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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Published Nov 7, 2023

640 pages

Average rating: 8.53

3,848 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

SkyAngel14!
May 23, 2025
9/10 stars
When you think it couldn't get better..... I read this quicker than I did fourth wings!
Anonymous
May 20, 2025
10/10 stars
Again, do we need a review to convince people to read this book?
I loved Iron Flame even more reading it a second time. The amount of easter eggs in this book was crazy. My only negative was the whole lack of communication between Violet and Xaden. HOWEVER, it makes sense. They are in their young 20s and trust is dangerous. Plus, they have such little time together and it allows for amazing character growth that I hope will continue in Onyx Storm!
Bookworm4evr!
May 16, 2025
10/10 stars
Loved it
M007
May 15, 2025
10/10 stars
I laughed, screamed, cried and kept reading!
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.

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