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A review by sabrinz
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The story continues almost where we left off - Violet, Xaden and the rest of the riot in the stronghold of the rebellion, having to return to Basgiath.
Violet still grapples with the fact that Xaden has not told her everything - and that is a recurring theme throughout the book.
While you can read the book quite fast this was one thing that annoyed me while reading. Violet's constant need that Xaden be 100% absolutely honest with her, but then turning around and justifying hiding the full truth from her squad (as they are not marked and would be in danger if they knew). I do understand the added level of danger the new general and the interrogation training the second years have to face has put on the plot and Violet, but I would have loved the conversation that happens in the last quarter of the book to happen muuuuch earlier. This was the essence of Violet issue with being lied to/not told the entire truth and that would have made thing easier to read.
But back to the story: The book covers quite a long period of time again and does so by glossing over some weeks and time jumps. This is fine most of the time but it gave me the feeling that some things were a bit disjointed. While I love the characters (and dragons!) I would have loved to see more of the dragons individually.
Another downside for me was the relationship with Xaden and Violet. It felt flat, and while I do love Xaden's commitment, it felt like their relationship happened becaue the plot needed them to and they need to be a couple.
Positive things: There were definitely a few twists and turns I did not see coming (or did not see coming like that). And I am definitely reading the third book - I need to know how the story end!
Overall, it's an okay read if you enjoy dragons but don't mind there not being that much about them individually. The thing that intrigues me most is where the story is going and what all the secrets are that have been hinted and teased at.
Violet still grapples with the fact that Xaden has not told her everything - and that is a recurring theme throughout the book.
While you can read the book quite fast this was one thing that annoyed me while reading. Violet's constant need that Xaden be 100% absolutely honest with her, but then turning around and justifying hiding the full truth from her squad (as they are not marked and would be in danger if they knew). I do understand the added level of danger the new general and the interrogation training the second years have to face has put on the plot and Violet, but I would have loved the conversation that happens in the last quarter of the book to happen muuuuch earlier. This was the essence of Violet issue with being lied to/not told the entire truth and that would have made thing easier to read.
But back to the story: The book covers quite a long period of time again and does so by glossing over some weeks and time jumps. This is fine most of the time but it gave me the feeling that some things were a bit disjointed. While I love the characters (and dragons!) I would have loved to see more of the dragons individually.
Another downside for me was the relationship with Xaden and Violet. It felt flat, and while I do love Xaden's commitment, it felt like their relationship happened becaue the plot needed them to and they need to be a couple.
Positive things: There were definitely a few twists and turns I did not see coming (or did not see coming like that). And I am definitely reading the third book - I need to know how the story end!
Overall, it's an okay read if you enjoy dragons but don't mind there not being that much about them individually. The thing that intrigues me most is where the story is going and what all the secrets are that have been hinted and teased at.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, War
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury