This article contains minor spoilers for “Fourth Wing.”
“Fourth Wing,” a book written by Rebecca Yarros, is the first novel in a five book series. The story takes place in a medieval and war-ridden society where people either live within the Navarrian empire, the Poromiel empire or the barren wastelands. Instead of modern technology, their society is structured around magic and dragons.
The main character, Violet Sorrengail, is the daughter and third-born child of General Sorrengail, who is one of the most powerful leaders in the region. Because of her mom’s status and the success of her two older siblings, Violet is held to increasingly high standards.
In the Navarrian empire, there are four quadrants that people are forced to choose from at Basgiath War College. This includes Scribes, Infantry, Healers and Riders. Scribes are the historians, and it is their job to keep the scrolls safe and use past information to help predict the future. The infantry trains people to go into battle; most of the people end up in this quadrant since this is a military war college. The Healers are trained in medicine, and the Riders are pushed to ride, train, and work with dragons.
Although Violet is twenty years old, she is small and has a very scrawny build. Her whole life she has trained to be a Scribe – not only because she is smart, but also to follow in her father’s footsteps. However, her father is dead, so her mother forces her into the Rider quadrant, which is the most elite quadrant. Only about a fourth who enter the Riders quadrant make it through all of the initiation, and even then, the life of a Rider is one of constant danger. Needless to say, Violet is reluctant to face the seemingly impossible task of becoming a dragon rider.
Throughout the book, the reader sees Violet’s character change and develop. She faces constant challenges of not seeing her family, learning how to fight and learning how to use magic; all while her life is constantly threatened by dragons and peers alike.
“Fourth Wing” has one of the most captivating stories and nail-biting plot twists of any book that I have ever read. The author’s writing style conveys the setting and the characters’ emotions perfectly. Since the writing makes me feel like I am the one everything is happening too, it is easy to be emotionally invested in everything that happens.
Even though the book is quite lengthy, every chapter is important and interesting enough to keep the reader on their toes and wanting more. “Fourth Wing” is a masterpiece that effortlessly combines fantasy and romance into a well rounded young adult fiction book that many people can enjoy.
The sequel to “Fourth Wing,” “Iron Flame,” came out last October; and the following book, “Onyx Storm,” is slated to come out next January. I am highly anticipating any piece that Yarros publishes. “Fourth Wing” is a phenomenal book that holds a special place in my heart. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys young adult fiction.