Fourth Wing: DISCOVER THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON THAT EVERYONE CAN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT! (The Empyrean)

It's good

I doubted the craze online but the story was actually really good. Good world concept, good writing!

I'll admit it—I was skeptical. The hype around Fourth Wing felt overwhelming, and I've been burned by overhyped fantasy before. A friend sent me a copy to my Kindle, and I thought I was safe. Turns out, I just hadn't met Xaden Riorson yet. Yarros doesn't waste time easing you into this world. You're dropped onto the parapet with Violet Sorrengail, discovering everything as she fights to survive her first minutes at Basgiath War College. No lengthy exposition, no gentle world-building—just immediate stakes and the visceral understanding that people die here. The writing has this modern edge to it, cursing and all, that makes the brutality feel uncomfortably real rather than romantically distant. What hooked me was Violet herself. Her mother—a ruthless general—forces her to abandon her dreams of becoming a scribe and throws her into the Riders Quadrant, where most cadets don't survive their first year. Violet has a condition that makes her bones brittle, so even crossing the entrance parapet is nearly impossible. But she doesn't survive on luck. She survives through strategy, adaptability, and sheer stubborn will. Watching her navigate a system designed to kill her—outsmarting opponents who could easily overpower her physically—that's where the real tension lives. These aren't kids playing at being warriors. They're adults facing mortality, and Violet's realization that the academy's rules are rigged against her adds layers of institutional cruelty that make her victories feel earned. Then there's Xaden Riorson. His father led a rebellion and was executed by Violet's mother, leaving Xaden marked as a traitor's son. Their dynamic starts with genuine hatred—she literally hides knives to potentially kill him, and he calls her "Violence" with real venom. What I appreciated is how their relationship doesn't follow the typical enemies-to-lovers shortcut. The trust between them builds through training sessions and knife-sharpening lessons that are worth the price of admission alone. He believes in her capabilities when everyone else writes her off. When things turn physical, it matters because of everything they've been through together. Meanwhile, Dain—her childhood friend who seems safe and supportive—uses his signet to violate her memories without consent. That betrayal hit harder than any battle scene because it's manipulation disguised as protection. The dragons are everything. During the Threshing, cadets either bond with a dragon or get incinerated for being unworthy. Violet bonds with two—Tairn, this massive black dragon with zero patience for nonsense, and Andarna, a young golden dragon who shouldn't even be there. Their connection is unprecedented and makes Violet a target. The dragons aren't just mounts; they have distinct personalities, and their mental conversations with Violet add both humor and wisdom. The magic system gives each rider a unique signet, and when Violet discovers she can wield lightning while Andarna can manipulate time, it raises the stakes in ways that complicate her survival rather than making it easier. The story shifts from academy survival to something bigger when Violet goes beyond the kingdom's wards and sees what they've been hiding. Venin—humans corrupted by draining magic—and their wyvern creations are the real threat, not the neighboring kingdom they've been told to fear. The battle at Athebyne wrecked me. The battle scenes had me breathless, the betrayals gutted me, and Liam's death left me completely destroyed. He dies protecting Violet, and his loss feels like losing someone real. Then she discovers her supposedly dead brother is alive and part of a revolution, and suddenly everything she thought she knew unravels. Is it flawless? No. Some of the academy rules feel arbitrary, the world outside Basgiath remains underdeveloped, and certain tropes are familiar enough that you can see them coming. But the execution matters more than originality here. The pacing doesn't let you breathe, the emotional beats land because the relationships feel genuine, and Violet's physical limitations add weight to every choice she makes. Fourth Wing isn't trying to reinvent fantasy. It's taking familiar elements—dragons, magic schools, forbidden romance, political conspiracy—and executing them with enough character depth and emotional intensity that they feel fresh. Violet and Xaden's story got under my skin in a way I wasn't expecting. I finished it feeling emotionally wrung out, immediately started the sequel, and I'll be chasing that feeling until the next one. This book didn't just live up to the hype—it lit something in me I didn't realize I'd been missing. If you're still on the fence, clear your schedule and just read it.

The characters are addictive to follow along even if I have a problem of guessing the plot twists. I don’t enjoy the “tell and not show” aspect of some of the writing style but that is easily brushed over by the number of refreshing characters and deviance from overdone tropes and some tropes that are just done well with new life breathed into them. Gonna pick up the next book as soon I finish this review because of that cursed cliffhanger.

それにしても、シビアな世界を描いているね。こんなにも、人の命が安い世界てのは、すごいよね。 ストーリーラインはかなりしっかりしているかな。ちょっとお手盛りなところも目につくけど、十分に我慢できる。

It was really good, and the quality was amazing!

I really love this book

Loved

Item came in good condition except for the top of the sprayed edges has some flaws.

Wow! It has been a LONG time since I have actually felt tension while reading a book. I can read the biggest action scenes at the end of various books and the majority of the time they just don't affect me at all - because I don't care that much about the characters. But THIS - this was different. I felt the tension. And it was real. Plus the author is very willing to kill characters so there is some uncertainty there as well. And the battle at the end of this most excellent book - it was hot and raging. Plus the enemy leaked danger as well. True menace. Very rarely does some enemy in a book impress me at all but this one most certainly did.. Right from the description I just KNEW there was something different about these mages called venin. They seemed impressive too. And very memorable. I wanted to draw them based off of the description. Very rarely do I get that urge. But what a battle at the end! It was touch and go. What would happen? Would the heroes win or lose? I didn't know. And I felt concern. This book has made me feel things. Earlier it had made me cry - tears of joy. And the book has surprised me too. The plot twists! I guess I should have seen it coming but I didn't so I was quite surprised. But it certainly makes the story way more interesting! And I am certainly eager to read the sequel too! This is a massive book and worth reading every word! And rarely do I feel that way. But its exciting and the characters face so many challenges. And there is death too. In fact there is a lot of death in here. Its a very violent world, a tough world of dragons and griffins and things that are supposed to be only legends to scare kids to eat their vegetables... But what I love the most in here in the main character Violet. She has a connective tissue disorder. I have one too (its called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome - EDS - and I am pretty confident that Violet actually has EDS). I have never run across a character in a book before that has EDS. And certainly not one that is bold enough to be in a fantasy world where she rides a dragon. How cool is that? So yes I certainly can relate to her very well! And so much of the stuff in here is quite accurate too. Exercise is the best way to protect the joints (and personally I find diet matters a ton too). And yes it certainly can make many things way harder. The joints are all wonky and they naturally hyper-extend so doing things - even just balancing - is way harder. But riding a dragon!!! I remember when I was much younger I used to read this other very popular fantasy series that included dragons and I used to try to imagine what it would be like to ride a dragon. Of course I never thought about the issues of staying ON said dragon... But since I ride horses these days I have a better idea of some of the issues. But wow this book is totally AMAZING! it totally captivated my attention. The first evening I started it I got 50% through. And I certainly would have powered through the second half yesterday but unfortunately I have packing to do as I am moving at the end of the month. If I could I would rate it 6 stars! The characters are just so real. And they go through character arcs too. They change. They face obstacles and have to find solutions. And there is certainly a bit of romance in here too. The story moved so smoothly. Never a dull moment at all. None. And I just loved the first person writing in here from Violet's viewpoint. But the story is about a young woman named Violet who has been forced by her very powerful mother to become a dragon rider. That is a warrior. But her body is weak and ill suited for it. So she was training to be a scribe (but all of that writing would be a huge strain on her too - in fact I cannot write very long at all by hand anymore without pain + numbness going down my arm and I get horrid shoulder pain) but that changed - she had to go be a dragon rider or die trying. But its not that easy in fact its very dangerous. Most people who try to become a rider end up dead. And you can be killed by your own classmates! Yes, its a very brutal school. And after all of these difficult obstacles - which Violet is ill suited to pass - she has to hope that a dragon will pick her. But what dragon will pick someone with a body that doesn't work right due to genetic mutations? And all of that is near the beginning of the book! For a huge mysterious and dangerous problem is brewing in the Kingdom! And poor Violet will run smack into it - err - fly into it. If she can stay on the dragon that is... You definitely should read this!

(Third read – 2025/01) Hardcover review: This is my third read of FOURTH WING and while my thoughts are fairly similar to the first two times I’ve read this novel, I do think it’s important to jot down a few new thoughts. I loved picking up on things I may have missed or glossed over the first two times I read as well as picking up on things that are relevant in book 2, <i>Iron Flame</i>. There are some scenes that still hit just as hard no matter that you’re now expecting them to happen. I love Xaden in this book, and my special edition does have a couple of the chapter’s in his POV which is something I would have liked to see more of. Violet is great and all, but a dual or multiple POV would slap so much harder. (Second read – 2023/06) Audiobook review: It is safe to say that this book is just as good the second time around... and I will without a doubt be purchasing myself a copy to re-read when the second book hits shelves in November. My biggest qualm with FOURTH WING as an audiobook was the narrator. I very nearly stopped listening to the audiobook copy because it sounded like the female narrator was sick for the better part of the novel. Some parts of the book made this more evident than others. Nevertheless, still an enjoyable listen despite this. (First read – 2023/06) E-book review: I saw this book was blowing up Bookstagram and decided to jump on it right now despite the potential for it being over-hyped. I was so gratified to learn that the hype is absolutely justified. FOURTH WING has taken the bookish community by storm - and it is entirely worth it. It is truly a phenomenal read... and I deeply encourage you to get yourself a copy if you haven't done so already! I sure will be, because reading the library's copy won't be enough! In case you've been living under a rock and have never seen nor heard about FOURTH WING, it's about Violet Sorrengail, a twenty year old woman, who was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant at Basgiath War College. That is until her mother, the commanding general, orders her to join the Riders Quadrant. Violet's chances may seem limited, partly because she hasn't been training for very long due to her entire lack of intention of joining the dragon riders... but also because she's her mother's daughter and many would love to kill her for that reason alone. There's only two ways out of this predicament - graduate or die. I will likely struggle to relate anything about this novel that hasn't already been said as well as navigate my speechlessness on how amazing this book was... but I will write a review nevertheless. Rebecca Yarros excelled at creating a rich and tangible world with characters that are realistic and relatable. Violet as our FMC is perfect. She's portrayed as someone whose got the deck stacked against her - she has a chronic illness, she never wanted to be a rider, and she is 'petite' compared to the other typical rider statures. She's also described as weak, fragile, vulnerable, etc. All of these things are seen as a likely death sentence for her, but she turns them into strengths by using her best asset to her advantage - her brain. She is smart, brave, and cunning. She thinks outside the box, she's down-to-earth, loyal and friendly. I honestly couldn't get enough of her and can't wait to see what the next book in the series will bring for her. The secondary characters are each very well done and crucial in making this book as successful as it is in my eyes. I don't want to give anything away in regards to the plot, but I quickly fell in love with each character that was encountered because they are all so well written and lovable. The dragons cannot be left out of this comment because they are truly exceptional... and they may be my favourites of the book by far with their wry humour and sarcastic comments. I thought the dragons to be unique and so interesting - I am so curious to learn more about their world, their powers, etc. Enemies to lovers romance? COUNT. ME. IN. This was so so well done and I absolutely adore how it all played out. Xaden Riorson stole my heart early on and may live up to be my favoite book boyfriend ever. There are a couple spicy scenes - well placed and well done, might I add, but I think they could be skipped if that's not your jam without impacting the enjoyment of the novel. The plot is fast-paced with lots of tension and action that kept me flipping the pages long after I was tired. The world-building was vivid and descriptive without being too overwhelming or confusing. The intricate storylines were truly well done and I didn't see half of what came at me coming. Proceed with caution though, I found myself sobbing through the last 15-20% of this novel while Rebecca mercilessly ripped out my heart and dragged me kicking and screaming to the show-stopper of an ending. Is it November yet?! This is without a doubt a novel and characters whom will stay with me for a long time... and will absolutely guarantee a re-read in the near future! One of my favourite books this year - easy.

Para quem ama esse universo de romantasy, Fourth Wing é uma ótima escolha. Superficialmente, é como se a autora pegasse Jogos Vorazes, As Crônicas de Gelo e Fogo, Harry Potter, ACOTAR e batesse em um liquidificador para criar essa obra. Porém, ao nos aprofundarmos na história, esquecemos essa primeira impressão, pois é notável que a Rebecca Yaros sabe escrever uma trama envolvente, que transporta o leitor para aquele universo e consegue fazê-lo sentir o que a personagem sente. Inicialmente, sobre a trama: Violet Sorrengail é a clássica heroína que se difere dos outros porque nunca quis se encaixar naquele contexto em primeiro lugar. Em uma escola dividida em quatro esquadrões - escribas, infantaria, curandeiros e montadores de dragões -, ela queria se dedicar ao primeiro, mas é forçada a ir para o último. Daí pra frente, apenas existir lá dentro se torna uma luta pela sobrevivência, pois os montadores de dragões não aceitam alguém que enfraqueça essa unidade. Lá, ela conhece Xanden Riorson, o qual é um, também clássico, anti-herói que será o interesse amoroso - e muito, muito carnal - da personagem. Ele tem tudo que amamos em um mocinho de romantasy: é lindo, é forte, chama a Violet por um apelido especial, apoia a liberdade e a liderança dela com um jeito de malvado, de perigoso, de irônico... mas tem todos os motivos do mundo pra fazer o que faz, é justo, é leal, é irresistível...e, no final das contas, completamente devoto a ela. É a receita infalível para um enemies to lovers de devorar em uma madrugada. Jogue no meio o perigo constante, ameaças mortais, dragões amedrontadores, inimigos POR TODA PARTE, uma revolução no mundo em que a protagonista vive e no jeito que ela vê as coisas e temos Fourth Wing nos prendendo à leitura como maníacas obcecadas. Claro, o livro tem defeitos: existem muitos clichês - desde bad boys vs mocinho, a garota diferente das outras garotas, protagonista superidealizada (vulgo Mary Sue/a escolhida/se errou, foi com razão) em alguns momentos, mommy e daddy issues pra todo lado -, pelo menos 1 palavrão por página (o que, em minha opinião, deixa o livro adolescente demais), e se você é apaixonada pelo Rhysand de ACOTAR, você provavelmente vai notar umas certas... semelhanças entre ele e o Xaden. Em suma, o livro cumpre o seu papel: é uma leitura divertida, te mantém interessada o tempo inteiro, te faz torcer por alguns personagens e odiar outros, te faz passar mal com as cenas hot (muito bem escritas, por sinal!), e ir correndo pro próximo livro da série só pra não nem 1 minuto de distância daquele mundo e daquele casal. Eu não diria que é super revolucionário, pois acho que esse nicho literário (fantasia com romances épicos para jovens adultos) já não tem tanto pra onde correr mais. Dito isso, cá estou eu, já terminando o segundo livro e em agonia por ter que esperar o terceiro. Enfim, recomendo!

Beautiful sprayed edges. A must read if you love fantasy/romantasy/romance. The book will keep you at the edge of your seat and make sure to order the next books in the series you do not want to end this book and have to wait to get the next one.