Iron Flame ( The Empyrean Book 2) by Rebecca Yarros

 

“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.

Honest Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book 2 is fighting for the best of both books so far!!! Opening up a whole different world, shaking the soul for more, evil at its craziest, dragons, new allies!!!! Holy Crap what a world to disappear to! Rebecca has done amazing! Surprises and Battles that rival any war by 10. Loved the love/hate between Xaden and Violet. Obsessed with the dragons, especially T! His attitude and sassiness is perfectly matched to Violet! I am extremely not patiently waiting for book 3!!! Thank you for this world, Rebecca!!!