🔥 Dragon-sized emotions ahead! Rebecca Yarros delivers a sequel that burns brighter than dragonfire. After devouring Iron Flame in three sleepless nights (who needs rest when there are DRAGONS?), here’s my brutally honest take.

💔 The Good: The tension between Violet and Xaden? CHEF’S KISS. Their weekend reunions (thanks to mated dragons) are equal parts steamy and heart-wrenching. Chapter 48? Let’s just say my Kindle screen fogged up. The battle scenes? Cinematic. And Andarna—that sassy dragon hatchling—stole every scene she was in.

⚔️ The Bad: The pacing wobbles like a cadet on their first flight. Part 1 had me sobbing; Part 2 dragged like a wounded gryphon. Some twists felt recycled from other fantasies (looking at you, Hunger Games-esque ‘sacrifice’ trope). And that cliffhanger? Bold choice, Yarros. Bold. *side-eyes unfinished trilogy*

🐉 Real Talk: This isn’t high literature—it’s a dopamine-packed fantasy escape. The dragons’ banter alone is worth the price (Tairn’s sarcasm = life). But if you hated Violet’s bone fragility in Book 1, her struggles intensify here. Pro tip: Skip if you dislike emotional whiplash or unresolved endings.

🌟 Final Verdict: 4.5/5 stars. Not perfect, but I’d still sell my soul for Book 3. Perfect for ACOTAR fans who crave more scales and less faerie glitter.