Take a photo of a barcode or cover
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book reads like the novelization of a blockbuster action movie. There are pros and cons that come with that.
Pros:
-The general premise is really fun. I was excited to learn more about the dragon, magic, and government systems of the world
-The action sequences actually felt tense, and they definitely felt like they would be cinematic if in a visual format
-The side characters were really fun (and often eclipsed the main character in likeability)
-Xaden is an interesting and actually respectful male lead
Cons:
-A lot of Violet's inner monologue feels jarring and sometimes detracts from a tense vibe in a scene
-A lot of scenes that would be interesting and would add to the characters' growth are left offscreen, like they were cut for time, despite this being an original work where the author could decide what did and didn't exist. For instance,most of Violet's hand-to-hand challenges occurred offscreen, even the ones where she finally wins without tricks. Like, that's a big moment for her character! I want to hear more about that!
-A lot of visual descriptions of settings were left out, likethe Parapet or what the hell a chimney formation is
-For the most part, we have to take Violet's word for it that characters, including herself, have experienced growth. The growth seems to happen offscreen and is not substantiated by their onscreen actions
Additionally, this book is screaming to be part of a series (I am aware that the sequel is out and a series is in the works, as is a movie). In my opinion, there is no finite conclusion of the book's overall plot quest at the end, mostly because there is not one unifying plot quest. The extent of the book is defined temporally, not from a plot perspective, which can give the book the feel of a series of episodes, rather than a unifying experience.
Obviously, this book is popular! I did enjoy it, and I can see how others may enjoy it more than me. That being said, it is not a polished experience, but if you know to expect that, it may help you brace yourself and enjoy it more.
Pros:
-The general premise is really fun. I was excited to learn more about the dragon, magic, and government systems of the world
-The action sequences actually felt tense, and they definitely felt like they would be cinematic if in a visual format
-The side characters were really fun (and often eclipsed the main character in likeability)
-Xaden is an interesting and actually respectful male lead
Cons:
-A lot of Violet's inner monologue feels jarring and sometimes detracts from a tense vibe in a scene
-A lot of scenes that would be interesting and would add to the characters' growth are left offscreen, like they were cut for time, despite this being an original work where the author could decide what did and didn't exist. For instance,
-A lot of visual descriptions of settings were left out, like
-For the most part, we have to take Violet's word for it that characters, including herself, have experienced growth. The growth seems to happen offscreen and is not substantiated by their onscreen actions
Additionally, this book is screaming to be part of a series (I am aware that the sequel is out and a series is in the works, as is a movie). In my opinion, there is no finite conclusion of the book's overall plot quest at the end, mostly because there is not one unifying plot quest. The extent of the book is defined temporally, not from a plot perspective, which can give the book the feel of a series of episodes, rather than a unifying experience.
Obviously, this book is popular! I did enjoy it, and I can see how others may enjoy it more than me. That being said, it is not a polished experience, but if you know to expect that, it may help you brace yourself and enjoy it more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Ableism, Child abuse, Child death, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship
Minor: Drug use, Alcohol
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
(reposted from Goodreads)
Like many who probably approached this book, I've heard of it through its rampant popularity, from BookTok to BookTube to "Top 10 Fantasy Books That You Have To Read" on places like Book Riot or [Insert Website Set Up Purely to Soak Up Google SEO Revenue]. So, eventually when I was able to get my hands on the audiobook version through Libby/Overdrive, I had to give it a listen. And what did I think?
Ehhhh, probably a 7/10.
I compare this to ACOTAR for being a super popular entry in the romantasy genre. Its premise is appealing for any current/former 'dragon girl' or fan of video games like Panzer Dragoon or Drakengard: students are enrolled at a military academy where they are trained in combat as well as developing a spiritual bond with a dragon. Our protagonist, Violet Sorrengail, is a woman with an unnamed disability (but I imagine Ehlers Danlos disease, as the writer has said she based her disability off her own, which is Ehlers Danlos), but is forced into military academy life by her commander mother (never says why outright, but as you read along you can sort of infer as to why that happened). She goes through an arc of becoming a stronger warrior in a life she didn't expect, along with bonding with a powerful dragon, falling in love, and becoming aware of corruption afoot in the confines of this super lethal military academy. There is fantasy politics intrigue, will-they-won't-they relations, and of course, smut.
I really dug the premise of this book, and the author does a good job of incorporating the logistics of dragonflight and living alongside dragons. The author does a solid job portraying them as magnificent yet adorable creatures. I liked the variety of dragon sub-species based on attributes like their tails or size. The eventual smut scenes are very well-written and don't have the overly flowery prose that has plagued romance novels. I liked seeing the relationship between Violet and her enemy-turned-lover Xaden Riaorson develop, as well as the wedge that forms between Violet and her childhood friend Dain Aetos for getting close to Xaden. How Dain evolved from being set up as the childhood friend love interest to a cop-like character refusing to budge on the rules and constantly babying Violet is interesting. Violet's relationship with her dragon Tairn is cute too, and the dynamic she has with her general mother is also a fascinating dynamic.
However, this book isn't without its faults, and as I kept reading, I found myself finding more flaws that kept mounting. The character dialogue and Violet's narration really feels too 'contemporary' for the setting, and often times I found myself cringing at how so much of the dialogue feels like a teen dramedy, a Twitter thread, or a Marvel movie (overly snappy and trying to be witty). And much like ACOTAR, the character motivations feel juvenile and unreasonable at times. Like yeah, let's refuse to kill the psychokiller guy that has been gunning for you since day one, let's refuse help from people who obviously care about you,see you struggling, and ARE NOT trying to baby you.
Outside of Violet, Xaden and their immediate circles, the rest of the cast feels "Harry Potter"-esque that's there to fill tropes - there's the girl best friend, the sadistic rival, and the other friends that hover around them in their clique to pad out the cast. I like how Rhiannon, the girl best friend is bi, as well as other LGBT+ shoutouts in the book, but I also can't help but feel like these side characters are filler that's there to banter with the main character and eventually get killed off for the sad factor. The book also ended rather abruptly for my liking - I liked the twist but things really started moving suddenly towards the end, almost too fast for my liking, and I felt that a lot of the 'big reveals' at the end got introduced way too late. The twist comes, and you feel the satisfaction of seeing it, only to realize there's only twenty pages left and most of it is spent on a fight scene. I know it's book one in a trilogy, and you want to keep them hanging, but also I wish these revelations were given more room to breathe, as opposed to the attention put on extended grueling academy exercises.
In conclusion, I found this book entertaining, and despite its faults it did have me binging it towards the end. It's not perfect, obviously, and I think people looking for a more refined and mature high fantasy experience should look elsewhere, but if you're willing to sift through some corny YA-esque dialogue and tropes for the world building and romance, or want to see what the fuss is about, it's worth a peak. If you're not into young adult fantasy and romance this book isn't for you, but if you are, try it out.
Like many who probably approached this book, I've heard of it through its rampant popularity, from BookTok to BookTube to "Top 10 Fantasy Books That You Have To Read" on places like Book Riot or [Insert Website Set Up Purely to Soak Up Google SEO Revenue]. So, eventually when I was able to get my hands on the audiobook version through Libby/Overdrive, I had to give it a listen. And what did I think?
Ehhhh, probably a 7/10.
I compare this to ACOTAR for being a super popular entry in the romantasy genre. Its premise is appealing for any current/former 'dragon girl' or fan of video games like Panzer Dragoon or Drakengard: students are enrolled at a military academy where they are trained in combat as well as developing a spiritual bond with a dragon. Our protagonist, Violet Sorrengail, is a woman with an unnamed disability (but I imagine Ehlers Danlos disease, as the writer has said she based her disability off her own, which is Ehlers Danlos), but is forced into military academy life by her commander mother (never says why outright, but as you read along you can sort of infer as to why that happened). She goes through an arc of becoming a stronger warrior in a life she didn't expect, along with bonding with a powerful dragon, falling in love, and becoming aware of corruption afoot in the confines of this super lethal military academy. There is fantasy politics intrigue, will-they-won't-they relations, and of course, smut.
I really dug the premise of this book, and the author does a good job of incorporating the logistics of dragonflight and living alongside dragons. The author does a solid job portraying them as magnificent yet adorable creatures. I liked the variety of dragon sub-species based on attributes like their tails or size. The eventual smut scenes are very well-written and don't have the overly flowery prose that has plagued romance novels. I liked seeing the relationship between Violet and her enemy-turned-lover Xaden Riaorson develop, as well as the wedge that forms between Violet and her childhood friend Dain Aetos for getting close to Xaden. How Dain evolved from being set up as the childhood friend love interest to a cop-like character refusing to budge on the rules and constantly babying Violet is interesting. Violet's relationship with her dragon Tairn is cute too, and the dynamic she has with her general mother is also a fascinating dynamic.
However, this book isn't without its faults, and as I kept reading, I found myself finding more flaws that kept mounting. The character dialogue and Violet's narration really feels too 'contemporary' for the setting, and often times I found myself cringing at how so much of the dialogue feels like a teen dramedy, a Twitter thread, or a Marvel movie (overly snappy and trying to be witty). And much like ACOTAR, the character motivations feel juvenile and unreasonable at times. Like yeah, let's refuse to kill the psychokiller guy that has been gunning for you since day one, let's refuse help from people who obviously care about you,see you struggling, and ARE NOT trying to baby you.
Outside of Violet, Xaden and their immediate circles, the rest of the cast feels "Harry Potter"-esque that's there to fill tropes - there's the girl best friend, the sadistic rival, and the other friends that hover around them in their clique to pad out the cast. I like how Rhiannon, the girl best friend is bi, as well as other LGBT+ shoutouts in the book, but I also can't help but feel like these side characters are filler that's there to banter with the main character and eventually get killed off for the sad factor. The book also ended rather abruptly for my liking - I liked the twist but things really started moving suddenly towards the end, almost too fast for my liking, and I felt that a lot of the 'big reveals' at the end got introduced way too late. The twist comes, and you feel the satisfaction of seeing it, only to realize there's only twenty pages left and most of it is spent on a fight scene. I know it's book one in a trilogy, and you want to keep them hanging, but also I wish these revelations were given more room to breathe, as opposed to the attention put on extended grueling academy exercises.
In conclusion, I found this book entertaining, and despite its faults it did have me binging it towards the end. It's not perfect, obviously, and I think people looking for a more refined and mature high fantasy experience should look elsewhere, but if you're willing to sift through some corny YA-esque dialogue and tropes for the world building and romance, or want to see what the fuss is about, it's worth a peak. If you're not into young adult fantasy and romance this book isn't for you, but if you are, try it out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, Death, Physical abuse, Violence, Murder, War
Minor: Misogyny, Sexism, Xenophobia, Death of parent
Dragon Fantasy, Military Fantasy, High Fantasy, M/F Romance, Smut, Romance, Ehlers Danlos
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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:
Complicated
This book just got me out of my reading slump! It’s been a while since it’s taken me less than a week to read a book (around work and other schedules). Can’t wait to continue the story with Iron Flame!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Chronic illness, Cursing, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Bullying, Drug use, Classism
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One of those “unable to put down” books. I ignored responsibilities and lost sleep over this one. So. Good.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Genocide, Gore, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, War
Minor: Vomit
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Sexual content, War
Minor: Body shaming, Child death, Drug use, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book obviously has had SO much hyper. Things I loved: disabled main character. A Deaf side character. People overcoming the weight of parental expectation or legacy. A really cool magic system with dragons. Things I didn't love: the base plot felt very predictable, and the enemies-to-lovers romance even more so - while also somehow being both too slow and jumping too fast rather than a real build of a relationship. The ending gives me hope that the book series will get better and stay interesting so I'll keep going. But I definitely felt like it didn't quiiiiite live up to its hype.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Animal death, Bullying, Chronic illness, Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Nothing groundbreaking (lots of cliches and tropes) but an enjoyable read. Pretty fast-paced, as there doesn’t seem to be much filler in any individual chapter outside of Violet’s internal monologue. The downside to this lack of filler can be that the world doesn’t feel fully built out, and the descriptions of some of the surroundings can feel lacking. I found my brain sort of filled in some of those gaps while reading though, especially when I didn’t overthink it. The plot was a bit repetitive and the internal monologue objectifying one of the characters was a little silly. But I don’t feel the book is trying to be anything beyond what it is, so I don’t begrudge those faults. Feels a little YA, which seems maybe to be a common theme in the NA genre, but just because it’s trope-y and your main character thinks like a lovestruck teen doesn’t make it a bad or unenjoyable book. Just not a profound one. Easy read despite the length, and while the plot was a little repetitive as mentioned, the chapters broke that up well enough that the repetition didn’t feel monotonous or at least still drove the story forward in some way.
TLDR: Overall, kept my attention, and I found the pacing to be done well. If you can’t handle the internal monologue of a somewhat rebellious lovestruck high schooler (I know that’s not the age of the characters but it is how it reads) or relatively predictable but intriguing enough plot, this book isn’t for you. Even you want an easy read to take you out of your own head and world for a while, and you can take the aforementioned characteristics in stride, then give it a shot.
TLDR: Overall, kept my attention, and I found the pacing to be done well. If you can’t handle the internal monologue of a somewhat rebellious lovestruck high schooler (I know that’s not the age of the characters but it is how it reads) or relatively predictable but intriguing enough plot, this book isn’t for you. Even you want an easy read to take you out of your own head and world for a while, and you can take the aforementioned characteristics in stride, then give it a shot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, War, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Murder
Minor: Drug use, Grief, Alcohol