Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be crystal clear: Fourth Wing and Iron Flame are adult fantasy romance with explicit content, not YA despite the BookTok marketing making it look teen-friendly. Multiple parents who bought this for 10-11 year olds were horrified by what they found inside.

For adults who love fantasy romance with high stakes and don't mind graphic content? This series delivers. The dragon-rider world is imaginative, the protagonist's underdog story is compelling, and the 4.7 Amazon rating shows it entertains its intended audience well.

But if you're a parent whose middle schooler is begging for this because everyone's reading it—that 'everyone' better be college-aged. The torture scenes are graphic, the violence is brutal and constant, and the sex scenes are explicit enough that adult readers are skipping them. This isn't Percy Jackson with dragons; it's Game of Thrones at war college.

The WISE score reflects that this is well-executed adult entertainment that's completely inappropriate for the teens who are actually seeking it out. Know what you're getting (or what your kid is trying to get).

Age Fit

This is for adults 18+, period. Despite fantasy elements that might appeal to teens, the explicit sexual content and graphic torture scenes make it inappropriate for anyone under 18. If your teen is asking for this, they're likely seeing TikTok hype without knowing what's actually inside.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

25

Iron Flame (book 2 of The Empyrean series) features extensive graphic violence including torture as a major plot point, brutal combat training designed to cause maximum pain, and explicit sexual content that multiple parent reviewers describe as 'straight up porn.' The emotional tone centers on dehumanization and survival-at-any-cost rather than cooperation or kindness. While the protagonist shows determination, the overall environment models brutality and power dynamics inappropriate for younger audiences.

Imaginative

72

The dragon-rider fantasy world with war college setting offers solid world-building and creative elements. The magic system, dragon bonding mechanics, and strategic military training provide imaginative scenarios. However, this is more consumption-focused epic fantasy rather than media that invites active creative expression or problem-solving. The world-building improved from book one according to reviews, showing depth in the fantasy construction.

Safe

15

Absolutely not safe for children or young teens. Explicit sexual content described by parents as pornographic, graphic torture scenes, brutal violence including deaths during dragon bonding, poisoning, and combat designed to 'stretch riders' capacity for pain beyond endurance.' Multiple parent reviews and community discussions explicitly warn this is NOT appropriate for kids under 18. The content would be shocking and inappropriate for anyone under late teens to encounter unexpectedly.

Enriching

58

For mature readers (18+), offers themes of perseverance, strategic thinking, and overcoming physical limitations through mental strength. The protagonist's determination despite physical disadvantages provides some character development value. However, the heavy emphasis on brutality, torture, and graphic content limits the enriching value. The 'make your own rules' message has merit but is wrapped in extremely adult content. Entertainment value is high for the target adult fantasy romance audience (4.7 Amazon rating), but educational/ethical growth is secondary to romance and violence.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Engaging high-stakes fantasy world with improved world-building from book one
Protagonist who overcomes physical limitations through wit and determination
Strong entertainment value for adult fantasy romance fans (4.7 Amazon rating)
Complex magic system and dragon bonding mechanics for fantasy lovers
Fast-paced plot that keeps adult readers engaged

⚠

What to Watch For

Explicit sexual content—multiple parents describe it as pornographic, not fade-to-black romance
Graphic violence and torture as major plot elements, not just background conflict
Despite being shelved near YA, this is definitively adult content (18+)
The 'second year' premise centers on dehumanization and extreme brutality
Kids and teens are actively seeking this series—you need to know what's actually in it

Conversation Starters

"If you're an adult who enjoyed this: What did you think about how Violet uses strategy to compensate for physical disadvantages?"
"For parents: 'I know this series is popular, but it's got really adult content—let's find some dragon books that are actually age-appropriate for you'"
"How do you think the war college setting compares to other fantasy training academies you've read about?"

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Fourth Wing Iron Flame