If you’re a fantasy book lover like me, then you know the thrill of diving into a sequel that absolutely delivers. Today, I’m breaking down two books that completely blew me away—Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros and Legendary by Stephanie Garber. Both are brilliant in their own ways, and I have so much to say about them.
And because I know the debate never ends, we’re also tackling the big question: Do audiobooks count as reading? (Spoiler: YES, they do!). Let’s get into it.
Iron Flame – A Brutal, Heart-Pounding Sequel
I knew Iron Flame was going to be intense, but I was not prepared for how much it would wreck me. If Fourth Wing was about survival, Iron Flame was about pushing past every imaginable limit—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Picking Up Where We Left Off
We jump right back into Violet Sorrengail’s story. She barely survived her first year at Basgiath War College, and now she’s dealing with:
- Xaden’s secret—he’s marked by rebel magic.
- Navarre’s lies—they’ve been hiding the truth about Venin and wyvern.
- New enemies—and the fact that second year at Basgiath makes year one look easy.
The War College Becomes a Living Nightmare
Violet is stronger, smarter, and more determined, but that doesn’t mean life gets easier. In fact, it gets ten times worse.
- Vice Commandant Kaori is her new worst nightmare, making sure Violet suffers every step of the way.
- Xaden is struggling more than ever—being a marked rebel puts him in an impossible position.
- Andarna’s powers evolve, and Violet has to figure out how to control her dragons before it’s too late.
The battles? Absolutely brutal. The betrayals? Gut-wrenching. And the ending? I still haven’t recovered.
This book is non-stop action, but what I loved most is how it forced Violet to grow, adapt, and fight like never before. If I wasn’t already obsessed with this series, Iron Flame sealed the deal.
Legendary – A Darker, More Dangerous Caraval
If you thought Caraval was all about illusion, Legendary is all about truth—and sometimes, the truth is terrifying.
I loved this book. It took everything Caraval built and raised the stakes dramatically. It’s bigger, darker, and even more intoxicating.
Tella’s Turn to Play
This time, Scarlett isn’t the player—Tella is. And the game is far more dangerous than she ever imagined.
- The grand prize? A wish that could change everything.
- But this Caraval isn’t a performance anymore—it’s real.
- And the Fates—ancient, deadly beings—are waking up.
Tella is bold, reckless, and brilliant, and I loved watching her navigate this high-stakes, magical mystery.
The Fates & A Deadly Game
- The Prince of Hearts is back, and let’s just say… he’s trouble.
- The game is filled with deception—nothing is what it seems.
- Tella must decide who to trust and how far she’ll go to win.
I was hooked from start to finish. The romance, the tension, the magic—it was all perfection. I loved Legendary even more than Caraval, and I cannot wait to talk about Finale next.
Do Audiobooks Count as Reading? (Spoiler: YES.)
Alright, let’s get into it—because this debate needs to end.
YES, audiobooks count as reading. And here’s why.
1. Your Brain Processes Audio the Same as Text
Studies show that whether you read a book or listen to one, your brain processes and comprehends the story the same way.
So if someone tries to say, “Listening isn’t reading”… science disagrees.
2. Storytelling Started as Oral Tradition
For thousands of years, people passed down stories orally. Long before books, we learned through listening. Audiobooks are just modern-day storytelling—and they’re just as valid.
3. Accessibility & Inclusion Matter
- Audiobooks make reading possible for people with visual impairments or learning disabilities like dyslexia.
- Busy people—parents, commuters, students—can enjoy books on the go.
And let’s be real—if an audiobook has ever wrecked you emotionally, you READ that book. End of debate.
Final Thoughts
Iron Flame and Legendary were both phenomenal. One was intense and brutal, the other was mysterious and mesmerizing—but both completely captivated me.
And as for audiobooks? They’re reading. Period.
Now, I want to hear from you!
📖 Which sequel was your favorite?
🎧 Do you listen to audiobooks?
Let’s talk in the comments! And if you love deep-dive book discussions, make sure to subscribe for more!
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