Take a photo of a barcode or cover
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was incredible. It had me in the first few pages. I only wish I could start fresh again. Brilliant writing!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, Murder
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, War, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have so many thoughts that I don't know what to do with them. Kind of want to go back and re-read it.
Okay where to begin? Liam. Oh, lovely, lovely Liam. You will be dearly missed. I knew his death was impending the closer we got to the end. They hadn't killed any characters of importance, and I assumed that it would come. And the only logical victim for something like that was Liam, so. Did I cry? Oh, absolutely.
The whole "they are the kids of the enemy " and "the rebels are bad guys" was kind of see through from the start. But maybe that's because I am so skeptical of the worlds leaders at this point that of course I am not going to trust the leaders in the book. The winners write the history, and they definitely did in this case. I was not surprised to find that Violets mother was on the wrong side, and that the rebels were actually the good guys. I am slightly disappointed in Violet for not having more critical thinking and realizing that something was off earlier, especially considering her father and that she wanted to be a scribe. There were so many signs that she just blatantly ignored.
The reveal at the end that Brennan was alive? Both expected and not at the same time. I felt something was strange through the whole book, especially in the beginning with how Xaden acted and treated Violet. And it was all explained when you find out that he knew Brennan. I like that she kind of dangled that in our faces through the whole book. And I love that he turned out to be alive, I grew a strong liking of him through only his journal entries for Mira and Violet. However, I am extremely skeptical for the next book in regards to how they treat this. I typically hate the trope of characters being dead and then it turns out they're alive. If we get a good explanation for how that happened, one that makes sense, I will be able to accept it. It's been done before in books I like. But if they fail to provide a good explanation I will be quite pissed off.
Brennan being alive also made me really nervous for Mira and also Brennan actually. I don't feel like Violet is going to get to walk away from these books with both siblings by her side. I was nervous for Miras survival before, but it is heightened now.
I also cannot write this review without mentioning Dain. God, the hatred I feel for that man. If I could I would kill him. He waved so many red flags that I lost count.
Overall, good book. I do think there are areas of improvement. It's a fun but also sad read.
The whole "they are the kids of the enemy " and "the rebels are bad guys" was kind of see through from the start. But maybe that's because I am so skeptical of the worlds leaders at this point that of course I am not going to trust the leaders in the book. The winners write the history, and they definitely did in this case. I was not surprised to find that Violets mother was on the wrong side, and that the rebels were actually the good guys. I am slightly disappointed in Violet for not having more critical thinking and realizing that something was off earlier, especially considering her father and that she wanted to be a scribe. There were so many signs that she just blatantly ignored.
The reveal at the end that Brennan was alive? Both expected and not at the same time. I felt something was strange through the whole book, especially in the beginning with how Xaden acted and treated Violet. And it was all explained when you find out that he knew Brennan. I like that she kind of dangled that in our faces through the whole book. And I love that he turned out to be alive, I grew a strong liking of him through only his journal entries for Mira and Violet. However, I am extremely skeptical for the next book in regards to how they treat this. I typically hate the trope of characters being dead and then it turns out they're alive. If we get a good explanation for how that happened, one that makes sense, I will be able to accept it. It's been done before in books I like. But if they fail to provide a good explanation I will be quite pissed off.
Brennan being alive also made me really nervous for Mira and also Brennan actually. I don't feel like Violet is going to get to walk away from these books with both siblings by her side. I was nervous for Miras survival before, but it is heightened now.
I also cannot write this review without mentioning Dain. God, the hatred I feel for that man. If I could I would kill him. He waved so many red flags that I lost count.
Overall, good book. I do think there are areas of improvement. It's a fun but also sad read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, War
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Torture, Blood, Death of parent
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book reads like a fantasy-flavored reimagining of Divergent. It's a fun read that feels predictable throughout. If you're looking for a romance novel and you like a fantasy setting, this might be a good option. If you're looking for enemies to lovers and LGBTQI+ representation - I would look elsewhere.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Stalking, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, War
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Body shaming, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Despite my interest in how this novel explores disability, I just don't really feel like reading it anymore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Violence, Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Sexual content, Torture, Death of parent, War
Minor: Grief
Author's note at the beginning states the following:
"Fourth Wing is a nonstop-thrilling adventure fantasy set in the brutal and competitive world of a military college for dragon riders, which includes elements regarding war, battle, hand-to-hand combat, perilous situations, blood, intense violence, brutal injuries, death, poisoning, graphic language, and sexual activities that are shown on the page. Readers who may be sensitive to these elements, please take note, and prepare to enter Basgiath War College. . ."
Also includes scenes of people being burned alive by dragon fire, and attempted murder.
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book reads like the novelization of a blockbuster action movie. There are pros and cons that come with that.
Pros:
-The general premise is really fun. I was excited to learn more about the dragon, magic, and government systems of the world
-The action sequences actually felt tense, and they definitely felt like they would be cinematic if in a visual format
-The side characters were really fun (and often eclipsed the main character in likeability)
-Xaden is an interesting and actually respectful male lead
Cons:
-A lot of Violet's inner monologue feels jarring and sometimes detracts from a tense vibe in a scene
-A lot of scenes that would be interesting and would add to the characters' growth are left offscreen, like they were cut for time, despite this being an original work where the author could decide what did and didn't exist. For instance,most of Violet's hand-to-hand challenges occurred offscreen, even the ones where she finally wins without tricks. Like, that's a big moment for her character! I want to hear more about that!
-A lot of visual descriptions of settings were left out, likethe Parapet or what the hell a chimney formation is
-For the most part, we have to take Violet's word for it that characters, including herself, have experienced growth. The growth seems to happen offscreen and is not substantiated by their onscreen actions
Additionally, this book is screaming to be part of a series (I am aware that the sequel is out and a series is in the works, as is a movie). In my opinion, there is no finite conclusion of the book's overall plot quest at the end, mostly because there is not one unifying plot quest. The extent of the book is defined temporally, not from a plot perspective, which can give the book the feel of a series of episodes, rather than a unifying experience.
Obviously, this book is popular! I did enjoy it, and I can see how others may enjoy it more than me. That being said, it is not a polished experience, but if you know to expect that, it may help you brace yourself and enjoy it more.
Pros:
-The general premise is really fun. I was excited to learn more about the dragon, magic, and government systems of the world
-The action sequences actually felt tense, and they definitely felt like they would be cinematic if in a visual format
-The side characters were really fun (and often eclipsed the main character in likeability)
-Xaden is an interesting and actually respectful male lead
Cons:
-A lot of Violet's inner monologue feels jarring and sometimes detracts from a tense vibe in a scene
-A lot of scenes that would be interesting and would add to the characters' growth are left offscreen, like they were cut for time, despite this being an original work where the author could decide what did and didn't exist. For instance,
-A lot of visual descriptions of settings were left out, like
-For the most part, we have to take Violet's word for it that characters, including herself, have experienced growth. The growth seems to happen offscreen and is not substantiated by their onscreen actions
Additionally, this book is screaming to be part of a series (I am aware that the sequel is out and a series is in the works, as is a movie). In my opinion, there is no finite conclusion of the book's overall plot quest at the end, mostly because there is not one unifying plot quest. The extent of the book is defined temporally, not from a plot perspective, which can give the book the feel of a series of episodes, rather than a unifying experience.
Obviously, this book is popular! I did enjoy it, and I can see how others may enjoy it more than me. That being said, it is not a polished experience, but if you know to expect that, it may help you brace yourself and enjoy it more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Moderate: Ableism, Child abuse, Child death, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship
Minor: Drug use, Alcohol
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Sexual content, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, War
Moderate: Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Torture, Vomit
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Nothing groundbreaking (lots of cliches and tropes) but an enjoyable read. Pretty fast-paced, as there doesn’t seem to be much filler in any individual chapter outside of Violet’s internal monologue. The downside to this lack of filler can be that the world doesn’t feel fully built out, and the descriptions of some of the surroundings can feel lacking. I found my brain sort of filled in some of those gaps while reading though, especially when I didn’t overthink it. The plot was a bit repetitive and the internal monologue objectifying one of the characters was a little silly. But I don’t feel the book is trying to be anything beyond what it is, so I don’t begrudge those faults. Feels a little YA, which seems maybe to be a common theme in the NA genre, but just because it’s trope-y and your main character thinks like a lovestruck teen doesn’t make it a bad or unenjoyable book. Just not a profound one. Easy read despite the length, and while the plot was a little repetitive as mentioned, the chapters broke that up well enough that the repetition didn’t feel monotonous or at least still drove the story forward in some way.
TLDR: Overall, kept my attention, and I found the pacing to be done well. If you can’t handle the internal monologue of a somewhat rebellious lovestruck high schooler (I know that’s not the age of the characters but it is how it reads) or relatively predictable but intriguing enough plot, this book isn’t for you. Even you want an easy read to take you out of your own head and world for a while, and you can take the aforementioned characteristics in stride, then give it a shot.
TLDR: Overall, kept my attention, and I found the pacing to be done well. If you can’t handle the internal monologue of a somewhat rebellious lovestruck high schooler (I know that’s not the age of the characters but it is how it reads) or relatively predictable but intriguing enough plot, this book isn’t for you. Even you want an easy read to take you out of your own head and world for a while, and you can take the aforementioned characteristics in stride, then give it a shot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, War, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, War, Injury/Injury detail