Lets Talk About "Iron Flame"

I finished Iron Flame, the sequel to The Fourth Wing and have several thoughts. Although I have a mixed bag of opinions, I think the book is an overall win. I liked the plot, the world-building, and of course, the dragons. This dystopian fantasy book is action packed and filled with battles, plans of attack, and strategy. If you are reading this book for romance, forget about it.

In my opinon, the Xaden and Violet plot ran its course in the first book. The author does her best to keep the fire alive, making the characters argue at every possible chance, but after the first 100 pages, it felt very overdone. They were fighting for the sake of fighitng, rather than the actual need for a fight. For how smart violet is, she felt very dumb in all of these scenes. I enjoyed the chapters when Xaden wasn't there, signficantly more than the ones where he was. That being said, I was happy with the story ending in (spoiler) him becoming a venin. I thought FINALLY. SOMETHING NEW. That probably gives you an idea of just how done I was.

With that being said, it wasn't just Xaden's fault. Violet became so cringey at times, I couldn't bare it. It felt intentional. The author knows how to write a great chapter. The book was well done. I just couldn't stand Violet, sometimes. You know who I do love though? Andarna. Phenominal plot the entire time. I loveeeeeed her in this book. Also, the last 200 pages had me hooked. The wards, the interrigation, the family dynamics. So well done.

Moving on to the theories, I totally think she will be a distance weilder. Calling it right now. Also, her mom being a venin? Yeah. I think so... read the chapter heading for the last chapter! It basically says so.

Anyways, I enjoyed this read and still think its a good beginner novel for anyone trying to get into fantasy.