Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Author: Rebecca Yarros
Genre: Romantasy (Romance, Fantasy)
Publication Date: 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.7 out of 5)

Introduction

I had to read this because of the cliffhanger the first one left me on. I was told, over and over, to prepare myself for the ending. Listen, readers. I don’t know HOW one would prepare for the ending of this book, it shattered me. My fragile little heart had been through so much throughout this book that I quite literally haven’t been able to get into a book since. I’m still in that post-read depression and we have ONE WHOLE MONTH before the next one is released (January 21, 2025). The author’s reputation was good before this one, now she’s cemented as the GOAT in my world. Rebecca, girl, let’s be friends.

The main themes in this one are death, more death, love, death, death of love, and shocking twists and turns. I cannot recommend this series more, but let’s dive into the specifics.

Synopsis

In this one, we see Violet facing the realities that the last book left her reeling about. The cliffhanger in the first book was perfectly curated to feed right into this next one without ever missing a beat. Nothing is left unanswered, nothing is as it seems, and nothing will ever be the same again. From battling dragons, to battling evil, to battling your own heart, this book was utterly and completely filled with action. Every bit of information that Rebecca gives us is important down the line. Pay attention to the small details because those are the ones that come back and bite you in the rear when you least expect it.

The setting takes place in various areas across the continent. Each location brings with it it’s own challenges and mysteries, characters who may not be what they seem on the surface, and sneaky secrets. The world building is above and beyond even the last book! This book took me on a journey that I never wanted to end, but when it did…. I was crushed. The cliffhanger? THE CLIFFHANGER. It made me want to snap my kindle in half. I threw it across the couch and shouted, “NO!” I didn’t even have time to see it coming, like a black dragon in the night.

Review

Writing Style

The writing style matches that of the first book (read my review HERE), and I stand by everything I said. The writing is impeccable with everything being of importance, everyone being mysterious until Rebecca wants us to know what they’re up to, and the romance is H-O-T-T-O-G-O!

The tone and language of this book seem almost reverent to me. There’s a sadness over the massive amounts of losses Violet experiences throughout, but also hope and possibilities. There’s always something dark lurking around the corner, but Violet just might be the light to end the darkness, or at least she’ll live long enough to see the darkness consume her world. The battle of good vs. evil is not done in a played-out, overdone type of way. It really shows the inner struggles of deciding what is moral and what goes against the very fibers of your being.

Plot

This one sucked me in almost immediately, which I attribute to reading the first one (Fourth Wing) directly before beginning this one. EVERYONE told me to wait for the third’s release (Onyx Storm) but honestly, I couldn’t resist. Every page was something new and thrilling, or at least answered a question I had or something that had been teased earlier. It’s a fast paced book, and you will definitely be hungry for more.

THE plot twist of the book comes at the end, and let me tell you I am STILL UNWELL. I couldn’t believe what I was reading and I’ve been in a book depression ever since. I had so many plans to read so many things after I finished Iron Flame, but that all went down the toilet the second I finished this book. I couldn’t, cannot, have been unable to read anything else because I just keep thinking about this ending and how I have exactly 43 days from today, as I write this post, until the next book is in my hands ready to be devoured. I might be “sick” that day. January 21st is known for random, single-day illnesses, right? RIGHT?!

Characters

As I previously stated in my Fourth Wing review, the writing and character development is impeccable. I really respect her ability to keep people mysterious while also keeping you invested in their development. She always tells you just enough that you learn something new, but so little that you’re still wondering who might turn out to be the bad guy or the hero. It’s all up in the air!

Themes and Messages

To me, this book was all about the struggles of learning to trust, forgive, and move forward. Each character is given a chance at redemption, each one learns from mistakes and learns that although someone may want to forgive you, forgiveness comes on their terms. Trust broken is not always trust lost, love is not always easy. Sometimes the ones who betray us the most are those we trust with our lives, and sometimes it’s the enemy you always knew would come for you one day.

I think anyone who reads this book will have it resonate with them! The messages about trust and forgiveness is something everyone needs to hear a time or two. Everyone knows the sting of betrayal, the power of a secret, and the healing that only love can offer.

Emotional Impact

All I’m going to say about how this book made me feel is this: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! NO WAY! NO! NO! YES! NO! WHAT JUST HAPPENED? And of course, “YOU CAN’T LEAVE ME HANGING LIKE THIS!”

You know me, and I’m not one for quotes in my reviews, but I had to put this in here because this line has become my Roman Empire, I think about it daily. It made me swoon, it made me scream, it made me sheepishly ask my husband to call me Violence and him laughing at me but I DON’T CARE. The best quote in the book is as follows:

“This is not where I left you, Violence.”

Pros and Cons

Pros

Very fast paced and easy to read.

Twists and turns that keep you guessing.

Cons

This book left us on a GIANT cliffhanger, if that’s not for you… I suggest you wait for the third book’s release to read this. I thought I was stronger than I am and honestly, I remain utterly and completely gobsmacked.

Overall Thoughts

When I say this series is my favorite read of 2024, I mean it. I constantly am nagging everyone I know to pick it up and give it a try. I loved this series because it had the equation to a good romantasy that I love out of this genre, but it also was wildly unpredictable. This would be a great read for anyone who loves a good smut book, who loves a good, troubled romance, who loves to see battles and action. There’s a little of everything for everyone in this series.

Your Thoughts

How did this one make you feel? Were you like me, cursing the gods? Were you not entertained?! Tell me all about it and again, thank you for reading.