Okay, Iron Flame was a lot. This sequel hits the ground running and does not let up. The stakes are higher, the twists are wilder, and Violet is once again put through absolute hell (seriously, can she catch a break?). If you loved Fourth Wing, you’ll probably be just as hooked on this one.

What really stood out to me? The action is intense, the emotional gut punches land hard, and the world-building deepens in a way that makes everything feel even more immersive. Violet continues to be a badass, even when she’s barely holding it together, and her character growth is one of the book’s biggest strengths. The romance? Still very much there, though it sometimes takes a backseat to the growing war and political intrigue. And I loved seeing more development for the side characters. They really get a chance to shine.

That said, this wasn’t a perfect read for me. The pacing felt uneven; some scenes dragged while others raced by too quickly. A few plot twists leaned a little too much on convenience, and there were moments where the internal monologue and dialogue became really repetitive. But despite those issues, I was completely invested.

And then there’s the ending. My heart? Absolutely shattered. Just when I thought I had processed the emotional wreckage, boom…that final twist landed and left me reeling. Thankfully, I have Onyx Storm ready to jump into, because I need answers.

Overall, Iron Flame delivers on action, angst, and high-stakes drama. It’s not perfect, but it’s an addictive, emotional ride that kept me flipping pages late into the night. Definitely worth the read. Just brace yourself for some serious emotional damage.