Reviews with content warning for Torture - Fourth Wing

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.

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devincold's review

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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? It's complicated

2.25

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.

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insanebookperson's review against another edition

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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

5.0

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beautifulpaxielreads's review against another edition

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Despite my interest in how this novel explores disability, I just don't really feel like reading it anymore.

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andmingmingtoo's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

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, like

the 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.

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