Fourth Wing (Empyrean)

Having heard raving reviews and whispers about 'Fourth Wing' for what felt like an eternity, I finally decided it was time to make it my next literary adventure. I have previously had no encounter with a Rebecca Yarros novel, though the prospect of diving into a book showered with overwhelming acclaim did give rise to a touch of apprehension. What if my expectations were too high? However, the persistent curiosity surrounding this book left me with no choice but to take the plunge. Luckily, fate smiled upon me. From the very outset, 'Fourth Wing' ensnared my attention, refusing to release its grip until the very last page. This novel is an irresistible escapade. Violet's journey commences abruptly as she finds herself thrust into the perilous Riders Quadrant, a stark departure from her envisioned sanctuary in the Scribe Quadrant amidst books. With a physical fragility that seemingly marks her for demise, she becomes an unlikely contender in a place where survival is a fierce battle. Undeterred, Violet channels her tenacity into relentless efforts to fortify herself. Gifted with intellect, she navigates the challenges, becoming adept at outsmarting those around her. In a cutthroat environment where trust is scarce, distinguishing allies from foes becomes a daunting task. Enter Xaden Riorson, the formidable wingleader in the Riders Quadrant, whose power and ruthlessness make him a force to be reckoned with. However, buried beneath his dominance lies a deep-seated vendetta fueled by the shadows of the past—Violet's mother having played a pivotal role in the demise of his father. 'Fourth Wing' effortlessly encapsulates everything I adore in a book—fantasy, romance, suspense, and unexpected twists. Returning to the realm of fantasy after a brief hiatus, I relished every facet of this narrative—the dragons, the magic, and the harsh yet captivating world that held me in its grasp. The story lingered in my thoughts throughout the day, a testament to its compelling characters and intricate plot. And the romance, an exquisite torment! It left me yearning for more, and the ending spurred me to hastily order the next instalment. 'Fourth Wing' effortlessly earns a place on my favourites list—a resounding five-star rating and the easiest decision of the year.

I picked this book up because of all the hype I was seeing on Tiktok and Instagram, everyone was reading and loving this book. It did no disappoint, I was hooked from 3 chapters in and it easily became one of my favourite books I've read in a while. I am obsessed with everything about this book, every word, every page had me gripped and on the edge of my seat. I went through so many emotions while reading this, the absolute unflinching brutality the characters face is both addictive and shocking, but there are also so many triumphs and heart squeezing moments. Rebecca Yarros has done what some authors can't do, and that is write a book that has everything you could ask for. Violet Sorrengail is among my all-time favourite FMC's ever, she was everything you could ask for in a female MC. She is the embodiment of determination, grit and bravery. Her willingness to bet on herself time and again when so many around her keep telling her she will never be good enough is so inspiring, her absolute grit to survive or at least giving it her all when she thinks she can't do something. She never gave up and became an ultimate badass. Having had chronic illness, people always underestimate her (all but one) but that's what makes her an underdog. I liked how balanced her character and personality was, never over the top and I liked how the author didn't make the chronic illness her whole personality, she showed that it didn't stop her from being amazing. Xaden is the most powerful and brutal Wing leader at the academy and also the main person likely to kill Violet, we love an enemies to lovers, but I knew from the start he had a hidden agenda and feelings. I loved his character, he only gets more interesting as the story goes on and the TENSION between Violet and him, was steaming, it is hotter than the dragon fire. I was screaming at the book for them to finally kiss! Xaden defiantly had his secrets and it made him seem more broody but once he started opening up, and we got to see the softer side of him, it made him even better. He's always up for a challenge and he serves every freaking time. He has such a soft spot when it comes down to it. Him showing his love through his actions and constantly challenging Violet to do better, even in moments she didn't believe in herself, was everything you could ask for in a MMC. He made me swoon multiple times. The romance is an angsty slowburn, enemies to lovers (what more could you need?!) and it was brilliantly it was executed. Even though it was a slowburn, the romance came at the right time. And if you like the characters being jealous, you'll enjoy that trope here too. Xaden and Violet's chemistry is off the charts from the beginning, just him looking at her makes you swoon. They compliment each other so well and I like how open and honest they are with each other, and that both of them don't hold each other back and give the other room to make mistakes, learn and grow. It is a mature relationship, which I love to see in fantasies. The Dragons were an amazing surprise, they all have their own personalities and I love it! I got major How to Train Your Dragon vibes. They're lethal, terrifying, and spectacular and I know need to find more dragon books! The found family in this book is the most precious thing ever, I feel in love with each side character but also had major anxiety whenever they were in a dangerous situation. I loved to read how they’re bonded together and I can see that each relationship has the potential to grow into something really special. The camaraderie and rivalry between the riders is such a significant part of the story. The plot was addicting from start to finish, with some many wow moments, WTF moments and sad moments. Rebecca Yarros has written such a thrilling, addicting and compelling introduction book to this wonderful world of dragons and their riders, and I can't wait to see where the story continues! I don't know how I am going to wait till November, but I am defiantly going to be rereading and discussing theories!

Wow! It has been a LONG time since I have actually felt tension while reading a book. I can read the biggest action scenes at the end of various books and the majority of the time they just don't affect me at all - because I don't care that much about the characters. But THIS - this was different. I felt the tension. And it was real. Plus the author is very willing to kill characters so there is some uncertainty there as well. And the battle at the end of this most excellent book - it was hot and raging. Plus the enemy leaked danger as well. True menace. Very rarely does some enemy in a book impress me at all but this one most certainly did.. Right from the description I just KNEW there was something different about these mages called venin. They seemed impressive too. And very memorable. I wanted to draw them based off of the description. Very rarely do I get that urge. But what a battle at the end! It was touch and go. What would happen? Would the heroes win or lose? I didn't know. And I felt concern. This book has made me feel things. Earlier it had made me cry - tears of joy. And the book has surprised me too. The plot twists! I guess I should have seen it coming but I didn't so I was quite surprised. But it certainly makes the story way more interesting! And I am certainly eager to read the sequel too! This is a massive book and worth reading every word! And rarely do I feel that way. But its exciting and the characters face so many challenges. And there is death too. In fact there is a lot of death in here. Its a very violent world, a tough world of dragons and griffins and things that are supposed to be only legends to scare kids to eat their vegetables... But what I love the most in here in the main character Violet. She has a connective tissue disorder. I have one too (its called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome - EDS - and I am pretty confident that Violet actually has EDS). I have never run across a character in a book before that has EDS. And certainly not one that is bold enough to be in a fantasy world where she rides a dragon. How cool is that? So yes I certainly can relate to her very well! And so much of the stuff in here is quite accurate too. Exercise is the best way to protect the joints (and personally I find diet matters a ton too). And yes it certainly can make many things way harder. The joints are all wonky and they naturally hyper-extend so doing things - even just balancing - is way harder. But riding a dragon!!! I remember when I was much younger I used to read this other very popular fantasy series that included dragons and I used to try to imagine what it would be like to ride a dragon. Of course I never thought about the issues of staying ON said dragon... But since I ride horses these days I have a better idea of some of the issues. But wow this book is totally AMAZING! it totally captivated my attention. The first evening I started it I got 50% through. And I certainly would have powered through the second half yesterday but unfortunately I have packing to do as I am moving at the end of the month. If I could I would rate it 6 stars! The characters are just so real. And they go through character arcs too. They change. They face obstacles and have to find solutions. And there is certainly a bit of romance in here too. The story moved so smoothly. Never a dull moment at all. None. And I just loved the first person writing in here from Violet's viewpoint. But the story is about a young woman named Violet who has been forced by her very powerful mother to become a dragon rider. That is a warrior. But her body is weak and ill suited for it. So she was training to be a scribe (but all of that writing would be a huge strain on her too - in fact I cannot write very long at all by hand anymore without pain + numbness going down my arm and I get horrid shoulder pain) but that changed - she had to go be a dragon rider or die trying. But its not that easy in fact its very dangerous. Most people who try to become a rider end up dead. And you can be killed by your own classmates! Yes, its a very brutal school. And after all of these difficult obstacles - which Violet is ill suited to pass - she has to hope that a dragon will pick her. But what dragon will pick someone with a body that doesn't work right due to genetic mutations? And all of that is near the beginning of the book! For a huge mysterious and dangerous problem is brewing in the Kingdom! And poor Violet will run smack into it - err - fly into it. If she can stay on the dragon that is... You definitely should read this!

Para quem ama esse universo de romantasy, Fourth Wing é uma ótima escolha. Superficialmente, é como se a autora pegasse Jogos Vorazes, As Crônicas de Gelo e Fogo, Harry Potter, ACOTAR e batesse em um liquidificador para criar essa obra. Porém, ao nos aprofundarmos na história, esquecemos essa primeira impressão, pois é notável que a Rebecca Yaros sabe escrever uma trama envolvente, que transporta o leitor para aquele universo e consegue fazê-lo sentir o que a personagem sente. Inicialmente, sobre a trama: Violet Sorrengail é a clássica heroína que se difere dos outros porque nunca quis se encaixar naquele contexto em primeiro lugar. Em uma escola dividida em quatro esquadrões - escribas, infantaria, curandeiros e montadores de dragões -, ela queria se dedicar ao primeiro, mas é forçada a ir para o último. Daí pra frente, apenas existir lá dentro se torna uma luta pela sobrevivência, pois os montadores de dragões não aceitam alguém que enfraqueça essa unidade. Lá, ela conhece Xanden Riorson, o qual é um, também clássico, anti-herói que será o interesse amoroso - e muito, muito carnal - da personagem. Ele tem tudo que amamos em um mocinho de romantasy: é lindo, é forte, chama a Violet por um apelido especial, apoia a liberdade e a liderança dela com um jeito de malvado, de perigoso, de irônico... mas tem todos os motivos do mundo pra fazer o que faz, é justo, é leal, é irresistível...e, no final das contas, completamente devoto a ela. É a receita infalível para um enemies to lovers de devorar em uma madrugada. Jogue no meio o perigo constante, ameaças mortais, dragões amedrontadores, inimigos POR TODA PARTE, uma revolução no mundo em que a protagonista vive e no jeito que ela vê as coisas e temos Fourth Wing nos prendendo à leitura como maníacas obcecadas. Claro, o livro tem defeitos: existem muitos clichês - desde bad boys vs mocinho, a garota diferente das outras garotas, protagonista superidealizada (vulgo Mary Sue/a escolhida/se errou, foi com razão) em alguns momentos, mommy e daddy issues pra todo lado -, pelo menos 1 palavrão por página (o que, em minha opinião, deixa o livro adolescente demais), e se você é apaixonada pelo Rhysand de ACOTAR, você provavelmente vai notar umas certas... semelhanças entre ele e o Xaden. Em suma, o livro cumpre o seu papel: é uma leitura divertida, te mantém interessada o tempo inteiro, te faz torcer por alguns personagens e odiar outros, te faz passar mal com as cenas hot (muito bem escritas, por sinal!), e ir correndo pro próximo livro da série só pra não nem 1 minuto de distância daquele mundo e daquele casal. Eu não diria que é super revolucionário, pois acho que esse nicho literário (fantasia com romances épicos para jovens adultos) já não tem tanto pra onde correr mais. Dito isso, cá estou eu, já terminando o segundo livro e em agonia por ter que esperar o terceiro. Enfim, recomendo!

Real nice book, my jaw dropped to the floor with the last sentence.

Good book

“𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵. 𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰…” 𝘏𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘬, 𝘪𝘯𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘺. “𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘦.” 🐉 Romance Fantasy 🐉 Slow-Burn 🐉 Enemies to lovers 🐉 DRAGONS 🐉 Power/Magic 🐉 Death, Betrayal, War-games/Trials 3 words : 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗯𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲 I’m completely obsessed, completely in love … I can’t stop thinking about it .. Xaden is in the race for my favorite book Boyfriend ever, the dragons are perfect , they are characters not just .. big pets.. The plot sucked me in, the world building made me dream, the end made me cry and the cliffhanger made me gasp .. 𝘏𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴. “𝘚𝘦𝘦? 𝘚𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳.” 𝘚𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘤𝘺. “𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯. » “𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵,” Biggest hangover of the year so far, I need the sequel like I need my next breath and nothing else matters until then.. Of course it’s a big ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ♾️ for me. Nothing else to say. 𝘈 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥𝘺. 𝘈 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥.