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

3,505 RATINGS

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188 REVIEWS

Community Reviews

Tanner249
Mar 24, 2025
7/10 stars
Dialog is still fun. Dragons are still cool. The action is cool. It's not as good as the 1st. Also, the Runes stuff is a bit confusing. The ending to me felt rushed. Good book but not as good as the first
mg.happyhooker🧶
Mar 17, 2025
10/10 stars
Ok what?! Why would it end like this??? I cannot wait until 2025 for the next book. I just learned this is meant to be a 5-part series and I am in agony hoping Yarros finishes writing ASAP!

I really liked this book! I think it was much better than [b:Fourth Wing|61431922|Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, #1)|Rebecca Yarros|https:i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1701980900l/61431922._SY75_.jpg|96945623] because it kept me on my toes. I appreciated how so many characters got a redeeming story. I am so happy Dain proved himself a true friend and helped save Violet. I liked how Sloane came to her senses and stopped being mean to Violet at the end. General Sorrengail's death at the end killed me! Definitely a redeeming arch!

I appreciated the introduction of Catriona. I was dying of jealousy right there along with Violet. It might be the toxicity in me but I thrived in their love drama lol. And how good he was at reassuring her after their duel. The throne scene… omg. The spiciness was definitely present here!

The dragons have completely STOLEN my heart! Maybe even more than Xaden? lol My heart broke when Sgaeyl begs Xaden not to do it. "I chose you" and then Xaden response
katicronin
Mar 17, 2025
10/10 stars
I enjoyed this one as much as the first book!
Maxime
Mar 11, 2025
10/10 stars
I feel like i just got my heart ripper out of my chest finishing this amazing book. I can not stop thinking about the characters, eager to know more and see the story unfold. Luckily part 3 is here and i can continue on this journey that keeps me from all my real life responsibilities
Gabriellereads022
Mar 10, 2025
10/10 stars
🤌🤌🤌🤌is all I can say

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