If you’ve been on social media over the past month, then you’ve undoubtedly seen Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros come across your feed. In fact, when I went to order it a few weeks ago it was literally sold out. I am not typically a fantasy reader, so at first I dismissed the book. But then I saw it again, and again….and again. And many readers reviewing the book sounded similar to me: they didn’t read fantasy, but this book was a must read. Friends, let me tell you: the hype is legit. I devoured this book and am anxiously awaiting the second in the series which releases this November. Read on for my full thoughts!
Synopsis
Twenty-year-old Violet has always known that she was going to be a scribe. However, her mother, a general in the army, forces her to attend the country’s dangerous war college and train to become a dragon rider instead. Violet has to survive the myriad challenges designed by the school while avoiding being murdered by her classmates. And no one has it out for Violet more than Xaden Riorson, a powerful (and handsome) third-year wingleader.
Details/Review
- As someone who typically does not read fantasy, I was still deeply engrossed in this story. I did struggle a bit at the beginning to wrap my head around all the facts of the world, but I eventually caught on.
- Here is the gist of the world. The country is at war with its neighboring country; thus, all young adults must choose a branch of service. Those entering the dragon training branch must prove their physical and mental abilities. If they survive, the will hopefully bond with a dragon (the dragon chooses the rider). After they have bonded, they will have magical abilities, and a special power unique to them. They train for three years and then serve the country by protecting the borders with their dragon.
- Despite the book being 500 pages long, the story is not drawn out. In fact, it is quickly paced, making you want to read just one more chapter. There are two main components that drive the story. Violet’s survival as she faces the challenges of dragon training and her romance with Xaden.
- Let’s talk about the romance: there’s a love triangle, a dangerous bad boy, and some spicy scenes. I absolutely loved Xaden 🖤 and I thought Yarros did a good job balancing the romantic storyline with the training college storyline.
- I loved Violet’s character arc and how she evolves throughout the story. She is a petite woman who is viewed as “frail”–not your typical dragon rider. One of her mantras is “I will not die today.” Her physical appearance leads almost everyone to underestimate her. Violet has to realize that she is more powerful and adept than others give her credit for, and she must also figure out where her loyalties lie.
- There were some parts that were predictable, and the writing is not a literary masterpiece, but damn is this book entertaining.
- Fourth Wing is the first book in the Empyrean series. According to the author, there will be 5 books in the series. The next installment, Iron Flame comes out November 7th (get your pre-order in and clear your calendars now!)
You can buy Fourth Wing by clicking here or by visiting your local bookstore. ☻