Does Iron Flame Outshine Fourth Wing? Here’s My Take

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Rebecca Yarros does it again with Iron Flame, the heart-stopping sequel to Fourth Wing. With even higher stakes, deeper character development, and a narrative that refuses to let you go, this sequel confirms the Empyrean series as a fantasy powerhouse. I experienced this book through the dramatized audiobook, and let me tell you... I was hooked from start to finish, devouring it all in a single day. Here’s a breakdown of why Iron Flame deserves all the hype and a solid 5 out of 5:

Characters - 5/5

Iron Flame takes the complex and compelling characters of Fourth Wing and deepens them. Violet continues to grow into a dominant rider, and we are privy to the grappling with the weight of her decisions and the consequences of her actions. The relationships are even richer this time around. Whether it’s friendships, rivalries, or romance, Yarros managed to add depth (and a few surprises). The new characters introduced are unique and interesting. No character leaves you indifferent, as Yarros's writing will have you rooting for them, or hating them–just as intensely.

World Building - 5/5

The world of Navarre in Iron Flame expands, peeling back layers of its history, politics, and secrets. The stakes are heightened as we learn more about the rebellion and the larger forces at play–leaving us wanting more intel! To top it off, the audiobook's immersive detail paired with a well-chosen soundtrack made me feel like I was right there in the thick of it.

Pacing - 5/5

The pacing is flawless, with an engaging mix of tension, high-stakes action, and emotional depth. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, and the dramatized audiobook added to the suspense and excitement, making it impossible to pause.

Romance & Spice - 5/5

If you thought the romance in Fourth Wing was good, Iron Flame takes it to another level. The chemistry is electric (pun intended). Yarros knows how to balance the spice with the storyline, making sure it enhances rather than detracts from the plot. Fair warning - do not listen to the dramatized audiobook with other people around unless you have a good pair of headphones.

Writing - 5/5

In Iron Flame, Yarro's writing has evolved. While Fourth Wing had a few moments where casual tone or phrasing felt out of place, this sequel feels seamless. The dialogue is sharper, the descriptions still vivid, and the tone perfectly matches the gravity of the story. This evolution fits well with Violet's character development as she matures and grows through Fourth Wing and through Iron Flame. The voice performances in the dramatized audiobook brought the characters and emotions to life in a way that felt cinematic.

Overall Rating - 5/5

Iron Flame is everything you could want in a fantasy sequel and more. Gripping characters, an expanded world, heart-pounding action, higher stakes. It has been a long time since I felt this entranced by a fantasy novel. If you loved Fourth Wing, you’ll find Iron Flame impossible to put down.

I am now anxiously and impatiently awaiting the release of Onyx Storm in a few days... I need more.