'Fourth Wing' Review
“I will not run. I wouldn’t be standing here if I’d quit every time something seemed impossible to overcome. I will not die today.”
Fourth Wing is a bit of a polarizing book! There seems to be two camps people fall into; either it grips your soul and you love it, or you end up finding the writing a bit immature and the plot uninspired. Today, we’re dishing out a twin perspective! Kate and I ventured into this trending novel, each resonating differently with its narrative. Keep reading to see where our affections landed.
Summary
Destined for a quiet life in the Scribe Quadrant, twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail’s world is upended when her general mother orders her to vie for a position among Navarre’s esteemed dragon riders. Despite her small stature and brittle frame, Violet must navigate a deadly rivalry with fellow cadets and a vicious wingleader, Xaden Riorson, all while uncovering sinister secrets amidst a looming war. Every dawn at Basgiath War College brings a choice: inch closer to graduation, or face death in a realm where dragons bond with only the strong.
Characters
Sarah: I thought the characters in this book were great! The main character Violet struggles with weak joints and chronic pain. Despite this she is determined to make it through Basgiath and become a dragon rider. She is loyal and compassionate. Xaden is a strong, handsome, muscular, dark haired, shadow wielding powerhouse. Exactly what you would expect from the off limits sexy rebel. Is it expected? Yes. But I fall in love with this type every time! I just can’t help myself.
Now to the dragons. First up is Tairn. Surprisingly, I didn’t think it was possible to want to be friends with a dragon, yet here I am, desiring just that. He is one of the deadliest and strongest dragons out there, and he is an absolute savage! Moreover, he’s sarcastic and absolutely hilarious. Now, shifting our focus to Andarna. She’s the sweetest little golden dragon you’ve ever seen. I just wanted to cuddle her right away. She is sweet, loyal, and absolutely adorable. Furthermore, I have a feeling that as she grows into an adult dragon, she is going to become fiercely impressive.
Kate: From the very start, I was hooked to see how the characters’ journeys would unfold. I was drawn to Violet’s fierce determination, despite her fellow cadets’ doubts, and her clever ideas to evade challenges. The bonds between the dragons and their riders was undeniably one of the best parts of the book. Even though I liked the characters, the modern slang the author used, pulled me out of the story. The timeline of the characters’ developments and relationships felt out of sync, considering this is an enemy to lovers trope. Specifically, the romance between Xaden and Violet felt rushed and lacked depth.
Plot
Sarah: I was hooked from the first couple of chapters. I thought the war college was an interesting backdrop to set up the remaining books in this series. We learn about some of the history of dragons and the different territories from Violet who recites facts as a way to calm her mind. I didn’t mind that approach because I honestly don’t enjoy pages and pages of world building. It was weaved throughout the story in a way that was interesting and understandable.
One of the common complaints I’ve seen is that the writing is immature and juvenile. I didn’t feel like that was the case. Especially considering these kids are in their early twenties. Did Violet obsess over how hot Xaden was throughout most of the book. Yep. But then again, if I were her I would do the same! I thought the banter between the characters (especially Tairn) was funny. There were multiple times I actually laughed out loud.
The sexual tension throughout most of the book had my heart racing. I am a big fan of the build up before characters get together, then once they do it’s explosive. Quite literally in this case! I ate those parts up!
Kate: This is an epic story with intriguing politics and challenges that will have you on the edge of your seat. I loved the suspense that took place around the dragons choosing their riders and channeling their unique powers through the bonds. Personally, I would’ve enjoyed the book more if the plot wasn’t as lust heavy. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still team Xaden, but I think the story would have flowed better if the passion and action were less intermingled. I’m hoping the next book will cater more towards this!
Final Thoughts
Sarah: This book is an easy 5 stars for me. The story is a bit predictable. I mean it’s an enemies to lovers trope where the seemingly weak heroine is in a kill or be killed situation. It’s not a super unique plot, but it’s written in a way that had me insanely invested in the story. The ending made me gasp and was the perfect cliffhanger. The only thing that frustrated me was that I wasn’t able to immediately start the next book. Only 4 days until its release. And yes, I have it pre-ordered!
Kate: I’d rate this book as an average 3 stars. It was an engaging read, but it fell short of my expectations. Still, I’m curious about where the story goes next in Iron Flame. Hopefully as the series continues and the characters evolve, my ratings will follow!
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