As a lifelong fan of fantasy books, I couldn’t resist picking up Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros after hearing all the buzz about it. With so much hype surrounding this romantasy adventure, featuring dragons, a war college, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, I was eager to see if it would live up to expectations. Here is my Fourth Wing review. Spoiler alert: Fourth Wing might not be the most perfectly written book out there, but it’s definitely a read that’s worth the hype if you’re looking for a captivating, easy-to-read escape.
Genre: Young Adults, Fantasy, Romance
A Fantasy Book You Won’t Be Able to Put Down
From the first page, I was hooked—I flew through this book! Fourth Wing brought back the excitement I felt when reading A Court of Thorns and Roses for the first time. It is actually the book that got me over my ACOTAR book hangover and I was so happy to have a new favorite book. Diving into Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros also felt like a journey back to the books I loved as a kid—Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Twilight, Divergent, and Eragon. With its fast-paced storyline, thrilling moments, and intense ennemies to lovers romance, it’s no wonder this book has become a fan-favorite among both fantasy readers and romantasy lovers alike. Even if fantasy isn’t usually your genre, this book is worth reading for the adventure and romance alone.
Rebecca Yarros herself mentioned in an interview that Fourth Wing was written to introduce romance readers to fantasy. And she’s done a fantastic job, blending romance and fantasy in a way that’s approachable for those who don’t typically reach for books with dragons or magical battles. Yarros has created a gateway fantasy book that is sure to bring new readers into the genre.
Dragons, Romance, and All the Elements Romantasy Readers Love
For those who adore dragons, fantasy worlds, and an “enemies-to-lovers” romance trope, Fourth Wing is packed with everything you could want. The story follows Violet Sorrengail, who faces the dangers of a military academy where her bond with dragons could mean life or death. The twenty-year-old was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history but her mom decided she would become apart of the elite instead – the dragon riders. But Violet is small and with a brittle body and dragons don’t bond to fragile humans. The plot is captivating, with intense twists and turns that keep the pages turning. The dragon-focused plot adds a layer of magic and excitement that fans of fantasy books will love. I have always loved stories about dragons like Eragon or Game of Thrones and was thrilled to dive into this story.
And the romance, with its slow-burn build and tension, is exactly the type of romantasy that draws you in and doesn’t let go. Xaden is giving Rhysand vibes, which the fans of ACOTAR will love. The chemistry between Violet and Xaden Riorson is genuinely addictive and keeps you invested until the very end.
Not the Best Writing, But Highly Entertaining
If you’re looking for finely crafted prose or intricate dialogue, Fourth Wing might not be for you. Some of the writing feels a bit simplistic, and a few of the dialogues are borderline cringeworthy. The plot also leans toward the predictable side. Some part of the story are really similar to Divergent. But what Fourth Wing lacks in sophistication, it makes up for in pure entertainment. If you’re in the mood for a fast-paced, unputdownable book that prioritizes fun over complexity, then this is absolutely worth the hype.
A Wish for More World-Building and Character Development
One area where Fourth Wing could improve is in its world-building and character depth. While the setting and backstory have great potential, they feel somewhat underdeveloped. As a fantasy lover, I found myself wishing for more details that could make the world feel even richer and more immersive. And while the characters are enjoyable, some additional depth and growth would make them even more memorable, especially for Violet’s friends. If I were to compare Fourth Wing with the universe of Sarah J. Maas, I would say that Fourth Wing is more similar to A Court Of Thorns and Roses series, which is more focused on the romance, than A Throne of Glass series – which is more heavy on the fantasy world building.
Is Fourth Wing spicy?
Yes, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is undeniably steamy and spicy, but it takes its time building up to the intense moments. As a well-crafted enemies-to-lovers romance between Violet and Xaden, the tension is palpable throughout the book, creating an irresistible slow burn. The chemistry between the characters is expertly written, with the author weaving in moments of incredible anticipation. Chapter 20 features a steamy kiss, while Chapters 30 and 32 turn up the heat with explicit, well-written scenes that leave readers hooked. This balance between tension and payoff makes Fourth Wing a captivating romantasy read.
Final Thoughts: Is Fourth Wing Worth the Hype?
Here’s my fourth wing review: in the end, if you’re looking for a highly engaging, easy-to-read book with all the excitement and romance of a modern fantasy, Fourth Wing delivers. Rebecca Yarros has crafted a story that lives up to the hype in terms of entertainment value and accessibility. It’s a great pick for seasoned fantasy readers and newcomers alike with a fast-paced plot filled of actions, suspense, and twists. Whether you’re a longtime fan of fantasy books or simply looking for a romantasy adventure with dragons, this book promises a fun escape that’s hard to put down.
Fourth wing series: Onyx Storm, book #3, coming up January, 2025
The third book of the series by Rebecca Yarros is coming January 21, 2025. You can already preorder the Deluxe Limited Edition.
Preorder Onyx Storm on Amazon
