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A review by _spirirbound_
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
3.0
Overall rating; 2.5*
"Iron Flame" by Rebecca Yarros is a sequel to the acclaimed "Fourth Wing", however, the sequel receives mixed feedback, particularly in comparison to its predecessor.
Writing Style (2.5*)
The pacing of "Iron Flame" proves a stumbling block for the me, leaving a desire to revisit "Fourth Wing" for comparison. The perceived step-down from the breakout success of the first book raises questions about potential rush in production, contributing to the disappointment.
Plot (3*)
While the shock reveal of Violet's brother and mysteries surrounding Andarna and the Venin are engaging, but the overall plot falls incredibly short of my expectations. In the context of a five-book series, I feel that little substantial progress is made, to me this is a letdown despite just how large this book is. The only reason I rate this a 3* and not a 1.5* is due to the final 200 pages.
World Building (2*)
I am incredibly critical in regards to feedback directed towards the lack of further world-building, with the exception of some additional dragon lore and wards / wardstones. I'm extremely disappointment in the portrayal of the schooling environment, especially in contrast to the enthralling depiction in the first book.
Characters (2.5*)
Violet and Xaden, once beloved, now evoke a sense of tolerance in me. The incessant arguments and repetitive conflicts without resolution contribute to a decline in affection for these once beloved main characters. The abundance of fighting leading to make-up sex scenes becomes monotonous, overshadowing the potential for impactful character development. These arguments are literally the exact same as the previous with NO resolution.
I will not even begin to mention the distaste I found for Cat and Violet's petty feud; which again was repetetive and childlike (I am aware this is a book series regarding teenagers, however, as these teenagers ride dragons and are actively battling in wars I expect some maturity). I'm also really over the whole ex-girlfriend and current-girlfriend hating one-another trope.
Highlighted characters I enjoyed obviously include the dragons and everyone else excluding the characters mentioned above in my critiques.
Initial Response and Re-readability (4*)
The second half of the book salvages Iron Flame, showcasing Yarros's signature style in crafting an engaging narrative. The final 200 pages, marked by an intense cliffhanger, elevate the reading experience, leaving me in anticipation for subsequent installments.
Recommendation (2*)
The recommendation is cautiously extended to fans of the first book, acknowledging the disappointment and advising potential readers of the mixed reception. Despite the enjoyment derived from the final 200 pages, my overall sentiment remains lukewarm.
In conclusion, "Iron Flame" exhibits both strengths and weaknesses, with a marked decline in pacing and character development. The intricate plot elements and the final cliffhanger offer glimpses of the series's potential, but overall, the sequel fails to match the high standard set by its predecessor.
"Iron Flame" by Rebecca Yarros is a sequel to the acclaimed "Fourth Wing", however, the sequel receives mixed feedback, particularly in comparison to its predecessor.
Writing Style (2.5*)
The pacing of "Iron Flame" proves a stumbling block for the me, leaving a desire to revisit "Fourth Wing" for comparison. The perceived step-down from the breakout success of the first book raises questions about potential rush in production, contributing to the disappointment.
Plot (3*)
While the shock reveal of Violet's brother and mysteries surrounding Andarna and the Venin are engaging, but the overall plot falls incredibly short of my expectations. In the context of a five-book series, I feel that little substantial progress is made, to me this is a letdown despite just how large this book is. The only reason I rate this a 3* and not a 1.5* is due to the final 200 pages.
World Building (2*)
I am incredibly critical in regards to feedback directed towards the lack of further world-building, with the exception of some additional dragon lore and wards / wardstones. I'm extremely disappointment in the portrayal of the schooling environment, especially in contrast to the enthralling depiction in the first book.
Characters (2.5*)
Violet and Xaden, once beloved, now evoke a sense of tolerance in me. The incessant arguments and repetitive conflicts without resolution contribute to a decline in affection for these once beloved main characters. The abundance of fighting leading to make-up sex scenes becomes monotonous, overshadowing the potential for impactful character development. These arguments are literally the exact same as the previous with NO resolution.
I will not even begin to mention the distaste I found for Cat and Violet's petty feud; which again was repetetive and childlike (I am aware this is a book series regarding teenagers, however, as these teenagers ride dragons and are actively battling in wars I expect some maturity). I'm also really over the whole ex-girlfriend and current-girlfriend hating one-another trope.
Highlighted characters I enjoyed obviously include the dragons and everyone else excluding the characters mentioned above in my critiques.
Initial Response and Re-readability (4*)
The second half of the book salvages Iron Flame, showcasing Yarros's signature style in crafting an engaging narrative. The final 200 pages, marked by an intense cliffhanger, elevate the reading experience, leaving me in anticipation for subsequent installments.
Recommendation (2*)
The recommendation is cautiously extended to fans of the first book, acknowledging the disappointment and advising potential readers of the mixed reception. Despite the enjoyment derived from the final 200 pages, my overall sentiment remains lukewarm.
In conclusion, "Iron Flame" exhibits both strengths and weaknesses, with a marked decline in pacing and character development. The intricate plot elements and the final cliffhanger offer glimpses of the series's potential, but overall, the sequel fails to match the high standard set by its predecessor.