I began my journey with Fourth Wing late last year, eagerly diving into the pages with both the physical book and its audio counterpart. However, after about 20 pages, I hit a wall and found myself unable to connect with the story. Sometimes, it’s just not the right moment for a book, and that was definitely the case for me then.
Fast forward a few months, and after realizing I had over 40 Audible credits gathering dust, I decided it was time to give Fourth Wing another shot. This decision came on the heels of reading Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune and This Is for the Other Child by Courageous Fire, which had reignited my passion for reading.
Let me tell you, I devoured Fourth Wing in no time. It exceeded all my expectations. Initially, I was concerned about keeping up with the intricate world-building, names, and various elements tied to the Basgiath War College. However, Yarros crafted the narrative in such a way that the world-building felt accessible and engaging rather than overwhelming.
Now, a quick summary for those unfamiliar: the story revolves around Violet, a determined young woman striving to become a dragon rider and prove that she is more than just the General’s daughter. She faces the daunting legacy of her family, including her brother Brennan and sister Myra, while navigating the treacherous environment of the War College.
One aspect that truly resonated with me was Violet’s fierce determination. She is not just fighting for her place among the legendary dragon riders; she is fighting against the expectations placed upon her. While there were moments when Violet’s character annoyed me, it’s essential to remember that she is a 20-year-old girl thrust into a world she never anticipated. Her growth throughout the book is both relatable and inspiring.
On the other hand, Dean, her childhood friend, became a source of frustration for me. His initial protective instincts turned into doubt, and even halfway through the book, he was still trying to steer her back to a life as a scribe instead of supporting her dragon-riding aspirations. His character often reminded me of Gale from The Hunger Games, but he felt more irritating as the story progressed.
In contrast, I found Zaiden’s character intriguing. He embodies the brooding outsider trope and challenges Violet in ways that keep the tension alive until the very end. And can we just take a moment to appreciate Andarna? She is undoubtedly the highlight of the book, adding depth and excitement to Violet’s journey.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Fourth Wing. The world-building was exceptional, the dialogue sharp, and Violet’s journey from a first-year student to a formidable dragon rider was captivating. The epic conclusion, which I won’t spoil, left me eager for more. If I didn’t have a podcast to manage or a social life to juggle, I might have finished this book in a day!
Now, I’m incredibly excited to dive into the next installment, Iron Flame, and explore more of this dystopian world where dragons and humans communicate and fight for their land’s security. If you’re looking for a compelling fantasy read with strong characters and rich world-building, I highly recommend Fourth Wing.
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