A review by tyras_bookshelf
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring tense slow-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? It's complicated

4.75

I loved this book! Only reason it’s not a 5 is because I’m not likely to reread and that’s a big factor on my scale. 

First thought after the parapet scene: this school freaking sucks man. And I said it so many times when I was reading. What kind of training program gets off on killing most of its students?! How is that sustainable for the army or protecting the kingdom? 

*All of this is spoilers so beware*

Absolutely awesome:
  • Enemies to lovers 
  • Dragons! (Enough said) 
  • A diverse range of characters; skin tone, sexuality, ability. I don’t read a lot of fantasy but I know characters of color are hard to come by that don’t act solely as a plot device side character, comic relief or canon fodder so A+ there. The way Yarros deals with disability is wonderful. Violet has to constantly struggle to adapt because she’s weaker than her peers. This isn’t framed as a weakness by her or those that matter to her (of course it is by the antagonists like Jack and Owen but they suck so that tracks) and I love that we get to explore strength and vulnerability in the main character while her environment assumes she won’t survive. Also, there’s a deaf character and I love that inclusion. And Rhiannon is bi and badass. 
  • Shadow daddy. I don’t even fully know what that is but I know Xaden is one because wow. 
  • And on that note, the spice is on open door and also wow. Moving on. 

I could have done without the plot twist because I wasn’t smart enough to buy both books at the same time but I’m very excited for Iron Flame and now Onyx Storm. I’m trying not to make assumptions about that third one yet but I already have theories! 

Critiques/questions:
  • Why do Xaden’s shadow powers manifest with physical force? It’s cool but since when can a shadow pull weight or shield you? Is that something to do with the way the lessor magics work maybe? Idk it’s dragon magic, I guess I don’t have to think too much about it. 
  • I wish she has focused more on why Violent (and thus the reader) should be loyal to Narvarre. When we discover that Xaden is betraying the kingdom, I didn’t feel conflicted to believe him or be upset by the turn of events because I have no connection to king Tauri one way or another. He seemed like an ass but that doesn’t give me motivation to want to defend him or be glad they’re turning against him. Which made it hard to accept that as a conflict. But maybe when it comes down to the conflict the bigger issue is everyone risking their lives to defend against the venin and the politics becomes secondary. 
  • Dain’s character was very disappointing. His arc certainly made sense so it’s not a criticism but dang I hated to see him turn his back on his friend for a country that would send him to his death without thought. 
  • But I don’t think their belief system was ever expanded on. The “why” of it all was hard to conceptualize but maybe that’s the point. These citizens have been doing what they’re told for hundreds of years without questioning it and when they tried, the powers that be, claimed them to be traitors. 
  • It’s crap that Xaden was so “she’s grown and can protect herself, make her own choices” up until it came down to trusting her with his huge secret. Makes for good conflict but annoying. Not a critique really though.  

That’s it I guess. I’m afraid she’s gonna kill off all the characters I like she since took Liam from me and these folks are so perishable. 
And as much as I liked it, I do hope the next one is a little smaller! 
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