Fourth Wing
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Synopsis
Violet Sorrengail has trained her whole life to become a scribe. Following in her late father’s footsteps, she is expected to be the star pupil within Basgiath War College - that is until her mother, General Lilith Sorrengail, forces her into the riders quadrant. Without training and literally ZERO physical strength, the odds are not in her favor. The most vital piece of information that her sister, a successful lieutenant and dragon rider, gives her: “stay away from Xaden Riorson.”
Surviving the trials to graduate as a dragon rider alone is no easy feat, but apparently neither is staying away from Xaden, son of the traitor who was killed trying to start a rebellion. Violet faces obstacles both big and small, mental and physical, in hopes of proving herself as more than just the fragile daughter of the general.
You know it’s going to be a GOOD fantasy book when there’s a map in the front - I don’t make the rules. How stunning is this one from Fourth Wing, the first book in the Crowns of Nyaxia trilogy by Rebecca Yarros?
SPOILERS
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SPOILERS ‼️
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Favorites
There are so many physically strong female protagonists within the fantasy genre that I found Violet’s physical weaknesses so refreshing. In many books, I catch myself thinking, “I’d never be able to do that,” or “I would not survive any of this,” and have a difficult time becoming fully immersed. Violet struggled in every aspect of physical training and yet her perseverance and intelligence always allowed her to come out on top. She outsmarted each of her opponents, worked tirelessly to build her strength, and never let the comments of others bring her down.
I adored the enemies to lovers trope in this novel and felt it was so well done! I loved watching Violet develop and realize her feelings for Xaden while he slowly allowed himself to feel for her, too. My favorite part of many fantasy books is the unique bond between riders and dragons - Rebecca Yarros added another step by bonding Xaden and Violet as well. Their banter was seriously next level when speaking within their own heads - how SEXY (and probably frustrating lmao) would that be?
My favorite character of the series so far is probably Tairn. His cranky sarcasm is absolutely top tier and I love how much respect he has for Violet. The two of them are a perfect pair and when Andarna is with them- the perfect team of three!
“She can’t die, and not just because there’s a chance I won’t survive. She can’t die because I know I can’t live without her even if I do.”
Icks
The only thing I had a problem with in this novel was Dain mother f***ing Aetos! We were backstabbed by this man time and time again. I nearly lost it when Violet realized every time he “lovingly” caressed her face, he was actually taking her memories. Xaden better ruin this man in Iron Flame and I will stand for nothing less.
“I would rather lose this entire war than live without you, and if that means I have to prove myself over and over, then I’ll do it. You gave me your heart, and I’m keeping it.”
Final Thoughts
I’ve now read this book twice and I truly cannot stop thinking about it. Everything about the immersive world, the captivating characters, and the riveting plot pull me back in, wanting more. This is a series that I will continuously recommend and most likely reread a few more times - just to really FEEL something. I cannot WAIT for Onyx Storm to come out! Now onto Iron Flame!!
