by Rebecca Yarros
4.4 · 5 reviews“The first year is when some of us lose our lives.
“The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity.” —Xaden Riorson 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.
5 reviews
It's not subtle and it's not trying to be. If you liked book one you'll inhale this. 623 pages went in three days.
The whole book is about what happens when two people who love each other keep secrets for good reasons. Devastating and very well done.
There's a real stretch of interrogation-room training scenes that dragged for me. Push through — the back half is worth it — but it's a long climb.
I finished at 3am and immediately texted four people. Violet's arc here is about her being underestimated one time too many and it is extremely satisfying to watch.
Second year at Basgiath is brutal and the new command makes the first book look gentle. Everything I wanted plus a betrayal I did not see coming. The dragons continue to be the best part.