-- EDIT --

I reread this in anticipation for Iron Flame and... I think I was sick. I rated this book five stars and wrote the following review, but the reread was an entirely different experience.

One: I found the narration awful. She's incapable of picking a speed to read at and she made Violet sound like a child. Plus, this book reads like a YA novel in adult clothing.

Two: the chemistry between Xaden and Violet was not as great as I remember. I remember LOVING Riorson and he became a book boyfriend. Rereading it made me realize that there are so many great morally gray love interests in this genre. He's not written well.

Three: the best parts about this book were the dragons and the side characters (fucking love Rhi and her thing with Tara, as well as the rest of their group).

Spoiler

Liam's death authentically gutted me both times.

Four: the writing was just... bad. The worldbuilding with the war college doesn't make any sense, either. Like, if you're at war... why are you killing off so many cadets? I get it in some situations, but allowing a quarter of your students die off when they're needed for battle is a little... stupid? I don't know.

I didn't get it the second time around. I do feel grateful for the sequel because it forced me to reread this and see it with a different set of eyes.

-- ORIGINAL REVEIW --

Guys. I need the second book right now. I don't think I can wait until November. I haven't felt this way about a fantasy novel in a really long time and I feel a reading slump coming on because of it.

In this adult fantasy, we're following a first year as she navigates the brutal world of this elite war college as a dragon rider.

The romantic tension was amazing; Xaden is right up there with Rhys, in my opinion.
It's bloody, brutal, and will have you gasping for breath.
This book is nearly 500 pages and 22 hours long on audio, but it's addicting as fuck.
There is some spice, but it's not overwhelming and well written.
Here's my advice: don't get attached to anyone. Yarrows spills blood on each page.

This is where I gush about our main character, Violet: I love that she was raised to be a scribe, but proves to be a kickass dragon rider, despite her connective tissue disorder. There's some excellent representation, alongside modifications.

I also want to love on the magic system! I've never read anything like it and it's so interesting to read about. The magic is channeled through the connection a rider has with their dragon and develops in the shape of a signet, which matches who the rider is at their core. Because of that, everyone's magic is different. Super exciting to read about.

If you like a romantic fantasy with dragons and school settings... this is a must read.