Book of the Day: Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

The second novel in The Empyrean series, "Iron Flame" by Rebecca Yarros, follows Violet Sorrengail, a cadet at Basgiath War College, as she navigates dangerous friendships, intensifying conflicts, and her own developing power. Violet confronts additional problems in her second year, including a grueling war against the Venin and rising tensions between Navarre and rebel forces. Trust, loyalty, power, and sacrifice are major themes as Violet matures into her role
and learns more about her world and family's secrets.

All of our Book of the Day posts will have links to the related audiobook, on the Haus, to further immerse your reading experience!

Chapter 1:

Violet is recovering from a venin attack at Athebyne, still reeling from the news that her brother Brennan is alive and a rebel commander. The rebels in Aretia talk of securing a "luminary" to create alloy weapons for the gryphon fliers. As tensions rise, Xaden and Brennan plan ways to prevent the venin from spreading.

Chapter 2:

Violet discovers more about the rebellion's preparations, including her brother's prediction that the venin will soon assault Navarre. Brennan discusses the vulnerable southern shore, which lacks protection, and suggests that there may be information regarding raising wards hidden in the archives.

Chapter 3:

Violet returns to Basgiath to reconcile with her friends and attempt to adapt to the hardships of her second year. She is further ostracized when it is revealed that many people continue to distrust her because of her family's ties. Meanwhile, the Athebyne survivors are gradually being attacked and killed by unknown forces.

Chapter 4:

On Conscription Day, Violet meets new cadets, including Prince Cam (alias Aaric Graycastle) and Liam's younger sister Sloane, who blames Violet for Liam's death. As the cadets tackle the parapet, many die, and Violet our squad becomes increasingly tense.

Chapter 5:

Major Varrish, the new vice-commander, succeeds Colonel Aetos and begins to impose tougher discipline on Violet and the other cadets. Violet's fears rise as more survivors of Athebyne are slaughtered, separating her from her friends.

Chapter 6:

Xaden departs for Samara on a mission, and tensions between him and Violet remain high due to his hesitation to completely trust her. Violet continues her investigation into the wards while attempting to balance her obligations as a rider with her rising role in the rebellion.

Chapter 7:

Violet and her classmates fail a critical navigation exercise in one of her survival lessons, but their true concern arises when their instructors hide venin attacks from the cadets. Violet begins to realize how much information is being withheld from the riders about the true peril they face.

Chapter 8:

Violet discovers that Jack, whom she believed she killed the previous year, has survived. She also learns more about the venin's goals and realizes the magnitude of their impending threat.

Chapter 9:

Violet continues her investigation into the warding ritual. She and Xaden argue about trust and secrecy, adding to the tension between them. Violet continues to share more of her research with her closest companions, preparing for the upcoming battles.

Chapter 10:

Violet and her squad embark on a perilous journey to acquire journals from the Archives, wanting to uncover the secrets of the First Six, who created the original wards. This triggers a deadly cascade of events, culminating in Violet's capture and subsequent torture by Major Varrish.

Chapters 11-22:

The middle section of the book sees Violet’s growth as a leader. She navigates strained relationships with Xaden and her squad while uncovering more secrets about her family and Basgiath’s history. As the stakes escalate, Violet must choose between devotion to her friends and her growing responsibilities to the insurrection.

Chapters 23-36:

The tension rises as Violet and her allies prepare for war. She makes progress in her research but struggles to control her lightning powers, which are critical to the rebellion's success. Xaden's trust issues continue to undermine their relationship, but they must work together up to destroy the venin.

Chapters 37-46:

The rebellion faces its greatest challenge yet: a full-scale venin attack on Basgiath. Violet’s mother, General Sorrengail, plays a crucial role in the defense, but her actions force Violet to confront hard truths about her family’s past and the future of Navarre.

Chapters 47-57:

The final chapters culminate in an epic battle. Violet understands that the venin are closer to triumph than anyone anticipated, and the rebellion's existence is dependent on her ability to fully unleash the warding ritual's power. However, a devastating betrayal changes the course of the war.

Conclusion:

Iron Flame is a fast-paced and emotionally packed continuation of The Empyrean series. Violet us go through Basgiath's brutal training, political intrigue, and her increasing relationship with Xaden and the rebellion keeps readers on the edge of their seats, leading to a thrilling conclusion that sets up the next installment.

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