decisions and the interpersonal tensions, contributing to a sense of initial disappointment.
By the story’s conclusion, I was fully engrossed, even though it took a bit longer to reach that point. In the grand scheme of the series, this slight delay is a minor quibble. I anticipate looking back fondly on this part of Iron Flame, especially if certain developments unfold as I suspect.
The dragons, which shone brightly in Fourth Wing, maintained their allure in Iron Flame. Yarros’s crafted lore and dynamics surrounding these mythical creatures are truly fascinating. Iron Flame gradually unveils more insights into the dragons’ society, showcasing that they are not mere tools for the riders. Instead, these complex creatures boast distinct personalities, relationships, and political conflicts, which are just as enthralling as the human conflicts.
While the dragon lore is captivating, their most endearing trait remains their sass. Yarros, drawing inspiration from her grumpy old bulldog, created characters like Tairn, whose wit and sass persist from the first book. Fans of Tairn and Andarna’s charm in the initial installment can rest assured that it continues in book two.
In Fourth Wing, the side characters were a major highlight, and although they seemed to take a backseat initially in Iron Flame, the reasons become apparent as the story unfolds. During a significant portion, Violet intentionally distances herself from her closest friends, resulting in less focus on characters like Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc. However, when the conflicts within the group are resolved, these characters take center stage again, showcasing a dynamic that has evolved into a genuine family.
While Fourth Wing transformed the group into allies and later friends, Iron Flame sees them solidifying into a real family. Witnessing the group’s unwavering support for each other was heartwarming, with Violet, Rhiannon, Ridoc, and Sawyer consistently showing up for one another. Their collective efforts to fulfill a graduation promise add a special layer to their camaraderie. If anything were to happen to any of them, I fear I may never recover emotionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fourth Wing a series?
The sequel to Fourth Wing is Iron Flame – having released in November 2023. A third book is on its way, but there’s little known about it as of now.
Is Iron Flame out yet?
Yes! Graciously, the book hit the shelves in November 2023.
Is Iron Flame spicy?
This New Adult book does contain spice. You can check out here for the chapters and pages if you want to skip these scenes!:
- Chapter 12 (156-158): Mild
- Chapter 20 (243-245): Mild
- Chapter 27 (313-321): Spicy
- Chapter 37 (420-424): Spicy
- Chapter 48 (561-566): Spicy
- Chapter 60 (695-697): Mild
Note that these page numbers will change based on book edition!
What is Iron Flame About?
Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits―and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules. But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year.
It’s about survival. It always is.
Praise for the Series
Amazon Best Books of the Year, #4 • Apple Best Books of the Year 2023 • Barnes & Noble Best Fantasy Book of 2023 (Fourth Wing and Iron Flame) • NPR “Books We Love” 2023 • Audible Best Books of 2023 • Hudson Book of the Year • Google Play Best Books of 2023 • Indigo Best Books of 2023 • Waterstones Book of the Year finalist • Goodreads Choice Award, semi-finalist • Newsweek Staffers’ Favorite Books of 2023 • Paste Magazine’s Best Books of 2023
