Iron Flame (Ch 1–13): Xaden: "I Want Those Three Little Words Back."

#50: This week on A Novel Bunch, we officially begin Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros and Basgiath isn't the only thing that's changed. The wards are cracking. The dragons know more than they're saying. And Violet Sorrengail wakes up to a truth that rewrites her entire life. *SPOILERS AHEAD*Violet is alive. Brennan is alive. Aretia is real.Venin exist. Wyvern exist. And the war Navarre denies is very, very real.Instead of returning to Basgiath as a hero, Violet walks back in as a secret. One of only a few who know the truth. And knowing the truth? It’s heavier than any weapon.She’s still in love with Xaden—obviously—but she’s trying very hard to convince herself she’s not. Because how do you trust the man who knew your brother was alive this whole time?Brennan isn’t exactly offering comfort either. To him, Violet looks less like a sister and more like Xaden’s greatest weakness. Brutal.Back at Basgiath, the second year begins, and it’s clear this year isn’t about survival. It’s about control.Dragons are bonding less. Assassination attempts are rising. Interrogations are coming. And leadership has shifted in dangerous ways. Dain is Wingleader. Rhiannon is Squad Leader. And Violet’s circle is smaller than ever... five survivors from eleven.Andarna? Twice her size. No more time-stopping. Fully in her teenage dragon era. Moody. Defensive. Perfect.When a first-year assassin snaps Nadine’s neck in front of Violet, something inside her fractures. This isn’t random. This is targeted.Colonel Aetos wants her dead. Varrish is circling. Letters are redacted. Students are disappearing. And the Riders Quadrant feels less like a school and more like a trap.Xaden returns—finally—but distance and secrets still stand between them. He’ll earn her trust, he says… but only if she’s brave enough to ask the questions she actually wants answers to.And then there’s one name that shifts the air entirely:Catriona.The first year is when some riders lose their lives.The second year is when the rest lose their humanity.And we’re only thirteen chapters in.Let’s get into it, Bunchies!