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writerres27's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Total rating: 3.75
Overview:
I enjoyed this book and found it to be a good follow-up to the first book, Fourth Wing. I am happy with the development of the plot and its pacing, but was disappointed in the amount of time spent on some aspects that felt like a waste of pages. I am looking forward to continuing the series, but I do hope Yarros takes her time with this next book, as there were aspects of this one that felt rushed and unrefined.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Plot commentary:
Great pacing. The characters' world is thrown into disarray at the end of Fourth Wing, and the fast-paced chaos of Iron Flame is exactly what one should expect to follow that. I was engaged the entire way, eager to see what would happen next. I found the duration of the book to be acceptable, though there are certainly a handful of repetitive scenes regarding Xaden and Violet's dynamic, as well as those involving Cat, that I feel were not necessary/took up too much time. The conflict in this book was complex, looking at the internal conflicts within both Violet and Xaden throughout the whole book as well as the conflict between them, the greater conflict of Aretia against Basgiath/Navarre, the conflict-turned-alliance between Aretia and Poromiel, and the big-picture conflict of all of these parties against the dark wielders. There were a variety of dynamics and plot points to pay attention to, and I feel all of them were adequately addressed, even if certain aspects could have been developed a bit more clearly and others may not have needed as much attention as they received.
Character commentary:
The vast majority of the characters felt that they were in the midst of an evolution, which is what I would expect in a second book of a series. While some characters felt a bit overdone, such as Cat, I found all of the characters that carried over from the first book were facing new and continued challenges that, while developing their character, posed significant moral questions for the characters to work through. I found the characters to be consistent, nothing felt extremely out of place for any of them. I found general relatability in the character, though it is always a challenge when your main characters, in this case Violet and Xaden, are being stubborn and make you want to yell at them. I found the character development of the dragons, as well as the relationships between the dragons and their riders, to be one of my favorite aspects. Learning more about this dynamic certainly influenced my rating of the book.
Setting/World-Building commentary:
The one significant flaw with this book, likely due to the speed at which it was released, is that I found myself having to go back to earlier sections of the book, as well as all the way back to the first book, to better understand new developments in the magic system and the world. While I was still engaged, there were definitely moments where things that were likely obvious to the author were lost in translation to the reader. I could have used a bit more re-contextualizing at the beginning, and I would have appreciated some of the new discoveries made by Violet, Jesinia, Dain, Rhi, and Xaden being expanded upon.
Misc./Other commentary:
I did need to reread paragraphs, or even pages, multiple times along the way because they were not written in the most digestible way. Once again, this is likely due to the fast pace at which the book was published, and I think it would be valuable for Yarros to take her time on the rest of the series to ensure readability and flow is a bit stronger. I did not have these issues with the first book, so I'm optimistic that they won't continue. I'm eager to see where she takes the rest of the series, especially given the fact that she has once again served us a cliffhanger ending, in multiple regards this time.
Overview:
I enjoyed this book and found it to be a good follow-up to the first book, Fourth Wing. I am happy with the development of the plot and its pacing, but was disappointed in the amount of time spent on some aspects that felt like a waste of pages. I am looking forward to continuing the series, but I do hope Yarros takes her time with this next book, as there were aspects of this one that felt rushed and unrefined.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Plot commentary:
Great pacing. The characters' world is thrown into disarray at the end of Fourth Wing, and the fast-paced chaos of Iron Flame is exactly what one should expect to follow that. I was engaged the entire way, eager to see what would happen next. I found the duration of the book to be acceptable, though there are certainly a handful of repetitive scenes regarding Xaden and Violet's dynamic, as well as those involving Cat, that I feel were not necessary/took up too much time. The conflict in this book was complex, looking at the internal conflicts within both Violet and Xaden throughout the whole book as well as the conflict between them, the greater conflict of Aretia against Basgiath/Navarre, the conflict-turned-alliance between Aretia and Poromiel, and the big-picture conflict of all of these parties against the dark wielders. There were a variety of dynamics and plot points to pay attention to, and I feel all of them were adequately addressed, even if certain aspects could have been developed a bit more clearly and others may not have needed as much attention as they received.
Character commentary:
The vast majority of the characters felt that they were in the midst of an evolution, which is what I would expect in a second book of a series. While some characters felt a bit overdone, such as Cat, I found all of the characters that carried over from the first book were facing new and continued challenges that, while developing their character, posed significant moral questions for the characters to work through. I found the characters to be consistent, nothing felt extremely out of place for any of them. I found general relatability in the character, though it is always a challenge when your main characters, in this case Violet and Xaden, are being stubborn and make you want to yell at them. I found the character development of the dragons, as well as the relationships between the dragons and their riders, to be one of my favorite aspects. Learning more about this dynamic certainly influenced my rating of the book.
Setting/World-Building commentary:
The one significant flaw with this book, likely due to the speed at which it was released, is that I found myself having to go back to earlier sections of the book, as well as all the way back to the first book, to better understand new developments in the magic system and the world. While I was still engaged, there were definitely moments where things that were likely obvious to the author were lost in translation to the reader. I could have used a bit more re-contextualizing at the beginning, and I would have appreciated some of the new discoveries made by Violet, Jesinia, Dain, Rhi, and Xaden being expanded upon.
Misc./Other commentary:
I did need to reread paragraphs, or even pages, multiple times along the way because they were not written in the most digestible way. Once again, this is likely due to the fast pace at which the book was published, and I think it would be valuable for Yarros to take her time on the rest of the series to ensure readability and flow is a bit stronger. I did not have these issues with the first book, so I'm optimistic that they won't continue. I'm eager to see where she takes the rest of the series, especially given the fact that she has once again served us a cliffhanger ending, in multiple regards this time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Torture, Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Gore, War, Chronic illness, Fire/Fire injury, and Grief
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Animal death
korpney's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Propulsive fun. Violet’s a total badass. Lots of issues with plot holes & recurring arguments, but if you can get pass those, it’s a page-turning adventure with dragons.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Torture, Cursing, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Gore, Blood, and Grief
ernis's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: War, Gore, and Violence
jazzofmine's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
*** spoilers ***
Wow. I listened to Fourth Wing a few weeks back and now I read (kindle) Iron Flame over the past couple weekends. Fourth Wing really sucked me in once I got into it listening on a long drive, I got pulled further and further in as the book went along. I am here for the spicy relationship and all that comes along with that in these first two books of the series so far.
Having finished Iron Flame, I found myself shocked and needing to recover from the ending. I kind of felt like Violet in that maybe I should have seen that twist coming… but in the back of my mind I didn’t want to go there. I didn’t allow myself to consider Xaden or Violet going to that turning point until the words were right in front of me.
Speaking of Violet, I really find her relatable. From all her insecurities, guilt and less than ideal self image, she’s got some stuff to work on. Interestingly I recently read a book on codependency. And (understandably, given the dragon bonds and such involved) Violet has some major codependency stuff going on with her control issues, self blame, taking care of others before herself … the list could go on. :) it’s fun to see her struggle with and grow through some of these struggles that she faces.
I don’t know how I feel about the ending, still grappling with it. And I was inclined to take half a star off for some reason, but I’ve changed my mind. The fact that I’m still really sitting with some of the themes of ultimate loyalty, sacrifice, love, independence, codependence, strength, communication, corruption and power … I’m going to keep the 5 stars. I would recommend the book and I’ll probably re-read some of Iron Flame before diving into the third book when it is released.
Wow. I listened to Fourth Wing a few weeks back and now I read (kindle) Iron Flame over the past couple weekends. Fourth Wing really sucked me in once I got into it listening on a long drive, I got pulled further and further in as the book went along. I am here for the spicy relationship and all that comes along with that in these first two books of the series so far.
Having finished Iron Flame, I found myself shocked and needing to recover from the ending. I kind of felt like Violet in that maybe I should have seen that twist coming… but in the back of my mind I didn’t want to go there. I didn’t allow myself to consider Xaden or Violet going to that turning point until the words were right in front of me.
Speaking of Violet, I really find her relatable. From all her insecurities, guilt and less than ideal self image, she’s got some stuff to work on. Interestingly I recently read a book on codependency. And (understandably, given the dragon bonds and such involved) Violet has some major codependency stuff going on with her control issues, self blame, taking care of others before herself … the list could go on. :) it’s fun to see her struggle with and grow through some of these struggles that she faces.
I don’t know how I feel about the ending, still grappling with it. And I was inclined to take half a star off for some reason, but I’ve changed my mind. The fact that I’m still really sitting with some of the themes of ultimate loyalty, sacrifice, love, independence, codependence, strength, communication, corruption and power … I’m going to keep the 5 stars. I would recommend the book and I’ll probably re-read some of Iron Flame before diving into the third book when it is released.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, War, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, Death of parent, Gore, and Medical trauma
marielmck's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death, War, Gore, Physical abuse, Blood, Confinement, Violence, Sexual content, Death of parent, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, and Fire/Fire injury
embroidery_by_booklover's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Gore, Medical trauma, Blood, Chronic illness, Death, Grief, Physical abuse, and War
one_more_chapter96's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Loved the further world building and development of the bond between Violet and her dragons. The side characters and found family element of this series is so good; you’re so invested in the side characters. The hints of Liam were heartbreaking and I liked that Sloane didn’t like Violet at first, although this seemed to go from hate to acceptance overnight at one point.
The miscommunication made sense between V & X but was annoying at times. Overall though, Xaden Riorson is a top tier book boyfriend and some of the quotes will have you kicking your feet and swooning! The spice was great in this book but I also liked that it wasn’t front and centre.
The ending was a SHOCK. I was not prepared and have no idea how they are going to pick up and continue from there… can’t wait for the next book though.
Overall really enjoyed this book but some elements could have been improved like the timeline / timing of the book seemed a bit off in places.
The miscommunication made sense between V & X but was annoying at times. Overall though, Xaden Riorson is a top tier book boyfriend and some of the quotes will have you kicking your feet and swooning! The spice was great in this book but I also liked that it wasn’t front and centre.
The ending was a SHOCK. I was not prepared and have no idea how they are going to pick up and continue from there… can’t wait for the next book though.
Overall really enjoyed this book but some elements could have been improved like the timeline / timing of the book seemed a bit off in places.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, War, Murder, Confinement, Torture, Gore, Blood, Sexual content, and Medical trauma
Minor: Death and Grief
cassellwrites's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, War, Torture, Blood, Gore, and Grief
ellamcmillin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, War, Sexual content, Death, and Blood
britwalsh16's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I AM NOT OKAY!!! Not one bit okay!!! Rebecca Yarros has really just torn my heart from my chest & fed it to a dragon!!!
If you have not started this series yet. DONT! Atleast not right now, wait for all 5 books to come out first!! I don’t know how I’m going to survive until book 3 comes out & we don’t even have a release day yet! 😭
That being said. This book was INCREDIBLE!!! I do highly recommend it, just be ready for all the emotional turmoil that comes along with it! Cause I was not, I thought I was, but I was severely mistaken!
If you have not started this series yet. DONT! Atleast not right now, wait for all 5 books to come out first!! I don’t know how I’m going to survive until book 3 comes out & we don’t even have a release day yet! 😭
That being said. This book was INCREDIBLE!!! I do highly recommend it, just be ready for all the emotional turmoil that comes along with it! Cause I was not, I thought I was, but I was severely mistaken!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death of parent, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Medical trauma, Murder, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Death, Violence, and War
Moderate: Vomit, Bullying, Deadnaming, and Animal death