Author: Rebecca Yarros
Genre: High Fantasy, Romance, Political Intrigue
Published: 2023
Rating: 5
“Fly or die.”
– Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Fourth Wing thrusts readers into the brutal world of Basgiath War College, where aspiring dragon riders fight—sometimes literally—for their place among the elite. The novel follows Violet Sorrengail, a protagonist thrust into a deadly military academy where survival is anything but guaranteed. With dragons, dangerous rivalries, and a brewing rebellion, the stakes are sky-high, and Rebecca Yarros does not hold back on the tension.
While the book leans into fantasy tropes, it does so with sharper writing than expected, blending high-stakes action with intricate political intrigue. The world of Navarre is vividly crafted, from its ruthless hierarchy to the unbreakable bonds between riders and their dragons. The relationships—both romantic and platonic—drive much of the story, making every betrayal, alliance, and twist all the more gripping.
– Violet Sorrengail –
Violet is not your typical hardened warrior. Born into a military family but expected to join the Scribe Quadrant, she’s physically weaker than her peers but makes up for it with intelligence, adaptability, and sheer willpower. Her strategic mind sets her apart from other cadets, proving that brute strength isn’t the only path to survival. Watching her growth—from struggling to keep up to standing toe-to-toe with the deadliest riders—is one of the book’s biggest highlights.
– Xaden Riorson –
The enigmatic, brooding, and dangerously competent leader of the rebellion-linked riders, Xaden is both a mentor and a mystery. He’s burdened by his father’s legacy and his own secrets, making him a complex and compelling love interest. His dynamic with Violet is electric, filled with tension, mutual respect, and slow-burning attraction. While he fits the “dark and broody” archetype, there’s more depth to him than just a tortured past.
– Dain Aetos –
Dain, Violet’s childhood best friend, is the quintessential overprotective figure—sometimes to a fault. His belief that Violet is too weak to survive leads him to make frustrating choices, but his loyalty (however misguided) adds emotional complexity to the story. He represents the comfortable past Violet is forced to leave behind, making his presence both reassuring and suffocating.
– Tairn & Andarna –
No dragon rider book is complete without dragons, and Tairn and Andarna steal every scene they’re in. Tairn, Violet’s bonded dragon, is massive, ancient, and absolutely not here for anyone’s nonsense. His sarcastic commentary and begrudging respect for Violet add much-needed levity. Andarna, on the other hand, is a baby dragon with a surprising amount of power. Her bond with Violet brings out a softer, more nurturing side of the protagonist, balancing the harsher realities of Basgiath.
– Jack Barlowe –
Every brutal military school needs a resident psychopath, and Jack fills that role spectacularly. He’s ruthless, merciless, and always looking for a chance to take Violet down—permanently. His presence ensures that no moment at Basgiath is ever safe, adding to the book’s relentless tension.
– Rhiannon Matthias –
Rhiannon is one of the few cadets who isn’t constantly trying to kill Violet. Fierce, loyal, and capable, she provides a much-needed sense of camaraderie. Their friendship is a breath of fresh air in a world where trust is a rare commodity.
– Liam Mairi –
Liam is the kind of soldier everyone wants at their side—skilled, dependable, and fiercely loyal. While many cadets at Basgiath are out for themselves, Liam stands apart with his unwavering sense of duty and honor. He quickly becomes one of Violet’s most trusted allies, proving that strength isn’t just about power but also about integrity. His presence brings stability to the chaos of the academy, making him one of the most compelling and admirable characters in the book.
– My Honest Review –
I went into Fourth Wing expecting an enjoyable but formulaic fantasy romance, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well-crafted the world and politics were. The writing is sharper than typical for the genre, the pacing is relentless, and the relationships—both romantic and platonic—are layered and engaging. While it hits some familiar fantasy beats, it does so with an intensity that keeps the pages turning.
The world of Navarre is brutal, the stakes are real, and the characters—whether you love them, hate them, or want to strangle them—are impossible to ignore. If the rest of the series maintains this level of quality, it’s set to be one of the most gripping fantasy sagas in recent years.
