The second book in the Empyrean series follows Violet and Xaden’s new relationship following the unveiling of the truth behind the Venin. I say it focuses on their relationship, because it truly does. Any time the two are together, there’s a chance there’ll be a spicy scene, which I’m not opposed to, but it’s a lot more often than the first book. There’s still plenty of tension between the two as Violet just wants Xaden to be honest with her, and he wants her to be okay without knowing all of his secrets. I can see both sides to this, especially when we figure out the big secret Xaden’s been keeping. However, Violet isn’t wrong here. Trust must go both ways, but her primal attraction to him keeps her from seeing clearly. While it can be frustrating as a reader, it’s very realistic and properly hits home.

The first part of the book features a return to the academy, but not all is back to normal. Violet and the other rebels keep the Venin a secret from their classmates. They claim that this is for their safety, but withholding the truth only gets them into further trouble. It’s hard to read as she lies to Rhiannon, her best friend, over and over and the hurt is palpable for both of them. Telling anyone puts them in danger of discovery as the adults that know the truth are hiding it, disguising the border attacks as rebellions. Why do they do this? You’ll find out, but you won’t be surprised as it’s not a huge revelation, however it makes sense logically. It is strange to see them back at the school after all they know and their unease at being in “enemy territory” pervades the section. Which teachers know the truth and which can be trusted? These become apparent as some are outwardly antagonistic to Violet and crew. Colonel Aetos takes special interest in her and attempts to break her at any chance he can get. I felt how unsafe the situation was and the tension from the section was welcome. Their being back at the school also sees a new generation walk the parapet and Xaden’s class graduate to real assignments. Because of their dragon’s bond, they fly to see one another every other week. While there’s less of them together initially, this is remedied in the latter section and boy does it become a lot.

The second section I won’t go into as much depth on but it features training, uncertain allegiances and, of course, relationship drama. There are heists, battles, formal dinners and dangerous travels. It’s a steady pace of differing objectives and some surprise faces and obstacles that create an exciting story overall. While the ending isn’t very surprising, the road there is full of excitement and more of what you expect from the series. The dragons are mostly set dressing at this point, but more information about Andarna comes to light that does help make sense of her special nature.

If you enjoyed the first entry, this one will continue satiating that appetite for a complex romance story featuring dragons and civil war. It’s fantastical and realistic without leaning too far one direction or the other. The characters are well crafted and while the world has yet to be truly fleshed out, this entry does make steps in the right direction. I’ll admit to being invested here, so I’ll be continuing this one unless I fall off my dragon and plummet to my death before then.