When Rebecca Yarros approached her publisher with a daring pitch for a novel that ventured far beyond her established romance repertoire, she anticipated a challenging reception. Renowned for her captivating tales inspired by her life as a military wife, Yarros proposed a departure from her usual domain—a tantalizing blend of telepathic dragons, griffins, magic, and political intrigue in an epic fantasy series.
Yarros rapidly penned Fourth Wing, a meticulously crafted narrative spanning over 500 pages. Set within the confines of an elite war college, the story unfolds with the clash and subsequent romance between two dragon riders.
The printing presses were churning out over 100,000 copies, accompanied by an elaborate marketing campaign featuring limited-edition hardcovers. In this article, we delve into the fantastical world of Fourth Wing.
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Fourth Wing
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.
Our Overview
Violet Sorrengail, daughter of the esteemed General Sorrengail, was destined to be a scribe due to her disability, unlike her dragon-riding siblings. However, after her father’s death, General Sorrengail insisted Violet become a rider, sparking tensions with her protective sister, Mira. Violet, armed with courage and dragon-scaled armor, enters an elite war college where she encounters challenges and prejudices, including an immediate dislike from a student named Jack.
As Violet navigates her way through the complexities of dragon rider training, she forms alliances with fellow students like Rhiannon and Dylan, but also discovers the enigmatic Xaden, whose father led an uprising that claimed the life of Violet’s brother, Brennan. Despite warnings, a begrudging cooperation between Violet and Xaden ensues. The narrative unfolds with Violet’s unconventional journey, from facing school rivalries to unearthing a plot against a golden dragon during the bonding ceremony.
With time, Violet bonds not only with Tairn, an ancient black dragon but also with Andarna, a rare feathertail dragon, making her the first to ever bond with two dragons. The revelation disrupts the norm, garnering opposition and distrust from both humans and dragons alike. Amidst personal and political turmoil, Violet faces challenges, including a deadly encounter with attackers and the discovery of a hidden agenda involving gryphon fliers, vernin, and a mysterious iron box.
In a twist that shakes Violet’s world, her supposedly deceased brother, Brennan, emerges as a key figure in the rebellion, leaving Violet torn between newfound family ties and the shattered trust with those she once considered allies.
Our Review
This book has consumed me entirely, and mark my words, it’s poised to become the next major romantasy series! The writing is effortlessly engaging, the world-building is captivating, and our heroine, Violet Sorrengail, emerges as both an underdog and an absolute badass. The romance unfolds at a believable pace, delivering scorching moments that had me laughing, crying, and inevitably falling in love. Violet’s character, a twenty-year-old bookworm thrust into the role of a dragon rider, defies physical expectations. She shows that her strength lies in her mind. Her courageous journey, the grace with which she handles challenges, and the meaningful relationships she forges make her incredibly relatable, setting the stage for exciting growth.
Enter Xaden Riorson, a character who quickly ascends to the ranks of my top book boyfriends. Son of a traitor seeking revenge against Violet, he appears as a scary, scarred anti-hero from a distance. However, beneath the surface, he reveals loyalty, care, and wisdom. The dynamic between Xaden and Violet, oscillating between potential danger and intense passion, adds to their enemies-to-lovers romance. The dragons in the narrative steal the show, with their terrifying yet amazing presence. The symbiotic relationship between dragons and humans explored in the book left me eager to uncover more.
The portrayal of found-family dynamics within the rider community is exceptional, as Violet defies norms to form deep connections. The world-building effortlessly balances simplicity and intrigue, offering a unique take on dragons and dragon riders, a narrative thread that’s new and thrilling for readers. Despite some predictability in the story, the narrative keeps the reader entertained and engaged. This aids in building up to an unexpected and mind-blowing ending in the last 50 pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fourth Wing a series?
The sequel to Fourth Wing is Iron Flame – having released in November 2023. A third book is on its way, but there’s little known about it as of now.
Is Fourth Wing spicy?
Fourth Wing is a New Adult fantasy romance and does contain explicit scenes.
Is Fourth Wing going to be a TV show?
Yes! Brace yourselves, a TV adaption is on the works at Amazon MGM studios!
Which disability does Violet have in Fourth Wing?
Although never explicitly stated, many believe that Violet has Ehlers-Danlos syndome (EDS). This is a chronic condition which affects the body’s connective tissues.
