Iron Flame (The Empyrean, 2)

“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.

The Empyrean series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:

  • Book #1 Fourth Wing
  • Book #2 Iron Flame
  • Book #3 Onyx Storm

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640 pages

Average rating: 8.53

3,750 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

catsquirrelbri
May 08, 2025
9/10 stars
What an absolute f*cking cliffhanger… I think I liked Fourth Wing better than this, but I am definitely excited to read the next book with my book club. Great characters, Beautiful world. I absolutely love Andarna, she is my sassy, emo, murderous girl.
makenziegillette
May 05, 2025
10/10 stars
4.5 rounded up to 5. This book is definitely slower paced than the first, which I feel is to be expected. The ending though…
b_marie
May 01, 2025
8/10 stars
I am broken. The book as a whole was a little slower than Fourth Wing but still really good. I became so invested in these characters that I felt everything that was happening to them. Xaden and Violet did some talking and exchanging of secrets and those secrets plus some others had my mind melting. The ending crushed me. I don't even know how to process what happened in the last 50 pages let alone what happened in the last chapter. I cannot wait for Onyx Storm.
PopIce
Apr 30, 2025
9/10 stars
The second book of the series to learn more about Violet and Xaden - I would have given it a 10/10 if Violet’s actions and emotions had been a bit more sensible.
TheIceQueen4586
Apr 23, 2025
10/10 stars
The way I audibly screamed at the ended…. And immediately ordered the third book. I’m convinced those who say they hate this series are just doing it because it’s popular.

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