Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

"The initial year claims some of us, and the subsequent year robs the rest of our humanity." —Xaden Riorson

In the realm of Basgiath War College, survival expectations for Violet Sorrengail were grim, even in her own estimation. The first trial, Threshing, served as a ruthless sifter, designed to eliminate the feeble, the undeserving, and the unfortunate.

As the dust of Threshing settles, the true training commences, prompting Violet to question her ability to endure. It's not merely the grueling and sadistically brutal nature of the training or the deliberate stretching of riders' pain thresholds to the limit. The new vice commandant adds another layer to the challenge, making it his mission to showcase Violet's powerlessness—unless she's willing to betray the man she loves.

While Violet's physique may be less robust than her peers, her intellect and unyielding determination remain intact. The essence of leadership, she realizes, lies in the lesson Basgiath has subtly imparted: Dragon riders forge their own path, defying convention.

However, survival instincts alone may prove insufficient this time around. Violet unravels a hidden secret that Basgiath War College has guarded for centuries—a revelation that could potentially dwarf the threat of dragon fire. In the face of impending peril, she grasps that mere determination may not be adequate to ensure their salvation.

"The Empyrean series is most rewarding when experienced sequentially. Follow this Reading Order:
Book #1: Fourth Wing
Book #2: Iron Flame"