Summary
Iron Flame, the highly anticipated sequel to Rebecca Yarros' Fourth Wing, hit shelves in November 2023 to widespread acclaim. This new adult fantasy novel continues the story of Violet Sorrengail as she faces her second year at Basgiath War College, where the challenges are even more grueling and the stakes higher than ever. The book sold over half a million copies on its release day, cementing its place as a publishing phenomenon.
Yarros' blend of high fantasy and romance, often referred to as “romantasy,” has captured readers' imaginations worldwide. The Empyrean series, of which Iron Flame is the second installment, has garnered a massive following, with over 400,000 5-star reviews on Goodreads for this latest entry. The book's success led to midnight release parties at hundreds of bookstores across the United States, demonstrating the fervent anticipation among fans.
While no adaptations have been released yet, Amazon MGM Studios has acquired the rights to adapt the entire Empyrean series for streaming. This deal, announced just before Iron Flame's release, includes plans for the adaptation of all five books in the series. With Yarros set to executive produce alongside industry veterans, fans can look forward to seeing Violet's world brought to life on screen in the future.
Plot
Iron Flame picks up shortly after the events of Fourth Wing. Violet Sorrengail learns her brother Brennan is alive and leading a secret rebellion against the venin threat. She and her fellow cadets return to Basgiath War College, sworn to secrecy about the venin attack they survived. The new vice commandant, Major Burton Varrish, proves to be a ruthless adversary for Violet as she struggles to keep her secrets while continuing her training.
As Violet investigates the history of Navarre's wards and the mysterious First Six who created them, she enlists help from friends old and new. Her relationship with Xaden Riorson is tested by the secrets they must keep from each other. Meanwhile, Violet's dragon Andarna enters an unusually long “dreamless sleep,” and assassination attempts claim the lives of several Resson survivors.
Violet's covert research leads her to steal valuable journals from the archives with the help of Prince Cam, who is posing as a cadet under an alias. When Varrish discovers her activities, he tortures Violet for information. The truth about the venin threat is revealed to the entire college, leading to a mass exodus of riders joining the rebellion. Violet travels to broker an alliance with Viscount Tecarus, gaining resources for the rebels but also uncovering uncomfortable truths about Xaden's past.
