literary gluttony

Violet Sorrengail never thought she’d make it through her first year at Basgiath War College. And she almost didn’t. But here she is at the beginning of her second year, and she has no idea what’s in store for her. Between secrets that need to be kept and a vice commandant that’s out for her blood, it’s going to be a stressful year. Xaden has received his orders and Violet no longer has the ability to see him everyday, which in turn is making Tairn very annoyed. Will their relationship survive the distance and the secrets that still haven’t been shared?

All I can say is….this. frickin’. book!!!!! Iron Flame is much more emotionally traumatizing than Fourth Wing was and now we have to wait even longer to find out what happens. Once again we find our characters in the midst of a battle, both figuratively and realistically. Xaden and Violet are still trying to figure out if they can trust the other. Meanwhile, the venin and wyvern are making their move and Navarre isn’t prepared.

While this book seemed very chaotic, I think that was done with a purpose. The characters were also dealing with chaos so it felt mirrored in the writing. I definitely had a hard time keeping up with all of the locations that were thrown at us throughout this book but it didn’t take away from the story for me. The only thing I found myself slightly annoyed about was the redundant arguments between Xaden and Violet. Again, I feel like this was done with a purpose but it still was a bit grating to get through.

But by the end of this book, I gasped so many times my husband thought I was hyperventilating and I cried more than I care to admit. If you can look past the minute flaws in the writing, and simply enjoy the book for the story1 it is, this is an amazing sequel and I can’t wait to find out what happens next!