Fourth Wing is the first book in Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean series. I wasn't going to read this book. My sister had been raving about it for weeks, saying I should read it. I put it on my list and, honestly, forgot about it. Then I went to the bookstore with my best friend and she bought this book and the sequel, telling me she has never been more excited to start a series. That night, I was looking for a new audiobook to listen to on my long car rides and saw the title pop up. I decided to give it a shot.
...and WOW! Who let me sleep on this?? I have never been so captivated from the very beginning to the last line of a book. Fourth Wing follows Violet Sorrengail as she takes on the Riders Quadrant, part of a war college and designed to pick off the weakest links. You can certainly prepare physically and mentally before becoming a candidate. But not Violet! She had been studying for years to join the Scribe Quadrant and is physically smaller with disabilities causing her to be more fragile. So why is she here? Her mother forced Violet into the ranks. Now she must face her physical limitations in order to survive training, bonding a dragon, and making it to graduation day. Hopefully. Did I mention everyone is trying to kill her? Inside the quadrant, she meets the children of the rebellion leaders who were killed by Violet's mother. Including Xaden Riorson. It's safe to say they don't care for Violet much.
As an avid reader, largely fantasy at that, I can't think of a book I've like more than this one. I finished much faster than normal, probably because I never got off the waitlist for the text version and could listen to the audiobook wherever I went, but I'm not sure the format made a difference! I love seeing a well developed female character who is facing real challenges. This is not some "hero's journey" story. It's relatable (if you ignore the magic and the dragons). I felt a strong connection to Violet and found myself cheering her on, feeling her pain and conflicts, and wanting her to succeed. I will be throwing myself into the second book, Iron Flame, as soon as I'm able to.
5 out of 5 stars! Spice level 3 out of 5 (but when it's hot, it's hot).
Learn all about Rebecca Yarros at https://www.rebeccayarros.com/
Thirsty? This book pairs well with a smoky spiced orange cocktail and sticking it to your enemies.
Also, check out the Fourth Wing summary for a refresher before you read Iron Flame.
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