I finished “Fourth Wing” The night before “Iron Flame” Released meaning I started this book practically hours after I had finished the first. If I didn’t have a vacation to be on this would have been finished last week, that is how fast I was flying through this book. Luckily I did have some decent layovers that did let me read bits and pieces at a time but I had too many distractions to be bale to finish till I came back home. Now that I have finished the book I don’t know if I even have words…
“The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity.”
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
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***Spoilers Ahead. Read at your own RISK***
Just as a warning this is quite a long review and overall deep dive into this book but I had a lot to say so I guess this was mostly for me to get all my burning thoughts out! I have provided a table of contents so you can skip to the parts you would like to spend time reading.
Quick Links
***Spoilers Ahead. Read at your own RISK***
About The Book
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Publisher: Red Tower Books
Published Date: November 7th, 2023
Page Count: 640 Pages
Main Genres: Fantasy, Romance
GoodReads Rating: 4.56
Format: Physical Book
Synopsis
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.
Synopsis From GoodReads
Rating
Review
I have waited a few days to officially write my review so everything that happened could really sink in. I am excited to share my thoughts and theories even the completely unhinged ones. This is going to be a long and rocky review so buckle up and lets go!
I have heard a lot of people say that this book is not a literary master piece so why are we rating it so high? I agree this series has its flaws but the emotions this series pulls out of people and the attachments we have over these characters I feel like is the true reason it is rated so highly. If a book can get me to audibly gasp or physically cry there is no reason I would be rating this any lower than four stars, which I know is probably crazy to some people but ratings change from person to person and our reasons will probably never align and that is OK!
You are going to read these first few paragraphs and be in awe that I rated this book so high. But please don’t question my logic and mostly my feelings because I think this book was an integral part to the overall series and everything that happened in this book is going to be so important later on. So bare with me… Ok.. Here we go!
The beginning of this book had a lot of info dumping that we had to trudge our way through that honestly didn’t feel like it was going to have any kind of pay off in the end. It almost felt like this whole book was just going to be a transitional book so book three could be a huge battle, which honestly may not be wrong. However, the first part of the book walked so the second half could RUN! With that being said I have heard most people struggle reading this book till shortly after part two cause that’s where things really start to pick up maybe even just before part two begins..
In fact I wrote this in my storygraph notes (Scene where Mira finds out Brennan is alive just before part 2) ‘Page 360’ “Mira! I am so happy they are all together. I love that she punched him. Also I think the book could have ended here and been an ok transitional book into the third one with a big war but we shall see.” I just think this happy family reunion was a good stopping point but Rebecca was like “Hold my Drink, we are going for a ride!” And what a ride it was!
“Less than a minuet” , Xaden whispers. “That’s all it took for you to fall out of love with me.”
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
Xaden will forever be one of my favorite male characters in books. I love me a protective man even when Violet says “You are starting to sound like Dain” I mean how dare you compare Xaden to Dain… Insert eye roll. Xaden is the ultimate shadow daddy and this book confirmed that. I am honestly upset with how little he was in this book, clearly my favorite character and I hardly got any scenes with him!
Xaden tried so hard to love Violet and give her the time and space she needed and asked for but Violet was giving him nothing! This leads me to my next gripe. Is it just me or is Violet a very unlikeable character? I could be in the minority here but she drives me crazy!
Blurbs from My storygraph
‘Page 1’ “Mom and dad need to make up and have no more drama…ok? ok.” Like seriously I wish this was true but they were in a constant fight this whole book it felt like! I am rooting for them but damn I almost feel like Xaden deserves better, cause he really tries and I feel like Violet is just so stubborn but I mean would I be any better in her shoes?
‘Page 115’ “Girl…You shouldn’t be denying yourself any part of this man!!! Put that bed of his to good use!” I mean seriously if you don’t theres a million other woman who will, if you catch my drift.
‘Page 115’ “As a certified asexual I don’t need him to dick me down but damn a “fight for me” kind of man…😋”
‘Page 119’ “The miscommunication!!!! Everything is not your fault Violet but fucking up your relationship will be on you!! I am a Xaden Stan!”
Ok enough about how much Violet drives me crazy, let’s move on to more important things.
The Big Twists
Trying to avoid spoilers for this book was so hard and as I am writing this I can now see that I am a part of that problem… Oops.
I knew someone died at the end, even without spoilers you could have assumed this was going to happen. But for me it was because of my boyfriend, he decided to read the last chapter of the book (Nothing more) and by his reaction I just knew someone died and he was like “yup but I will not tell you who.” So during the book I would randomly be like “oh no, please don’t tell me it was Rhi…” or “Oh shit! Brennan doesn’t die does he?” Well, Noah stood strong, never giving me a single hint at who dies.
I get to the end and who dies? Oh yeah, her mother! Like what? Lilith wasn’t even on my radar of someone dying, meaning I didn’t think I would care if she died and man oh man was I wrong! Talk about Literal tears!
Lilith was 80% a bad guy to me. I figured she might turn good at some point but I saw her as a horrible mother until the middle of this book when she helped Violet escape and then the end where you can see under her tough shell is a mother who just cares about her children.
“She made it,” I whisper up to Liam.”
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
With all that said Liams death in “Fourth Wing” still hit me harder but this is a close second! (Surprisingly)
Speaking of Liam, I was so happy to see him in this book. His death really tore me apart because I loved his character. Reading this book gave me hope that we may be able to see him / hear from him more in the next few books. This makes me beyond curious to know what part he will play in the rest of this series.
The next thing that shocked me to my core was Xaden Turning into a Vennin! How could Rebecca do this to us?! Of course, the answer to that is for the plot. But what a way to break my heart! As mentioned above Xaden is why I am reading this series so god forbid something happens to him!
I mean look at that face, I was shook! I am honestly so scared for him in the upcoming book(s). I don’t know if my heart can take much more! He has had one rough go at life and he deserves to finally be happy.
“Welcome to our fucked up family. Guess we’re brothers now.”
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
Jack Being alive almost caused the destruction of my book. I was not ok! She killed him! How in the world could he possibly be alive?!
But what really stung was the fact that he was Vennin! What? How? When? Where? Why? I have so many questions and so little answers. Especially when he said we are already among you… now on my next re read I will be paying attention to every single character! I gotta hunt them all down!
“Was.” My gaze tracks Dain as he walks around the mat to Professor Emetterio. “He was my best friend.” For fifteen years, there was no one closer. I’d thought he was going to be my everything.”
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
In my “Fourth Wing” review I wrote “Dain has two fates he either dies or they make up and he joins the forces. God I hope they kill him! Traitor!!!!” Well it looks like he joined the forces. I honestly don’t know how to feel about him, I know I don’t trust him but he almost makes you want to give him a chance. But yet he is still Trash! He has a few more books to make it through and if I were him I would be counting my days!
God forbid Rebecca gives him a chance with Violet next book. That just might kill me.
Theories I Can Hop On Board With
***I have heard this various times on TikTOk I unfortunately don’t know who said what now with the millions of theories I have listened too. ***
- Violets Second Signet is either Time Travel or A Direct bond with Malek
- Andarna is a god of dragons
- Liliths love of her life isn’t Violets dad (More of this on my own Theories where I add onto this in an unhinged way)
- Violets Lightning is actually raw power so she can manipulate her power in more ways than she thinks
- Violet can dream walk. (Her dreams with the Sage)
- The marked ones mark is actually an extra power or a boost in power because a dragon gave them the mark and dragons only give marks as powers. The size of the relic represents their power. (Kayleigh Tiktok) I agree with this because why else would they be able to block out Melgrens power if they are in groups more than 3? This way they have a way to still go under the radar if needed. That is a blessing in of its self and the dragons don’t seem to give people the benefit of the doubt.
Theories I Don’t Love
***I have heard this various times on TikTOk I unfortunately don’t know who said what now with the millions of theories I have listened too. ***
- Tairns previous rider was the one Lilith was secretly in love with
- Violets dad is the leader of the vennin
- Violet is inntinnsic
- Liam Comes Back
- Violets mom is vennin
- Violet is vennin because Nolon was constantly healing her as she grew up, I don’t believe this because in the book she has a “Dream” with the vennin sage who said you will turn to save the one you love or die togetehr.
My Theories
Heads up. My theories are a bit out there so many of you may not agree but What If?
You can watch my Tiktok Theory Video to hear my exact thoughts and comment to see other peoples opinions as well.
My First theory is that the love of Lilith’s Life is actually Fenn Riorson… Yep you heard that correctly!
I think that Lilith has been helping the Rebellion the whole time and in the midst of it all she fell in love with Fenn Riorson. When in the end he became the very thing he despised, Vennin. On page 620 we read.
“We have tried every method we know of, as you requested. There is no cure. There is only Control.”
-Missive from Lieutenant Colonel Nolon Colbersy to General Lilith Sorrengail
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
I think she could have been trying to save him instead of killing him because he was the key to protecting not only the continent but most importantly her kids, which was her soul mission in life.
Why else would she entrust Xaden to protect Violet when she entered the war college? She had to know deep down Xaden would protect her at all cost and do the right thing for the marked ones, the continent and of course Violet.
Of course she could have been using the serum to heal Violets dad instead which is a possibility but I just don’t believe it. or I guess I don’t want to believe it if it is true.
My Second Theory is maybe a bit more believable than the first.
I believe that the leader of the Vennin is Xadens mom.
All we know is that she left him at a young age and he hardly knew her. I think she could have been vennin before he was born and so Xaden already has Vennin blood inside of him meaning maybe he is a direct line to the vennin thrown. This is why the leader of the Vennin is searching for him so hard.
I also believe this is why when Violet was in the arena she had to fight a vennin that was contained in Fenn Riorsons Chest. He knew how to capture them because of his wife which in turn when she left him and his son he knew he had no choice but to stop her Vennin ways.
Questions I Need The Answers Too!
If I have missed any details that should have given me these answers please let me know in the comments!
- Did Violets dad really die by Heart Problems?
- Will Xaden and Violet Be End Game?
- Who was the 7th rider?
- Who was the 7th Dragon?
- How were the dragons able to keep Andarnas Breed such a big Secret?
- Who else do we know is a Vennin?
- What is Violets Second Signet?
- Did Tairn actually know that Xaden was Inntinnsic because in fourth wing he said something along the lines of boy don’t you dare try and get in my head and read me. But when Violet found out he was so shocked! Of course he could mean tapping into the connected bond all four of them share but the worded has me questioning it.
- How did the Vennin get into Basgiath? And how can they still harness some power?
- I am interested to know how all of this would have played out if Violet really did get into the Scribes. Not really a question though.
- Do Vennin have to feed?
Poll Section
Favorite Quotes
Too Many To count but I don’t apologize, there are just too many good ones!
“I do. I’m sorry if you expect me to do the noble thing. I warned you. I’m not sweet or soft or kind, and you fell anyway. This is what you get, Violet— me. The good, the bad, the unforgivable. All of it. I am yours.” His arm wraps around the small of my back, holding me steady and close. “You want to know something true? Something real? I love you. I’m in love with you. I have been since the night the snow fell in your hair and you kissed me for the first time. I’m grateful my life is tied to yours because it means I won’t have to face a day without you in it. My heart only beats as long as yours does, and when you die, I’ll meet Malek at your side. It’s a damned good thing that you love me, too, because you’re stuck with me in this life and every other that could possibly follow.”
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
“My house. My chair. My woman.”
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
“Violence, remember it’s only the body that’s fragile. You are unbreakable.”
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
“Touch me and I swear to the gods, I’ll cut your fucking hands off and let the quadrant sort you out in the next round of challenges, Dain Aetos.”
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
“I think I liked you better before you decided that feelings were something we need to discuss.”
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
“Sorry to inconvenience you, but this year the role of Violet Sorrengail”—he points to me—“ will be played by Xaden Riorson”—he taps his chest—“ who will drag her, kicking and screaming if he has to, into a real relationship with real discussions, because he refuses to lose her again. If I have to evolve, you do, too.”
“But I’m begging you, Violet. Don’t offer me your body unless you’re offering me everything. I want you more than I want to fuck you. I want those three little words back.”
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
“I bet we get seven inches tonight.” “Maybe more if you’re good.”
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
“Because you didn’t fall for an ordinary rider. You fell for the leader of a revolution,”
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
“You should take her at her word. In fact…” Xaden doesn’t bother to lower his voice. “If you don’t, I’ll take personal offense. She made her choice, and it wasn’t you. It will never be you. I know it. She knows it. The whole quadrant knows it.”
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
“No, Violet.” He lifts both swords overhead, then slips them into the sheaths on the pack behind him with practiced expertise and a hint of a smirk. “Just you and me.”
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
“His jaw flexes, his hands curl at his sides, and his beautiful face… Well, he hasn’t looked at me with that much anger since discovering my last name at Parapet, back when he wanted to kill me. Guess I should be careful what I ask for, because I’m so fucked. “You aren’t where I left you, Violence.”
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
“I need to know you’ll be here. That no matter what happens, you’ll come back so we can talk it out or fight it out.”
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
“In a world of dragon riders, gryphon fliers, and dark wielders…” “It’s the scribes who hold all the power.” They put out the public announcements. They keep the records. They write our history.”
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
“Well, this is awkward,” Xaden calls out.”
Rebecca Yarros, Iron Flame
World of Bai 