Book Review: Fourth Wing

 

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Quote:  "If they need a fucking pep talk, then we both know they're not flying out of the quadrant on graduation day. Let's get real. I can hold their hands and make them a bunch of bullshit empty promises about everyone making it through if that helps them sleep, but in my experience, the truth is far more valuable. In war, people die. It's not glorious like the bards sing about, either. It's snapped necks and two-hundred-foot falls: There's nothing romantic about scorched earth or the scent of sulfur. This isn't some fable where everyone makes it out alive. It's hard, cold, uncaring reality. Not everyone here is going to make it home... to whatever's left of our homes. And make no mistake, we are at war every time we step foot in the quadrant. So if you won't get your shit together and fight to live, then no. You're not going to make it."

Blurb:  "Anyone else feel like changing their mind?" Xaden shouts, scanning the remaining rows of cadets with the same shrewd gaze of the navy-blue dragon behind him. "No? Excellent. Roughly half of you will be dead by this time next summer."

The formation is silent except for a few untimely sobs from my left.

"A third of you again the year after that, and the same your last year. No one cares who your mommy or daddy is here. Even King Tauri's second son died during his threshing. So tell me again: Do you feel invincible now that you've made it into the Riders Quadrant? Untouchable? Elite?" 

No one cheers.

Another blast of heat rushes—this time directly at my face-and every muscle in my body clenches, preparing for the incineration. But it's not flames...just steam, and it blows back Rhiannon's braids as the dragons finish their simultaneous exhale. The breeches on the first-year ahead of me darken, the color spreading down his legs.

They want us scared. Mission accomplished. 

"Because you're not untouchable or special to them." Xaden points toward the navy dragon and leans forward slightly, like he's letting us in on a secret as we lock eyes. "To them, you're just the prey."

Book Tropes: 

• New Adult
• Romance Fantasy
• Found Family
• Enemies to Lovers
• Slow Burn
• Forbidden Romance
• Hidden Powers
• Strong FMC
• Dragon Riders

My Personal Views:  Fourth Wing is a TikTok sensation and wildly popular among readers. After spending the past few days immersed in this book, I completely understand the hype.

The story follows Violet Sorrengail, who has finally reached the age to enter Basgiath War College. Having grown up expecting to become a scribe, her world is turned upside down when her mother—who happens to be a ruthless general—forces her to train as a rider instead. With no choice but to survive, Violet must do everything she can to stay alive in a place where death lurks at every turn—especially when a rider like Xaden Riorson absolutely despises her and would do anything to see her dead.

This fantasy is packed with an intense enemies-to-lovers romance, and the chemistry between the characters was everything I could ask for in a romance-fantasy novel. I just couldn’t put the book down! Every time I picked it up, I wanted to keep reading. Initially, the book's sheer size felt daunting, but by the time I neared the end, I wished it was even longer.

The world-building was incredible—intricate, immersive, and well thought out. Each character had a distinct personality, but what truly stood out was how even the dragons had their own unique traits. Tairn and Andarna were a perfect fit for Violet. While Tairn represents her strength and fierceness, Andarna balances her with a softer side. Also, I loved Tairn’s personality—he's such a badass but also unexpectedly funny. Andarna, on the other hand, is just adorable. The bond between Tairn and Sgaeyl was another highlight—I found it impressive that Rebecca Yarros (the author) made sure to emphasize the relationships between the dragons just as much as the humans.

Now, let’s talk about the chemistry between Violet and Xaden. Their dynamic was chef’s kiss. This book absolutely nailed the trope where she thinks he hates her, but in reality, he’s deeply in love with her. The whole pretending-to-hate-each-other-but-secretly-being-obsessed-with-each-other thing worked so well in their favor.

Xaden was brooding, secretive, and powerful while maintaining an intimidatingly calm and collected exterior. Violet, in contrast, starts out unsure of herself, terrified of even walking across the parapet on the first day. But over time, she grows in confidence and truly comes into her own. From being the fragile general’s daughter to becoming the rider of two dragons—one of them being the strongest—Violet’s character development was beautifully written.

And let’s not forget the side characters! Rhiannon, Ridoc, and Liam—oh my Liam—were such a joy to read. Meanwhile, Jack and Dain? They could drop dead for all I care. Seriously. And what Dain did in the end? So not cool. I hope Violet really puts him in his place in the next book.

The action, the battles, the deep history of the Fourth Wing world—everything about it kept me hooked. I cannot wait to see what unfolds in the second book, especially after that cliffhanger.

Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/ 5

Until the next read,

Aditi