Just finished Iron Flame, and wow—what a ride! Rebecca Yarros has outdone herself with this sequel. The stakes are higher, the battles more intense, and the emotional punches? They hit hard. If you loved Fourth Wing, brace yourself—this one dials everything up to eleven.

Violet’s journey at Basgiath War College is brutal, and her dynamic with Xaden? Electric. The tension between them is so thick you could cut it with a knife. And the dragons? Their banter is *chef’s kiss*—especially Andarna, who’s an absolute scene-stealer.

But let’s talk about Chapter 48. Holy. Spice. It’s a masterpiece of longing and passion, perfectly balanced with the story’s darker themes. The pacing? Mostly flawless, though Part 2 drags a bit compared to the breakneck speed of Part 1. And that ending? I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say I’m still recovering.

The world-building expands beautifully, with deeper dives into wards, dragon lore, and the brewing revolution. But be warned: the cliffhanger is brutal. I’m already counting down to Book 3.

Minor gripes? The paperback size feels oddly small, and some plot twists feel recycled from other fantasies. But overall? A must-read for fans of dragons, enemies-to-lovers, and heart-stopping action. 9.5/10—would scream/cry/gasp again.