Book Review: Fourth Wing
Oh My God! What a book!
Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing is a new fantasy series that takes readers into the intense and competitive world of Basgiath War College, where cadets train to become dragon riders.
The intense, high-stakes world of Basgiath War College, where cadets are thrown into life-or-death situations to become dragon riders, felt so vividly imagined that I couldn’t put the book down. I was listening to the audiobook to and from work, and even at work sometimes whilst I was busy. I couldn’t get enough.
Following Violet Sorrengail’s journey as the physically vulnerable but fiercely intelligent daughter of a powerful general was such an engaging experience. She felt completely relatable as she was thrown into her situation immediately as the book starts and we are navigating it as much as she is.
One of the things I loved most was Violet’s transformation. She starts as an underestimated, bookish cadet but grows into someone who commands respect not just through brute strength, but with her cleverness and determination. I also adored the dragons. They’re more than just mystical creatures in this world. They each have their own distinct personalities and connections with their riders, and those relationships added so much depth and heart to the story. When I read she bonded with Tairn, I was happy but also wondered what would happen to Andarna so was glad that she bonded both because even I couldn’t choose between the two.
The action sequences were incredible! Whether it was the dangerous trials in the Riders Quadrant or the high-flying battles, I found myself on the edge of my seat. And yet, while the book ticked so many boxes for me, I did find myself wishing the romance had been a bit more gradual. The chemistry between Violet and Xaden is electric, no doubt, and their enemies-to-lovers dynamic had me hooked. But her feelings for him developed so quickly that it felt a little out of sync with the rest of her carefully developed character. I wanted to see more of that slow burn, more tension and build-up before she opened up to him so fully.
Still, that’s a small gripe in what was otherwise a fantastic read. Fourth Wing is everything I look for in a fantasy: gripping stakes, a richly imagined world, and characters I can’t stop thinking about. And oh my god what a great plot twist at the end! I was gobsmacked.
I can’t wait to dive into Iron Flame properly and then the newly released Onyx Storm!