Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

The Empyrean #1

Rating: ★★★★★

Dates Read: 6/8/23 - 6/18/23

    Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail's peaceful plans of living among books and history in the Scribe Quadrant are shattered when her commanding general mother forces her to join the fierce competition to become a dragon rider in Navarre. Being small and frail, Violet faces the constant threat of death as dragons rarely bond with "fragile" humans, often incinerating them instead.

    With the competition fierce, most candidates would kill Violet to improve their chances of bonding with a dragon, while others would do it out of spite for her mother's position. Among her adversaries is Xaden Riorson, the powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

    Survival becomes Violet's priority as she navigates the treacherous training. Each day brings a growing threat from the ongoing war, weakening protective wards, and rising death toll. Amidst it all, Violet becomes suspicious of leadership hiding a dark secret. As the dangers escalate, she must rely on her wits and cunning to stay alive and uncover the truth that lies beneath the surface.

    “There’s nowhere in existence you could go that I wouldn’t find you, Violence.”

    I'm so thankful I decided to read this book, despite my reservations from Booktok. Fourth Wing has become one of my top reads of the year, and I've already preordered the second book. This story has stayed with me since I finished it, and it even brought tears to my eyes—a rare occurrence for me in a long time. I absolutely adore this book, and here's why.

    The main character, Violet, surprised me in the best way. Initially, I expected her to be cautious, but she quickly revealed her wit and snark, making me laugh out loud. Despite not being physically adept, her training as a scribe became her greatest strength, allowing her to outwit her opponents in impressive and badass ways. Throughout the book, Violet undergoes various arcs, becoming braver, more confident, and fierce. She struggles with embracing her power and identity while fearing becoming like her mother. Her journey at Basgiath helps her find a balance between compassion and strength, earning her the awesome nickname "Violence" from Xaden, the love interest.

    The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Violet and Xaden is simply phenomenal. Their tension and respect for each other add an irresistible flavor to their relationship. Xaden's character is mysterious and smartass, but not cruel. He cares deeply for others, making him an attractive and compelling love interest. The plot is captivating with just the right amount of action and suspense to keep you hooked. There's never a dull moment, and the integration of worldbuilding is seamless. I was thrilled with the buildup to the dragons and the way they were integrated into the story.

    Fourth Wing isn't just about Violet surviving her first year—it's about her growth and transformation into a powerful dragon rider. The book sets up big things to come, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for Violet and the world of Basgiath. This book is a must-read for fantasy lovers and fans of enemies-to-lovers romance. I can't recommend it enough!