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A review by art_humaniser
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
4.0
Definitely picked it up because of booktok. But it was worth it. This combination of a raging war and competitive academic environment with romance was perfect. It truly has nailed down all the points right - just enough of soft magic system to keep you hooked and the thrill of enemies-lovers trope.
I literally had 0 expectations, picked it up to entertain myself post-surgery recovering. But I soared through it within a day. It's so engaging even to someone like me who doesn't read fantasy and romance that much. The characters are fully fledged. We get to know them at a natural pace along with learning about it's world-build. This one is most definitely a set-up for it's sequel which has alot at stake both in the war and romance department.
Lastly, bonus points for keeping the romance a healthy one, sure there are communication issues but this is war we are talking about its understandable. But still thank you to the author for not making Xaden a toxic menace to society which is what usually happens with "bad boys".
Reading it made my mental health alot better. And I kind of feel like a badass too thanks to chronic-illness representation! <3
Edit- I read fourth wing for the adventure and romance but I've been constantly thinking about why does this book work for me? Is it the constant bombarding of characters put in dangerous situations and coming out victorious? The sweet reward of hardwork, intelligence and friendships? the slow burn spice of the romance? But what clicked for me is that the cast is actually so respectful to each other. It's aware of who are the bullies and who are the people trying to figure themselves out. This incredible character arc is so comforting in this chaos. This also made sense as to how from mortal enemies saving the relationship became more important than the war. I'm talking about how Xaden genuinely saw Violets potential. He helped her in training, gave her tips to survive and make the most out of the natural gifts she has. Ofcourse attraction and tension matters but violet was the weakest link still she hones her skill and maybe outshines everyone too. This is what truly relationship and friendships should be like. All of them are truly ready to fly or die for eachother.
I literally had 0 expectations, picked it up to entertain myself post-surgery recovering. But I soared through it within a day. It's so engaging even to someone like me who doesn't read fantasy and romance that much. The characters are fully fledged. We get to know them at a natural pace along with learning about it's world-build. This one is most definitely a set-up for it's sequel which has alot at stake both in the war and romance department.
Lastly, bonus points for keeping the romance a healthy one, sure there are communication issues but this is war we are talking about its understandable. But still thank you to the author for not making Xaden a toxic menace to society which is what usually happens with "bad boys".
Reading it made my mental health alot better. And I kind of feel like a badass too thanks to chronic-illness representation! <3
Edit- I read fourth wing for the adventure and romance but I've been constantly thinking about why does this book work for me? Is it the constant bombarding of characters put in dangerous situations and coming out victorious? The sweet reward of hardwork, intelligence and friendships? the slow burn spice of the romance? But what clicked for me is that the cast is actually so respectful to each other. It's aware of who are the bullies and who are the people trying to figure themselves out. This incredible character arc is so comforting in this chaos. This also made sense as to how from mortal enemies saving the relationship became more important than the war. I'm talking about how Xaden genuinely saw Violets potential. He helped her in training, gave her tips to survive and make the most out of the natural gifts she has. Ofcourse attraction and tension matters but violet was the weakest link still she hones her skill and maybe outshines everyone too. This is what truly relationship and friendships should be like. All of them are truly ready to fly or die for eachother.