It’s been a while since I’ve encountered a book that made me LOL. And this is one of those — but perhaps only in the earlier part of the book.
In my burnt out state, what happens in the initial sequence of things is totally relatable, and I want to honestly ask Sophie Kinsella if she is okay.
The rest of the book was a little challenging to go through, but I still had some laughs and some heartwarming moments. I encountered some lessons – or reminders – towards the end, which gave me a small boost.
If you’ve got your life together, then great. Sasha might annoy you, because the answers are definitely there. And yes, she should be stronger. But, if you’re in a state where you’d impulsively cut your hair or you have that desire to run for the mountains and away from everyone and everything, this book might cheer you up. 🙂
Rebecca Yarros’s Iron Flame transports you into the heart of a world crackling with dragon fire and revolution. Violet, a reluctant dragon rider, returns to Basgiath War College after surviving a harrowing encounter with mythical monsters. But war brews on the horizon, fueled by secrets buried deep within the college’s walls. With her beloved dragon Tairn and the enigmatic Xaden by her side, Violet must navigate treacherous political landscapes, unravel arcane mysteries, and face the flames of a rebellion that could engulf the Empyrean itself.
Review:
Iron Flame is a fast-paced, escapist fantasy that offers dragons, magic, and a healthy dose of romance. While the writing might not win any awards for lyrical prose, it knows how to weave a spellbinding narrative that keeps you turning pages like a possessed bibliophile. Yarros crafts a thrilling world, rich in lore and teeming with intriguing characters. You’ll find yourself cheering for Violet’s fiery spirit, swooning over Xaden’s mysterious charm, and even feeling a grudging respect for the cunning antagonist.
However, the novel isn’t without its flaws. Some passages could benefit from a tighter edit, and the character development, particularly for the supporting cast, feels a bit undercooked. But let’s be honest, when you’re soaring through the skies on a dragon’s back or dodging wyvern attacks, who has time to nitpick about adverbs?
Overall, Iron Flame is a fun, immersive read that delivers on its promise of action, adventure, and heart. It might not be your next literary masterpiece, but it’s the perfect escape hatch for anyone craving a good dose of fire-breathing fantasy. Just remember to pack your sunscreen – things get pretty hot in the Empyrean!
Verdict: Escape to a world of dragons and revolution with Iron Flame. Be prepared for some uneven writing, but get ready to be swept away by its thrilling plot and engaging characters. 3.5 out of 5 fireballs.
P.S. If you enjoy this, be sure to check out the first book in the series, Fourth Wing, for even more dragon-riding goodness!
Annaleigh lives a sheltered life at Highmoor, a manor by the sea, with her sisters, their father, and stepmother. Once they were twelve, but loneliness fills the grand halls now that four of the girls’ lives have been cut short. Each death was more tragic than the last—the plague, a plummeting fall, a drowning, a slippery plunge—and there are whispers throughout the surrounding villages that the family is cursed by the gods.
Disturbed by a series of ghostly visions, Annaleigh becomes increasingly suspicious that the deaths were no accidents. Her sisters have been sneaking out every night to attend glittering balls, dancing until dawn in silk gowns and shimmering slippers, and Annaleigh isn’t sure whether to try to stop them or to join their forbidden trysts. Because who—or what—are they really dancing with?
When Annaleigh’s involvement with a mysterious stranger who has secrets of his own intensifies, it’s a race to unravel the darkness that has fallen over her family—before it claims her next.
from GoodReads
My thoughts
“House of Salt and Sorrows” by Erin A. Craig is a retelling of “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” fairytale but with a darker spin. I am in love!
You’ve seen multiple retellings of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and other stories. But The Twelve Dancing Princesses is a story that I have yet to read being retold. This version has mystery, romance, horror, gothic, supernatural… and salt. It has a lot of elements of water, it reminds me a bit of The Wicked Deep, but the world building is much more immersive. It reminds me a lot of Edgar Allan Poe’s work. A quiet psychological thriller, horror story.
The pace is quite fast, especially from the middle onwards. Like a nightmare unfolding that you cannot escape… Exhilarating.
‼️ Warning: I would NOT recommend it for those who cannot carry darkness right now. There’s elements of suicide, murder, gore, psychological manipulation, mental health issues, and more.
The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella
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