Fourth Wing Book Review
Rebecca Yarros’s debut novel, Fourth Wing, is, according to Wikipedia, “one of the most popular fantasy books currently.” This romantic fantasy follows 20-year-old Violet Sorrengail as she navigates her way through Basgiath War College, a college for dragon riders, where there are only 2 ways to get out: graduate or die.
While Violet’s determination shines through, a vivid sense of her physical fragility contrasts sharply with the harsh surroundings, making her struggle all the more palpable. strong-willed but physically weak, something that society sees not as a death sentence for those enrolling in the Basgiath war college, but a promise of an almost instantaneous demise. However, she quickly proves the stereotype wrong. Not only does she survive, but she excels—bonding with a dragon and overcoming every challenge thrown her way. She survives every challenge set before her, defying expectations at every turn. The last word of advice that her older sister gives her before leaving her at the gates of the school is, “Stay away from Xaden Riorson.” The reason is that he hates their family and will most definitely try to kill her. At first, Violet heeds her sister’s warning, but the second she sees how tall and handsome Xaden Riorson is, she quickly falls for the powerful and mysterious dragon rider.
The story is described as both fantastical, romantic, and gut-wrenching. With readers drawn to the intense and emotional relationships between the characters. Violet’s journey isn’t just about survival and growing stronger physically, but growing stronger mentally as well. As she fights both outside threats (the people who hate her and her own self-doubt), she also learns a few things along the way. One review said, “Yarros crafts a heroine who is fierce yet vulnerable, making Violet’s triumphs all the more satisfying” (FantasyBookLover, 2024), highlighting how the author balances strength with emotional depth. Another review stated that, “The chemistry between Violet and Xaden leaps off the page, adding depth to the fast-paced story” (ReadersRealm, 2024). And one fan wrote, “The dragon lore and war college setting are richly imagined and keep readers hooked” (DragonTales Review, 2024).
While the romance between Violet and Xaden adds a passionate and intense layer to the story, the dark moments where you feel fear and excitement at the same time are the reason that keeps many readers turning a page. Many praised Yarros for creating a protagonist who feels real and relatable despite the fantasy world she’s in.
The book got mostly great reviews, with some calling it “a must-read for fantasy lovers” and “a gripping tale of courage and love” (EpicReads, 2024). Despite the praise, some critics offered less favorable opinions. Fantasy Reader Magazine said the pacing was “uneven and at times sluggish” (FRM, 2024), and a review on Bookish Reviews complained that “some secondary characters lack depth, making parts of the story feel incomplete” (Bookish Reviews, 2024). This criticism seems unfair. After all, these are secondary characters; they shouldn’t be expected to be fully rounded in the first place! Others felt, “the romance overshadowed the fantasy parts and made the story less exciting” (CriticsCorner, 2024). Which is ridiculous as well because if one is looking for a non-Roman fantasy book, then why are they picking up this book in the first place?
Still, those criticisms don’t take away from how strong the story really is. The slower parts actually help build tension and develop characters. And even if some side characters could be more detailed, the focus is mainly supposed to be on Violet and her relationship with Xaden anyway. This keeps the story powerful and emotional. The romance doesn’t distract but adds to the danger and intensity of the war college setting.
Overall, Fourth Wing is a great pick for fans of fast-paced fantasy mixed with real, heartfelt romance. It’s been called “an addictive debut” that delivers both action and emotion, making it a standout book (ReadersRealm, 2024). If you want a story with dragons, danger, and a heroine who fights with and for everything she’s got, then this is definitely one to read.