Committing to the TBR

Rebecca Yarros, We Need to Talk.

Can Xaden and Violet catch a break for five seconds? Just five? I don’t need them wrapped in a perfect, happy romance, but I do need a moment where they’re non constantly testing their relationship like it’s the battlefield they’re about to walk onto. A date. A conversation without tension- including sexual. Just one moment where they can exist together without the weight of the world suffocating them.

From the way this book ended, though, I’m pretty sure that’s asking for too much.

Miscommunication or Just Pure Frustration?

I love Xaden and Violet’s banter. I love the tension Yarros weaves, the chemistry, and just the overall way their dynamic pulls you in. Xaden is toxic to every person in the world except Violet. I love it.

But the miscommunication trope? I believe this couple is stronger than that. I could do without it for Iron Flame. It wasn’t this bad in Fourth Wing– sure Xaden had his secrets and their conversations still felt real. Now, it’s like they can’t get through a single discussion without walls and shields going up. Pun intended. Somehow though, they still find time to be together off the pages for some weeks. Make it make sense.

Andarna is the Real Star Here

The one thing I’m truly excited about for Onyx Storm? Andarna. I knew she would be special, but how special, who knows! And I’m convinced Violet’s abilities aren’t also as developed as we think…

Here’s my personal theory: Andarna’s signet is the one tied to lighting- since Feathertails have their own connection to the venin. That would explain why Violet’s father was so invested in studying them, why his research was kept so quiet. In Fourth Wing, it was mentioned that he had studied Feathertails extensively, yet no journal was ever found. What if Brennan has it? If Feathertails are truly the missing piece, that knowledge is going to change everything.

As for Tairn’s? I’m convinced his signet is tied to the truth– an ability to know things instinctively, maybe. And if Violet has another signet in her bloodline along with Andarna’s, it would make sense. How else would her father have understood the importance of Feathertails if his own family hadn’t already been aware of it? If Violet has a third signet like Xaden has two– it would make sense at least to me. Just putting it out there.

Action in Iron Flame? Absolutely Unmatched.

For all my frustrations with the relationship drama, I can’t deny that Iron Flame delivered when it came to action. Every moment had me hooked. I flew through this book in just a few days (after a Fourth Wing refresher that did take me a few weeks), and usually, I skim action-heavy sections if they drag on for too long– but that didn’t happen here. Every fight, every twist, every moment felt earned.

At the end of the day, Iron Flame was an experience. I just need Violet to fully step into her power, Andarna to finally prove why she’s the game changer, and — if I’m lucky– Xaden and Violet to have one damn moment of peace. But knowing Yarros? That’s probably wishful thinking. We’re in for more death than we can possibly prepare for.

My Rating: 4.0 Stars