Irone Flame re-read, Graphic Audio adaptation

OMGGG! The graphic audio totally enhances the story, especially part one of the book. Part one can be frustrating with some of Violet’s hardheaded stubbornness and choices, as well as some of her and Xaden’s fights. But Khaya Fraites and Gabriel Michael 100% bring nuance and humanity to the characters which made those issues that previously frustrated me, feel like natural steps in their character growth.

On a re-read, this is even better than Fourth Wing. The twist at the end with Xaden turning venin is genius. It also tackles the typical fantasy issue in battle sequences where good always somehow defeats evil, even when the evil side is OP. Xaden is the most powerful rider and he still wasn't going to defeat evil, unless he drank he koolaid so to speak. And if he didn't do it, he and Violet and everyone would've died and so would everyone else on the continent once the venin got to them. I feel more settled with the arguing Xaden an Violet do, as long as it won't continue. If it's just in this book to show their growing pains at the beginning of a relationship, then I can be okay with that. I still think Violet's reaction to the reveal that he's an intinnsic was a big L, but it seemed like she didn't lash out at him when she realized he's now venin seeing as how she still slept next to him that night. I was convinced that Violet was an intinnsic based on the throne scene on my first time reading, but on a re-read I think she was amplifying Xaden's abilities. I wish she was also an intinnsic, but I think amplifying is her second signet. I also think the dreams she was having were actually Xaden's dreams. And she has a Harry/Voldemort connection with venin where she can be inside their minds, which could come in handy in Onyx Storm for seeing their next moves coming.

I do have more understanding for Violet’s initial anger towards Xaden with Brennan being alive, but the rest.. I still don’t get it. And then when she figured out that he’s an intinnsic, she blocked him out immediately. She could really work on being a soft landing for him when he does open up to her about hard things.

I love the second squad bond! and they’re comradery in the torture scene. They were all so gracious to Violet when she finally came clean as well.