Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros Book Review **SPOILERS**

[@harryfeatherby8466]

I thought this book was terrible. It was paced like a snail. Half of it was Violet complaining about Xaden not disclosing information that would probably result in his death if it got out… Every character is so one dimensional. Mira is angry, Ridoc provides comic relief, xaden is tough, Andara is a rebellious adolescent, jack is a psychopath, rhi is a loyal best friend, Violet is the typical courageous sacrificial hero, Dain’s the overprotective big brother etc.. There literally isn’t a character capable of showing a single alternative aspect. I don’t know how many sentences include the phrases “clicked his / her jaw” or “raised his / her brow” or “folded his / her arms across their chest” but it might have been every second sentence. Also the sentences where every word has a full stop. What. The. F. That’s why exclamation marks were invented. Finally, there were so many inconsistencies with the logic of the characters in this book. First, Violet’s mother justifies sending her to the riders quadrant because she claims she knew Violet would uncover the truth about venin and eventually be killed at some stage in the vague future… that’s logical, I’ll take you from the library to the riders quadrant where 3/4 of the people die, to enhance your chances of survival… like what?!? Second, the whole point of the revolution was to protect the continent, but when one of the major provinces is threatened, where most of the cadets’ families live, the assembly decide not to fight… Third, when Violet asks the cadets whether they’d like to join the revolution, essentially every prominent character decides to join without a second thought. They’ve been trained to protect Navarre their whole life, and not one of them stays, even her sister joins. If some of them stayed, that actually would have presented a really interesting moral dilemma for Violet. Whether to fight for the cause she believes in, if it involves fighting against her sister or her friends. I loved the first book. This book was terrible.

[@jaijaiwanted]

I understood Violet’s mum to have sent violet into the riders quadrant so she would have a chance at living and being able to protect herself, and not become a scribe where Violet would either have to conform to a world view that she couldn’t, or be killed for knowing the truth and trying to do something about it. You wrote some good points, the first half of the book was mostly boring. It would be great if Xaden just gave her a little “stfu” slap every now and then. I’m joking but like… violet never shut up about her trust issues.

[@heididischler]

Agree with the violet complaining part 🤦🏻‍♀️ but overall I truly enjoyed this book. Definitely not as much as the first! But still not terrible.

[@KelleyKincaid]

I am hoping against hope that Violet and Jesenia find SOMETHING in the Archives to bring Xadon back. Or maybe the dragons know if something. We still have a lot of books, so I have hope. If this was the end end I would be FURIOUS.

[@heididischler]

ME TOO!!! I love Xaden way too much for him to just always be a venin 😭😭😭😭

[@MarwaPopal-od5cp]

what other books? What do i read after iron flame like is there a 3rd book or what?? IM STRESSING OUT I JEED MORE.

[@Siddhipande007]

I just completed the book, but for some reason I have HOPE, hope that it will be alright, Xaden will be alright,maybe next book will all be about just the antidote for Xaden.. please

[@eloisasanchez8388]

The Xaden turning evil is giving me The Mortal Instruments vibe with Jace experiencing something similar

[@heididischler]

That didn’t even come to mind but yess!! It does give me those vibes. This feels a lil more serious to me tbh though because Xaden is like… changing. Not just helping the bad guy, you know?

[@Hi-eh3gr]

AHHGGGG I SWEAR THAT ENDING HAD ME LITERALLY WANTING TO SCREAM! Like Xadens literally my favourite character (besides Riddok) and if they dont find some kinda cure in the next book... Just no

[@heididischler]

Hahaha omg SAME 😂

[@fraffee]

I just finished it today and have not recovered, I LOVED IT 😭❤️

[@shadowrealm8014]

Me today I'm so confused

[@TheSockDragon]

I will die if the next book isnt in my hands by next year, my soul will perish. I simply could not survive. I personally love the book, I love dragons and enjoy the story. I did get a bit frustrated when Violet and Xaden wouldn’t make up for awhile, but I can forgive it. Also for the numerous characters thing, I think I knew them all..? Maybe?

[@heididischler]

I will also die if the next book takes forever to come out 😂😂😂 and yeahhh Violet was being a little petty in my opinion. And idk maybe it was just me, but they’d mention a character and I was like wait, oh shit, who even is that 💀😂

[@MirorR3fl3ction]

​@@heididischlerViolet was petty af in this book, but she was also TRAUMATIZED from Resson. Her whole world fell apart, and she had to relearn not just how to trust Xaden again, but also relearn how to trust herself. I think her distrust and pettiness makes sense for her character arc despite it being annoying to read sometimes

[@heididischler]

@@MirorR3fl3ctionI totally agree but jeeeeez it definitely was annoying 😂

[@MirorR3fl3ction]

@@heididischler I was screaming at her in my head during most of the scenes with Cat 😅

[@BennMaggs]

I’ve seen alot of theories suggesting Violets Dad will actually be the Sage of the Venins, this would be a crazy twist however it’s giving Star Wars “I am your father” vibes so I’m kinda hoping that isn’t a twist which happens! Despite that I do hope Violets dad makes an appearance and I believe he will. I also think there’s more to be revealed about Xadens Mother as the background on her was very quickly skimmed over in about 2 sentences. AHHH I can’t wait for the next one, I’m so emotionally attached!

[@heididischler]

I agree, I wouldn’t like the father being alive and the sage because we already had a “my brother is dead but he’s actually alive” moment so it would be redundant to do it again. And I didn’t even think about his mother! I’ve been too busy hoping he isn’t venin forever 🙈🙈🙈

[@lucybishop3462]

I think Violet's second signet will be something like the opposite of a Siphon. So she can restore magic. Would make sense why Andarna chose her. I think that will also be somehow what can help save Xaden in the long run. Got a feeling Xaden is going to hurt her and that book 3 is gunna be heartbreaking first though 😢 I did also consider though that actually somewhere there are nice little venin villages with venin kids and stuff and actually just because you are one doesn't necessarily make you evil!? I do think it's interesting that the venin had a specific interest in Xaden though l. Why did he tell Melgren they were waiting for him?! Or is that because of his intinssic power? I get why they are obsessed with Violet because her signet is such a threat. But then I began thinking maybe it's something to do with people with the potential for two signets! I guess time will tell! Loved the book though! Think they did Violet abit dirty in this. I get it was meant to represent her not knowing which way was up after her whole world as she knew it crumbled but I don't think that was conveyed too well. Made her seem more childish at times.

[@heididischler]

Omg the little venin villages 😂 I get what you mean by not all of them being evil (like Xaden), but man that is so hard to imagine lol And yess!! Violet did seem super childish at times in this book. Especially when she was “fighting” with Xaden. Like obviously he was protecting his friends and his dad’s legacy sooo why are you mad at him for lying? She always said that she loved that about him, how he protected everyone, so it didn’t make much sense to me why she was mad.

[@Anshu._.Singh._.2502]

ohmygod thank you for this, i truly truly hope that it comes around, i was screaming , dying when i read the end.

[@CraynosGaming]

Thank you for validating my thoughts and feelings on Xaden. I was unsure what was occurring to him. My first thought was that he was turning into one of them. Thank you. Also, to be brutally honest, I could wait until the next book comes out. Too much occurred in this one. I could use a break 😂

[@heididischler]

Omg I actually agree with you, I could use a break 😂😂 that was a whole rollercoaster.

[@reddopanda_art]

I am really late to the party. But this book had me in tears, screaming, squeaking. I had several meltdowns and I don't know how to survive till the next book. I feeeel youu. That being said I totally agree that the fights between Xaden and Violet was annoying at times. But I guess it is also very 'real' Trust doesn't happen over night and well. She overcame her toxiness and they talked it out. BUT THE ENDING OMG I just keep imagining that Xaden has somehow Venin blood in his body because of his Mother or somethin. Hence he CAN'T be cured! We don't know shit about her. I am gonna throw up if he can't be cured. Jesus christ.

[@heididischler]

He better be cured or else I may not be able to continue the series 🙃😂

[@manuelamwaka3549]

I agreeeee with you totally., And I really want Xaden to be okay! I read the book twice just so I could put all the moving parts together! 😅😅

[@heididischler]

Just waiting on January for the next one 🤩

[@justynaostrowska7262]

Girl me and you both sis, I need the third book NOW!!! And Xaden NEEDS to be okay. Nearly had a heart attack the last few chapters and the only thing keeping me going is that she was asleep next to him in their room after the battle so it can’t be that bad??? They must find the cure or I won’t forgive Rebecca

[@heididischler]

LITERALLY. I agree with you, the only thing keeping me going was the bedroom scene when violet was sleeping 😂😂😂

[@shelbywilliams3756]

Wasn’t it Tairn who made Varrish kneel and apologize to Violet?

[@heididischler]

Maybe?? Honestly, like I said, it was so much information I feel like I need to go back and read it again😂

[@shelbywilliams3756]

@@heididischler lmao it was a lot of info! I used sticky notes as I read but I think it was Tairn when he had Solas’ neck! I’m in such a daze since finishing. 10/10 not doing okay lol

[@katymartinez1262]

Yes it was Tairn that made him kneel

[@heididischler]

@@katymartinez1262that makes so much more sense 😂😂😂 that’s what I get for listening to the audiobook instead of reading it 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@BlancaGarcia-ip6gn]

Just finished this. Completely agree with you. It struck me to moments I was reading and not even breathing. It. Better. Not. Be. The. Last. Book. I knew Xaden turned I was just hoping he would not. I laughed when violet thanked Cat for the trick. I like Cat. The mom moment made me cry. I wanna know Violets signet from Andarna????? Aaaaaaa I love happy ending this better not be it because it’s not happy!!!!!!

[@heididischler]

This definitely isn’t the end!!! There are supposed to be at least three more books I think? However, if one of the dragons die (and Violet still lives because she’s bonded to two), or Xaden can’t be fixed, I will be highly upset 🙂

[@BlancaGarcia-ip6gn]

I read on an interview of Rebecca, where she was asked if there was a cure and she said ''I mean, no one has ever. No one’s seen it. But we haven’t read book three yet.'' so I kind of have faith, and cannot wait to see Violets second signet :) @@heididischler

[@lisaaustin8751]

I agree with all the fabulous reviews so far. My worst fear is Zaden connot be cured! And how did Violet not see Zaden's eyes when "they" were waiting for Sayer's surgery?? I am so glad about the 3 follow-up books. And who is Jack Barlow?

[@jacytodd]

I really enjoyed this series. I listened to both of the audiobooks in a 3 day time span. So they all feel like 1 big book. But, I enjoyed the process of the relationship between Violet and Xaden. However, the whole “trust issues” thing got really old. Violet was really hypocritical and she was called out on it several times. Xaden could have done more than the whole, “just ask” thing, but I really think that he did a good job with constantly showing Violet that he cared for her, all while dealing with his own issues. If they would have just been willing to be really open with each other from the start, and talked, then that would have saved so much heart ache. It was exhausting having to deal with it as the reader. Also, the jealous ex-girlfriend/girlfriend this was so annoying. Xaden never gave Violet a reason to think that he cared for anyone else besides her. He always told her how much she meant to him. And when it came down to it, he was right, she didn’t trust in herself. And I think that maybe she grew in that a little bit by the end of book 2. I’m looking forward to the 3rd book, whenever that comes out, because the end of the book 2’s cliffhanger was CRAZY!! The sad thing is, that was accidentally spoiled for me when looking up a review of book 2 before I started it. So, I’m sure that book 3 will probably deal with trying to find a cure, which will go into book 4. I think that we’ll have to go through the “go almost all the way evil/heroin basically loses the love interest for a second the she saves him through the power of love” trope. But maybe not. Because of the cliffhanger spoiler I read, I had no idea how it was going to happen, so when it ends with Xaden still being with us at the end of the book, I was pleasantly surprised. That made it easier to deal with once I finished the audiobook and now having to wait for Rebecca to write an release the 3rd book. Overall, I bought these 2 audiobooks because they kept being recommended to me on all of the book apps and book stores I visited. I had never heard of the series before the start of the New Year (2024) and was glad that I delved into the story. I’d give book 1 a 4.5/5 stars. Book 2 is more of a 4/5 stars.

[@heididischler]

I was so surprised how long it took me to read the first novel even though it was recommended time and time again! (I’m not much of a fantasy reader so that’s why I put it off). But geez did I enjoy these books!! And yeahh I totally have to go on an internet ban when popular series come out with a new book until I finish it for that same reason 🙈

[@joshuacoons9517]

This is a theory based off of real life. I don’t think it will happen cause this book is far from real life, but in reality here is a strong possibility when it comes to your first love. Younger women are always attracted to the bad boys and the ones that are not good for them. It is apparent that Dain represents the good guy long time friend and Xaiden represents the bad boy. What if (mind you I am speculating. I know I am going to catch flack for this) she has to suffer through not only a more toxic relationship with Xaiden cause he is no longer human. That separates from her bond with him causes of decay of being a vinnen. Then she she has to kill him. Then the Good guy. The one who always takes a back seat. The one who cares for her more than anything and is always willing to take the back seat for her is there for her. Then they grow that relationship and Dain is the one who she ultimately ends up with. This is actually an extremely common trope (because it happens in real life like 90% of the time). Prime example is in the hunger games. I came to the realization that this series is a mixture between the hunger games and Divergent with a blend of Inheritance and Songs of Chaos (first two are fantasy romance the next two are fantasy dragons). Just my highly unlikely but predictable theory.

[@imanessop1172]

Feels like the vampire story line. Will Violet also turn to Venin or will she end up with Dain? I must have missed something, why did he turn into Venin… was it because he needed the power to kill?

[@heididischler]

Okay so honestly I still don’t know how one “turns” Venin. The book didn’t really explain much about it. From what I remember though, it was almost like Xaden turned Venin to protect Violet. That was just my take though.

[@dijanac.n.955]

There has been too many things against Violet and Xaden's love, i wouldn't want that, turning him into venin get to be so devastating to Violet. He will surley have to deal with fight against loving and harming her, but i hope it is not that cliche, they already suffered a lot, maybe their bond can just get stronger now and he can still redirect his anger and hate towards Barlow for example

[@cassigoodson6258]

I think the reason Xaden could hide his second signet as an inntinnsic unlike the other rider is because he doesn’t hear everyone’s exact thoughts around him like the other inntinnsic, he can only read intentions not exact verbatim thoughts, thus he doesn’t go insane hearing every thought around him like the other !

[@heididischler]

That would definitely make sense. I remember him mentioning how it wasn’t exact thoughts, but more… intentions. I think I’d still go crazy though if I had to deal with everyone else’s problems on top of my own though 😂😂

[@ElizasBookshelf]

I just finished this today and I loved it 😭🙌🏼

[@heididischler]

I knoww and who knows how long we have to wait for the next one 😭

[@mushrooms.that.is.random]

Wym fourth wing is better?? ITS THE BEST BOOK EVER! Iron flame 🔥 🤌🏼 I REALLY LOVE IT ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@heididischler]

It really is the best 😭😭😭😭 I don’t know how I’m gonna find another book that blows me away like Fourth Wing did.

[@Chimken_Nuggies666]

Do they end up together in iron flame ?

[@heididischler]

Spoilersssss But yes 😌

[@Chimken_Nuggies666]

Oooooooh myyyy loooord if they wouldn’t have end up together I would have never read it 💀 Thank you sooo much for the heads up 🌼

[@Daisydream00]

Read the whole book in less than 3 days because i wanted to know they are fine 😕 i hope xaden will turn back to normal before the end of the series 😢

[@heididischler]

Omg same!! I already have the third book pre-ordered and I can’t wait until January 😭😭😭

[@Khushii205]

The ending had me gasping Xaden turning into venin and I have to wait for a freaking year for another book has me screaming and crying

[@heididischler]

YESSS I DON’T WANT TO WAIT 😭😭

[@heatherz527]

My heart was damaged by the end of the battle but when he said you should be scared of me!!! My heart hopped out of my chest! I’m crushed. Literally cried right there. Then you kinda get a snippet of maybe her mother was as well and looking for a cure… WHAT! And now I’m just left here dangling until the beginning of the year. Someone help… I’m flatlining ☠️

[@heididischler]

I KNOWWWWW. I feel like I’ve been waiting forever and I still have half a year 😭😭😭

[@MilenaReads]

I’m still processing and I’m not okay 😭😭

[@Topher9203]

Just finished it today, I wasn’t enjoying the book as much as the first one and then BAAMMM the ending gets really good.

[@heididischler]

Yessss!! It really did take a bit to get into the good stuff. But once you do, it is GOOD.

[@dijanac.n.955]

I feel the same. I couldn't take any other book to read after Iron Flame, and i became so impatient for third part now. There are so many questions. Maybe some secrets of Xaden's mothr to reveal or Violet's father. Also Rebecca said in Iron flame we will have hints of her second signet. THat Liam talking maybe wasn't her halucionation. What is she can talk to dead? Then she can contact those who maybe know the secret of how to revers a venin. It should be 5 books so i imagine we will slowly burn with each of the next. I am truly, madly in loooove with this all.

[@heididischler]

Here’s to hoping for a cure 🫶🏻

[@jamaicanqueen]

I think Violet was seeing the future. All those dreams she had with the sage, turned around and happened to Xaden. She either saw the future or saw his dreams. I'm thinking she saw his dreams because Xaden knew they were there for him.

[@krutikajain2567]

Ok, so I just finished reading this book now on my phone, and Idk how many hours it took me to read continuously so maybe I'm delirious and confused and need sleep ASAP. But please can someone clear some of my doubts, 1 being how did XADEN become a venin? I mean, Ik at some point that when some venin touches you, You become a Venin or something like that. But please clear my that doubt and 2nd about andarna.. is she an adolescent or really old dragon? I promise to re-read it but please help me out nowww I need to knowww plssss

[@heididischler]

Okkkk so with the venin thing I was honestly super confused too, so idk!! But with Andarna, she was adolescent but I’m pretty sure by the end of this book she was fully grown. She is just the last of her kind I think

[@stilquy7204]

It's a bit hard to tell since there's no spacing but in the last chapter right before Xaden wakes up in bed he reaches to draw power from the ground rather than Sgaeyl which turned him into a venin

[@geelovepooh]

I thought it was so much better than Fourth Wing. The Violet character development was awesome!!! Honestly idk how you think there are too many characters, it would be so boring if it was literally only focused on her crew. I’m so happy none of my favs died but this Xaden turning Vennin is probably my least favorite part , I think there will be a cure bc no way it will last with him like that.

[@heididischler]

Hahaha it’s just because I have a terrible memory that I think there’s too many characters 😂😂 it would def be boring if there were less. And no way can he stay venin. I will literally riot 👀🤪

[@selly0811-s2e]

I think we will kind of loose Xaden during the next book when Violet desperately tries to find a cure and maybe in the fourth book he kind of turns „evil“. But for sure we will get him back, or at least I hope so.

[@heididischler]

If he’s gone, I’m gone 😂😂😂 just kidding but I will be seriously upset.

[@maddie2dube245]

I honestly didn’t like this book and was wanting a major plot twist for Xaden to betray Violet and that he had this whole plan from the beginning, and that she would go back to Dain. I know I’m not the norm with this thought but Xaden irritates me so freaking much! lol

[@heididischler]

What about him annoys you? I’m literally so interested to hear now because I love him and prob am looking past all his flaws 😂 and do you think you’ll read the next one?

[@1983aw]

I totally called that vis mom made her become a rider to save her life. Also that andarna was not a black dragon but something different. A new or forgotten kind. Also that Jack wasn’t dead. And that some how xaden would become someone that vi would fear. I don’t think that he is her end game. I was right with throne of glass. And I think I’m right here too.

[@heididischler]

Girl I don’t know how you called all of that because I was MIND BLOWN 😂😂 I hope they’re endgame but we’ll def see 👀

[@1983aw]

@@heididischler I hope she is able to figure out a way to save Xaden. There is something worrying about how much they don’t know about the dark welders. I think it will be a bombshell moment when vi finds her father’s research. I think that nerds are more fun to read about. Ready player one for the win.

[@maiseee000]

If their love wasn’t so deeply established, built, solid in its descriptions I might have considered the idea of Xaden not being endgame. But the way Rebecca describes their love and their inner monologues and thoughts reminds me of the concept of Mates. I think they are too intertwined to not be endgame.

[@marissa3673]

SPOILER ALERT! XADEN, VIOLET, CATRIONA QUESTION!!! Can someone please explain the timeline between Zaden and Catriona? I think there was still a sexual relationship between Zaden and Catriona when Violet was in her 1st year as a cadet. Cat mentioned that she knows the deal between Zaden and Violet's mother. Otherwise, she won't be able to use it to trigger (apart from using her power to magnify her emotions) Violet when they were sparring. And Zaden won't bother making time for Cat to share that info while smuggling weapons if they are not together anymore. So, my question is when did Zaden break up with Cat? Was Violet right when she first accused Zaden of liking someone else?

[@ElizasBookshelf]

I believe in the book, it said they were over for over a year before xaden/Violet but don’t quote me lol 😂 so many details in this book, I want to go back and reread already. I don’t doubt what he said about Imogen though

[@heididischler]

I thought the same thing as @Elizasbookshelf but same as her, don’t quote me on it 😂

[@marissa3673]

Correct!@@heididischler I'm a big romance junkie so I hope we get more clarity on the 3rd book. And I'm so dying to know Violet's 2nd signet with Andarna.

[@heididischler]

@@marissa3673 all I’m saying is that the second signet better be epic!! 🤣

[@beatricejart]

I don’t get why Xaden turned venin though😭

[@heididischler]

So I was actually confused by the process of turning venin if that’s what you’re talking about. It wasn’t explained well in the book, but hopefully we get more of an explanation in the next one!

[@caitlinng4559]

If I’m understanding it correctly, the general venin/dark wielder (the one Xaden is fighting in chapter 66) knew that Violet would potentially die so he gave Xaden an option to turn in order to save her. The venin says “I told you once you’d turn for love. And so you shall” on the next page we read Xaden say “Violet chose me too, I reach. (Pg621-622” This means he let him in/ is turning. However, I think the venin general wanted either Xaden or Violet because in previous chapter we hear other venin say to Violet “you’ll be so much fun for him to wield”, “I’ll be his favourite for delivering you” and “your the one he wants.” I think Xaden just happened to be the one to face the general and he got turned. :(

[@maiseee000]

The process of turning into Venin is basically once you reach close to burnout, you are faced with the potential of death and ALSO in your mindspace of power you reach the ground. Now once you get near the ground, ALLL that power, magic and energy is there. If you REACH for it and start channeling from the earth instead of your dragon, that’s it for you. You turn venin.

[@maiseee000]

Also I would like to note that both Violet and Xaden reached that point of burnout. Violet just chose not to reach for the power. She chose to die. But then was kicked by her mother.

[@kayleemcelveen5821]

I love that you loved it, I just wish I loved it as much. ⭐ 3/5 ⭐

[@heididischler]

Awww. What bothered you about it?? I’m genuinely curious and love to hear different perspectives 😅

[@alexmonroe4706]

Heidi, would you like to do a book review on my novel 'Red Scarf?' And if so, let's connect, Alex :)

[@heididischler]

I have a review policy on my blog if you want to check it out! There’s a form submission there ☺️ www.heididischler.com/contact/book-review-policy/