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

I picked this book up because of all the hype I was seeing on Tiktok and Instagram, everyone was reading and loving this book. It did no disappoint, I was hooked from 3 chapters in and it easily became one of my favourite books I've read in a while. I am obsessed with everything about this book, every word, every page had me gripped and on the edge of my seat. I went through so many emotions while reading this, the absolute unflinching brutality the characters face is both addictive and shocking, but there are also so many triumphs and heart squeezing moments. Rebecca Yarros has done what some authors can't do, and that is write a book that has everything you could ask for. Violet Sorrengail is among my all-time favourite FMC's ever, she was everything you could ask for in a female MC. She is the embodiment of determination, grit and bravery. Her willingness to bet on herself time and again when so many around her keep telling her she will never be good enough is so inspiring, her absolute grit to survive or at least giving it her all when she thinks she can't do something. She never gave up and became an ultimate badass. Having had chronic illness, people always underestimate her (all but one) but that's what makes her an underdog. I liked how balanced her character and personality was, never over the top and I liked how the author didn't make the chronic illness her whole personality, she showed that it didn't stop her from being amazing. Xaden is the most powerful and brutal Wing leader at the academy and also the main person likely to kill Violet, we love an enemies to lovers, but I knew from the start he had a hidden agenda and feelings. I loved his character, he only gets more interesting as the story goes on and the TENSION between Violet and him, was steaming, it is hotter than the dragon fire. I was screaming at the book for them to finally kiss! Xaden defiantly had his secrets and it made him seem more broody but once he started opening up, and we got to see the softer side of him, it made him even better. He's always up for a challenge and he serves every freaking time. He has such a soft spot when it comes down to it. Him showing his love through his actions and constantly challenging Violet to do better, even in moments she didn't believe in herself, was everything you could ask for in a MMC. He made me swoon multiple times. The romance is an angsty slowburn, enemies to lovers (what more could you need?!) and it was brilliantly it was executed. Even though it was a slowburn, the romance came at the right time. And if you like the characters being jealous, you'll enjoy that trope here too. Xaden and Violet's chemistry is off the charts from the beginning, just him looking at her makes you swoon. They compliment each other so well and I like how open and honest they are with each other, and that both of them don't hold each other back and give the other room to make mistakes, learn and grow. It is a mature relationship, which I love to see in fantasies. The Dragons were an amazing surprise, they all have their own personalities and I love it! I got major How to Train Your Dragon vibes. They're lethal, terrifying, and spectacular and I know need to find more dragon books! The found family in this book is the most precious thing ever, I feel in love with each side character but also had major anxiety whenever they were in a dangerous situation. I loved to read how they’re bonded together and I can see that each relationship has the potential to grow into something really special. The camaraderie and rivalry between the riders is such a significant part of the story. The plot was addicting from start to finish, with some many wow moments, WTF moments and sad moments. Rebecca Yarros has written such a thrilling, addicting and compelling introduction book to this wonderful world of dragons and their riders, and I can't wait to see where the story continues! I don't know how I am going to wait till November, but I am defiantly going to be rereading and discussing theories!

If you enjoy Romantasy that will keep you guessing about what will happen next and have a fast pace from the start, then you really should read Fourth Wing if you haven’t already. It sounds like a cliche these days, but if you enjoyed the later SJM books for how the story would totally flip all of a sudden and it doesn’t go where you thought, then this is certainly one for you. I like the Main Character, the isn’t perfect and she knows it, is frustrated by it but pushes herself. The stubborn streak is great too! It suits her. I think somebody who has constantly been told what she can’t do would in fact be stubborn about it in the end. There were some elements I have seen others dislike, for myself I liked it! Did the Author call her Violet just for the nickname Violence? Perhaps. But perhaps not. It doesn’t matter, it works. The thing for me here, is that all nicknames tend to play off their actual name, and link to who they are or what they do. Had she been called Blaine it could become Blade. My point is that whichever way round it is, I really don’t see what the issue is, myself I just find it kind of funny and sweet at times. The Romantic element made sense to me as well, Intrigued by one another and perhaps wary, becomes drawn to. It works. They don’t seem to outright hate each other, or this wouldn’t work for me. I love the way the story progresses, the relationships (all of them) the twists (THAT ENDING?!) and the way the Dragons have been written. All in all, I loved every page of this and have already read this four times! I just forgot to publish this last time 😅. Fourth Wing has become a favourite, with a lot of action and fast paced drama and not much let up between any of it to keep it moving, intrigue and romance mixed well. There is steam but it is neither overdone nor does it feel forced or like it was thrown in for effect, it suits the story and the people involved. Overall, a fantastic Romantasy story, and I can’t wait to see more from this Author!

'A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead.' Okay, so I finally jumped on the bandwagon and whilst this didn't completely blow me away like I was expecting, from the recent hype, I still really enjoyed it and would give it like 4.3*! This book kept me hooked all the way through and whilst there's a lot of detail, it never felt like an overload of information because we're taking things in as the main character, Violet, is. One of the reasons why I was a bit hesitant to start this is because I'm not usually a big fantasy reader and I was a bit worried this might just be a knock off of the other big ones out there. E.g. Harry Potter, ACOTAR, GOT etc. Yet, whilst this did naturally have some overlapping/similar features, it also felt completely new and exciting and the world-building was done so well. Violet's character was one I really liked and at no point did I ever find her annoying. She's a bit of a Hermoine Granger style character and we really get to see her character development across the span of the whole book. She goes from your textbook 'has the brains, but not the brawn' to someone who can begin to fight both physically and mentally. I love how that was incorporated throughout the whole story, and how she takes on certain pieces of advice that she's received from other characters whilst also making it known that she's capable of growing even if she is out of her depth. "The longer you wait on those steps... the greater your fear has chance to grow." The slow burn between her and the MMC was done really well too. Whilst you can see it coming and the length of time it takes for them to initially come together does take a long while, I think it fit the storyline perfectly and any faster would've taken away from the rest of the story. Although this is classed as a fantasy romance, the fantasy element was allowed it's chance to shine because of that. 'He reaches under my own cloak and slides one blade into the sheath at my thigh,' Xaden is a classic alpha type MMC but I love how he was always willing to push Violet and trusted that she was capable of bettering herself rather than trying to constantly 'keep her safe' like Dain tried to do. He's smart, handsome and pretty bad*** so naturally it's easy for the reader to root for him. I really liked some of the other side characters too, as they were good additions to the story and added an element of humour, especially Ridoc lol. Tairn definitely made me laugh too with some of his sarcastic little comments. Likewise, Violet's little moments of sass and humour only added to her character as you could see the underlying backbone that she has in those moments, even if she doesn't. Very much looking forward to book two after the cliff-hanger this one left us on! Whilst there were quite a number of storylines that were predictable, I wasn't necessarily bothered because I still got that giddy/excited feeling when they played out and was rooting for them to happen. But, there were also still a few surprises in this, which kept it more interesting and me wanting more! "There is nothing more sacred than the Archives. Even temples can be rebuilt, but books cannot be rewritten."

Really good. It sets the bar for Iron Wing though. It was kind of confusing with the 2 maps hense the 4 stars, but there is balance between political fantasy and the romance. It's quite spicy... There is also a lot of characters, so if you're into that then read this book!

Oh wow, what a wild ride. I actually think this is my favourite book that I’ve ever read. If I could give it 6 stars I would. “A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead.” Step into the cutthroat world of dragon riders at Basgiath War College. Meet Violet Sorrengail, destined for the Scribe Quadrant, but thrown into the race to become an elite dragon rider by her tough-as-nails mother. With her fragile physique, bonding with dragons seems impossible, and the odds stack against her. As deadly secrets and ruthless competitors lurk, Violet must rely on her wits to survive. Amidst a war-torn kingdom and failing defenses, every day brings new challenges, alliances, and betrayals. At Basgiath War College, the path to victory is treacherous, and the only options are to graduate or die. When I tell you this is the best, not only fantasy, but the best book I have ever read I am not exaggerating. Firstly, I was absolutely h o o k e d within the first 20 pages. That has never happened for me in a book before 😭 I fell in love with Violet almost instantly. She's the tiny but mighty FMC who, even though she has a disability, takes and runs with literally anything that is thrown at her. We enter the world following Violet as she enrolls in Basgiath and takes on her first challenge almost instantly. We're thrown into the world, but it doesn't seem confusing. Everything is explained and I didn't feel lost at all when I was reading this. “But I will not run. I wouldn't be standing here if I'd quit every time something seemed impossible to overcome. I will not die today.” Violet is amazing, she's sassy, caring, charming and a complete and utter queen. She takes no bs, but also is incredibly caring, kind and compassionate, even when other characters didn't deserve it. Xaden is also a complete highlight. He's your typical dark and brooding MMC, but what lies beyond that is such a deep and complex character. I would follow him into battle. The romance in this book is absolutely sizzling. I was melting everytime their eyes met from across the room 😩 Lord give me strength because I was NOT prepared for *those* scenes 🥵🥵 But the most shocking part for me, was how much I absolutely fell in love with the Dragons. Tairn is a whole mood. The dialogue with the dragons was some of the best dialogue I've ever read and had me giddy and giggling like a child the whole time. “You're making us look bad. Stop it.” This book may only be around 500 pages but EVERY. SINGLE. PAGE of this book was full of action, information and funnies. There was absolutely no filler in this book at all. I was completely entranced. The last sentence absolutely BROKE me. Rebecca, how could you do this? How can you leave us like that?! I can't believe we have to wait until November to find out what happens next. I did not see that coming - AT ALL. Overall, were the tropes in this book original? No. But it was so incredibly enjoyable and written so well that it's now one of my (if not the top) all time favourite books. I'm already NEEDING the next book.

So you all were not kidding when you said this would be my new obsession. If infinite stars were an option, this book deserves it all. No because I don’t even know what day or time it is and yet here I am trying to string together words that will somehow makes sense and do this masterpiece justice. There are some stories you read and enjoy but every so often you come across one that just obliterates everything and takes over your entire being within a few pages and becomes your world and personality. Well, this is the one. "Tell me what you're thinking?" "I was thinking you are exactly as I predicted the first time you took me in my room." "Oh yeah? And what was that?" "A very dangerous addiction." What Rebecca has created is something that not only exceeded everything yet at the same time made me feel as if I was returning home. Growing up with books like The Divergent or The Hunger Games I always yearned for more reads like this, and you guessed it, I found my new religion. The world not only captivated me but dragged me in so deep I was living, breathing, and watching the action unfold and spread amongst these pages. The characters truly all felt larger than life itself. This is still one I think about daily even though it has been a few weeks since I turned the last page. What you can expect to find • High fantasy romance • Underdog FMC/Broody morally grey MMC • Enemies to lovers forbidden romance • Academia War College setting • DRAGONS • Slow burn with delicious spice pay off • Hand to hand combat • Chronic illness rep • Unique magic system “I’m not going to die today.” Violet “Violence” Sorrengail aka my newest ride or die gal. I have never experienced this much love towards a FMC before. She is one tough, resilient, badass strong, compassionate, strong soul that has this vulnerability to her that just makes her relatable, real, and raw. Her bravery and the lengths in which she goes to protect those she cares and loves has brought tears to my eyes. I could spend my days being inside her head. Her heart is her biggest gift. ”Here’s the thing, Sorrengail. Hope is a fickle, dangerous thing. It steals your focus and aims it toward the possibilities instead of keeping it where it belongs—on the probabilities.” ”I’m not sweet. Please don’t mistake any part of me for soft or kind. That will only get you hurt, and whatever you do…” “Don’t fall for me." Xaden oh the way this man has ruined me for everyone else... Seriously not only has he overtaken my thoughts and have been the star of a few recurring dreams but just his whole being is my new addiction. He is an enigma. Even though we weren’t in his head, just the glimpses we got had me weak in the knees. I loved the tension between the two. If anything, it made my angst loving heart soar. He has the whole touch her and d!e attitude without actually coddling Vi and how he believes in her and pushes her to be her strongest self was everything. He was not smothering yet he was still folding over at the sight of her was what my soul needed. His past is not easy but once we got to see him treacle in through her eyes, it was honestly something beautiful. He is delicious and divine. Plus, that mouth on him… *chefs kiss* “Am I affecting your schedule, Violence?” There’s a definite smirk on those lips. “I just need to know what my chances are here.” My hands curl into fists. The ass has the nerve to smile. “That’s the oddest way I’ve ever been hit on—” “Not my chances with you…!” I could read about these two and their delicious chemistry forever. ”"Oh, gods." "Which one are you calling out for? Because it's just you and me in this room, Vi, and I don't share." ”Come on, let’s get you to bed.” I lean in and kiss the scar on his eyebrow. “It will be tomorrow when you wake up.” “I don’t deserve you.” His arm curls around my hips and he tugs me closer. “But I’m going to keep you all the same.” The found family healed parts of me that I didn’t even think needed it. Liam, Rhiannon, Imogen, Garrick. I love them so much. They really made me feel like I was part of their chosen clan. But I swear if we don’t get justice for a certain character I will riot. Of course I cannot end this without giving a shout out to one of the main factors of what made this book so unique; Tairn and Andarna. These two have been such a breath of fresh air. Their interactions and acceptance of Violet was incredible. "A dragon without it’s rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead.” Truly thank you, Rebecca, for creating the perfect escapism and my new lifeline. I can speak with all the certainty that this is a world I will be returning to time and time again. The hangover I am still experiencing from this is strong!

Brilliant and so enticing! Easy to follow and great world building with great twists with characters! I can’t wait to read the next

I very nearly didn't buy this first book in the series because of the unpleasantly OTT hype which was really off-putting. However, it was a delight to read the gripping tale of a heroine (Violet) overcoming horrendous odds to not only survive but rise to preeminence due to her innate intelligence, integrity, sheer grit and compassion. Whilst fantasy and dragons are not my usual fare, I have previously read Anne McCaffrey's Dragons of Pern series and this seems potentially every but as good, although including more graphic language and sex (for those that want to know, it never seemed deliberately lurid or for shock purposes). [Vague SPOILER: There seems to be a massive hole in the plot, in that the dragons, who appear to be able to talk to each other and show each other what they are seeing, don't just all educate their riders about what is being hidden from the human population as a whole. Doesn't spoil the enjoyment of the read if you can ignore that]. WARNING: the books are NOT really standalones and according to other reviewers of future books, end on CLIFFHANGERS. I hate that but this book sort of just about came to a break point in the overall tale, if somewhat leading into the next book. I currently aim to buy the rest of the series (4 more books, two of which haven't been published yet?) but I am very puzzled why the Kindle versions cost more than the paperbacks?

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!

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!

Real nice book, my jaw dropped to the floor with the last sentence.

I never write reviews, but now I have to. This book is like heroin! You start, and you can't put it down any more. You can't focus on reality, your work, you just want to go back into the World of Basgiath. You fall in love with Xaden, though he doesn't even exist. You turn the pages, and you only have relief when he is present. I don't know if he is a traitor, but I want to trust a dragon's instinct. I was looking for a book for a long time, and I was very sceptic ordering it, with the reassurance, that I can return it any time. It won't go anywhere!!! The only thing I would mention, that there are a bit too much wear word at the first sex action. And I would never use the expression of 'f. me', when a woman asks a man to make love with her. It just humilates womenkind.

Stunning story and well delivered. Just check the size before buying if you want them the same size.