okay I think I’m ready to write my review … weeks later … 💀 this one was definitely better than IRON FLAME but it’s still missing that same spark I got from FOURTH WING…

picking up after the events of IRON FLAME, xaden and violet and co are dealing with the fallout of the venin takeover, and how to better ward their kingdoms against the destruction. I loved that they returned to an academic structure in the beginning, but I wished it had lasted a bit longer before violet and her “quest squad” went off to discover the cure for venins & andarna’s missing dragon species 🥲

I loved the world building and expanding upon the land beyond navarre & tyrrendor - but it felt a bit repetitive at times 🥴 go to a new country, try and explain why they need their help, end up way over their heads and having to complete some sort of challenge, repeat 👀

even though this book was long, I felt as though nothing drastic really happened? I definitely went through alllll of the emotions & found new favorite characters (hello ridoc & broccoli & dain’s redemption arc) 🫶🏼

and while it definitely felt like a “filler” book in the series, it was packed with non-stop action & entertainment the entire way!! and in traditional RY fashion, it ended with a cliffhanger that left us with wayyyy more questions than answers 😵‍💫

another fantastic installment, but definitely left me wanting so much more! 

rating: 4 stars 
wine pairing: columbia valley pinot noir