Threshing Day (Empyrean #3.5) by Rebecca Yarros

 Threshing Day (Empyrean #3.5) by Rebecca Yarros-204 pages

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Welcome to Threshing Day, the brutal, high-stakes trial where would-be riders at Basgiath War College fight to earn the bond of a dragon or die trying. Amid ruthless competition and dragon fire, these thirteen cadets must survive a battlefield where desperate rivals will do anything to gain an advantage and dragons decide one’s ultimate fate―and where a single choice can forge a rider…or destroy them.

Xaden Riorson, the powerful leader. Rhiannon Matthias, the clever friend. Dain Aetos, the dutiful rule-follower. Liam Mairi, the kindhearted protector. Ridoc Gamlyn, the jokester. Sawyer Henrick, the underdog. Garrick Tavis, the dependable aide. Imogen Cardulo, the impulsive fighter. Bodhi Durran, the second-in-command. Mira Sorrengail, the fearless rider. Brennan Sorrengail, the brilliant tactician. Aaric Graycastle, the restless royal. Sloane Mairi, the determined sister.

On Threshing Day, there’s only one rule: don’t die.

The Empyrean series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 Fourth Wing
Book #2 Iron Flame
Book #3 Onyx Storm

Though Threshing Day can be enjoyed as an introduction to the series, due to contained spoilers, it is best read after Onyx Storm

Thoughts: This was the book I didn't know I needed, but very much did. Reading about the Threshing Day experiences of all these characters was really cool, although Liam's was bittersweet. I'm glad for this short excursion into the Empyrean world while we're waiting for book 4 in the series. The artwork of the dragons in this book is phenomenal! I am so ready for book 4!

Iron Flame (The Empyrean #2) by Rebecca Yarros

 Iron Flame (The Empyrean #2) by Rebecca Yarros-623 pages

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I've been eagerly awaiting this sequel to Fourth Wing since I finished it. Fourth Wing is my favorite book I read this year (so far). Iron Flame picks up right where Fourth Wing ended and keeps the action going constantly. So much happens in Iron Flame and there are definitely some jaw-dropping moments. Violet is as much of a bad ass as ever. The relationship between Violet and Xaden is a bit infuriating, frustrating at times, especially Violet taking so long to admit her feelings for Xaden. The stakes continue to get ever higher throughout the book. The ending is just as much of a cliffhanger as Fourth Wing's and it's emotionally wracking. I was thinking no, no, no, it can't end like that!! I'm already anticipating the next book (there are supposedly going to be five total) and I hope it doesn't have such an emotional ending. This series is soooooo good thus far, though.