Mir's Reading Blog

Review & Thoughts

Iron Flame was heavier, messier, and somehow even more stressful than Fourth Wing—and I mean that as both a compliment and a personal grievance.

This book expands the world far beyond Basgiath and really forces the characters to confront the actual war happening around them. There’s so much for everyone to learn, uncover, and adapt to, and it felt like there was considerably more bad than good happening at any given moment. I was constantly stressed about who would survive, who could be trusted, and what awful thing might happen next.

It did take me longer to finish than I expected, partly because it’s massive and partly because certain sections genuinely made me reluctant to keep reading. Varrish alone nearly sent me into a reading slump because I hated that man so much. But once I pushed through, I could not put the book down. The dragons remained some of my favorite characters, the world became even more interesting, and Andarna continued to be my sweet, feisty little menace.

Violet and Xaden’s relationship was frustrating at times, but I also appreciated seeing them struggle through trust, secrets, distance, and the reality of trying to maintain an adult relationship while everything around them is falling apart. Neither of them handled everything perfectly, which honestly made sense considering the impossible situation they were in.

The final stretch was intense, heartbreaking, and completely soul-shattering. Every time I thought the worst had happened, Rebecca Yarros added another plot twist and somehow made it worse. That ending genuinely left me at a loss for words.

This was still an incredible book and I’m completely invested in the series—but after the emotional damage it inflicted, I will be taking a small break before starting Onyx Storm. I need time to recover from whatever the hell that was.