Iron Flame

Last updated:

Written by: Cory

Iron Flame Book, Empyrean Series, Rebecca Yarros
AuthorRebecca Yarros
SeriesBook 2, Empyrean Series
CountryUnited States
GenreFantasy / New-adult
PublisherRed Tower Books / Little, Brown Book Group
LanguageEnglish
Publication dateNovember 7, 2023
ISBN9780349440187
Pages640 (Hardcover)
Preceded byFourth Wing
Followed byEmpyrean Book 3

About Iron Flame

Iron Flame, is a new adult fantasy novel written by Rebecca Yarros. Iron Flame is book #2 from the Empyrean Series, preceded by Fourth Wing.

The book was released on November 7, 2023. You can already order it online.

“Iron Flame” is the highly anticipated second instalment in the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros. The book, which spans 640 pages, is set to be released in November and has already garnered significant attention, with special editions selling out in some areas (e.g. Waterstones in England).

The narrative continues the journey of Violet Sorrengail, who, against all odds, survived her first year at Basgiath War College. Now, she faces even more gruelling challenges as her training intensifies. However, Violet is not one to be easily defeated. Despite her physical frailty, she possesses a sharp mind and an indomitable will.

Violet is privy to a secret that has been hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that even dragon fire might not be enough to save them in the end.

“Iron Flame” promises to be a thrilling continuation of the Empyrean series, combining elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure. The book’s early success and the anticipation surrounding its release are a testament to Yarros’ storytelling prowess and the captivating world she has created.

Iron Flame Synopsis

Officially released by Rebecca Yarros on June 20, 2023:

“The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity.” Xaden Riorson

Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky.

Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves.

Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: 𝐷𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑚𝑎𝑘𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑒𝑠.

But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year.

Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.

Iron Flame Theories

Please be mindful when clicking on the following links as they will contain major spoilers from Iron Flame.

First previews of Iron Flame

The first sample of Apple Books (audiobook only) has been released. There are also fan transcribed pages for those who find it easier to read than listen. You can now also order the sample from Amazon. The book is an international success, with over half a million copies sold already in its first week!

Here is a short sample of Iron Flame:

—————————————

In this, the 628th year of our Unification, it is hereby recorded that Aretia has been burned by dragon in accordance with the Treaty ending the separatist movement. Those who fled, survived, and those who did not remain entombed in her ruins.

—PUBLIC NOTICE 628.85 TRANSCRIBED BY CERELLA NIELWART

CHAPTER ONE

Revolution tastes oddly…sweet.
I stare at my older brother across a scarred wooden table in the enormous, busy kitchen of the fortress of Aretia and chew the honeyed biscuit he put on my plate. Damn, that’s good. Really good.

Maybe it’s just that I haven’t eaten in three days, since a not-so- mythological being stabbed me in the side with a poisoned blade that should have killed me. It would have killed me if it hadn’t been for Brennan, who won’t stop smiling as I chew.

This might go down as the most surreal experience of my life. Brennan is alive. Venin, dark wielders I’d thought only existed in fables, are real. Brennan is alive. Aretia still stands, even though it was scorched after the Tyrrish rebellion six years ago. Brennan is alive. I have a new, three-inch scar on my abdomen, but I didn’t die. Brennan. Is. Alive.

“The biscuits are good, right?” he asks, snagging one from the platter between us. “Kind of remind me of the ones that cook used to make when we were stationed in Calldyr, remember?”

I stare and chew.

He’s just so…him. And yet he looks different from what I remember. His brownish-red curls are cropped close to his skull instead of waving over his forehead, and there’s no lingering softness in the angles of his face, which now has tiny lines at the edges of his eyes. But that smile? Those eyes? It’s really him.

And his one condition being me eating something before he takes me to my dragons? It’s the most Brennan move ever.

Not that Tairn ever waits for permission, which means—

“I, too, think you need to eat something.” Tairn’s low, arrogant voice fills my head.

“Yeah, yeah,” I reply in kind, mentally reaching out for Andarna again as one of the kitchen workers hurries by, offering a quick smile to Brennan.

There’s no response from Andarna, but I can feel the shimmering bond between us, though it’s no longer golden like her scales. I can’t quite get a mental picture, but my brain is still a little groggy. She’s sleeping again, which isn’t odd after she uses up all her energy to stop time, and after what happened in Resson, she probably needs to sleep for the next week or so.

“You’ve barely said a word, you know.” Brennan tilts his head just like he used to when he was trying to solve a problem. “It’s kind of creepy.”

“Watching me eat is creepy,” I counter after I swallow, my voice still a little hoarse.

“And?” He shrugs shamelessly, a dimple flashing in his cheek when he grins. It’s the only boyish thing left about him. “A few days ago, I was pretty sure I’d never get to watch you do, well, anything again.” He takes a huge bite. Guess his appetite is still the same, which is oddly comforting. “You’re welcome, by the way, for the mending. Consider it a twenty-first-birthday present.”

“Thank you.” That’s right. I slept right through my birthday. And I’m sure my lying in bed on the brink of death was more than enough drama for everyone in this castle, house, whatever it’s called.

Xaden’s cousin, Bodhi, strides into the kitchen, dressed in uniform, his arm in a sling and his cloud of black curls freshly trimmed.

Lieutenant Colonel Aisereigh,” Bodhi says, handing a folded missive to Brennan. “This just came in from Basgiath. The rider will be here until tonight if you want to reply.” He offers me a smile, and I’m struck again at how closely he resembles a softer version of Xaden. With a nod to my brother, he turns and leaves.

Basgiath? Another rider here? How many are there? Exactly how big […]

CHAPTER THREE

The flight field at Basgiath is still dark and appears deserted when we approach in the hour before sunrise, hugging the landscape of the mountains, the riot doing what they can to stay out of sight.

“That doesn’t mean someone won’t spot us landing,” Tairn reminds me, his wings beating steadily despite having flown the last eighteen hours nearly straight through from Aretia. The window of time we have to get Andarna to the Vale without her being spotted is slim, and if we miss it, we’ll put every hatchling in danger.

“I still don’t understand why the Empyrean would ever agree to let dragons bond human riders, knowing they’d have to guard their own young not only against gryphon fliers but the very humans they’re supposed to trust.”

“It’s a delicate balance,” Tairn replies, banking left to follow the geography. “The First Six riders were desperate to save their people when they approached the dens over six hundred years ago. Those dragons formed the first Empyrean and bonded humans only to protect their hatching grounds from venin, who were the bigger threat. We don’t exactly have opposable thumbs for weaving wards or runes. Neither species has ever been entirely truthful, both using the other for their own reasons and nothing more.”

“It never occurred to me to hide anything from you.”

Tairn does that weird thing that makes his neck appear boneless, swinging his head around to level slightly narrowed eyes at me for a

heartbeat before turning his attention back to the terrain. “I can do nothing to remedy the last nine months besides answer your worthwhile questions now.”

“I know,” I say quietly, wishing his words were enough to cut through the acrid taste of betrayal I can’t seem to wash out of my mouth. I’m going to have to let it go. I know that. Tairn was bound by his mating bond to Sgaeyl, so at least he had a reason to keep everything he did from me, and it’s not like I can blame Andarna for being a kid who followed his lead. Xaden is another matter entirely, though.

“We’re approaching. Get ready.– […]

—————————————

Share that Venin and Wyvern are real!

This page contains affiliate links.



57 responses to “Iron Flame”

  1. I just can’t waiiiiiitttttt

  2. Finished Fourth Wing last night and I am already addicted! Can’t wait for the sequel!

    1. Me neither! I read it five times…and I’m about to read it again 😛

    2. I have already finished the book! And OMG I CAN’T WAIT TOO FOR THE SECOND ONE!!

    3. Would you like to be friends so we can chat about the book?
      I’m Jailene nice to meet U.

      1. Welcome to the club, Jailene! I would love to be friends and chat to you about the book!

  3. Anyone else see the tease from Rebecca on her social?

    “I’m still really damned angry with you.” I lift my chin, just as furious with myself for getting into this position, for feeling whatever all this bullshit is.⁠

    “Feeling is mutual.” He slides one hand into my hair, then sucks a breath through his teeth when his fingers meet skin at the base of my spine. “But it’s possible to be angry while still madly, wildly, uncontrollably in love with me.”⁠

    His mouth crashes into mine in the same instant the world goes dark around us.⁠

    I loved reading Fourth Wing and Iron Flame is the first book I’ve EVER pre-ordered! Not to mention, this is the first time I’ve been so obsessed with a book that I commented on a page like this!

    Reading some of the theories and comments on this page have helped with my book hangover. Definitely got the wheels turning and thinking about possibilities/outcomes. There are lots of different scenarios on how Iron Flame can play out and it’s slightly driving me crazy! Relieved that Xaden is mentioned in her little snippet and happy that Tairn was in the description.

    Few thoughts on what will happen in Iron Flame:
    -Do we think Brennan still has his dragon? I’m thinking that maybe Andarna will step in for Brennan at some point? It makes sense that fewer dragons are willing to bond with leadership turning a blind eye. The dragons want to fight what’s happening.
    -I don’t think Xaden will be in the majority of this book, unfortunately :/ I love him, but with this series going into five books, Rebecca will have to space him out. Vi and him better be end game. Or else. Lol.
    -Darin will make his comeback. I think leadership is using/brainwashing him.
    -General Sorrengail isn’t bad, but isn’t good. I think she’s just playing along with leadership. I also think she poisoned her husband.

    I have so much more, but don’t want to post my own novel haha. Thanks for this space!

    1. I’m currently travelling and didn’t get to see these. I’m SO Grateful that you shared this. Thank you

      1. Do we think Brennan still has his dragon?

        — Yes, he must. Otherwise he wouldn’t be able to do his mending. They all need their dragons for magic. Unless he is some serious venin which I very much doubt.

        -I don’t think Xaden will be in the majority of this book, unfortunately :/ I love him, but with this series going into five books, Rebecca will have to space him out. Vi and him better be end game. Or else. Lol.

        — I kinda have to agree with you on this one.

        -General Sorrengail isn’t bad, but isn’t good. I think she’s just playing along with leadership. I also think she poisoned her husband.

        –I think she is a grey character as well. I have a theory about her. I’m not sure she poisoned him but, I don’t dismiss your theory here.

        I’m just sooo soo excited.

        1. Can’t believe I spelled Dain wrong hahaha. Couples name for Dain and Tairn… Darin lol.

          There’s just a little too much mystery with Brennan. How does he get away with everyone thinking he’s dead and still have a dragon? I was thinking the powers were transferred over to him as he was dying/resurrected and he can now manifest on his own? Kind of like venin and that ties into some of the theories of Violet being part venin. I’m also not sure Mira knows Brennan is alive/if Mira is still alive. I had a feeling after the attack that she died and Markham lied when he said they lost no riders. Idk… something’s too fishy about it and really, somethings off with the whole family! Maybe they’ve become the three siblings lol.

          I also think there’s someone on the inside who knows what’s happening and trying to point Violet in the right direction to make conclusions of her own. I’m sure something along those lines will be revealed in Iron Flame. The good person and bad person on the inside.

          This book has taken over too much of my mind! What was I even doing with my life before all of this!?

          1. My theory on Brennan surviving is that he was with Tairn’s rider at the time and that rider’s signet was the ability to siphon other people’s powers. I think when Brennan was hit he wielded his power and siphoned Brennan’s power to mend and shoved it all back at Brennan and in doing so he burned out but gave enough to keep Brennan alive.

  4. Hi Cory – I’ve just seen an update on Waterstones Instagram account this morning. They apparently locked Rebecca Yarros in a room and asked her to give some information about Iron Flame 🤣. She said the following:

    We will meet the other Mairi sibling (Sloane)

    Will visiting new locations (she mentioned Poromiel 😊)

    And also to look out for a snarky teenage Andarna.

    Really can’t wait until the 7th!!!

    1. What? Haha. I missed this because i am still travelling. I cannot wait to meet Sloane and snarky Andarna omg, basically extra attitude alongside Tairn right? Poromiel makes a looot of sense actually. I literally cannot wait!!!

  5. Hey idk if you know but they have a 5 minute clip of the first chapter out on audio. Here is the link I found https://www.tiktok.com/@labralime/video/7289929689790090542

  6. Hi Cory

    Rebecca has just put another quote on her Instagram feed:

    “And do you trust me?”

    “You want the uncomplicated answer?”

    “Given our limited alone time, that’s preferable.”

    “With my life. After all, it’s your life, too.”

    OMG!!! 😍

    1. She sure did! 7 days now….SEVEN! I am so so excited! “Given our limited alone time…” ARGH!!!!

  7. hi cory! i really, really loved this book and it was probably the best fantasy book ive ever read. I LOVED the characters and how nothing was boring. I WOULD RECOMMEND this book to EVERYONE who likes reading. Have a good day!!!!

  8. I absolutely love Fourth Wing! I cannot wait for Iron Flame!!!! I think Brennan has a different dragon now or he’s not bonded yet but still has his powers. I think Violets mom is in a gray area but I also agree that she probably poisoned her husband so she could get Violet to be a rider, but I also think that her mom doesn’t care about her at all. I pre-ordered iron Flame because I wasn’t taking any chances that it would be sold out! I have to find out if my local B&N is doing a release party for it or not! I’m willing to get two copies! I also preordered the special edition fourth wing!

    1. Cannot wait for Iron Flame either…we don’t even have to wait that long now. 2 more days! Can you believe it?

  9. Oh my god!!!!!!!!!
    The day is tomorrow. I finished reading fourth wing in October and have been DYING for the next book. I can’t get the book out of my head and rant about it all the time to my BFF. She FINALLY agreed to read it. Can’t wait. Tomorrow can’t come fast enough.

    1. 8 more minutes to get the book in the UK. I’ve ordered it both in digital and hardcover to start reading it the moment it hits my kindle!

  10. Ok. When and where are we gonna start talking about what happened in Iron Flame? I am just done with the book (1st time) and wonder about when are we gonna start talking 😀

    1. Hi Sanita, just finished it too. I will start adding content tomorrow and a new Iron Flame theories section because it’s very much NEEDED! Well, we expected a lot but that finale? WOW. I’m pretty speechless right now.

      1. Hi Cory… Yeah… I am not speechless, I am just sad. Rebecca has to fix this… Because.. She HAS TO FIX THIS!!!!! 😀 Because, otherwise I ll start to breathe fire myself.

  11. Hope this is ok to post at this time. But only 10% in and I really hate Dain’s father 😡

    1. haha it’s totally ok! I hope you’re enjoying the book.

  12. Finished Iron Flame last night after waiting months for it to come out. It was fantastic. Also, I am NOT OKAY. I cannot stop thinking about this ending, and I really hope the next book comes out soon.

    1. THAT Ending…CRUEL. I was so happy you know? Oh look, things are looking up. NOPE. NOPE.

  13. Lord, what a CLIFFHANGER 🤯😱 And now – W A I T I N G . . . 😭😭😭

    1. And I think we will be waiting for a year…

      1. And I thought it’s supposed to be a trilogy!!! Just read it here a few days ago, that it won’t 😔

  14. Woah – Chapter 25 – what the … 😳

    1. Yeah, that got me gooooooood.

  15. I am not finished yet but I have soooo many thoughts spiraling in my mind. I can’t sleep with this book. But after one sentence I had to see which characters are still alive at the end. And I fear for book 4 and 5. Thinking of Vampire Academy. Tore me to pieces. I need a teacher for shielding this emotional rollercoaster. This series will be the death of ne honestly.

    1. I think this series will also be the death of Xaden…

      1. I agree, it’s looking promising.

  16. Help please! I’m in chapter 8 of Iron Flame. I do audio books which means I can’t spell names of characters, and I can’t flip back a few pages to check where something was first mentioned. I’m also over 50, have ADHD and a horrible memory!! Please help me out? I can’t figure out who a character is!
    Thirty four minutes into chapter 8.
    Imogen is looking at a pile of ashes and says “Kieren/Keiren/Keeran is dead”
    Who is that?

    1. No worries, I can completely understand. She says “Ciaran”. He was one of the marked ones who fought at Resson. (the fight at the end of Fourth Wing)

  17. Omg I’m so emotionally affected by these boooks!!!!! Ugh, the cliffhanger on Iron Flame is killing me 😭😭 I need book 3 asap.

    I really think Violet’s 2nd signet is the gift of eyesight. I think she can see through other people’s eyes and I don’t think it’s just because of her bond with Xaden. She said she needs information to center herself. So she must be all-knowing.I can’t wait for book 3…but I have to wait for months 🙁

    1. Hi Denise, welcome to the party hehe. Did you see this? https://www.empyreanriders.com/articles/iron-flame-by-rebecca-yarros-book-review/ Lots and lots of theories in the comments!

  18. Hi Cory and riders, I think Violet’s signet is the fact that she can use all the other signets from the rest of the riders. Not an amplifier and not a siphon, but she can wield them all. Like Andarna can wield all the colors (iridescent).
    I think she raised the wards, not Mira during the Venin fight and that is why she can see Xaden intentions during the throne moment.

    Love your page!

    1. THIS! This is precisely what my friend tells me every single day. It’s the obsession here, and I’m trying to add it to the signet theory (I’m still writing it). And I’m becoming more and more convinced that this could be it, you know.

  19. Hi all –

    I just finished IF and am re-reading FW before re-reading IF again, so I might have missed it, but when did Xaden turn venin? Was it earlier in the book or at the very end? I got confused by the timing of the dreams with the Sage. When Xaden told Violet that the Sage was waiting for him, I assumed that Xaden had been turning already for awhile.

    Thanks so much for your thoughts.

    So many questions!

    1. At the very end, before the last chapter, when Sgaeyl gets really upset and screams “I chose you!”

      1. Thanks much, Cory! Do we know why/how he turned? I re-read it and it isn’t clear?? Maybe it comes out in Book 3.

        1. I believe because he was given an ultimatum, either he reaches for the ground or the General kills him and then Violet. When you read the last chapter from Xaden’s perspective, you realise that he’s reaching burnout and he cannot hold the General at bay any longer. So he reaches the ground to get power. He does so to stop the general and save Violet and the rest.

          1. So helpful! Thank you! I hope that you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving.

  20. I cannot even begin to express how much these books have taken me on a rollercoaster of emotions! Finished IF today and maaaaaaan did it bring me to tears multiple times!!!! Can’t wait for the third book.

    #TeamShadowDaddy

    1. Welcome to the crazy rollercoaster here. It’s insane, right? How are you feeling right now? Any theories yet?

      1. Well first off I’m not happy about Xaden turning. Like why does their relationship have to go through so much hurt. I’m trying to process everything. Like why was she dreaming of the sage yet Xaden said they were coming for him and to do them both a favor and not ask. Was his mom a Venin? Idk. I’m about to re-read it again. I feel like I cannot read another book after reading this series

        1. It’s really hard to read anything else after the series. I am also reading it again to pick up on new clues 🙂 I hope you’re loving it though

  21. Hello Cory,
    this is the first time in my over 40 years of life that I went on a public forum to discuss a book. I’m so grateful that you put this page together. This is awesome!
    I usually don’t read series that are not finished yet, but my mum’s best friend insisted and now for the first time in my life I know what a book hangover is. Damn! This was one hell of an exciting and emotional ride.
    It took me 3 days to read FW and 4 to read IF. I literally locked myself away for a week. I think Ima go crazy waiting for the 3rd book to be released. What a cliffhanger Rebecca left us with….. and I have to agree – every piece of me is screaming “You goottta fix this….fix it…him…them….fast!”

    1. Hi Kat, I’m exactly the same. This book made me create a whole website dedicated to it. I’m obsessed with the books. I read FW back in June and had to wait until November for IF 🙁 ugh. And now we wait again!!!

      1. For how long? 😢

        1. We don’t have an official date yet 🙁

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About

Hello! This site is dedicated to the Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros. I’ve made this place to explore the rich world of Empyrean, full of characters, theories, and places. Each post is carefully researched and updated with the newest details from the series. This site is also a great spot for discussing theories about the Empyrean Series. 🐉
Read More