Review by natashaleighton_ - Fourth Wing

natashaleighton_ 's review for:

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

5.0

adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A book that currently needs no introduction, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros was an action packed, edge of your seat read full of endearing characters I couldn’t help but emotionally invest in.

In fact, the moment I read the Divergent/Hunger Games meets House of The Dragon style premise—I knew I had no choice but to pick this up.

And I honestly it was amazing! And quite possibly fastest I’ve finished a book this chunky all year!

I know it probably feels waay to hyped right now but I’m telling you— it’s definitely justified. Especially if (like me) you’re a huge fan of plot twisty (politically inclined) military fantasy, enemies to lovers-style sexual tension, or endearing characters you can’t help but root for.

The world building was really good if a little slow to start, but the intrigue and politics that takes place within the rider’s quadrant was super interesting to me. Plus the harrowing (and almost certainly life threatening for some) had me glued to my seat.

If you’re not a fan of military based fantasies or don’t enjoy a slow burn style plot —or romance (most of which takes place in the second half of the book) then you’re probably gonna struggle with this. But as the dragons make more of an appearance and become more involved with the plot things really pick up. And that’s when all the delicious tension (and heart pounding action) comes into play.

I absolutely adored Violet and loved that despite the physical limitations of her chronic illness, she perseveres with the gruelling training and even begins to thrive—despite how many people try to diminish her achievements or underestimate her.

She’s such a compassionate person and I just loved seeing her stand up to the bullies—she’s definitely one of those quietly badass characters who gets better the more time we spend with her.

Xaden (in my opinion) was the perfect brooding love interest (and my newest book boyfriend) —though I admit the enemy/ rival dynamics didn’t feel quite as enemy-like as I’d initially expected. In fact if Dain (Violet’s childhood friend) hadn’t kept bringing it up I probably would’ve forgot.

The dragons were for sure the biggest draw for me and they definitely didn’t disappoint! I loved the stern, grumpiness of Tairn and the playful nature of Andarna and can’t wait to see where things will go with the rest of the series.

I don’t want to say anything else in case of spoilers but just know it does end on a rather spectacular cliff hanger ending.

A definite contender for my favourite read of 2023! If you need me I’ll be eagerly counting down the date until book 2 is released.

Content Warnings