Iron Flame is the second installment in the Empyrean series by New York Times bestselling novelist Rebecca Yarros.
At the time of publishing this guide, this story was available on Kindle Unlimited.
Here’s more about the book, along with our free Dirty Dozen downloadable discussion question guide for your spicy book club.
Book description
Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky.
Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves.
Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules.
But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year.
Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.
Iron Flame book club discussion guide
**PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS DISCUSSION QUESTION GUIDE MIGHT INCLUDE SPOILERS**
We’ve provided the Dirty Dozen below; twelve spicy and intriguing questions to spark discussion and help you uncover the spine-tingling depths of the story.
The Dirty Dozen
Foreplay – Warm Up Questions
1. What’s the overall spice level? 1 (Not Spicy) – 10 (Spiciest Thing I’ve Ever Read)?
2. How does the spice level compare to the other books we’ve read together?
3. We’ve all been there—wanting to forgive, but our petty hearts just won’t let us. Is your opinion that ‘Violet Should Get Over It’ or do you think ‘Xaden Better Start Groveling on His Knees’? Spill the tea.
The Spicy Bits – Gettin’ Down and Dirty with the Plot
4. “Love is hope, and hope is harder to kill than a dragon.” Bold statement or poetic BS? Is love really that unkillable, or has this woman never met your ex?
5. Should Xaden spill ALL the secrets now that he’s leading the rebellion, or is “need-to-know basis” actually the smarter move? Full transparency or plausible deniability—what’s your relationship philosophy?
6. Dragon riding = high chance of death. Would you patch things up before flying out, or just wing it and hope for the best?” (Pun intended.)
7. “Kill Dain to save Xaden? No choice.” But wait—both have betrayed her. Could you make that call, or would you let them both fight it out Thunderdome-style?
8. Do you agree with Violet’s view that Xaden doesn’t express how he feels about her, because he hasn’t said the words, “I love you?”
9. Should Violet have told her squad about the Venin and Wyvern sooner, or was she right to keep it close to her chest?
10. Do you think Liam was just a hallucination, or a protective spirit or ghost? Why do you think Violet sees him, specifically, to support her during the torture?
11. “I will not fucking die today”—Violet’s mantra. What’s your go-to affirmation when life tries to end you?” Bonus points if it’s unhinged.
Aftercare – Final Thoughts
12. Unforgivable offenses check: Violet’s secrets, Brennan’s lies, General Sorrengail’s war crimes, Xaden’s… everything. Who’s crossed the point of no return for you?
If you had to pick one character to lock in a room with until they told the truth, who would it be?
Bonus: What questions do you have for the author? If you could dog-ear a page with a question for the author, what would it be?
Please feel free to use this post as a starting point for your spicy book club discussion questions and use the comments below to share your thoughts and insights about the book. You can also get a free downloadable copy of the discussion guide using the button below.
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