FOURTH WING
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is a romantasy novel, set in the intriguing backdrop of a dragon war college in a fantastical world. The story centers around twenty-year-old Violet, whose life was meant to be spent surrounded by books and history in the Scribe Quadrant. However, her mother, the commanding general, has other plans and compels her to participate in the perilous competition to become a dragon rider. A formidable challenge lies ahead, for Violet is smaller and physically weaker than her competitors, and dragons typically do not form bonds with "fragile" humans. To survive and succeed, Violet must rely on her intellect and resourcefulness. Amidst a backdrop of friendships, rivalries, and potential romances, everyone at the college harbors hidden agendas, and the only paths forward are graduation or death.
The characters in this enchanting tale exude a charm reminiscent of the early 2000s and 2010s dystopian novels, like "The Hunger Games", “Maze Runner” and "Divergent." But what truly sets this story apart is the representation of a protagonist with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which brings a refreshing and alternative perspective to the realm of strength and resilience. The diverse cast exudes a found family vibe reminiscent of the beloved "Harry Potter" series.
The pacing of the story is exhilarating, ensuring that readers are constantly engaged, and the experience is a riveting one, just like riding a dragon would be. What shines brilliantly in Fourth Wing is its capacity to transport readers into a world of fantastical romance and adventure. Reading this book felt akin to falling in love with reading as a teenager, staying up late under the covers because the anticipation of what happens next is too enticing to resist. And being part of the virality and hype surrounding the book adds an extra layer of enjoyment, a shared adventure for readers.
The quality of the writing, while not reaching the heights of literary excellence, maintains a good standard. So don’t go into Fourth Wing expecting a literary masterpiece. You should also know that it does occasionally venture into familiar tropes and predictable plotlines, which may be its only shortcoming.
Fourth Wing is an ideal read for new adult audiences and those who have a fondness for the popular dystopian fiction genre. While it includes some graphic sexual scenes (I’d give it a 3.5/5 spice level), it can still be enjoyed without them. This book is a five-star journey into an exciting world of dragons, adventure, and enchanting romance, perfect for anyone seeking a delightful and easy read.
Rating: 5 stars
