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4.44 AVERAGE
4.44 AVERAGE
For the most part, I genuinely enjoyed this book. I have two main complaints that stopped me from giving it any more stars though:
1. Violet’s inconsistency. From one paragraph to the next, she’ll swing between “I want to kill this guy” and “I would die here and now for him.” It made her motivations feel unstable rather than conflicted.
2. Tairn’s portrayal. Other than the repeated emphasis on his size (he’s always “much larger than the other dragons claimed by the undergrads”), I never got a true sense of the cunning he was supposed to embody. The book tells us that black dragons are incredibly strategic, but Tairn never seems much sharper than Violet. And Violet herself—beyond her knowledge of history—didn’t stand out as any more of a strategist than her peers.
I think there were some really bad ass moments where she got to shine when others expected her to fail — I love a good “underdog comes on top” story, especially if dragons are involved. And the reveal of Brennan at the end is a great way to open the door for a sequel, but it will be some time before I dare continue this series again (if ever).
1. Violet’s inconsistency. From one paragraph to the next, she’ll swing between “I want to kill this guy” and “I would die here and now for him.” It made her motivations feel unstable rather than conflicted.
2. Tairn’s portrayal. Other than the repeated emphasis on his size (he’s always “much larger than the other dragons claimed by the undergrads”), I never got a true sense of the cunning he was supposed to embody. The book tells us that black dragons are incredibly strategic, but Tairn never seems much sharper than Violet. And Violet herself—beyond her knowledge of history—didn’t stand out as any more of a strategist than her peers.
I think there were some really bad ass moments where she got to shine when others expected her to fail — I love a good “underdog comes on top” story, especially if dragons are involved. And the reveal of Brennan at the end is a great way to open the door for a sequel, but it will be some time before I dare continue this series again (if ever).
This book absolutely lived up to the hype. The pace was perfect, the plot was exciting, the characters and dragons are incredible. I literally couldn't put it down! I can't wait to see where this series goes!
4 stars is a bit strong, but it was pretty enjoyable. about some kids going to college to learn how to be dragon riders to aid in the war. the main girl violet is pretty likable as a protagonist, and the spice between her and xaden was legit though i could have used more of it. not the best written or hardest to predict, but still good enough that i bought the 2nd one immed to start reading.
was pretty obvs that things were not all that they seemed. aren't the rebels secretly always the good guys?
was pretty obvs that things were not all that they seemed. aren't the rebels secretly always the good guys?
Such an incredible start to a series, the last page had me shocked!! Such an incredible world, I loved all the characters, sooo good.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
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
Finally, finally got around to reading this and I really enjoyed it.
I love all the characters, especially Mr Riorson 😍 It's been awhile since we've had a swoon-worthy book boyfriend and I was absolutely here for it.
I love all the other Fourth Wing members too (except for Dain 🤢) and I'm also absolutely obsessed with Tairn and Andarna the badass dragons.
Probably the most enjoyable parts of this book were the silent conversations between Violet and her dragons and Violet and Xaden. They were absolutely so witty and funny and had me giggling out loud ("shall I get the wingleader" 😝🤭) Was also giggling out loud for all of Xaden and Violet's interactions which is also the first time in a long time.
Super fun and addictive plot and that last reveal absolutely got me in the heart. Keen for the next book immediately.
I love all the other Fourth Wing members too (except for Dain 🤢) and I'm also absolutely obsessed with Tairn and Andarna the badass dragons.
Probably the most enjoyable parts of this book were the silent conversations between Violet and her dragons and Violet and Xaden. They were absolutely so witty and funny and had me giggling out loud ("shall I get the wingleader" 😝🤭) Was also giggling out loud for all of Xaden and Violet's interactions which is also the first time in a long time.
Super fun and addictive plot and that last reveal absolutely got me in the heart. Keen for the next book immediately.
DNF. (Ended at Ch. 20)
After reading the book for this long, I’ve come to realize, (maybe) I am not this books’s target audience. Fourth Wing has a vibe of Twilight, Divergent, and Hunger Games mixed together and I do not like either one of those books.
Violet is too whiny and acts fragile all the while she is swooning over a guy who is “supposed” to kill her but never does and she keeps reiterating that point throughout the whole book. Annoying.
The whole romantic tension between Xander and Violet is so obnoxious. Oh no, we’re not supposed to hook up with our superiors. It never stopped anyone before. Just do it already and shut up about it. Not to mention, the whole bit about Violet fighting with Dain and pushing him away further so that she could be with Xander — saw it from a mile away! And then she admits she has no feelings for Dain. AFTER SHE’S BEEN ON AND ON about how she had a crush on him since they were kids. Gurl, like wtf?
After reading the book for this long, I’ve come to realize, (maybe) I am not this books’s target audience. Fourth Wing has a vibe of Twilight, Divergent, and Hunger Games mixed together and I do not like either one of those books.
Violet is too whiny and acts fragile all the while she is swooning over a guy who is “supposed” to kill her but never does and she keeps reiterating that point throughout the whole book. Annoying.
The whole romantic tension between Xander and Violet is so obnoxious. Oh no, we’re not supposed to hook up with our superiors. It never stopped anyone before. Just do it already and shut up about it. Not to mention, the whole bit about Violet fighting with Dain and pushing him away further so that she could be with Xander — saw it from a mile away! And then she admits she has no feelings for Dain. AFTER SHE’S BEEN ON AND ON about how she had a crush on him since they were kids. Gurl, like wtf?
I had to abandon all logic and desire for good writing to get through this but I have to admit, doing all that I was actually able to enjoy this book.
don't get me wrong, the book was bad: a mediocre plot, very lazy exposition (show don't tell is dead, I guess), terrible character building (like honestly, I couldn't tell you one personality trait Rhiannon has other than 'being Violets friend'), a romance that could've had potential if it didn't turn into passionate 'I love you more than anything else' towards the last quarter of the book, removing any interesting tension between Violet and Xaden.
BUT in spite of all that I still enjoyed reading this book and will probably continue with the saga, just because it's fun. It's like watching any reality tv show on Netflix - you can just turn off your brain while watching it and enjoy.
I couldn't even really explain why I enjoy the book, given how much it's missing. I guess I haven't properly read fantasy in the past few years so my standards aren't that high. But alas, I've enjoyed it and that's why it's getting two stars from me instead of just one.
don't get me wrong, the book was bad: a mediocre plot, very lazy exposition (show don't tell is dead, I guess), terrible character building (like honestly, I couldn't tell you one personality trait Rhiannon has other than 'being Violets friend'), a romance that could've had potential if it didn't turn into passionate 'I love you more than anything else' towards the last quarter of the book, removing any interesting tension between Violet and Xaden.
BUT in spite of all that I still enjoyed reading this book and will probably continue with the saga, just because it's fun. It's like watching any reality tv show on Netflix - you can just turn off your brain while watching it and enjoy.
I couldn't even really explain why I enjoy the book, given how much it's missing. I guess I haven't properly read fantasy in the past few years so my standards aren't that high. But alas, I've enjoyed it and that's why it's getting two stars from me instead of just one.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This incredibly popular book is more well written and more accessible than it's peers, but really what sets it apart is it's shamelessness. It's more shameless about sex, about descriptive terms, about holding back lore for dramatic reveals later. Most importantly it breaks the gender difficulty of having to encompass both masculine and feminine traits by having the main character grow into her capabilities, and reframing the traits as bookish and weak against hardened and warriorlike. If never too groundbreaking this book also never seems to overstep.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Xenophobia, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes