Iron Flame is the second installment of The Empyreon series, and it starts right where Fourth Wing left off. This sequel also ends on a major cliffhanger, and Onyx Storm picks off right where Iron Flame left off. Because of that, Iron Flame doesn’t feel like a complete singular story. Now that I’m almost done with Onyx Storm, it’s clear this series is one larger story instead of multiple parts that are connected. So, because of that, I did thoroughly enjoy reading Iron Flame and rate it 5 stars. And I have three main takeaways to discuss. 

What flaws are okay in a love interest?

Something I’ve noticed among online forums where favorite romance couples are discussed: each individual reader has their own lines in the sand on what is and isn’t forgivable among the flaws and mistakes that characters make. I had an experience with my own writing where in a set of beta readers one vehemently did not like the male love interest and was disappointed my female main character ended up with him. I did take his comments seriously, and made one tiny adjustment in one scene based on what he didn’t like. But it made me realize that not every reader is going to be okay with the choices the love interest makes, which will affect whether they root for that love interest to get their HEA or not. And that’s okay. 

For me, I had a similar issue with Xaden for a good chunk of Iron Flame. At the end of Fourth Wing he accidentally shares with Violet a pretty big secret. Violet is understandably furious that he kept something like that from her, and is even more angry that the only reason she now knows is because Xaden’s original plan went awry. At the beginning of Iron Flame, Xaden agrees to no more secrets under the caveat that Violet has to ask questions, and he’ll answer them honestly. But Violet can’t ask questions if she doesn’t know what information she’s missing. Xaden also won’t be intimate with Violet again until she says she loves him, which she won’t do until she can trust him. The two are at an impasse of Xaden’s own making. 

I have read so many romances with similar tensions where the female character gives in and the male gets his way. It creates an unequal dynamic that doesn’t sit well with me. And I was so fearful Violet was going to do the same thing. And if she did, would I still love this story? Would I enjoy reading their relationship scenes? Luckily, I was not forced to answer those questions. Both Violet and Xaden were able to compromise in a way that I found valid, and I’m back on Team Xaden. 

A new take on the jealous ex

The jealous ex causing tension and problems is my least favorite trope in a romance. So when Cat was introduced as Xaden’s ex who is still hung up on him, I was none too pleased. I was ready to throw the book across the room if Violet walked in on them and “it’s not what it looks like!” 

Lucky for me, and my copy of the book, that did not happen. Rebecca Yarros takes the jealous ex trope in a different direction that I ended up enjoying. Cat admits to Violet that she doesn’t love Xaden, she just wants what a marriage to him would provide: a crown. Xaden is the heir of Tyrrendor. Depending on how far back historians go, that makes him a duke at the lowest and a king at the highest. Cat is of royal blood from another kingdom, and Violet has no nobility in her lineage (that we know of so far in the series). The fact that Cat has no qualms with admitting her ambitions in front of an audience shines light on the culture these characters live in. Status and titles are more important than love. But like all characters like Xaden, he doesn’t care, and openly keeps Violet as his girlfriend.  

Correct representation of twenty-year-olds

Oftentimes, younger characters are depicted as much more mature than is realistic. While there are people in this world who are more intelligent and mature than is typical for their age group, the staggering number of such people as fictional characters probably doesn’t match reality. Rebecca Yarros does an amazing job of depicting people in their early twenties correctly. 

Violet is your typical brainiac main character who “isn’t like other girls.” But she also is like other girls in the fact that she falls in love quickly, overthinks Xaden’s words and actions in their relationship, and gets insanely jealous.

Xaden is the begrudging aristocrat who is thrust into leadership much too young. But he also has a temper that would get weaker characters into trouble and is willing to sacrifice the world for Violet.  

Rhiannon is a natural leader who still enjoys hookups, drinking, and partying.

Ridoc is the comedic relief who still has talent and grit that come in handy during battle. 

Garrick is the best friend who isn’t afraid to put Xaden in his place, but enjoys hook ups and flings. (Though I’m really hoping he and Imogen will end up together in the end.)

Imogen holds nasty grudges and talks back, but is fiercely loyal to her people. 

Sloan allows trauma and heartbreak to guide her emotions and choices, but shows incredible growth by the end.

Brhodi also provides comic relief and wisdom as he gives advice to Violet and Xaden.

There are many more characters to discuss, but the above are the ones I wanted to highlight for this post.

Overall, Iron Flame took me on an emotional journey that I’m still not quite recovered from. I love the world Rebecca Yarros has created, and her characters are the perfect cherry on top.

Have you read Iron Flame? What are your thoughts on it?