A review by shellballenger
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Type of read: Commuter Read.

What made me pick it up: BookTok made me start the series, Yarros writing in 'Fourth Wing' brought me back.

Overall rating: The Empyrean series continually reminds me that for every ten books recommended on BookTok, only one or two are going to be good. And 'Iron Flame' is good. I cringed, audibly gasped, cried, laughed, and generally, just enjoyed 'Iron Flame.' The character development was natural, the introduction of new characters made sense, the relationship building was steamy but real (seriously, can't tell you how much I love seeing a couple have issues...book boyfriends are great, but it's not all hearts and roses). While there are a few predictable bits and pieces, it's not overwhelming or taking away from the storyline. If anything, it gives the reader a chance to say 'I KNEW IT!'
I wasn't expecting the ending, but I'm not surprised by it. About half way through the book, I was wondering what Yarros was going to do to keep the Xaden/Violet relationship moving but tumultuous.


I don't really know how I'm expected to hold out until 2025 for 'Onyx Storm' but if I must...I'll just be here dreaming of my continuing collection of shadow daddies.

Reader's Note:  'Iron Flame' includes themes of war, death, dying, torture, and sex. I'll also add, as a copy-paste from my review of 'Fourth Wing' since it also applies to 'Iron Flame:' There's not a lack of sex. Descriptive, steamy, wall shattering, sex. If you've read the ACOTAR series, it's Silver Flames-level sex, with a few Starlight cringe moments. Additionally, I appreciate the fact that our FMC is a sex-positive individual.
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