Iron Flame is the second book in The Empyrean Series by author Rebecca Yarros.
| “ | The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity. | ” |
Synopsis[]
Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky.
Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves.
Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules.
But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year.
Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.[1]
Detailed Plot Summary[]
The novel opens with Violet Sorrengail processing the revelation that her brother Brennan is alive. Brennan, now a lieutenant colonel operating under an alias, meets with Xaden and the Assembly of the revolution. Violet overhears discussions about a non-functional forge, the need for a luminary, and potential negotiations with Viscount Tecarus. The Assembly votes to return the cadets to Basgiath, instructing them to conceal recent events involving wyverns and venin. Brennan reveals that Tairn's previous rider, Naolin, sacrificed himself to heal Brennan, after which dragons hid him in caves beneath Aretia.
Upon returning to Basgiath for graduation, Xaden discloses that Colonel Aetos authorized their combat mission, much to General Sorrengail's dismay. The cadets fabricate a story about Liam and Soleil's deaths. New developments at Basgiath include Xaden's reassignment to Samara, the introduction of Vice Commandant Varrish, and the implementation of a classified Rider Survival Course. Simultaneously, Violet begins clandestine research into Basgiath's history and wards. A first-year cadet attempts to assassinate Violet, and riders from the Athebyne mission become targets. Violet faces punishment from Varrish for protecting Andarna, and the squad undergoes harsh interrogation training. These events contribute to an atmosphere of increasing danger and mistrust within Basgiath.
Several unexpected events occur, including Jack Barlowe's resurrection, an attack on Samara, and Violet and Xaden's mission to negotiate with Viscount Tecarus. The discovery of journals belonging to the First Six provides potential insights into the history and mechanics of the wards. Violet endures five days of torture at the hands of Varrish and his associates. Dain, in a surprising turn of events, aids in her rescue after learning the truth about the revolution. Xaden arrives to help, resulting in Varrish's demise. The revolutionaries relocate to Aretia, establishing a new base at Riorson House. This period is marked by Andarna's awakening, Violet's attempts to decipher ward activation, and the integration of Tyrrish rune magic into the curriculum. Negotiations with Viscount Tecarus for a luminary further complicate the political landscape.
The story progresses with the integration of gryphon flyer cadets into the training program, leading to heightened tensions between riders and flyers. A dragon hatchling's birth in Aretia attracts magical beings, adding to the complexity of the situation. Amidst these challenges, Violet's relationship with Xaden continues to develop, adding a personal dimension to the overarching conflict. The narrative builds to a climactic battle as wyvern and venin forces advance on Aretia. Violet and her allies defend Basgiath, leading to the discovery of Andarna's unique role in ward activation. The battle culminates in General Sorrengail's sacrifice to power the wards, highlighting the high stakes of the conflict. The novel concludes with the successful defense of Basgiath, but at a great cost. In a shocking twist, Xaden is transformed into a venin during the battle. The story ends on a cliffhanger as Xaden seeks a cure for his condition, only to learn from Jack Barlowe that no cure exists.
Foreign Publishers & Titles[]
España: Ediciones Planeta "Alas de Hierro"
Portugal: Editora Planeta "Chama de Ferro"
Gallery[]
Covers[]
German Exclusive Edition[]
UK Special Edition Endpapers[]
Promo[]
September 12, 2023
Rebecca Yarros and her publishing team released an exclusive excerpt to Iron Flame on TODAY.com. Yarros has commented that Iron Flame will "'[deal] with the fallout of what Violet's discovered in the first book,'" and that "'we can expect the world to expand and for the mysteries to deepen.'"[2]
External Links[]
- Goodreads
- Template:Site
Citations[]
- ↑ Synopsis of Iron Flame: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/90202302-iron-flame
- ↑ Excerpt of Iron Flame released on TODAY.com: https://www.today.com/popculture/iron-flame-rebecca-yarros-book-excerpt-t294118