Fourth Wing (The Empyrean #1) by Rebecca Yarros: A Thrilling and Engaging Fantasy
Rating: 4.5 Stars
“A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead.” — Rebecca Yarros, Fourth Wing
Overview
Fourth Wing, authored by USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros, transports readers into the brutal and elite world of dragon riders. The story follows the journey of 20-year-old Violet Sorrengail, who was initially destined for a quiet life in the Scribe Quadrant. However, her mother, the commanding general, orders her to join the hundreds of candidates vying to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.
Despite her small stature and brittle body making her an unlikely candidate for dragon riding, Violet is thrust into the dangerous world of Basgiath War College. With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their chances of success. The rest would kill her for being her mother’s daughter. Among them is Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.
As Violet struggles to survive in this perilous environment, the war outside intensifies, and she begins to suspect that leadership is hiding a terrible secret. With friends, enemies, and lovers all having their own agendas, there are only two ways out of the college: graduate or die.
Expanded Review
Fourth Wing is a highly entertaining and engaging fantasy that lives up to its hype. While it may not be the most poetic or original concept, it is sure to be one of the most popular books of the year. The story offers a unique blend of Eragon, Divergent, and Hunger Games vibes, making it a fun and thrilling read.
World-building and Magic System
The world-building in Fourth Wing is immersive and well-crafted. The author has created a rich and complex society with distinct quadrants, each with its own culture and purpose. The magic system, which places dragons at the center stage, is one of the most unique aspects of the book. Each dragon is bonded to a rider, and together they form a powerful connection. The dragons themselves are intriguing creatures, each with their own personality and color-coded abilities.
Character Development
The characters in Fourth Wing are well-developed and relatable, with Violet being a strong and determined protagonist. She faces seemingly insurmountable odds, yet her resilience and resourcefulness allow her to adapt and grow. Her relationships with other characters, including her friends, enemies, and love interest, are complex and engaging. Xaden Riorson, the enigmatic and ruthless wingleader, is a particularly intriguing character with a hidden vulnerability that adds depth to his persona.
Romance
The romance in Fourth Wing is a highlight, featuring a slow-burn, forbidden love story between Violet and Xaden. While the book was advertised as “Spicy AF,” the level of spice may not meet everyone’s expectations. However, the romance that is present is well-developed and enjoyable. The chemistry between Violet and Xaden is palpable, and their forbidden love adds an extra layer of tension to the story.
Pacing and Plot
The book starts off a bit slow, as is typical for many fantasy novels. However, once the dragons become more prominent in the story, the pace picks up, and the plot becomes increasingly captivating. The story is filled with high stakes, constant danger, and unexpected twists that add depth to the plot. The last part of the book is action-packed, with major twists revealed, heartfelt moments, and epic battles in the skies. The emotional intensity of the story will keep readers hooked until the very end.
What We Loved
- Unique dragon lore and their integral role in the magic system
- Constant danger and high stakes throughout the story
- Unexpected twists that add depth to the plot
- Forbidden romance that keeps readers engaged
- A blend of dark humor and modern dialogue
- Immersive world-building and complex society
- Strong character development and intriguing relationships
Conclusion
Fourth Wing is a strong start to a new fantasy series that lives up to its expectations. With engaging characters, a thrilling plot, a unique magic system, and immersive world-building, this book is sure to captivate readers. We eagerly await the release of the sequel, Iron Flame, later this year.
