Warning: MAJOR spoilers ahead for Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros.
Iron Flame introduces many unexpected twists to Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean Series, but one of the biggest downplays Fourth Wing‘s most satisfying moment. There are plenty of surprises scattered throughout the Fourth Wing sequel, with its bombshell ending leaving readers desperate to get their hands on the third Empyrean book. But while revelations like Xaden having another powerful signet and becoming a venin further Yarros’ story in fascinating ways, one of Iron Flame‘s most shocking moments feels slightly disappointing after Fourth Wing.
Fourth Wing does an impressive job of chronicling Violet Sorrengail’s growth after becoming a cadet at Basgiath War College. And whether she’s surviving the Gauntlet or bonding with two dragons at the Threshing, the series’ main character showcases how far she’s come on numerous occasions. However, one Fourth Wing scene that’s especially important for Violet’s evolution doesn’t hold up as well after reading Iron Flame and encountering its most shocking twist.
Jack Barlowe surviving Fourth Wing and becoming venin is among Iron Flame‘s many reveals, and it’s arguably the most shocking development of them all. Readers know that Xaden is still keeping secrets at the beginning of Yarros’ sequel, and the author makes it clear that Violet has more to learn about her own dragons and abilities. However, Fourth Wing seemingly gives Jack a definitive ending — and its follow-up undoes that by bringing him back from the dead.
More surprising is Jack’s attitude upon seeing Violet again, as he appears to have let go of the anger he once felt towards her. It’s clear that Yarros’ Empyrean Series is building to a bigger arc for the character, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, from a storytelling perspective, it’s easy to see why Yarros might keep Jack around, especially after Iron Flame‘s Xaden reveals. Still, even if Jack proves important and turns over a new leaf, there are a few issues with his return. It minimizes his supposed ending in Fourth Wing, and it feels less earned than other major twists.
Although Jack’s true fate makes for a thrilling twist in Iron Flame, it’s certainly not a flawless reveal on the heels of Fourth Wing. Jack’s demise is one of the most satisfying moments of the first book, as it finally sees Violet standing up to the person who’s been threatening and bullying her since her arrival at Basgiath. Her signet manifests as she seemingly kills Jack, and there’s a sense of triumph about the whole situation. It’s also a sobering moment, as Violet realizes that being a dragon rider means she’ll have to take lives.
Revealing that Jack survives in Iron Flame lessens the weight of this Fourth Wing moment, as Violet no longer needs to carry the knowledge that she killed one of her classmates. This twist doesn’t just resolve her from guilt or blame, either. It also takes away from her victory, as she doesn’t really defeat Jack during capture-the-flag. On top of that, giving Jack a redemption arc feels questionable after his actions in Fourth Wing. Whatever Yarros is planning, it will need to be carefully thought through if she hopes to win any sympathy for this character.
Finally, there are logistical issues with Iron Flame‘s Jack reveal. For one, it doesn’t feel as well established as some of the book’s other surprises. Most are alluded to before they’re revealed, but there’s not much to predict Jack’s true nature. Although readers won’t find contradictions to his survival or venin status, hints are similarly hard to come by. It’s also somewhat surprising that Yarros brings two characters back from the dead, as she uses a similar twist with Brennan at the end of Fourth Wing. Doing this too often could lower the stakes of the series, so hopefully, Jack’s return is the last of its kind.
Jack Barlowe’s return in Iron Flame may be bittersweet, but the next installment in The Empyrean Series can improve upon this twist. The third book can make sense of the character’s arc, getting into the specifics of Jack’s circumstances and explaining why he’s still around. With Xaden becoming venin at the end of Iron Flame, it seems likely that Jack’s true purpose will materialize in the next novel. It’s possible he’ll help Xaden and Violet make sense of their own situation, justifying the need for him to survive Fourth Wing.