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A review by savage_book_review
Iron Flame (1 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation] by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.0
This book makes me wish I was more of an analytical reader. There are so many theories that stem from here about what might happen in Onyx Storm, but I'm blissfully unaware of the majority of them because I'm just along for the ride. Likewise, where Fourth Wing does a fabulous job at setting up the world you're immersing yourself into without overloading you, this first half of Iron Flame builds on that and starts to paint a more detailed picture of the country and continent the action is taking place in. Its history, geography and traditions are all woven really well into the narrative, but it's here where I lose the thread. I feel like I need a Battle Brief map to keep everything straight! It's so well done and the writing could easily persuade me that this place exists, but my brain is too busy being distracted by dragons and a shadow daddy to actually process it.
That being said, the graphic audio does make the story in general far easier to follow, plus the fact that I'm reading it following straight on from Fourth Wing without a break means I have actually been able to keep all of the characters and relationships straight in my head as well. The performances are all great, and I'm finally 'there' with Gabriel Michael as Xaden, so that made it even more enjoyable. His performance, and that of Khaya Fraites as Violet, kicks up another notch in this instalment and the heat between their characters, whether the pent up frustrations, snarky flirting or indeed in the resolution of all that sexual tension, is scorching.
As an aside, I was proud of (and maybe slightly worried for) myself for immediately recognising Anthony Palmini's one line, but then realised I'm going to have to listen again as somehow I missed Jon Vertullo's dulcet tones somewhere in here... if anyone can point me in the right direction, it'd be much appreciated!
There is again enough action and intrigue in this first half to keep the audio engaging and pacy, and enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. It's also found a stopping point that feels quite natural within the narrative, rather than mid-scene as with the last book. Overall, it's a tight and well crafted production that draws on the excitement of the source material and manages to improve upon it by bringing it to life in such an enthralling way.
That being said, the graphic audio does make the story in general far easier to follow, plus the fact that I'm reading it following straight on from Fourth Wing without a break means I have actually been able to keep all of the characters and relationships straight in my head as well. The performances are all great, and I'm finally 'there' with Gabriel Michael as Xaden, so that made it even more enjoyable. His performance, and that of Khaya Fraites as Violet, kicks up another notch in this instalment and the heat between their characters, whether the pent up frustrations, snarky flirting or indeed in the resolution of all that sexual tension, is scorching.
As an aside, I was proud of (and maybe slightly worried for) myself for immediately recognising Anthony Palmini's one line, but then realised I'm going to have to listen again as somehow I missed Jon Vertullo's dulcet tones somewhere in here... if anyone can point me in the right direction, it'd be much appreciated!
There is again enough action and intrigue in this first half to keep the audio engaging and pacy, and enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. It's also found a stopping point that feels quite natural within the narrative, rather than mid-scene as with the last book. Overall, it's a tight and well crafted production that draws on the excitement of the source material and manages to improve upon it by bringing it to life in such an enthralling way.