Book Review: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Book 1)
Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing, the first book in The Empyrean series, is a thrilling fusion of fantasy, action, romance, and coming-of-age drama that will captivate readers from the very first page. Set in a vividly imagined world filled with dragons, deadly trials, and political intrigue, Fourth Wing offers an immersive reading experience that fans of high fantasy will relish. Yarros seamlessly blends familiar fantasy tropes with fresh and engaging elements, creating a world and story that feel both classic and modern.
The story follows twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail, a young woman thrust into a perilous world she never wanted to enter. Born into a prestigious military family, Violet is expected to follow in the footsteps of her elite dragon-rider mother. However, unlike her warrior siblings, Violet is small, fragile, and bookish, more suited for the life of a scribe than that of a soldier. But when her mother demands she enter Basgiath War College to become a dragon rider—a position reserved only for the toughest and most lethal of individuals—Violet must adapt to this new, dangerous path or risk death. Failure is not an option, and with the odds stacked against her, Violet’s determination and inner strength are put to the ultimate test.
What sets Fourth Wing apart from other fantasy novels is the rich development of its protagonist. Violet is an incredibly relatable and multidimensional character, whose struggles with physical frailty, insecurity, and self-doubt make her journey all the more compelling. She is neither the perfect warrior nor the invincible chosen one. Instead, she is a vulnerable yet fiercely intelligent young woman who must learn to survive in a brutal world where strength and ruthlessness often outweigh wisdom and compassion. Her growth over the course of the novel—from a reluctant participant to a formidable dragon rider—is both satisfying and believable, as she learns to rely on her wits, agility, and courage to overcome obstacles that would crush others.
Yarros masterfully creates tension and high stakes through the environment of Basgiath War College, where students face deadly challenges and political maneuvering in their quest to bond with dragons and become riders. The war college itself is a character in its own right—a place of ruthless competition, where the weak are quickly weeded out, often in fatal ways. The “Gryphon Trials” that Violet and her fellow cadets must face are a blend of brutal physical tests and mental endurance, raising the stakes to life-or-death situations that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The narrative tension is palpable, as betrayal, alliances, and rivalries constantly shift, leaving both Violet and the reader questioning who can be trusted.
Of course, in any dragon-rider fantasy, the dragons themselves play a central role, and Fourth Wing delivers some of the most compelling dragon lore and dynamics in recent fantasy literature. The dragons in this world are not just beasts of war but sentient creatures with their own agendas and personalities. Bonding with a dragon is a dangerous and sacred rite, and Violet’s struggle to prove her worth to these powerful creatures adds an extra layer of tension and excitement to the story. Yarros does a fantastic job of making the dragons feel like fully realized characters, each with its own unique traits, history, and abilities. The bond between rider and dragon is explored with great emotional depth, and these relationships drive much of the novel’s heart-pounding action.
The romantic subplot in Fourth Wing is equally well-crafted and a central aspect of the story. Violet finds herself torn between Xaden Riorson, a dark, brooding rival with a mysterious past, and her childhood friend, Dain Aetos, who wants to protect her from the dangers of the war college. Xaden, in particular, embodies the trope of the morally ambiguous love interest, and his chemistry with Violet creates a tension-filled romance that simmers throughout the novel. The push-pull dynamic between them is electric, adding layers of intrigue, betrayal, and passion to the narrative. Yarros skillfully balances this romantic tension with the story’s larger themes, ensuring that the romance does not overshadow Violet’s personal growth or the high-stakes fantasy elements.
Fourth Wing also shines in its exploration of themes like duty, sacrifice, loyalty, and personal agency. Violet’s journey is as much about coming to terms with her own identity and limitations as it is about navigating the external challenges of war and survival. She faces intense pressure to conform to her family’s expectations, and her internal battle to define her own path—despite the overwhelming odds and dangers—is a deeply relatable theme. The novel also touches on important questions about power and privilege, as Violet’s family name both helps and hinders her in different ways throughout her journey.
Yarros’ writing style is engaging and fast-paced, with just the right balance between action and introspection. Her world-building is intricate and immersive, with vivid descriptions of the war college, the dragon-rider trials, and the complex political landscape of Navarre. The world feels fully realized, with a rich history and culture that inform the characters’ motivations and actions. At the same time, Yarros avoids overloading the reader with exposition, allowing the world to unfold naturally through the plot and character interactions.
One of the novel’s strengths is its well-executed pacing. The tension builds steadily throughout the book, with a series of climactic moments that keep readers hooked until the final page. Yarros excels at creating action scenes that are thrilling and dynamic, particularly when it comes to the airborne battles between dragons and their riders. The adrenaline-fueled sequences are vividly described, immersing readers in the high-stakes drama of life as a dragon rider.
However, Fourth Wing is more than just a fast-paced adventure. It is also a deeply emotional and thought-provoking story that explores the cost of war, the weight of expectations, and the struggle to find one’s place in a dangerous and unforgiving world. Violet’s internal journey—her fight to claim her identity and rise above her own limitations—is just as compelling as the external conflicts she faces.
In conclusion, Fourth Wing is an exhilarating and emotionally resonant novel that sets the stage for an epic series to come. Rebecca Yarros has created a richly imagined world filled with memorable characters, high-stakes action, and a slow-burn romance that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. With its blend of heart-pounding adventure, dragon lore, and character-driven storytelling, Fourth Wing is a must-read for fantasy fans looking for a fresh take on the dragon-rider genre.
Yarros’ ability to craft a story that feels both epic and intimate makes Fourth Wing a standout novel in modern fantasy, one that will appeal to readers who crave a rich blend of action, romance, and personal growth. It’s an exciting and emotional journey that leaves a lasting impact, and Violet Sorrengail is a protagonist who will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the final page.
Product details
- ASIN : B0BGDM197Q
- Publisher : Entangled: Red Tower Books (May 2, 2023)
- Publication date : May 2, 2023
- Language : English
- File size : 6056 KB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 650 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #5 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
