As one who decided to read more heart pounding, edge-of-my-seat stories this year, picking up “Fourth Wing” was like stumbling upon a gem. From the very first paragraph in the book, I was hooked.
They say that a good hook is one way to tell whether or not a novel would be a worthy read and Rebecca Yarros didn't take this for granted. The author's skillful writing delivers a rollercoaster of emotions that keep readers turning pages eagerly. I didn't even know when I finished over 800 pages of a novel in less than four days. This was certainly a record for me.
About The Book
“Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros is a compelling young adult fantasy novel, set in a war college for dragon riders. Here, survival is a brutal challenge and almost everyone is out to get you; something they call weeding out the weak.
The story follows Violet Sorrengail, a cadet who reluctantly joins the rider's quadrant as opposed to her initial dream, the scribes quadrant, as per her powerful mother's order.
Violet starts off as one of the weakest trainees but grows into one of the strongest and most revered cadets through grit, intelligence and resilience.
My Opinion
The first installment of this three-book series talks about the uprising of Violet Sorrengail. Basically about how she survived in such a demanding and cruel world despite her physical frailty.
If there's one thing I've learned from Violet, it would be that you can always bend the rules to accommodate you. If you can't pass through the gauntlet with your bare hands, use throw-knives for a better grip and if you can't beat your enemies fair and square, find a way to temporarily disorient them.
The novel has a fast-paced plot packed with intense training, unlikely friendships, betrayal and the lurking threat of death all woven into a world with dragons that bond telepathically with riders. There are also a series of unexpected twists and moments of suspense that would have you questioning alliances and motives.
The characters are vivid and dynamic, particularly Violet who is refreshingly imperfect and relatable.
The dragons themselves are notable for their distinct characters, charisma and humour and these add extra charm to their world.
Although some aspects, such as the romance elements, lean towards lust more than deep connection, the emotional intensity and high stakes of engaging in certain activities, make the story even more attractive.
Being the first installment in this series, I finished this book with my pulse racing, eager to dive right into the next installment. Yes, it was that much of a captivating read.
Recommendation
I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially fans of fantasy thriller stories. It is also perfect for readers seeking a fast-paced immersive adventure that touches a wealth of themes. However, if series aren't your thing, this might not be the ideal book for you.
Thumbnail Other images were designed on Canva. What do you think of the designs? I'd love to know.