Summary
Violet’s grudge against Xaden inIron Flamebecame less frustrating to me after I reminded myself of one detail fromFourth Wing.Violet inFourth Wingwas such a compelling character to me due to her intelligence and ingenuity. She was not only a calculating fighter, but a strategic thinker who understood the deadly situation she found herself in and the consequences of making a wrong move. So,when I beganIron Flameand Violet’s grudge against Xaden went on for a bit too long, I became frustrated.
Violet and Xaden’s relationship became romantic rather quickly,so I was not surprised that there was trouble in paradise towards the end ofFourth Wing.That being said, Violet’s grudge against Xaden for lying to her became more and more frustrating to me considering Violet’s character. Though some of that frustration lessened asIron Flamewent on and will likely not return due toIron Flame’sending, it still bothered me. However, Violet’s grudge against Xaden, while frustrating, began to make sense to me as I recalled one important part of her character and story arc.
Wait, Has Fourth Wing Been Telling Us Violet & Xaden’s Tragic Ending All Along?!
Violet and Xaden’s potential tragic ending could have been teased through Fourth Wing’s chapter openings and the series' repeated introduction.
Violet’s Grudge Against Xaden In Iron Flame Is Frustrating (But It Makes Sense)
Violet’s grudge against Xaden inIron Flamewas primarily frustrating to me due to what exactly Xaden kept from her. Throughout their relationship inFourth WingandIron Flame,Violet and Xaden’s storyis one of finding love in war. Violet is able to cope with the realities of war because Xaden has accepted them and, though not always the most sensitive, is able to help her.When it was revealed that Xaden is the leader of a secret rebellion with the fliers, I figured Violet would understand why he lied due to this, but was sorely disappointed.
Violet, even after saying she understood at the end ofFourth Wing,still spent most ofIron Flamewondering if she could trust Xaden. She did not seem to stop and consider thatXaden was keeping secrets because revealing them would cost thousands of lives if they fell into the wrong hands,which Dain proved, resulting in Resson. His own trauma also factors in, as his father died and Aretia was burned to keep Navarre’s secrets. I could not wrap my head around Violet’s grudge until I remembered one key part of her character that finally made it make sense.
I’m Way Less Annoyed With Violet After Remembering 1 Fourth Wing Detail
Violet Is, At Her Core, A Scribe
Iron Flamemakes Violet’s need for information and past in the Scribe Quadrant a key point, making her grudge against Xaden make more sense. Despite the fact that Xaden had good reason to lie, Violet is a Scribe at her core.She admits several times inIron Flamethat she needs information to function, and that knowledge has and always will be her weapon of choice. Xaden’s betrayal was just one more nail in the coffin of things Violet thought she knew but actually did not, resulting in her grudge.
Onyx Stormis set to be released on August 17, 2025.
Fourth Wingshowcased the death of every truth Violet knew. She thought the fliers were the enemy, only to discover that the venin are real. She thought Basigath’s archives were complete, only to discover that they had been heavily censored.Then she discovers that Xaden, someone who truly knew her, is also wrapped up in this web,which is the final straw for her already broken heart. This is whyViolet uses her mental box, why she holds that grudge.Iron Flameis Violet coming to terms with her new reality and, though it is not graceful, it is realistic.
