29 responses to “Iron Flame Questions and Answers – What do we know so far?”

1. 

   K

   November 27, 2023 at 1:55 pm

   I hadn’t really thought about Xaden as morally gray, but it makes complete sense. He’s not going to be the one to save the world. Yarros said that herself in I think the Variety interview. He’ll do anything for those he loves – really similar to General Sorrengail for her children. Perhaps he ends up helping to save the world, but that is only because he’ll do anything for Violet. She’s going to be the heroine here, whether she’s alive or not in the end.

   I want to know what Garrick’s signet is. We found out Bodhi’s signet, but don’t know Garrick’s yet. There’s no way someone other than Xaden/Garrick/Bodhi/Imogen doesn’t know that he has one. He’d be dead otherwise since War Games is basically the deadline to manifest or the power burns you up and you die. Plus, Yarros writes everything the way she does for a reason. If we don’t know it yet, there’s a reason, and it’s going to be very useful in a future book. We do know his dragon is very sensitive to runes, so that I’m sure will come into play somewhere.

   There hasn’t been a distance wielder in a very very long time. Maybe that’s Garrick’s signet? Or maybe that will be Aaric’s?

   Xaden and Violet mention gravity at least twice, maybe three times in the book. Gravity isn’t actually energy, but if Violet’s second signet has something to do with that, or even if it’s just a reference to staying grounded, maybe it comes into play at the end. I have this picture in my head of Violet in the final battle on Tairn’s back mastering all these abilities she’s been given and needing to stay grounded to not burn out, and slowing time so she can bring lighting from the sky and the ground simultaneously and knock out all the Venin and Wyvern in one big explosive action to save the world and in the process she has to accept the fact she’s going to kill someone (maybe multiple someones) that she loves.

   Reply
   1. 

      Cory

      December 1, 2023 at 8:09 am

      I do think so too. It would make sense. I’m honestly not sure if they will still be alive by the end of the series. Something tells me we won’t be getting that super happy ending we all want.
      I do wonder why didn’t we learn already about Garrick’s signet. Is it so WOW that we needed to wait? Or was it not relevant yet? What is the purpose for keeping us in the dark. Having said all that, it’s pretty exciting when you learn something new, some Bodhi’s signet which is pretty terrifying.
      Aaric will def be the distance wielder. I can see it happening. Garrick has had his for years and I have no doubt that Xaden already knows it. (so he wouldn’t have made that comment, that there haven’t been any in a very long time)
      Xaden is Violet’s gravity as well which is a strange and interesting thing to point out. Much like Violet is “the death of Xaden”. I do think these pieces of the puzzle will come together.

      “I have this picture in my head of Violet in the final battle on Tairn’s back mastering all these abilities she’s been given and needing to stay grounded to not burn out, and slowing time so she can bring lighting from the sky and the ground simultaneously and knock out all the Venin and Wyvern in one big explosive action to save the world and in the process she has to accept the fact she’s going to kill someone (maybe multiple someones) that she loves”
      Sounds like a very epic finale to be fair. And one we’re kinda yearning for.

      Reply
2. 

   Rali

   November 27, 2023 at 2:19 pm

   Cory, great work with all the info about Iron Flame and The Empyrean. There’s something that’s been bugging me all the while I was reading Iron Flame. We know that the books are written after the events descibed in them, because we have this passage at the beginning – “The following text has been faithfully transcribee from Navarrian into the modern language by Jesisia Neilwart”. So, Jesinia is quoted as the Curator of the Scribe Quadrant and right now she is in her second year in the Scribe Quadrant. Clearly she’s been raised to Curator. Why then, everytime there was a piece ot correspondace between Violet and Xaden quoted at the beginning of a chapter, they were only qouted as Cadet Sorrengail and Lieutenant Riorson? Apperantly enough time has passed for Jesinia to become a curator. How come Violet and Xaden did not rank up? Is it because they dropped of Basgiah or something or is it because their souls have been comended to Malek and they’re among “those fаllen”? It might be noting, but I’m just curious what you think. I’m not familiar with RY writting style, but I’ve gathered she doesn’t write unnecessary things, so everything could be a clue. And, please, excuse my english, it’s not my native language.

   Reply
   1. 

      Cory

      December 1, 2023 at 8:20 am

      Hi Rali, so what you’re saying is that these books have been written after the events in Navarrian, then translated by Jesinnia into modern language? Right?
      I believe Jesinia’s current job was mentioned at the beginning because she is the one who translates it NOW. However, to keep the timeline accurate, they put the correspondence between cadet and lieutenant because those were their titles when the correspondence was sent (“back then”). Also if you pay attention to the very end, you will see the missive sent to General Sorrengail from lieutenant colonel Nolon Colbersy. But Nolon is a full colonel (so higher rank) in Iron Flame. I think it’s just bits and pieces from the past, kept with their rank and titles as and when the correspondence was sent to give us a more accurate understanding of the timeline.
      So I wouldn’t be surprised in say, book 5, Violet and Xaden will both be different ranks and we will have “recovered correspondence between Lieutenant and Captain” for example.

      Reply
3. 

   Lauren

   November 28, 2023 at 12:48 am

   What if Xaden’s grandfather is the the venin General and he tried to turn his son Fehn, who said no, and led the rebellion to try and stop him. Segayl who can be manipulated by the venin (The General and previous rider), bonds Xaden in order to give him a second signet, making him more powerful than any other rider. We still don’t know how she was able to bond a direct relative. Once Xaden becomes this most powerful rider, they try and turn him in order to take over..

   Reply
   1. 

      Cory

      December 1, 2023 at 8:23 am

      It’s very possible! There are speculations indeed that venin General is the grandaddy. Which would explain why Xaden knew he was the one wanted. It would also explain why Sgaeyl said “I chose you”. Because indeed she has other plans.

      Reply
4. 

   Diana

   November 29, 2023 at 12:52 am

   Hi Cory,

   There’s a character mentioned in Iron Flame, but in one of the dreams of Violet, in Chapter 22, the venin said, “I’ve waited for centuries for someone with your power.”

   Chapter 1:
   “The region of the Barrens—the dry, desert-covered peninsula in the southeast that all dragonkind abandoned after General Daramor ruined the land during the Great War—is completely painted in crimson.”

   Chapter 16:
   “The complex interpersonal relationships of the First Six, and even a little of their battle experience during the Great War, it simply labels the enemy as General Daramor and our allies as the isle kingdoms.”

   And General Daramor is never mentioned again.

   So, maybe General Daramor is the Venin leader—could even be Violet’s dad based on your theory about him being the general of the venin.

   Do you think venin are immortal or that they could live for lots of centuries?

   ________________________

   I have this other theory that Markham is part of the venin party or Colonel Aetos’s move. This is from the same chapter in Violet’s dream:

   “So disappointing”, he lectures, as if he’s my Sage and not the teacher of the dark wielder I killed on Tairn’s back. “All of that power at your fingertips, and yet you insist on fleeing over and over, using the same failed tactics, and expecting what?” He tilts his head to the side. “To escape?”

   “Fuck you.”
   “Death it is.” He looks so… disappointed as he lowers his hand.

   And this FW Chapter 5:
   “There’s no approving smile when the colonel’s weary eyes find mine, only a sigh that fills my chest with heavy sorrow when I hear it. I was supposed to be his star pupil in the Scribe Quadrant, his crowning achievement before he retires. […], rubbing the bridge of his bulbous nose after finally tearing his disappointed gaze from mine.”

   In FW Chapter 18,
   “Cadet Sorrengail here was my prized student until the Riders Quadrant stole her away.” His gaze meets mine under his hood. “I had hopes she would return, but alas, she bonded to not one but two dragons.”

   In FW Chapter 19, this is the typical quote before the chapter:
   “In response to the Great War, dragons claimed the western lands and gryphons the central ones, abandoning the Barrens and the memory of General Daramor, who nearly destroyed the Continent with his army. […]” —Navarre, an unedited history by Colonel Lewis Markham.

   In FW Chapter 28,
   “Markham looks at me with more than his fair share of disapproval.”

   In FW Chapter 34, in the big quote talking about Resson,
   ” […] has changed hands no less than eleven times in what become a never-ending war to secure our borders from our power-hungry enemies.” (talking about Gryphons and Poromiel) —Navarre, an unedited history by Colonel Lewis Markham.

   In IF Chapter 25, before Jark Barlowe reappeared:
   “The insult is delivered in unemotional monotone. Suddenly, I feel fifteen again, my self-worth determined by this man’s opinion of my intellect and control.”
   “Damn, that’s harsh…”, by Ridoc.
   “That’s Markham, you think only riders can be vicious?”

   [Based on Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word vicious could mean ‘marked by violence or ferocity’, ‘impure’, ‘malicious, spiteful’.]

   “He looks us like we’re children.” “Clever. He’s so fucking clever.”

   And in IF Chapter 36, Lilith said to Violet:
   “Markham saw you as his protégé, the next head of the scribes, the only applicant he thought smart enough, clever enough to continue weaving the complicated blindfold chosen for us hundreds of years ago. He made the mistake of thinking you’d be easy to control, but I know my daughter.”

   Brennan then takes “Markham’s position” in Brief in Chapter 38. I know there’s also a theory related to the fable of the 3 brothers—the rider, the flier and the venin—and that someone said that Brennan could be venin.

   —————-

   Fourth Wing Chapter 37 quote:
   “But it was the 3rd brother, who commanded the sky to surrender its greatest power, who finally vanquished his jealous sibling at a great and terrible price.” —The Origin, The Fables of The Barren.

   So the commander of the skies (Violet) killed his jealous venin sibling. (Brennan?)

   —————-

   And in IF Chapter 56, Brennan said to Violet:
   “I’m really impressed, Violet.”
   “Thanks. Dad taught me well, and Markham picked up where he left off.”
   “Bet you disappointed the hell out of him when you stayed in the Riders Quadrant.”
   “I’m definitely his biggest failure.”
   “But Dad’s biggest success.”

   [Reminder: Venin acts like a hive.]

   What if Markham killed Violet’s dad little by little?

   He was near of him, and Aetos and Varrish also knew about his unfinished investigation about feathertails and the 2nd Krovlan Upring [Note: Feathertails doens’t leave the Vale, the very center of Navarre because they’re kids. And Krovlan is in the border.]

   Maybe he found something more about the hatching grounds—something capable of stopping venin, the soul corruption—something that could now be in the serum in a small amount. Maybe Markham killed him. Knowledge is power.

   Finally, in IF Chapter 33, when they’re stealing the journals,
   “Healers, infantry, or even scribes could be General of the Armies until about two hundred years ago with the second Krovlan uprising. After that, the commander of the riders commanded all Navarre’s forces.”
   Imogen then said, “…no rider has ever been named king.”

   _______________________

   If knowledge is power, then it could mean that neither King Tauri, nor Melgren—the commander of the riders—is the most powerful human on the Continent, but the Head of the Scribes of the most complete library, the Archives: Lewis Markham.

   It’s said that Navarre cut communication with the isle kingdoms, and Navarrians are not welcomed there. Why? They were allies. Maybe someone likes to maintain the distance because the 7th breed of dragons resides there. Note that Andarna has killing-venin-fire. Now, gryphons and dragons are working together for the first time in centuries. Divide and conquer?

   ——————-

   A quote of Warrick, one of the Six, in IF Chapter 56:
   “It was never our continent. From the very beginning, it was theirs, and we were simply allowed to live there.”

   Maybe the real root of the problem is Dragonkid (and Gryphonkind) vs Mankind, a fight of power for the land in Navarre. The sibling dragon rider supported the dragons and respected them; the sibling gryphon flier supported the ideal with the gryphons; and then the other sibling did his thing. After the years, he divided the rider and the flier and made them enemies.

   ________________

   Random thing that I found.
   King Tauri is known as The Wise. (FW Chapter 31 quote.)

   ——————-

   Why would Brennan be jealous of their siblings?
   He said like two or three times that her mother sent him to die. “I hope my death haunts her every damned day. She was so willing to sacrifice my life for a lie.”

   Brennan is strategic.

   Mira is a gifted rider.
   —In IF Chapter 39, she said to Brennan, “The only family in this room is Violet and me”. Then she said to Ulises, “Wouldn’t be the first time I broke his nose.”
   —In IF Chapter 40, “I’ve always been better than you with a sword, anyway. I’ll bring Violet home without a scratch.”

   Violet was born to be a rider (the karma of the venin, who probably tried to drain Lilith when she was pregnant), and I believe she was the favorite of both parents.
   —She’s the youngest one.
   —More tenacious than Lilith (anecdote of the squash in Ch 39).
   —Kaori said that she was smarter than both their siblings.
   —The one who spent more time with his dad, preparing to become a scribe.
   —Lilith: “You’re all that’s left of him.”
   —Lilith talked to Violet directly in her last words, not to Brennan, “Everything was to get you to this moment, when you’d be strong enough—” “You’re everything we dreamed you would be.” (then she remembers Brennan when she sees him) “All three of you.”

   “”What did you do?” Mira yells again, the full force of her wrath turned on Brennan.”

   [And yeah, Lilith sent her probably to die to the rider’s quadrant, but she was going to die in the scribe’s, and she sent her with protection—Xaden.]

   Reply
   1. 

      Cory

      December 1, 2023 at 10:12 am

      Let’s dive right in, Diana.
      General Daramor -> he seems ancient, right? The Great Wars happened a long long time ago. Either he’s the general venin still, in which case how can venin live for so long? That would be insane. But that also meant there is more to the story. Like did he wait for centuries the same way Andarna waited for centuries?

      -> for the dreams. This is literally the paragraph that throws me off. Because on one level, it feels like she is dream walking in Xaden’s dreams, right? But why would the General want someone with shadows? When clearly the General wants someone with her power to command the skies. Which means those are not shared dreams.

      -> Chapter 16:
      “The complex interpersonal relationships of the First Six, and even a little of their battle experience during the Great War, it simply labels the enemy as General Daramor and our allies as the isle kingdoms.”
      Ok, so could it be that he is “their general” somehow? Nothing is mentioned in passing for no reason in these books. He is relevant somehow.

      ________________________

      So you know those dreams when indeed the venin looks so disappointed? It feels familiar. Almost intimate. He’s not angry and furious and vicious. He’s disappointed. Isn’t that what we feel when we…disappoint our parents? It feels more than just a rando venin raging dude that just wants her power. He feels “close” to her.

      Markham + Colonel Aetos + Varrish for sure. These are def part of the venin ring.

      And it’s odd, isnt’t it? I picked up on that too, the relation between Markham and the venin. The scribe was so so disappointed, much like the venin in her dreams. And then there is a looot of disappointment following up. In FW, in IF. She’s figuring him out but I think there is more to it. This is mentioned too many times, but I can’t tell WHY.

      —-

      Unedited history by Colonel Lewis Markham -> makes me feel like General Daramor was somehow NOT a bad guy.

      —-

      Yes, it feels like the “3rd brother” which is Violet, as she is the 3rd and youngest child, can commend the skies. Much like it happened back then. History repeating itself? Is Brennan jealous? Will he be?
      Or, is it actually possible that Brennan and Mira are not her siblings. But two other people are?
      Brennan seems to care deeply for Violet. He wants to mend her and make her better. He doesn’t seem jealous (right now). But he’s also not very…attached to her. I don’t know why I feel this.

      “vanquished his jealous sibling at a great and terrible price” -> hmmm great and terrible price? What was it and why?

      —–

      And in IF Chapter 56, Brennan said to Violet:
      “I’m really impressed, Violet.”
      “Thanks. Dad taught me well, and Markham picked up where he left off.”
      “Bet you disappointed the hell out of him when you stayed in the Riders Quadrant.”
      “I’m definitely his biggest failure.”
      “But Dad’s biggest success.”

      Again, it points out that idea of disappointment, right? But then Brennan did say, Dad’s biggest success. As if dad couldn’t be venin, and disappointed in her.

      ——

      What if Markham killed Violet’s dad little by little? -> Now that, I can believe 100%.

      He was near of him, and Aetos and Varrish also knew about his unfinished investigation about feathertails and the 2nd Krovlan Upring [Note: Feathertails doens’t leave the Vale, the very center of Navarre because they’re kids. And Krovlan is in the border.]

      -> Ha, did you hack my notes? I’m literally writing about this on the back of Iron Flame. I have the same notes. Krovlan is far from the vale, why would he have notes about feathertails because 1) nobody would have access to them/know about them 2) feathertails would never leave the vale, especially to be so damn close to the border and near the end of the protective wards.

      —–

      Finally, in IF Chapter 33, when they’re stealing the journals -> Please take note that she said “even scribes”. I honestly think that part is crucial and will come in handy. Because, as far as we know, General Daramor might have been a scribe. And again, let’s note the second Krovlan uprising. That piece of history will be crucial for us. And I think we will need Dain to help translate original books.

      Imogen then said, “…no rider has ever been named king.” -> To which Violet said “that’s not entirely true”. So again, we must ask ourselves, what piece of the puzzle are we missing here? I think that will be very important, especially for Aaric’s ARC.

      _______________________

      Lewis Markham is the most powerful…for now. But then, by this logic, could Markham BE general venin? Or have a strong relation with? Because all things point to it, right? Like, the disappointment in the dreams/real life. The fact that scribes could have been Generals before. Coincidence? Is Markham leading some sort of venin uprising against Navarre and trying to rip it apart bit by bit? From the inside?
      —

      I believe we will introduce the isle kingdoms very soon. In Book 3. And we will learn more about Andarna’s family and line. Because I believe they left Andarna behind and they are still somehow on the isles. And yes, something really terrible happened, that allies became foes. Also for dragons to keep away from gryphons it feels odd. They were fighting together, right?

      ——————-

      A quote of Warrick, one of the Six, in IF Chapter 56:
      “It was never our continent. From the very beginning, it was theirs, and we were simply allowed to live there.” -> I saw that and thought…hmmm are dragons hiding a lot more?

      ________________

      King Tauri is known as The Wise. -> thanks, will add this to his wiki. I’m updating all wikis.

      ——————-

      -> This would answer my question before. Why would Brennan be jealous of their siblings? Because once we figure it out, we understand a little bit more about the sibling issues and why Violet would kill Brennan (eventually)
      Surely we cannot think that the jealous would be so trivial as family drama. But then, that’s normally the case in just about every great book. Because villains are usually fuelled by their own “demons”.

      Always a pleasure to read your comments. They make my day, thank you. Your attention to detail is wonderful! It feels like we’re researching and analysing for a PHD.

      Reply
      1. 

         Diana

         December 4, 2023 at 4:30 am

         Something that I think a lot, it’s the phrase of Andarna in Fourth Wing. “Nature likes all things in balance.”

         And Brennan should be dead in terms of nature’s rules.

         According to the theory of Lilith being drained by a venin when she was still pregnant with Violet, she lost her colors and her strength thanks to that “fever.” Now Violet is the commander of the skies, the one who could end them. She’ll take back the colors and strength of venin.

         I think Brennan will eventually have his villain arc; her mom is dead now, Mira seemed to blamed him with the “What did you do?”

         What if Naolin appears as a venin, and he decides to go with him? What if a venin uses a signet similar to Quinn, who can astral project and pretend to be another person or even two, and tries to lure him by pretending to be Naolin?

         If Naolin turned venin, even for just a minute, the hive had access to his mind enough to see his memories.

         I believe Brennan will die according to nature’s rules.

         Reply
5. 

   Andrea

   December 2, 2023 at 11:43 am

   Can someone explain the ending where Xaden wakes up and goes to the cell where Barlow is staying—will Xaden be locked up once they find out about him? Can he hide it from everyone? Can you remind me what the antidote/serum that he does do? Does it mend him or does it hide the red eyes? Thank you! New RY reader and just finished FW and IF within a 10 days! Thank you 😊

   Reply
   1. 

      Cory

      December 2, 2023 at 12:09 pm

      Hi Andrea, great to have you here.
      Xaden wakes up in Violet’s bed, in Basgiath War College. He’s in the process of turning venin but not quite venin yet. The cells are at the bottom of the college where they keep Jack prisoner. They know he is venin so he is there until futher notice. The elixir cuts off all connection between riders and dragon but we don’t know more than that. We assume that the elixir also keeps venin in check. Potentially removing the red eyes temporarily too. The elixir doesn’t mend him. I believe it just keeps the “hunger” at bay. I hope this helps 😀 Did you enjoy the books?

      Reply
6. 

   K

   December 2, 2023 at 9:57 pm

   I had trouble finding our is Mr. Sorrengail all three sorrengail siblings dad conversation so am putting this here. On my second read through IF I noticed when General Sorrengail tells violet she’s all that’s left of her father, Violet then thinks “But I’m not. Mira has his laugh, his warmth, and Brennan . . .She doesn’t know about Brennan”. What if Violet and Brennan are full siblings and Mira is the one that’s a half sibling with different father. In which case, is she Melgren’s? Aetos’s? Someone else’s we haven’t met yet? Just struck me as odd since General Sorrengail is well aware Mira is alive. Is there anywhere in either book that any of Mira’s physical traits (Brennan has his nose, etc.) are mentioned as being the same as Mr. Sorrengail’s?

   Reply
   1. 

      Cory

      December 3, 2023 at 8:39 am

      That could explain how in the three siblings situation, Mira would belong with the gryphons in a weird kinda way. I see what you mean tho. I also thought that maybe Mr Sorrengail wasn’t their dad, just Violet’s. But I remember all the resemblance. As you said yourself! Brennan’s nose. And yes, very good observation, Mira has this laugh but not his physical features. Interesting indeed.

      Reply
      1. 

         K

         December 5, 2023 at 1:06 pm

         On my re-read I may have found how Mira will eventually relate to the Gryphons. When Cat and Syrena are escorting Mira and Violet to dinner in Cordyn, Mira says to Syrena “I hear you have an older brother” and Syrena responds “You’re thinking of Drake . . .Same last name but he’s our cousin, and come to think of it, you’re just his type. He likes women who might actually kill him.” Then Mira “Too bad I don’t go for gryphon fliers.” And then Syrena “Yeah, he’d probably draw the line at a dragon rider.”

         Entirely possible this is small talk, but I doubt Drake would get a mention if we won’t see him in a later book.

         Reply
         1. 

            Cory

            December 5, 2023 at 2:34 pm

            I found that too. I agree. I think Drake + Mira are going to be an item. Especially because “they are so different” but so similar in their wants and needs.

            Reply
7. 

   Anonymous

   December 4, 2023 at 8:36 pm

   I believe using the Air Wielders is to keep venin suspended in the air so they can’t channel power from the ground, like the chest Tecarus kept the venin Violet fought off at Cordyn.

   Reply
   1. 

      Cory

      December 5, 2023 at 8:44 am

      You are right. I was searching for clues yesterday. I also came across this: “Colonel Fremont—second on the left—is a very powerful air wielder,” I tell Xaden. “He can suck the air straight out of your lungs.”
      I wonder if they were also trying to do something with this when mending Jack. Sucking his soul out or something.

      Reply
8. 

   Maj

   December 24, 2023 at 11:04 am

   Hi,
   I just finished the books this week and really enjoy the wiki with all the infos and theories.

   While reading and even the days after I couldn’t stop thinking about the dreams Violet had.

   It doesn’t seem like the dreams are ordinary dreams as they feel very real and violet can’t get out of them. Also I don’t think, that they are actually Xaden’s dreams because, if I remember it correctly, she had some of them when he wasn’t around, plus the venin general spoke to her directly. It seems that since Resson the venin general has a connection to Violet and talkes to her and tries to influence/manipulate her in her sleep.

   But the last chapter in Xaden’s POV got me thinking. Xaden had similar dreams the whole time and the venin general influenced or showed him that he wants Xaden and that Xaden will become venin to save Violet at some point, which is what happend, then Violets „dream“ bringing the wards down for love will eventually come true too.

   What if, in order to save Xaden and mend his soul, Violet has to bring the wards down?
   Maybe there is an item or rune or some kind of magic in order to save him that doesn’t work under the wards.

   (Sorry if I got any terms wrong. I’ve read the books in German and just getting familiar with the English ones.)

   Reply
   1. 

      Cory

      December 29, 2023 at 1:49 pm

      Hi Maj, thank you for your comment and welcome to the community!

      It’s fun isn’t it? This is the part we’re all struggling with. Whose dreams did we see? Were they Violet’s or Xaden’s? Could it be that Violet can see the future? Or can she slip into Xaden’s mind?
      Those are the questions! And you are right…who is going to bring the wards down? I think it will have to be Xaden. I believe they were his dreams

      Reply
9. 

   Sonya

   February 5, 2024 at 1:13 am

   I have s theory thst Violence is venin also. In the ward room she fell from exhaustion but still had one hand on the ward stone and one on the ground to catch herself. She described the pain and burnout going away completely before her mother kicked her hand out from under her.

   Reply
   1. 

      Cory

      February 5, 2024 at 11:04 am

      Me too Sonya. I’ve been working on this theory for about 2 weeks now, adding to the article every single day. I do 10000% think she is venin or at least part venin. And that explains SO much in Iron Flame.

      Reply
      1. 

         Cory

         February 5, 2024 at 11:04 am

         I just don’t think she became venin tho 😀 So I think she was…from waaaay before.

         Reply
10. 

    Katie

    March 11, 2024 at 8:17 pm

    Does anyone else think that Xaden will die at some point and Violet will probably be the one to kill him since he will become Venin? I feel like multiple times throughout the series he has told her she will be the death of him then right before they go into battle he tells her his world does not exist beyond her. She replies that she loves him and says she doesn’t WANT to live without him, not that she won’t live without him. I do believe her second signet probably has to do with the soul in some way. Maybe she will kill him but, mend his soul and bring him back or maybe she will just be able to still see him after he is gone. Also it is set up that she could survive if he dies. Then Sgaeyl would from the loss of Xaden and Tairn would because of his mate but, she could go on with Andarna. I hope it’s not the later because I really want this to end as a happily ever after not a tragic love story.

    Reply
    1. 

       Cory

       March 12, 2024 at 8:45 am

       Yes, Katie and we are dead inside because of this theory! 🙁
       That’s what I think too. She will have to kill him and then he will be brought back. And I think that will be a nasty cliffhanger for us, probably before the book 5 or something. It’s going to be so painful and horrible.
       And yes I also think Tairn will most likely die which is even more horrible. All in all, not even sure it will be a nice ending? It feels like a real war book at this point.

       Reply
11. 

    Maria

    April 9, 2024 at 10:59 am

    Hola Cory. Yo no creo que Xaden sea moralmente gris, creo que es un personaje complejo que no ha tenido mucho amor en su vida, su madre se fué con 10 años y su padre estaba luchando, su amor por Violet le coge por sorpresa y lo gestiona lo mejor que puede, y pasa por delante de cualquier decisión pro la revolución, sobretodo en IF, Felix expresa su miedo respecto a su relación con Violet y el de la Asamblea en el capítulo 40.
    Yo creo que Brennan salvarà el alma de Xaden pero le costará la suya, porque su resurrección yo también creo que tiene que ver con la muerte de Naolín y el poder venin (la runa de la mano lo neutraliza… pero puede ser que no lo sepa?), y como la naturaleza es equilibrio…
    Y creo que sinceramente la unión de Xaden (sombras) y Violet (cielo) (+su segundo sello que por ahora no acabo de ver) Andarna, Tairn y Sgaeil tienen la llave para ganar la guerra.
    Y deseo y espero que al final Xaden y Violet vivan felices y en paz, con una pequeña Violet y un pequeño Xaden correteando por la casa Riorson de Aretia, por favor!… pero para eso… faltan aún 3 libros!!!!! Y puede pasar qualquier cosa.

    Reply
    1. 

       Cory

       April 12, 2024 at 9:29 am

       For anyone who doesn’t speak spanish, I used a translator for this:

       Hello Cory. I don’t believe Xaden is morally grey; rather, he is a complex character who hasn’t received much love in his life. His mother left when he was ten, and his father was struggling. His love for Violet catches him by surprise, and he manages it as best he can, prioritising it over any decisions for the revolution, especially in IF. Felix expresses his fears about his relationship with Violet and that of the Assembly in chapter 40.
       I believe that Brennan will save Xaden’s soul but it will cost him his own, because I also believe his resurrection is tied to the death of Naolín and the venin power (the rune on the hand neutralises it… but perhaps he doesn’t know?), and as nature is about balance…
       And I truly believe that the union of Xaden (shadows) and Violet (sky) (+her second seal, which I can’t quite see yet), Andarna, Tairn, and Sgaeil hold the key to winning the war.
       And I wish and hope that in the end, Xaden and Violet will live happily and in peace, with a little Violet and a little Xaden running around the Riorson house in Aretia, please!… but for that… there are still 3 books to go!!!!! And anything can happen.

       Reply
    2. 

       Cory

       April 12, 2024 at 9:30 am

       I do see where you are coming from. He is a complex character indeed. I love your theory on Brennan saving Xaden’s soul actually. That’s epic!

       Reply
12. 

    Danielle

    June 9, 2024 at 5:02 am

    On the subject of air wielders and venin, a venom gets it power from the ground/surfaces surrounding it. An air wielder might be used to suspend a venin in midair to prevent gain or use of power. I believe it is when Xaden is speaking with Jack at the end that he threatens to bring his father’s chest Basgiath to suspend and mummify him. It’s the same tactic that Tecaurus uses to trap the venin that he springs on Violet when she intend to wield for him.

    Reply
    1. 

       Cory

       June 13, 2024 at 9:49 am

       That’s 100% correct. And when Varish was doing his experiments, he used those air wielders if you remember, that looked just as tired as the mender.

       Reply