Summary
Iron Flame, the highly anticipated sequel to Rebecca Yarros' Fourth Wing, hit shelves in November 2023 to widespread acclaim. This new adult fantasy novel continues the story of Violet Sorrengail as she faces her second year at Basgiath War College, where the challenges are even more grueling and the stakes higher than ever. The book sold over half a million copies on its release day, cementing its place as a publishing phenomenon.
Yarros' blend of high fantasy and romance, often referred to as “romantasy,” has captured readers' imaginations worldwide. The Empyrean series, of which Iron Flame is the second installment, has garnered a massive following, with over 400,000 5-star reviews on Goodreads for this latest entry. The book's success led to midnight release parties at hundreds of bookstores across the United States, demonstrating the fervent anticipation among fans.
While no adaptations have been released yet, Amazon MGM Studios has acquired the rights to adapt the entire Empyrean series for streaming. This deal, announced just before Iron Flame's release, includes plans for the adaptation of all five books in the series. With Yarros set to executive produce alongside industry veterans, fans can look forward to seeing Violet's world brought to life on screen in the future.
Plot
Iron Flame picks up shortly after the events of Fourth Wing. Violet Sorrengail learns her brother Brennan is alive and leading a secret rebellion against the venin threat. She and her fellow cadets return to Basgiath War College, sworn to secrecy about the venin attack they survived. The new vice commandant, Major Burton Varrish, proves to be a ruthless adversary for Violet as she struggles to keep her secrets while continuing her training.
As Violet investigates the history of Navarre's wards and the mysterious First Six who created them, she enlists help from friends old and new. Her relationship with Xaden Riorson is tested by the secrets they must keep from each other. Meanwhile, Violet's dragon Andarna enters an unusually long “dreamless sleep,” and assassination attempts claim the lives of several Resson survivors.
Violet's covert research leads her to steal valuable journals from the archives with the help of Prince Cam, who is posing as a cadet under an alias. When Varrish discovers her activities, he tortures Violet for information. The truth about the venin threat is revealed to the entire college, leading to a mass exodus of riders joining the rebellion. Violet travels to broker an alliance with Viscount Tecarus, gaining resources for the rebels but also uncovering uncomfortable truths about Xaden's past.
The novel climaxes with a massive venin attack on Basgiath. Violet realizes Andarna is key to activating the wards that can protect Navarre. In a desperate battle, Violet nearly burns out trying to empower the wards, but her mother sacrifices herself to complete the ritual. On the battlefield, Xaden faces the venin sage and, in an attempt to save Violet, transforms into a venin himself, leaving the future of their relationship and the rebellion uncertain.
Themes
Coming of age and personal growth
Power dynamics and rebellion against authority
Love and loyalty in times of conflict
Sacrifice for the greater good
Secrets, lies and the consequences of hidden truths
Strength in unity and unlikely alliances
Confronting prejudice and overcoming physical limitations
Setting
Iron Flame is set in a fantastical world where dragons and their riders play a crucial role in society. The story takes place in a pseudo-medieval era, with elements of magic and advanced technology blending seamlessly. The larger geographical area is known as Navarre, a realm divided into various provinces and outposts.
At the heart of the narrative lies Basgiath War College, a formidable institution where dragon riders are trained. This imposing fortress serves as the primary setting for much of the story's action and intrigue. Other significant locations include Samara, an outpost where some characters are stationed, and Aretia, the secret headquarters of a rebellion against the established order.
The novel also explores other regions within this fantasy world, such as Poromiel and its province of Krovla. These diverse settings provide a rich backdrop for the unfolding drama, showcasing the author's skill in world-building. From treacherous battlefields to hidden dragon dens, the varied landscapes of Iron Flame contribute to the epic scale of the tale.
Characters
Violet Sorrengail: Protagonist and second-year cadet at Basgiath War College. Bonded to two dragons, Tairn and Andarna. Struggles with physical weakness but possesses strong willpower and intelligence. Caught between loyalty to the college and the growing rebellion against venin threats.
Xaden Riorson: Lieutenant and Violet's love interest. Leader of a secret rebellion while balancing his duties at Samara outpost. Bonded to dragon Sgaeyl and possesses multiple signets, including mind reading. Struggles with keeping secrets from Violet.
Dain Aetos: Wingleader of Fourth Wing with retrocognition abilities. Seeks to regain Violet's trust after betraying her confidence. Plays a crucial role in uncovering the truth about venin threats.
Rhiannon Matthias: Violet's best friend with telekinetic abilities. Becomes involved in Violet's secret research and missions. Struggles with the growing distance between her and Violet due to secrets.
Burton Varrish: New vice commandant at Basgiath War College. Antagonist who targets Violet and the marked ones, using brutal interrogation methods. Has the ability to read people's weaknesses.
Mira Sorrengail: Violet's older sister and lieutenant dragon rider. Stationed at the same fort as Xaden and eventually joins the rebellion.
Brennan Sorrengail: Violet's brother, previously thought dead. Now leads the revolution against venin threats. Bonded to dragon Marbh and possesses mending abilities.
Andarna: Violet's second bonded dragon with unique camouflage abilities. Crucial to activating the wards against venin.
Aaric Graycastle (Prince Cam): Youngest son of King Tauri, undercover at Basgiath. Aids Violet in her research of the First Six.
Imogen and Bodhi: Fellow marked ones who survived the Resson attack with Violet. Develop a close camaraderie with her.
Jesinia: Scribe who helps Violet by smuggling books from the archives. Provides crucial translations for activating the wards.
Cat: Xaden's ex-girlfriend and niece of Viscount Tecarus. Becomes involved in the rebellion and causes tension in Violet and Xaden's relationship.
Quick facts
It sold over half a million copies on its release day in November 2023.
200 Barnes & Noble stores held midnight release parties for the book.
Some copies had misprints, including spines that read Fourth Wing instead of Iron Flame.
It was written and published just 7 months after the release of the first book, Fourth Wing.
The book is 623 pages long, making it a substantial fantasy novel.
It ranked #1 on Publishers Weekly's national fiction bestseller list in November 2023.
The book has garnered over 400,000 5-star reviews on Goodreads.
Yarros' husband, an Apache pilot, helped develop the aerial combat scenes.
Amazon MGM Studios acquired the rights to adapt the entire series for streaming.
The third book in the series, Onyx Storm, is set to be released on January 21, 2025.
About the Author
Rebecca Yarros is a #1 New York Times bestselling author known for her emotional storytelling and military-themed romances. With over fifteen novels to her name, including the wildly popular Fourth Wing, Yarros has captivated readers worldwide. Her accolades include the Colorado Romance Writer's Award of Excellence and a British Book Award for Pageturner Book of the Year.
Yarros's personal life heavily influences her writing. Married to her military hero for over two decades, she is a mother of six and resides in Colorado. Her family includes four hockey-playing sons, an English bulldog, chinchillas, and a Maine Coon cat. Yarros's experience fostering and adopting her youngest daughter inspired her to co-found OneOctober, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children in the foster system.
The Empyrean series, including Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, has propelled Yarros to new heights of literary success. The first book spent 65 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list and is set for a television adaptation with Amazon MGM Studios. Yarros will serve as a non-writing executive producer for the series, which is planned to span five books in total.
Beyond her writing career, Yarros is open about her personal challenges. She and her sons live with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, and her adopted daughter is nonverbal and on the autism spectrum. These experiences have shaped Yarros's perspective and contribute to the depth and authenticity found in her novels, which range from contemporary romance to fantasy.
