★★★★☆ (4/5)

This book was a crazy ride! As someone who absolutely adored Forth Wing, I went into this with high expectations. Iron Flame picks up right where the first book left off, with Violet now knowing the brutal truth about Navarre and the world beyond its borders. But almost no one believes her, and she, Xaden, and their friends must find a way to reveal the truth while surviving the relentless dangers of Basgiath War College.

I still loved being back in this incredible world of dragons and magic. The action scenes were great, and the bond between Violet, Tairn, and Andarna remains my favourite part. Nevertheless, this book felt different. The pacing was much slower, with a heavier focus on politics and world-building, which at times leaned into info dumping. And while the ending was still a shocker, I saw part of it coming.

While it didn't quite live up to the first book, it was a great read, and I'm still fully invested in this series!