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reg_litbytes 's review for:
Fourth Wing
by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
TLDR: Nothing exceptional plot-wise but the structure of the writing keeps the book intriguing. Heavy on the romance but the spicy scenes are skippable without taking anything away from the plot.
REVIEW:
The plot itself is not anything mind blowing but the structure of the story telling is so engaging that I found myself unable to put the book down.
I really love how at the start of every chapter is a line from a journal or diary that sets the tone for the chapter. It's like teasing the reader of what's to come and heightens the anticipation. I found myself constantly flipping the page back to the start of the chapter before moving on to the next just to check if I guessed what those lines were about. Then there's the gradual reveal of why the title and cover is the way it is. It was such a treat once realization hit me. I hope this style carries over to the sequels.
Another great plus is that this novel promises death and it delivers. It's a pet peeve of mine when stories set in war has barely any main cast casualty or none at all. It was a nice touch that those who died, and there will be many, are not necessarily just faceless NPCs. They get names and some even got back stories even though their existence to the story is only brief. There is no guarantee that the character just introduced is going to last until the next chapter. There we be a lot of names so this might be a point of struggle for some.
It was also a fun arrangement that about 90% of the book is written in violet's point of view and then when the narrative is that she's dying, the point of view shifts to Xaden. It gives a sense of maybe, just maybe, Violet might not pull through and the subsequent books will be written in Xaden's or someone else's point of view. In its way it felt like the author subtly saying no one's really safe in this story. I doubt that but I think it's a nice touch.
My least favorite is the romance, because me being me is never really here for that. At times it just feels cheesy and a bit cringy but for those who want it, it's probably enough to satisfy... but don't take my word for it. The whole longing and back and forth snide remarks/teasing thing is very reminiscent of the 2010s YA enemies to lovers trope. Predictable but not necessarily a bad thing. The banter between the characters is still entertaining. Fortunately, for those who don't want to read the spicy scenes, they're skippable and will not take away anything from the story if you choose to ignore it.
Coming from a ton of fantasy with dragons, this book will not really satisfy those wanting something fresh plot-wise. But, those who are new to stories like this will most likely enjoy it as the writing is not daunting and the plot not too convoluted.
As long as the next book follows a similar structure, I'll definitely read it.
P.S. I'm so glad I didn't read this when it was just released because that ending is definitely hanging on a cliff. I'm lucky to be able to read the sequel immediately.
REVIEW:
The plot itself is not anything mind blowing but the structure of the story telling is so engaging that I found myself unable to put the book down.
I really love how at the start of every chapter is a line from a journal or diary that sets the tone for the chapter. It's like teasing the reader of what's to come and heightens the anticipation. I found myself constantly flipping the page back to the start of the chapter before moving on to the next just to check if I guessed what those lines were about. Then there's the gradual reveal of why the title and cover is the way it is. It was such a treat once realization hit me. I hope this style carries over to the sequels.
Another great plus is that this novel promises death and it delivers. It's a pet peeve of mine when stories set in war has barely any main cast casualty or none at all. It was a nice touch that those who died, and there will be many, are not necessarily just faceless NPCs. They get names and some even got back stories even though their existence to the story is only brief. There is no guarantee that the character just introduced is going to last until the next chapter. There we be a lot of names so this might be a point of struggle for some.
My least favorite is the romance, because me being me is never really here for that. At times it just feels cheesy and a bit cringy but for those who want it, it's probably enough to satisfy... but don't take my word for it. The whole longing and back and forth snide remarks/teasing thing is very reminiscent of the 2010s YA enemies to lovers trope. Predictable but not necessarily a bad thing. The banter between the characters is still entertaining. Fortunately, for those who don't want to read the spicy scenes, they're skippable and will not take away anything from the story if you choose to ignore it.
Coming from a ton of fantasy with dragons, this book will not really satisfy those wanting something fresh plot-wise. But, those who are new to stories like this will most likely enjoy it as the writing is not daunting and the plot not too convoluted.
As long as the next book follows a similar structure, I'll definitely read it.
P.S. I'm so glad I didn't read this when it was just released because that ending is definitely hanging on a cliff. I'm lucky to be able to read the sequel immediately.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Classism