|| 4.5 stars ||

I know everyone is completely in love with the romance between Xander and Violet (which, admittedly, was amazing too), but I’m kind of obsessed with the dragons. Tairn just had me cracking up 24/7 and Andarna was literally the cutest thing ever.
I just loved all of the scenes that showed Violet bonding with her dragons. I mean, Tairn was genuinely like a grumpy dad being protective of his sassy kid while also helping her in every way he could, and I ate that shit up.

This book kind of felt like a mix of a lot of our favourite fantasy books, but it never felt like a copy of any of them; it only took a few aspects of each book, leaving this story to still feel fresh and original. It seemed more like an homage than a rip-off.
For example, the world-building really reminded me of Ranger's Apprentice, but I’ve heard a lot of other people say they think it was like Divergent. And I can see that to. So, really, it can probably be compared to a lot of books, but not always the same ones. Thus, it’s not really a copy of anything in particular. It just feels familiar.

Now, to get back to the romance for a second, because that’s certainly not to be ignored either; I really did love Xander and Violet together. The way he respects her and her abilities while encouraging her to be better but also cherishes her and is insanely protective? Perfect combination! They were just so freaking good for each other; you could tell they were just what the other person needed.

“I don’t deserve you.” His arm curls around my hips and he tugs me closer. “But I’m going to keep you all the same.”
“Good.” I lean in and brush my lips over his. “Because I think I’m in love with you.”

Everyone loves a good enemies-to-lovers, and this was definitely that. They thankfully never dove into bully romance territory (which, unfortunately, a lot of people seem to confuse with enemies-to-lovers) as they were apprehensive and combative with each other, but never downright hostile or cruel.
The tension was really simmering for a long time, but eventually they do give into their feelings. The thing I didn’t really like about that part though is that she ended up being the one begging to give their relationship a chance; I definitely like it more when the hero is the one fighting hard for them to be together.
Considering this, that definitely means the sequel sounds really promising for me, because it looks like we are getting a second-chance trope for them… but then it’s going to be Xander fighting for them to be together!

“You love me, and—”
“Loved,” I correct him, sidestepping so I can get some fucking space and then taking it.
“Love!” he shouts, stopping me in my tracks. “You love me.”
Slowly, I turn to face him. “Everything I feel—” I swallow, fighting to hold on to the anger so I don’t fall apart. “Felt for you was based on secrets and deception.” Shame burns my cheeks that I was naive enough to fall for him in the first place.
“Everything between us is real, Violence.”

I really hope Violet makes him work for it, because what else is going to happen with their romance these upcoming FIVE books? I have to say that I was kind of surprised they already got together so seriously in this book because I expected more of a slow-burn throughout the entire series. But I guess not. So I’m curious to see what will happen next. I hope we’ll start with some good, long groveling.

SPOILERS:
When it comes to Dain I actually feel betrayed. I kind of thought him and Violet could end up staying friends at first, but then he became more and more annoying and overbearing, and then that final reveal?? Nu-uh. Instant death for this man. RIGHT NOW! I feel like I went through the same shockingly eye-opening journey with this dude as what happened with Adam from Shatter Me.

Lastly, I just want to point out that this ending absolutely broke me. I’m being utterly serious when I say I cried like a little baby. Liam was literally my favourite character and throughout the entire book I kept hoping he would find love in the sequel and we would see him become truly happy. But then he died. Just like that. God. I didn’t see it coming and I just cried. He was so sweet and gentle and humble and kind-hearted. His friendship with Violet and his dedication to Xander warmed my heart, and I really loved him so much. He was the last person I wanted to die…


'The Empyrean' series:
1. Fourth Wing - 4.5 stars
2. Iron Flame - 2.0 stars