Brainfullofbooks

What if there was a school that taught people to ride dragons?  Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros asks—and answers this very question.  It reads like a cross between Eragon and Harry Potter; so, it’s no wonder this book came out of nowhere and took the book world by storm.  Since the next book in the series, Yarros’s second novel, was recently released I thought it fitting to hop on the dragons back too.  All in preparation of reading Iron Flame, of course, so keep an eye out for that upcoming review as well once I get my hands on a copy.  To be honest, this was my first time reading Fourth Wing, but it swept me away as it seemed to do with the rest of booktok and Instagram.

One thing you should know about me is I love a good enemy to lovers’ plot.  The only downside of this is it’s so easy to get wrong—there are a million ways writers can mess it up.  However, I know all my fellow enemies to lovers’ enthusiasts will adore this one, not least because Yarros avoids all the typical pitfalls that ruin most enemies to lovers. There is no abuse—and it never once misfires.  Instead, what she serves up is a rich decadent love story that readers can support; all while still enjoying that delicious “I-hate-you- no-you-don’t” dynamic.  I know I cheered Violet and Xaden on and never doubted they would work in the end.  

A dark brooding love interest with a shady past whose very presence screams danger is the best one—and Yarros has a perfect specimen in her male protagonist.  Xaden is the son of a general who led a rebellion against the king—and to make matters worse the protagonist’s own mother was the one to execute him along with all the other rebels who participated in the uprising.  It’s only natural to assume—as Violet does—that he wants to kill her for revenge.  However, as the pages whip by it becomes clear that’s not exactly the case.  Xaden isn’t as bad as he seems and even becomes sympathetic: someone readers can adore.  He saves her life, defends her, and even supports her.  Yes, he pushes Violet sometimes, like in the sparring ring but it’s all so she can protect herself.  By the end it’s clear he believes in Violet and trusts her – her decisions and abilities and all—more even than her childhood friend Dain.  Xaden is lethal, gruff, grumpy, and perfect.  But of course, he’s keeping a dark secret that will certainly shatter her world but also throw their relationship into turmoil.  What’s more obvious than that though, is that he truly loves her.

Violet Sorrengail is without a doubt one of my favorite modern female characters.  True, she never wanted to be a rider and for good reason: she’s unsuited for it, and everyone tells her so to her face.  She’s small and weak and unlikely to make it but her mother forced her into it.  The book makes a point of emphasizing how easily she can break along with her other physical disadvantages but once she gets into the rider’s quadrant Violet proves them all wrong.  As someone who is also short, I appreciate it and I loved her representation: many people have traits or disabilities beyond their control that prevent them from doing what they want, what others can easily do.  Everyone has been the underdog sometime and should be able to sympathize with this underestimated bookish girl—especially readers.

However, what I liked most about her is that she is actually badass.  Badass female characters are all the rage right now and Violet Sorrengail can confidently take her place among their ranks.  Some other books attempt to live up to the demands for strong impowered women . . . and come up short, especially in the end, when it matters most. But not her. Violet actually is stronger than she appears.  Yes, there are multiple instances in Fourth Wing that mention her as weak—but for every one of those is a scene where she overcomes the obstacles and her own limitations.  Weak is how other people see her, not how Violet thinks of herself.  She proves them wrong every step of the way.  She knows she can make it: she reaches for what she wants despite the voices trying to put her down.  In the end she comes out on top, cementing her strength beyond any doubt.

No book is complete without a good twist and this book has several; it also has incredible worldbuilding.  Yarros has done an amazing job developing the world of the story, creating a universe that readers can sink into . . . and might never want to leave.  Yarros adds so many new aspects to her world that it stands out among the rest.  Even the dragons have a new never-before-seen twist to them.  Truthfully, even developing the idea of a school that teaches dragon riding is a new and wonderful idea.  The only time I’ve ever come across anything like that is in The Inheritance Cycle, where the idea of people teaching dragon riding is only a long-ago, distant memory.  One that’s almost entirely forgotten.  All in all, there is enough interest and excitement not only to keep readers turning the pages but to lose themselves within the story.  Even the ending comes with a twist that will make readers want to pick up the next book right away.  Luckily, that next book is finally here!!  I can’t wait to continue the story and pick up Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros.  It’s sure to be an amazing ride just like Fourth Wing.