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

BUY THE BOOK

640 pages

Average rating: 8.51

3,114 RATINGS

|

164 REVIEWS

Community Reviews

Scuba_Diver
Feb 17, 2025
10/10 stars
I cried, the banter is bantering and the love is lovering 😭
Hotmessbooklover
Feb 16, 2025
3/10 stars
No! Just no! "Iron Flame" was worse than "Fourth Wing." The book felt excessively long, and I think it would have been better if it were split into two separate installments. The abundance of characters, and intricate names of the places and "creatures" made it difficult to keep track of the storyline. Again there are familiar concepts from other novels previously published. The spice scenes, which are meant to add excitement, ended up feeling juvenile and overly dramatic, often leading to moments where I found myself rolling my eyes instead of enjoying them. While I was somewhat invested after "Fourth Wing," I can’t see myself continuing with this series. Overall, it was a struggle to get through this book, and I ended up feeling quite disappointed. It was literal torture to finish this book. 2/5 ⭐ because the first half was tolerable.
Olee24
Feb 14, 2025
10/10 stars
Absolutely LOVED
Anonymous
Feb 11, 2025
10/10 stars
Third time through and I feel like no matter how many times I read this book, it's going to make my heart ache every time
JordynAshtyn
Feb 08, 2025
10/10 stars
It’s been. My honor.

See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.