Empyrean series #2

*Content Warning

Iron Flame is a nonstop-thrilling adventure fantasy set in the brutal and competitive world of military college for dragon riders, which includes elements regarding war, psychological and physical torture, imprisonment, intense violence, brutal injuries, perilous situations, blood, dismemberment, burning, murder, death, animal death, graphic language, loss of family, grief, and sexual activities that are shown on the page. Readers who may be sensitive to these elements, please take note, and prepare to join the revolution…

Visit Rebecca Yarros’ website HERE

The Spoiler Report is a recounting of the major events of the novel mixed with my own interpretation of the meaning and symbolism of events, emotions, and actions. Reading this report is NOT a substitute for reading the actual novel and should not be taken as such. Not every single detail, feeling, and event is divulged within. It is essentially a lengthy outline of the story. Many details and no dialogue have not been included. This report is for those who appreciate knowing what happens or feels they may miss things when reading, or just want to have a detailed overview of a book before, or during, reading.

****THIS REPORT CONTAINS SPOILERS****  

This is not a book review. For the full review of Iron Flame please visit here.

This book is a doozy, so grab a hot beverage and settle in.

It starts right where the last book left off. Violet is still reeling from all the truth that had been dumped on her in what felt like an instant. Xaden has betrayed her trust.  Brennan, her brother, is alive. Vernin, who are supposed to be mythical, are real and draining the land of magic.

AND she is in a place that was supposedly burned to the ground ending the separatist movement. But at least the biscuits there are yummy.

Exploring the fortress, Riorson House, Violet, who has mostly healed from her poisoning, comes across Imogen and Bodhi eavesdropping. She joins, listening in on an Assembly meeting. They are trying to decide the immediate fate of the cadets currently staying there.

Violet almost forgot that they were on the last task of the War Games for school since she had been thrust into a real war she didn’t even know existed.  A few Assembly members clearly don’t trust Violet. Even though she has proven to be more Brennan’s sister than her mother’s, General Lilith Sorrengail, daughter.

As the Assembly adjourns, Violet gets a chance to speak with her brother about the last six years she believed he was dead. Including catching up on the war itself.

The venin are building their numbers and conquering lands, preparing to take Navarre. Since venin consume magic, draining the lands, for their greed and survival, the hatching grounds in the Vale could sustain them for decades—the ultimate prize.

Brennan admits that they have a wardstone in Aretia. It’s the only thing other than a dragon hatching grounds that could produce protective wards. But the magical talent to power a wardstone has been lost over time. Violet knows, to the Scribes, that kind of information would have been worth protecting.

Brennan and Violet make their way to their dragons. Violet sees Andarna for the first time since the battle at Resson. She has been resting since arriving, having used such a huge blast of energy to stop time.

Because of that, Andarna is forced to grow quickly to recover. Entering into the Dreamless Sleep. Her scales are no longer golden but black. Only hatchlings are ever gold.

The cadets need to leave soon. Graduation is in two days.

The eight cadets arrive back in Basgiath. Entering the quadrant, it’s clear the other cadets have no idea what really happened to Xaden and his squad. Not surprising. The truth would reveal the lies everyone has been fed. Exposing what has really been happening outside the wards of Navarre.

First stop is Liam’s room. Since he was killed during battle, all his personal belongings will be burned. But they need to recover a stack of letters before they clear out his room. Leaving his room, they run into Rhiannon and Ridoc. Most people assumed they were dead when they failed to show for war games.

Violet gives the letters to Rhiannon, trusting her to hide them just in case something happens and graduation turns into an execution.

But as soon as the eight cadets walk out onto the quadrant for graduation, Captain Fitzgibbon calls on Xaden and Garrick. All leadership present clearly surprised the squadron is alive. Each for their own reasons.

Those that don’t know the real reason, question why their names were on the death roll. Xaden enacts their plan. Weaving their lie with enough truth and accusations.

Violet tells the story of selective truths —no lies — to convince her mother. Ultimately condemning Colonel Aetos of sending the squad to their demise of his own accord.

Violet’s mom actually shows pride in her daughter.

Colonel Aetos threatens them. It is empty. He can’t expose them without exposing himself and the truth of the war.

Facing Dain for the first time since he conceded her destruction, Violet draws a clear boundary of mistrust and betrayal.

The cadets celebrate graduation.

Now that Xaden has finished his third and last year at the war college, he’s promoted to lieutenant and stationed elsewhere. He is leaving that night instead of waiting for the morning.

Violet walks out with him. They come across Colonel Aetos who has been reassigned to a coastal outpost as punishment for his actions against Xaden and his squad.

Xaden has been assigned to Samara—a post on the front lines.

Violet will be given two days off every two-weeks so Tairn and Sgaeyl don’t have to suffer because of the mating bond. Xaden has the same privilege so they can alternate weeks.

Aetos introduces them to the new vice commandant, Major Varrish, who has a history of violence through interrogation.

Aetos threatens them, subtly, if they tell the truth to anyone.

Xaden leads Violet outside, she’s seething. They’ll only have a few hours together every weekend considering Samara almost a day’s flight away. An obvious move strategically. The two have a conversation for the benefit of those around them and an internal one for each other.

Xaden warns her of how things will be. Violet is torn. She doesn’t want to care he’s leaving, but she can’t help herself. To make matters worse, Dain is replacing Xaden as the squad’s wingleader. But Rhiannon is their new squad leader.

The first class as second years is RSC—Rider Survival Course. Learning what to do if you are separated from your dragon behind enemy lines. Including how to handle interrogation by the enemy. Violet begins to really worry. She now possesses information worth torturing for.

Visiting the Archives, Violet begins to enact her own personal plan. Despite what Xaden wants, she can’t just sit around and do nothing. Waiting until her friend, Jesinia, has a shift in the Archives. Violet uses this as her first test in lying to a friend. She needs to find a way to protect those outside the wards.

Conscription Day. The official beginning for new cadets. This time Violet and her squad don’t have to cross the Parapet. Just wait to see who survives. Making it clear that even though Dain may be the new wingleader, he is nowhere near as feared or respected as Xaden.

Violet is able to harden herself slightly at merely witnessing the Parapet. Until Cam — Aaric Graycastle, King Tauri’s third son. Who is obviously there without his father’s knowledge.

Next is Liam’s little sister, Sloane. Violet is not supposed to do anything other than take names and wish them luck. But she promised Liam that she would look after his sister. Once Sloane realizes who Violet is, her demeanor changes. Sloane knows the truth behind her brother’s death; she blames Violet. She also lives with the prejudice all the children of separatists have. She hates Violet. But still heeds her advice and makes it across safely. And into Fourth Wing.

Same as last year, dragons present themselves to scare the first years. It works. A one-eyed orange dragon named Solas torches three cadets that run scared. Catching one first-year from Violet’s squad, and half of Third Wing while he’s at it.

Tairn warns Violet about Solas, Varrish’s dragon. Appropriate since his attack seemed a bit too intentional. Tairn lands in front of Solas to intervene against another attack. There is clearly some sort of history between Solas and Tairn. But Tairn is stronger and more dominate, making Solas submit. Varrish has another reason to hate Violet now.

Nightmares have plagued Violet’s sleep since the battle at Resson. She’s taken to waking early for morning runs before breakfast. She is not fast and after what she saw the venin do—Violet needs to be able to run. Imogen joins her. Understanding why she’s not sleeping and the desire to gain speed.

The first Battle Brief of the year. Colonel Markham, the lead Scribe, relays two recent gryphon attacks. Outside the wards, one in Athebyne. Blaming that destruction on their enemies of Poromiel and not the venin that were truly the cause.

Violet tries to convince Bohdi and Imogen to let her help their missions.

Rhiannon shares her suspicions with Violet. There’s something happening in the healer’s quadrant and Varrish is at the root of it all.

Assessment Day. Sloane challenges Violet. The professor doesn’t care and pairs her with Aaric instead. Before the sparring match can begin, a first year asks for Violet. Nadine, playing around, claims that she is Violet. The cadet snaps Nadine’s neck.

Violet engages with Nadine’s killer, alerting him to his grave mistake.  The cadet was sent by Aetos. After killing him, Violet refuses medical attention so she can watch the remainder of the assessments.

Sloane has not had the training that Liam had. She is not great.

Slowly making her way to her room at the end of the day, Xaden is there waiting for her. They use the very short time they have together to catch up. Violet worrying her heart may be unable to stop loving the man. Her willpower is dwindling, but she remains diligent. Not giving into the heat burning between them.  In eight days, she and Tairn will fly to Samar to see him and Sgaeyl.

As Xaden leaves, he hands Violet a letter. His version of longs walks on the beach getting to know one another given their circumstances.

Finishing her morning run with Imogen, Jesinia is waiting in an alcove for Violet. She brought her a book covering the history of the first six dragon riders. Jesinia also sought out Violet to get her help translating a certain piece about an ancient king.

The two are interrupted by a male second year being dragged from the building. Jesinia says he requested a book the day before. She leaves before telling Violet which book.

Placing more fear into Violet over the research she is attempting.

Major Varrish catches Violet on the flight field before mounting Tairn. He is cutting and arrogant. Every word laced with superiority and insult.

Bohdi, Xaden’s cousin, gives Violet some information to relay to Xaden. Also letting a name slip, Catriona.

Tairn is itching to get to his mate. Varrish appears again, delaying their departure so he can search her bag. After the unwarranted search and Varrish’s departure, Bohdi admits that Imogen and Eya were attacked. Bohdi has already been attacked twice. That was why he walked Violet out. They figured something like this would happen.

Fortunately, Varrish didn’t think to search Tairn and the two packs already secured to his back.

Arriving at the outpost in Samara is jarring. The fortress is huge and nearly empty as she makes her way to Xaden’s room. She finds that empty too. Following the instincts provided by their bond, Violet finds Xaden, and all the other riders, on a sub-level. They’re all gathered around watching Xaden and another lieutenant fight. The prize is a weekend pass.

Watching him immerses Violet in all the reasons she loves him and not just the physicality of him. Dulling all the reasons she’s been denying herself the man she loves.

Xaden wins. With the fight over, the room empties leaving Xaden and Violet alone. The perfect situation to remember how well they work together. Xaden stops things before they advance beyond a pretty intense make-out session.

He knows what he wants from Violet, not just sex, trust. Confessing he is willing to suffer just to do this right. Gaining access to her heart and not just her body.

Back in Xaden’s room, seated on opposite sides, Xaden explains the weapons used to kill venin. The way they are powered is similar to how the wards are fortified so far away from the Vale.

Returning to Basgiath, Violet and Tairn are met by Professor Carr and Varrish, ready to dole out her punishment for not forcing Andarna to join them for training. Varrish forces her to wield lightning, bolt after bolt. The threat of burnout, and a night in the brig if she quits. Violet continues until she collapses.

Just to prove he has the power, Varrish orders her to produce one last strike against Professor Carr’s advisement. It nearly does her in.

Desperate to save her, Tairn takes her to an icy river to help reverse the burnout blossoming in her body. Calling for help.

Imogen and Violet watch sparring training hoping Sloane has improved—she hasn’t. Sloane is matched with the younger brother of the cadet Violet and Jesinia saw being dragged out because he requested a book. He was later found beaten to death in his room.

Walking to the next class with her friends, they are abruptly kidnapped. Rhiannon, Sawyer, Ridoc, and Violet along with some very confused infantry cadets and a squad from Second Wing are gathered together. None of the riders can communicate with their dragons or call on their signets.

Professor Grady has pulled them all together for a training exercise. They must navigate to a certain location and secure it. It also means this will keep Violet occupied while Xaden and Sgaeyl are there for the weekend.

Things are not going well when they run into the dragon that previously belonged to Jack Barlowe. She torches two cadets who choose to run.

After two days of not reaching their extraction point, the cavalry and Tairn come to their rescue. A concoction is given to the riders, restoring their bond and signet. An antidote. It’s concerning to all of them that such a thing has been developed.

Violet visits Jesinia in the Archives to ask about the cadet killed for asking for knowledge. He requested a book on an attack that doesn’t exist. Violet thinks back to when she asked Jesinia to find a book that should have gotten her hauled out of her room but didn’t.

Jesinia never logged the request because she was embarrassed that she couldn’t find it. The Archives is supposed to have a copy of every book in existence. When Jesinia looked for any book that would contain information on wyvern, she found nothing. The Scribe is realizing there are holes in the Archives—possibly intentionally.

She wants to help Violet with whatever she has brewing. On one condition.

Sloane spars again. This time Violet has done some prep work on her opponent beforehand. Confessing she was responsible for the win, Sloane still despises Violet. She blackmails Sloane into accepting help and training with Imogen.

Jesinia gives Violet a book of the First Six. In turn, Violet gives the Scribe a book of fables the Archives didn’t have.

Varrish shows up to walk Violet out to Tairn as she heads to Samara. Making a note about her squad missing flight maneuvers again. Her punishment this time is that Xaden in on a 24-hour duty in a place, as a cadet, Violet is not cleared to visit.

Rhiannon receives a letter from her parents and hands it over to Markham who passes the contents off as propaganda from their enemy. Spouting lies to only those who know the truth.

As soon as class is over, Violet rushes outside to unleash her frustration in the form of lightning. Without thinking, she then runs to the Archives where at least 200 Scribes are meeting. Jesinia offers to help the intrusive rider. Jesinia suggests that Violet shares what she has with the rest of her squad. Violet doesn’t want anymore blood on her hands.

Xaden arrives early, catching Violet on the floor in her room surrounded by books. It is ironic that she still won’t truly trust him. Violet is now doing exactly what Xaden did but has no intention of telling him the truth any time soon.

Reading the book titles, Xaden figures out she is trying to discover how to power the wardstone Brennan told her they have in Aretia.

Xaden accompanies Violet when she returns a book to Jesinia. They run into Nolon, the healer, who looks completely worn out.

The rest of the time Xaden and Violet spend arguing.

When Violet fails to bring Andarna to flight maneuvers again, Varrish is prepared to punish her. Tairn is beyond furious. Yelling at the Vice Commandant through his and all the dragons present. When Varrish continues to insist that Violet is to blame for the dragon’s actions even though they aren’t commanded by humans, Tairn attacks Solas, Varrish’s dragon. He attacks until Varrish apologizes to Violet.

Major Varrish has now reached a new level of hatred toward Violet.

Rhiannon walks Violet to the flight field on her way to see Xaden and Sgaeyl. Nearly pleading with Violet to let her in, to talk to her instead of avoiding her as she has the whole year. Violet breaks down about the battle at Resson, giving none of the details beyond the horror she witnessed and the trauma it is causing.

Violet now understands the brutality of the war college. It is nothing compared to what is really out there.

She is about to tell Rhiannon the truth of it all when Varrish approaches to conduct his routine search. Rhiannon is shocked and confused by the act but doesn’t push Violet.

As Xaden approaches as she lands in Samara, he urges Violet to forgive him, make a choice, and asks her to kiss him. They kiss and the world disappears until Violet’s sister, Mira, interrupts.

If Violet doesn’t put on a good enough show, she’ll be spending the night in Mira’s room instead of Xaden’s since she is stationed at Samara now.

Xaden must leave them to get back to his duty. Mira can see right away that her little sister is falling for Lt.  Riorson. As the sisters catch up, Violet is struggling not to tell Mira about Brennan, that he’s alive.

Speaking of Mira’s transfer, Violet realizes that Mira’s signet is basically an extension of the wards, a shield. She questions Mira over how the wards work trying not to raise suspicion. Mira warns her that her curiosity will get her into trouble if she continues to ask questions.

Violet takes a chance and tells Mira exactly what is going on with the venin and wyvern—as a hypothetical. Mira passes it off as lack of sleep and what she thinks happened during the War Games.

Xaden doesn’t make it back to his room until after midnight. Instead of fighting as Violet had assumed they would, she reconciles Xaden’s reasoning behind his secret keeping. After almost telling Mira the truth, she understands. But still doesn’t quite give into him.

Violet’s arm is in a sling after flight maneuvers. Sawyer announces he saw most, if not all, leadership running to the flight field. There was an attack on the Eastern Wing.

Challenges are being issued on the sparring mat. A match between Violet and Dain is called. Even though she is still in a sling—he doesn’t care. Dain uses the opportunity to talk with her. The only memory he gleamed from Violet was about Xaden telling her he and Bohdi routinely flew to Athebyne. Claiming he had no idea what was intended for them during the War Games.

Dain completlye believes the lie they told about who and what attacked them. Also revealing it was Violet’s mother that gave Xaden the scars on his back. Calling the match, Dain taps out, handing Violet the win.

Rhiannon walks with Violet after the match, needing to talk. Putting together that those who fought at Athebyne during War Games are being targeted. Violet tells her about Dain’s signet to read memories.

Rhiannon pushes Violet to tell her what really killed Liam’s dragon. To avoid lying to her, Violet volunteers to take Aaric to the healers after he’s been injured in his match. He knows the truth. It’s the reason he is there and not touring the Continent as his father believes he is. No one specifically told him. Claiming there are enough signs if anyone would just bother to look.

Xaden is leading Violet to the forge in Basgiath when Varrish blocks their path. Professor Grady follows with Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc. It’s time for their interrogation exercise. Xaden pushes back knowing Varrish will use this as an excuse to truly harm, if not kill, Violet for Tairn’s treatment of Solas.

Xaden relents. Reminding Violet that she is unbreakable.

The exercise is to last a couple of days to prepare the cadets to be able to handle being captured and tortured. No squad has been able to escape in the last decade.

Before they actually begin, the four must share a secret and a meal. Violet stops them from drinking the juice that is laced with the concoction they were fed during the land navigation exercise. The one that blocks their signet and stops all communication with their dragons. Now they must fake it.

Rhiannon, Ridoc, and Sawyer are chained to a wall. Violet is strapped to a chair in the middle of the room. A male and female cadet enter to start the interrogation. They assume Violet is the weakest, hence why she is the one they start with.

But Violet has lived with physical pain her whole life — it’s not an issue.

After hours of rough interrogation, Varrish enters. Convinced it’s taking too long to break the squad. That’s why he brings in Dain. Who is unaware of his true purpose there.

Violet reaches out to Xaden. Pleads with him not to interrupt and give Varrish more reason to suspect her and Xaden. Dain refuses to play Varrish’s pawn against Violet. But he pushes Dain, revealing he has been mentoring the cadet to strengthen his ability to steal memories.  Varrish wants Dain to pull the truth about the battle that killed Liam. Even under pressure, Dain refuses.

Major Varrish causes Violet so much physical pain she passes out.

Nolon heals Violet. Telling her he is to remain nearby so Varrish can continually break her after Nolon heals her creating a gruesome cycle. The healer urges her to escape, giving the squad the opportunity.

They take it and successfully escape earning a classified badge.

Entering Battle Brief, everyone receives a leaflet proclaiming an enemy city has fallen. A city full of civilians. Violet analyses the parchment. It was printed there at the college.

Markham does exactly what she would expect him to do if the information was true and printed without his consent. Completing his misdirection performance, Markham reveals what Nolon has been working on — resurrecting Jack Barlowe. By the look in his eyes, he definitely still wants to see Violet dead by his hands.

Moving on, the class learns Samara was attacked yesterday. No one was killed but one rider was injured. Professor Devera, Violet’s ally, sends her signals that the injured rider is Xaden. Racing from the class, she heads to Tairn who is in a panic over Sgeayl’s wellbeing.

Eight agonizing hours later, Violet finds Xaden sparring Garret. Completely fine. Well, fine because he was healed if the pink scar is any indication.

After helping her fortify her shields and blocking out Tairn’s emotions, Xaden focuses on hers. The ones she conveyed through her actions. Xaden confesses he would have acted the exact same way if the situation was reversed.

After nearly destroying the locker room with their passion, Xaden and Violet take their dragons for a midnight-weapons drop.

A full drift of seven gryphons and their riders arrive. Tairn won’t allow Violet to dismount to protect her. Three riders, some she recognizes from the battle at Resson, approach. Xaden demands that the gryphon attacks stop. If they steal too many weapons it will compromise the wards and eventually lead the venin to the Vale.

One of the riders clearly has a history with Xaden and harbors a chip on her shoulder when it comes to Violet. Her name is Catriona. Xaden confirms Catriona is an ex.

Tairn, of all beings, comforts her in his tough-love-look-at-reality kind of way. They don’t discuss Catriona when they return to Samara, but Viscount Tecarus, the man who has the luminary they need to complete their forge. He has heard about Violet’s signet and wants to watch her wield. But Xaden is familiar with the man. He is known for collecting ‘things’ and keeping them. Even if it is against their will.

Returning to Basgiath, Violet runs into Professor Kaori right before Varrish who is waiting outside her door. Kaori stays to keep Varrish in check as he is not the Major’s biggest fan.

After Varrish and Kaori leave, Rhiannon pulls Violet into her room. Ridoc and Sawyer are in there as well. Rhiannon pulls a dagger she used her signet to grab from Violet’s belongings before Varrish could find it. It is the specialized dagger Xaden gave her.

Rhiannon demands answers. Violet confesses the dagger is used for killing venin. She tells her friends everything — almost.

They are supportive and ready to help Violet research activating the wards in Aretia.

While they were in General Sorrengail’s office last year, Ridoc saw that two of the First Six’s personal journals are in the Archives. Hidden in a sub-level vault none of them, not even Jesinina, knew existed.

Varrish may not have been able to directly punish Violet for flying to Samara without leave, but he makes sure to keep her and Xaden apart for weeks.

Threshing for the First Years. Aaric and Sloane bond with dragons. Violet has watch duty, relieving Eya. As they catch up, four infantry cadets approach, paid to deliver a message. They are on an assassination mission.

Violet kills three, but not before one of them kills Eya. Just as the remaining cadet is about to kill her, someone shoves a knife through the soldier’s back. It’s Jack Barlowe. Instead of killing her, he saves her. Claiming his death and resurrection was his second chance. Now they are even.

Ridoc finds Violet as she’s pulling daggers from the dead. He came to tell her Jesinia found the vault the journals are in. The royal vault that will only allow those within King Tauri’s bloodline to enter.

Xaden listens as Violet tells him how her squad now knows the truth and their plan to break into the Archives that night.

Aaric agrees to help them only because he hates his father more than he hates Xaden who is responsible for killing his brother.

The heist. A carefully laid plan since the Archives closes in one hour. Anyone caught inside will not survive the wards placed to protect the knowledge within.

Jesinia only allows four to enter instead of all of them. Violet, Aaric, Xaden, and Imogen. Since Aaric is the only one who can get through the wards, he pulls Violet into the chamber with him to browse the hundreds of books in the vault.

Finding the two books with barely enough time to make it out before getting sealed in.

Xaden leaves taking one of the journals to Brennan.

Violet encounters Nolon after Xaden departs. Giving her a mug of lemonade. Her head goes fuzzy, all her mental connections are gone. Varrish appears right before the poisoned lemonade renders Violet unconscious.

Violet wakes strapped to a chair in a prison cell. Nolon and Varrish question her about the journal. Markham had been alerted when the royal wards had been breached.

Since there is a third person in the room whose signet makes them a lie detector, Violet sticks to truth and diversion. It only leads to Varrish beating her.

In all her pained delirium, Liam appears. She has been there for two days already. Varrish reveals his signet is detecting people’s weaknesses.  Varrish is counting on Xaden to leave his post to come and save Violet. Then he can legally question the lieutenant with whatever tactic he wants.

Taking Violet is his way of laying a trap for Xaden.

Liam urges Violet to remain diligent. Violet is confident Xaden will choose the movement over her. Liam doesn’t leave her side through the cycle of healing and torture.

Varrish finally calls in Dain. Feeding him lies and turning Violet into a traitor. Someone calls to the officers in the interrogation room. General Sorrengail has called all leadership to assemble. There has been an incident at the borders.  Varrish says that Xaden deserted his post days ago. He blames it on Violet and her supporters.

 Liam reminds her that Dain has to wade through whatever she is currently thinking before scanning the rest of her memories. She replays the battle at Resson and Liam’s death for Dain. Then shoves the memory of the last few days at him. Reliving it all.

Dropping his hands, Dain focuses on the weapons smuggling Xaden and his squad have been running. Violet thinks she has failed. Instead of killing her like Violet thought he would, Dain turns on Varrish and frees Violet. Xaden makes his dramatic entrance, helping Violet kill the major.

Xaden opens his heart to Violet. Telling her what she longs to hear. Xaden, Violet, Dain, and Garrick try to escape but are stopped by General Sorrengail’s blade at Garrick’s throat.

When Xaden confesses to killing everyone else down there, she drops the blade and tosses Violet the antidote to restore her bonds and signet.

Claiming she had no idea what had been done to her. When Xaden won’t give the mother and daughter a moment alone, she says he owes her. Certain he’s responsible for dragons dropping wyvern carcasses along the border.

Violet’s mom reveals her motives. Markham thought Violet was the only candidate in line to one day lead the Scribes without discovering the truth. Her mom knew better. Turning her into a rider was the only way to ensure Violet’s survival. Her mom leaves her with a few more pieces of wisdom, leading to their next decision — revealing the truth to all.

Dain’s last act as wingleader is to call all the cadets into formation so the truth can be revealed. Giving them a choice. When words don’t work, Violet has Tairn share the memory of Resson. But not all dragons choose to pass the information along.

Xaden takes over. Some professors are more than ready to join them as they are airborne in less than an hour.

The riot reaches Aretia.

PART TWO (That’s right, halfway there!)

Violet wakes from another nightmare starring the Sage. Its effects washed away by a passionate morning with Xaden.

Emerging from their bedroom, the reality of their situation slams into them. Riders are everywhere. Seemingly without anything to do.

They head to meet with the Assembly. Violet is apprehensive since a few of them thought she should not be roaming around free – still.

Walking into the room, shouting and blaming are already in full swing. They still don’t trust Violet. They are beyond mad at the current situation. Xaden reminds them that they are in his house. His father was the head of Aretia. They are using Riorson House, his home, for their headquarters. Aretia is Xaden’s. A type of prince in his own right.

Andarna finally wakes. One of her wings cannot fully extend. Because of the circumstances surrounding her Dreamless Sleep, where dragons do their critical growing, Andarna’s wing is essentially stunted. She will eventually be able to fly but never be able to bear the weight of a rider.

Life attempts to fall into a new normal in Aretia with classes and lessons. Between professors that abandoned Basgiath and Assembly members, there are enough to teach.

Battle Brief is a bit different now. No hidden agendas. Nothing but the truth and the reality of their situation.

Class is interrupted by a group of dragons lead by Teine, Mira’s dragon. She confirms that it was Xaden that sent her and the others. After a wyvern corpse was dropped at Samara, their mother came and told everyone the truth. Mira truly had no idea.

She sees Brennan. Instead of embracing her brother she assumed was dead, she punches him in the face.

Violet has translated the journal and now knows how to power the wardstone. But the attempt fails.

Violet trains her signet with Felix. He sheds light on what she should really be capable of accomplishing. Highlighting the immense holes in her education.

The three Sorrengail siblings sneak off in the middle of the night.

Arriving in Cardyn, they are met by a group of gryphons and their riders — they were expecting them. After passing a quick test, the gryphon riders part to allow the three to pass and make their way to see the viscount. Instead Xaden approaches.

He leads them into the palace built expressly for grandeur. Not one thing designed for defense in mind, only beauty. A place of luxury that Xaden has been to more than this one time. He introduces them to the Viscount Tecarus who refuses to discuss business until dinner. A dinner they all need to properly dress for.

Tecarus ensures his niece, Catriona, will help with that.

Xaden is not pleased with her presence. That doesn’t stop Violet and Xaden from mentally hashing out their anger. Ending when Violet accuses him of acting just like Dain.

Violet and Mira are dressed in opulent gowns for dinner as is the household custom.  Cat enters the room exuding the mean-girl-ex roll to perfection. Fortunately, Syrena joins. Taking as much liking to Mira as she has Violet.

During the walk to the dining hall, Cat riles Violet almost to the point of insanity by jealousy. As soon as she sees Xaden and he kisses her, her head clears. Cat has the ability to heighten someone’s emotions.

Tecarus has set up an outdoor amphitheater, of sorts, for Violet to showcase her signet. Xaden isn’t allowed to join her in the arena. But Mira can and does. Violet is to strike a valuable chest that once belonged to Xaden’s father. He had given it to Tecaurs to broker some sort of deal between Xaden and Cat.  An alliance Xaden denied last year.

Violet prepares to try and strike the chest when a man bursts free of it. A venin. Brennan joins his sisters and the three fight the venin. Brennan carries his unconscious sister to safety at Violet’s urging. Using the rain-soaked ground to her advantage, Violet times her strike with Tairn’s arrival, killing the venin.

Xaden is on the verge of killing the viscount for taking his anger over the broken alliance out on Violet. Releasing the shadows slowly strangling Tecarus; it’s time to negotiate.

Cleaned and fed, all meet again. Tecarus admits his gift is knowing what people want and how much they’d be willing to sacrifice to obtain it. Tecarus is like Varrish, in mental gifts not violence, and easily detects what Violet really wants. But he doesn’t understand that Violet is not selfish or a coward.

Instead, Tecarus wants them to take the gryphons and their riders who have sought shelter there to Aretia. Teach them as if they were cadets. This includes taking Cat.

Since gryphons can’t fly at high altitudes, they must hike a traitorous path up a cliff. The dragon riders will escort them. Considering it a trust building exercise, simila to the Parapet, between gryphon and dragon riders.

Of course Violet’s squad is assigned Cat’s drift. Violet is specifically paired with Maren, Cat’s best friend. But she is nothing like Xaden’s ex. Maren, Violet, and Sloane form an easy conversation. Sloane no longer hates Violet with the help of the letters Liam had written her. She does hate Cat just as Liam did. Maren is indifferent but is a decent person nonetheless.

Almost to the top, one of the fliers falls. Cat blames Violet for saving the dragon rider and letting the gryphon rider fall to her death. Maren defends Violet. Ridoc is severely injured.

All arguing stops as a wyvern plucks a gryphon from the trail. The clouds around them are too thick for anyone, even the dragons, to see through. But Violet has a plan that leaves all four wyvern dead. They were there because they were flying within range to feel the energy of a dragon hatching. If the wyvern know then the venin know exactly where their next target is.

Violet’s squad and Cat’s drift have been called to meet by Professor Trissa in a valley to teach them all about the power of runes.

It has been a few weeks since the drifts have been in Aretia. Both dragon and gryphon riders have not been able to set aside their differences and prejudices. Devera from the dragon riders and Kiandra from the gryphon riders decide they need to take it out on the mat. As of tomorrow, all riders will adhere to the Dragon Rider’s Codex. All squads will be integrated with drifts.

Predictably, Cat challenges Violet. In an instant Violet realizes that Xaden trained her too. Cat tries to get under Violet’s skin as the ex — the one Xaden will eventually go back to. She confesses that she doesn’t want Xaden back because of a broken heart. She was promised him, his power, and the crown.

Anger and rage like Violet has never known drives her to gain the upper hand and strangles Cat who refuses to tap out. Xaden’s voice enters Violet’s mind that has been clouded by Cat’s cheating. She pleads for his help. Xaden’s interference gets Cat exposed for cheating.

The farther Xaden carries Violet away, the less Cat can affect her. He takes her to the Assembly chamber and clears it out. He heard every word that was said on the mat. After giving her a once over, Xaden locks the door and begins to undress her. After all, they are in Riorson House. Every room belongs to him.

Pleasuring her, Xaden allows his thoughts to meld with Violet’s in a way the never has before. So when he is struggling to push away and stop things, Violet is more than a little confused.

It all comes down to the things that Cat said. He’s trying to prove a point. Using Cat and what happened on the mat as a catalyst to have a pivotal discussion in their relationship.

Not surprisingly, Violet’s squad is to absorb Cat’s drift. As the fliers offer their classified patch of theirs to the gryphon riders, Cat proves she is not backing down. After her conversation with Xaden, Violet is prepared to reign over Cat.

Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc follow Violet to the library which is a far cry from the Archives in Basgiath. Tecarus sent Violet some books. Needing help translating a certain language, she asks Dain to join them. Alone, the two finally get to talk about everything that happened last year. Violet may not be ready to forgive and forget, but a truce is settled in her mind regarding him.

Dain recognizes all his mistakes and wants to work on correcting them.

Training with Felix, Violet is on the verge of beginning to control her power.

Xaden returns to Aretia from his rotation. Another city has fallen to venin and wyvern. The venin are one step closer to Aretia.

Spending an extra few minutes in the library translating, Violet discovers how to raise the wards.

All the members of the blended squad pack into Rhiannon’s sister’s house. A way to get them out of an academic setting. They are gathered there to discuss what Violet has discovered about raising the wards. Gryphon fliers would lose their ability to channel their power.

Warning them, giving them a chance to decide if they want to stay or leave before the wards go up.

A few squads are sent on a mission, competing for a weekend pass. Cat, Violet, Sloane, and Visia make up one squad. Since Andarna insisted on joining and the gryphons still are not acclimated to the altitude, they walk as Tairn flies.

While in a cave searching for their target, they are caught unaware as Solas, Varrish’s dragon, finds them. Violet saves Cat. Sloane’s signet manifests, she is a siphon. Visia and Solas are the only casualties.

Xaden finds Violet in their room. His terror turns to anger. The two still have some communication issues. Violet tiptoes around certain topics just to avoid confrontation or upsetting whatever balance they have achieved that day. Xaden calls her out on it.

She makes things into more than they really are. Violet realizes the motivation behind her choices. Braving her insecurities, she asks Xaden what his second signet is. Knowing he has to have one since Sgaeyl was bonded to his grandfather.

Before he can answer — or evade answering — Brennan interrupts. A heard of wyvern are on the way, It’s time to raise the wards.

Xaden, Violet, Brennan, Dain, Rhiannon, and Suri lead their dragons to the wardstone so they can activate them with their fire. From the feeling that surrounds them, they can tell it worked.

Violet and Xaden fly to the edge of the newly charged wards to watch for wyvern. Taking advantage of their isolation to continue their conversation that got interrupted.

Xaden confirms what his second signet his after Violet correctly guesses. Xaden is a type of intrinsic. He can’t exactly read minds. But he can gleam their intentions.

Turns out Sgaeyl never told Tairn that either. It is, after all, a signet that comes with an immediate death sentence upon disovery.

The wyvern approach. The Sage is one of the seventeen venin riding the wyvern. A few wyvern charge. Instantly dying the moment they hit the wards. Victorious, all return to Riorson House.

Xaden and Violet are called by the Assembly. Commanding General Melgren has requested a meeting with whoever represents their side as long as Violet and Mira are present.

Syrena reveals that the wards are faulty. The gryphon riders can still channel their power.

The meeting with Melgren is to take place in Athebyne. Six dragons arrive in plain sight. Four hide themselves before the general and his entourage can see them.

Mira, Violet, and Xaden stand in the forefront as Melgran, Lilith Sorrengail, and Colonel Fremont approach. Melgren says he has seen a battle coming with his signet. Samara will get overrun and fall on solstice. Melgren claims if they don’t fight with them as allies, they are proclaiming themselves as enemies.

Brennan walks out from the cover of the trees defending Xaden and Violet’s words to Melgren. While his mother is fighting the shock of seeing her son alive, Brennan makes it clear he hasn’t forgiven her actions. The people of Navarre and their politics have dug themselves their own grave. They will be receiving no help from the resistance.

Melgrn and Fremont leave Lilith to say goodbye to her children. Only the three siblings and Xaden remain of the original attendees. Lilith tells Violet the truth about the wards at Aretia, hands her the second journal they stole, urging her to fix them because the venin have figured out how to use the power of runes.

A week later, Xaden asks Violet to meet him at night, on the sparring mat. They’ve barely seen each other since the meeting at Athebyne. They need to work things out and the new rule is no fighting in their bedroom. Violet makes her own rule: full disclosure from here on out. All of nothing. Xaden agrees.

He proves his devotion to Violet by telling her anything she wants to know at that moment.

During Battle Brief the cadets learn that the venin have moved. Heading toward Samara and a bit just outside Aretia’s borders.  They discuss what Melgren should be doing now that he won’t get reinforcements. Violet realizes Melgren was bluffing in part. Not knowing they discovered how the wards work.

She also realizes it is not Samara that will be attacked, but Basgiath where the Vale lies.

The Assembly won’t agree to fight at Basgiath. Whomever chooses to go may go; unofficially.

Xaden and Violet are met by her mom as they land in Basgiath. Mira and Dain join. All go to check the wards that Lilith claims to be protected and is unconcerned. When they get to the entrance, two guards are found on the ground.

There’s a dragon inside the chamber. Jack Barlowe sits atop his dragon, Baide. Jack kills Baide, spilling her blood onto the wardstone. Her falling body topples the stone, cracking it as it crashes to the ground.  The wards vanish.

Nolon rushes in trying to reason with Jack. Xaden uses his second signet on the healer since he is so weakened. Jack has turned venin and is power hungry and bitter. The venin have slowly infiltrated the war college and are ready to take it over.

That’s why they had to develop the signet blocking serum — for Jack. To keep him under control.

Dain reads Jack’s memories. They have about ten hours before the venin arrive.

Violet and Xaden enjoy the last few private moments they have together until Rhiannon interrupts. Opening the door, she, Brennan, Sloane, and a slew of riders and fliers are there.

Violet asks Brennan to try and mend the wardstone.

Wyvern are minutes out and it starts to rain. Violet’s mother used her signet to cause a storm, making it easier for Violet to wield.

It begins.

Violet successfully wields to near exhaustion.

A venin mounts Tairn in mid-flight. Violet is stuck in her saddle, the lap belt swollen with rain. Rhiannon jumps onto Tairn between Violet and the venin. Working together, they kill the venin.

Ridoc and his dragon are being attacked by four wyvern. Sawyer and his dragon fly over to help. As well as Violet and Tairn. While saving his own dragon, Sawyer loses a leg to the wyvern.

Cutting the strap across her lap, Violet jumps out of the saddle, leaps off Tairn and onto Ridoc’s dragon. Handing Ridoc a crossbow with exploding arrows, Violet runs from his dragon, across the wyvern, and onto Sawyer’s dragon. Ridoc shoots the wyvern with the crossbow.

Reaching Sawyer, Violet entangles herself with him, sliding from the dragon’s back, with the help of Xaden’s shadows, Tairn catches the pair and safely delivers them to the ground.

Stuck on the ground, Violet is confronted with a venin. Cat returns to help Violet. She uses her mindwork to distract the venin by her own greed until another appears. Throwing Cat back with his power.

Wielding, Violet strikes the first venin, also destroying her conduit. The second venin uses his power to lift Violet into the air, immobilizing her, just like in dreams with the Sage. But this venin is not him.

Tairn and Xaden are on the way but won’t reach her in time. Behind the venin, a large boulder springs forward. It’s Andarna camouflaged. Breathing fire then decapitating the venin.

Tairn, Xaden, and Sgaeyl land. Melgren has called Violet and Xaden to the Vale. Making their way across the courtyard toward the leadership meeting, Jesinia catches up with Violet. Jesinia has discovered what the problem is with the wards in Aretia. It’s seven dragons not six that are needed to power the wards. One from each class. But they have been taught that there are only six..

Violet figures it out but locks the knowledge away as she approaches the leadership meeting in progress.

The leader of the venin flies closer and waits.

Violet begs her mom to help raise the wards. Melgren is adamant they all follow his plan. Before any action can be taken, Xaden needs to speak with Violet alone. He agrees they should ward Basgiath instead of Aretia.

Violet turns to Codagh, the largest dragon on the Continent. She needs his help since Tairn used his fire on the wardstone in Aretia. Obtaining his cooperation, Violet sprints to the mended wardstone. It needs to be charge before activating the wards. It took weeks to charge the one in Aretia.

Violet calls on Andarna. She is the seventh breed. She waited 650 years for someone like Violet to come along before hatching.

Violet continues to charge the wardstone. Andarna and Tairn plead for her to stop. But she is ready to give everything she has to save everyone. Even her life.

Kicking her out of the way, Violet’s mom takes her place. Turning her attention to Sloane, urging her to use her signet to syphon all her energy into the stone. Sacrificing her and her dragon to fully charge it. After all, there is nothing she wouldn’t do to keep her children safe.

The wards are ignited.

Violet makes her way to Xaden. He killed the Sage. When Violet is able to look into his eyes, she sees the distinct red ring of the venin in his eyes.

Xaden fights the hold the sage has on him. Bands just like in his own nightmares confine him. Xaden feels down the bond. He can feel Violet draining herself to feed the wardstone. To save Violet from the Sage, Xaden reaches for the power beneath his hands, from the ground itself.

Jolting awake from the dream, Xaden leaves Violet asleep in their bed. Making his way through the tunnels of Basgiath. Using his heightened signet to get to the cell that holds Jack Barlowe. Xaden wants to know what the cure for turning venin is. Jack tells him that there is no cure, only a hunger for power.