If you’re looking for a book that combines action, romance, and a whole lot of emotional twists, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros might just be your next obsession. I dove into this one, and let me tell you, it’s got everything—dragons, magic, and a story that keeps you hooked from the first page. In this review, I’m sharing what worked for me, the parts that had me on the edge of my seat, and a few things that might not hit for everyone.
So, without giving too much away, Fourth Wing throws you into a world where dragons and humans are bound by intense magical connections. The main character, Violet, is training to become a dragon rider, and it’s no easy path. She’s facing some major challenges, from competing against her peers to proving herself worthy of bonding with one of these fierce creatures. Along the way, she meets Xander, a brooding, mysterious guy who keeps showing up in all the right (or wrong?) places. Together, they have to figure out not only their place in the dragon-riding world but also if they can trust each other—or their feelings.
I loved how the book didn’t waste any time throwing you into the action. Right from the start, you’re caught up in Violet’s world, feeling her adrenaline and her fears. It’s intense, but in a good way, like you’re living the story right there with her.
What I Connected With
As someone who loves a good mix of adventure and romance, this book ticked a lot of boxes for me. Violet is the kind of character you root for—she’s not perfect, but she’s brave and determined. I felt her struggle and her strength, especially in those moments where she’s just trying to prove herself in a world that seems stacked against her.
The whole dynamic between Violet and Xander had me hooked. Their chemistry was electric, and I found myself flipping pages, wanting to know what would happen next. It reminded me of that thrill when you’re on the edge of something new and exciting but also super unsure of where it’s going. The book captures that feeling so well.
What I Loved About It
Yarros has a talent for building a world that feels rich and full of life. The way she describes the dragons and the training makes it easy to visualize everything. The tension and the stakes feel real, and I couldn’t help but get invested in Violet’s journey. You can tell a lot of thought went into creating this magical world, and it’s one I didn’t want to leave.
The romance, too, felt like the perfect balance. It wasn’t just thrown in for the sake of it; it added to the story and gave depth to the characters. Violet and Xander’s connection develops in a way that feels real, with all the push and pull of two people figuring out if they can trust each other in such a dangerous setting.
A Few Things That Didn’t Hit for Me
Even though I loved a lot about Fourth Wing, there were a few moments where the story felt a bit predictable. There are some classic fantasy and romance tropes in play, and while they work, if you’ve read a lot in the genre, you might see some things coming before they happen.
Another thing was the pacing. The story is mostly fast-paced, but there were a couple of sections that felt like they slowed down a bit too much. It was like the momentum dipped, and I found myself wanting to skip ahead to get back to the action.
A Thrilling Ride
All in all, Fourth Wing is a thrilling ride that has a little bit of everything—action, romance, and a whole lot of heart. If you’re a fan of fantasy stories with strong heroines, fierce dragons, and a swoon-worthy romance, you’ll definitely want to give this one a shot. Sure, it has some familiar elements, but that doesn’t take away from the fun of getting lost in this world.
Have you read Fourth Wing? I’d love to know what you think! Did Violet and Xander’s story pull you in, or did the tropes feel a little too familiar? Let’s chat about it in the comments!
