Who Would Like This Book:
If you love fast-paced fantasy with addictive drama, epic dragon battles, and a snarky, strong-willed heroine, you’ll fly through Fourth Wing. The book has some serious Hunger Games and Divergent vibes but ups the ante with dragons and a cutthroat military academy. Fans of 'enemies to lovers' romance, found family, and anyone who rooted for the underdog will find Violet’s journey impossible to put down. There’s also a layer of genuine disability representation, which many readers (especially those with chronic illnesses) have called powerful and refreshing. Expect edge-of-your-seat twists, intense friendships, and a swoon-worthy 'bad boy' love interest. If you’ve ever binged a favorite series just to see what happens next, this one’s for you.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers have found Fourth Wing’s writing style a bit juvenile, with modern slang and dialogue that feels out of place in a fantasy setting. If you prefer intricate world-building and slow-burn storytelling, you might find the plot moves too quickly or lacks depth. The romance and drama can get pretty intense (with a decent sprinkling of spice), so those who aren’t into heavy romantic subplots or YA-style angst might get a little eye-rolly. There are also readers who felt the characters fell into familiar tropes or that the story relies too much on popular fantasy clichés. Hardcore fantasy purists or those craving originality might want to approach with measured expectations.
About:
'Fourth Wing' by Rebecca Yarros is a fantasy romance novel set in a world where dragons play a significant role. The story follows Violet, who forms a unique bond with her dragons, Tairn, Sgaeyl, and Andarna. As Violet navigates through a mysterious and dangerous problem brewing in the kingdom, she faces challenges, heartache, betrayals, and friendships that shape her character. The book is praised for its well-written banter, emotional moments, and mind-blowing naughty scenes between the characters. The plot twists, character development, and the strong chemistry between Violet and her dragons keep readers engaged in this page-turning story.
The book is described as a mix of adrenaline-filled scenes, soul-ripping moments, and tender romantic moments. The diverse cast of characters, including those with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and from LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities, adds depth to the story. The author's writing style is appreciated for its witty banter, comedic touches, and the ability to immerse readers fully into the world she has created, making 'Fourth Wing' a captivating and engaging read.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings may include themes of violence, death, and ableism, particularly in how chronic illness is portrayed.
Has Romance?
The romance in Fourth Wing is a central component, highlighted by the intense relationship between the main characters, Violet and Xaden.
From The Publisher:
An Instant New York Times Bestseller
A Goodreads Most Anticipated Book
"Suspenseful, sexy, and with incredibly entertaining storytelling, the first in Yarros' Empyrean series will delight fans of romantic, adventure-filled fantasy." -Booklist, starred review
"Fourth Wing will have your heart pounding from beginning to end... A fantasy like you've never read before." -#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout
Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros
Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general-also known as her tough-as-talons mother-has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.
But when you're smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don't bond to "fragile" humans. They incinerate them.
With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother's daughter-like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.
She'll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.
Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.
Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda-because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.
The Empyrean series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 Fourth Wing
Book #2 Iron Flame
Ratings (1413)
Incredible (512) | |
Loved It (509) | |
Liked It (194) | |
It Was OK (103) | |
Did Not Like (62) | |
Hated It (33) |
Reader Stats (2085):
Read It (1444) | |
Currently Reading (30) | |
Want To Read (362) | |
Did Not Finish (28) | |
Not Interested (221) |
53 comment(s)
Doing a reread to get to onyx storm. Somehow, violet annoyed me so much more this reread than when I first read it. I forgot how invasive Dain was.
Xaden is still hot.
i called like every single major plot point but i still loved it. love me some dragons and morally gray characters <3 BRING ME BOOK TWO NOW
2.75 ⭐️
As a comment on TikTok said: This book was the definition of a CW show. Terrible train wreck of writing and plot, but entertaining.
I just wanna be with Xaden is that too much to ask for I can’t do this anymore I can’t keep on living in a world where he is just a fictional character I can’t do this I want him mama I need him I just love him so much I don’t know what to do with myself
Also the book is amazing I feel bad for my ancestors for not living in a time where fourth wing exist thanks god for this book
First and so far best book in the series, as soon as I started reading it I could not put it down. The world Rebecca Yarros created is detailed and extremely interesting but it's her writing that is so a work of genius making it impossible to not love getting lost in her stories.
i liked the dragons. i
hated the romance and tackiness. & holy fuck the "violence" nickname for violet made me want to vomit every time I heard it.
i liked the dragons. i
hated the romance and tackiness. & holy fuck the "violence" nickname for violet made me want to vomit every time I heard it.
Great first book for a series. I love the dragons, action, and romance. I like that there are serious moments and some nice ones added into the mix of thrilling action and romance.
I have learned through the years, that anything rated high on Goodreads is usually romance, full of sex, and NOT for me.
What can you read after
Fourth Wing?
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