Iron Flame (The Empyrean #2) by Rebecca Yarros

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

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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. 

Fourth Wing (Empyrean, #1) by Rebecca Yarros

 Fourth Wing (Empyrean, #1) by Rebecca Yarros-500 pages

I really enjoy fantasy, especially Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses) and Christopher Paolini (Inheritance Series), so I've been eager to read this one. I want to know why this book has become so popular. I really like the character development and story. Violet Sorrengail is the youngest daughter (and child) of General Sorrengail of Navarre (her mother). She has a condition that causes her bones, muscles, and joints to break easily. I really like Violet's character. She's a strong, snarky woman protagonist and reminds me a bit of Celaena Sardothien/Aelin Galathynius from Throne of Glass and Feyre Archeron from ACOTAR. This book is full of twists and turns and there's a twist at the end that has me on the edge of my seat for the next book. I would put this on the same level as Maas' series. This is my favorite book of the year so far. I can't overstate how much I enjoyed reading this book. I am eagerly anticipating the sequel that will release in November. I give this 5 out of 5 stars.