
Our score:
4.4 / 5
Fourth Wing
Rebecca YarrosOur Review:
Rebecca Yarros's "Fourth Wing" is a thrilling adventure that revitalizes the fantasy subgenre. In an alternate reality where dragon riders are royalty, Yarros spins a story that seems similar but is really original. An underdog story that draws the reader in right away is that of Violet Sorrengail, a young woman who is thrown into a harsh training program for which she appears unprepared.
The world-building by Yarros is remarkable; the human and dragon inmates of Basgiath War College are depicted in great detail. The story's central conflicts and magical system are both enhanced by the well-developed bond between riders and dragons.
With just the right amount of action, political intrigue, and sexual tension, the pace is unrelenting, keeping readers glued to the edge of their seats. Regarding romantic relationships, Violet and Xaden's transformation from rivals to lovers is thrilling, however it can be a little rushed or overdone at points.
There are certain problems with the book, despite its numerous strengths. The abundance of amorous moments or the characters' cringeworthy speech may be issues for certain readers. While interesting, the plot can feel disjointed at times, and we could need more explanation for why some characters act the way they do.
In spite of these small issues, "Fourth Wing" is nevertheless a compelling story. Yarros's writing gets much better as the novel goes on; the last third of the book is excellent in especially, laying a fascinating groundwork for the series.
For what is sure to be an interesting series, "Fourth Wing" is an excellent introduction. An exceptional example of adult fantasy, it combines intense romance with intricate world-building and high-stakes action. I would highly recommend it to fantasy fans looking for their new obsession because, despite its flaws, it has indisputable entertainment value.