Fourth Wing Book Review - No Spoilers
I've always loved stories about people facing impossible odds, whether it's navigating a treacherous mountain slope or confronting their deepest fears. Fourth Wing captured that same adrenaline-fueled intensity for me from page one. Rebecca Yarros delivers a romance wrapped inside a high-stakes fantasy that feels absolutely relentless—there are dragons, brutal competition, hidden secrets, and a protagonist who refuses to be anything less than remarkable despite being told she's too fragile to survive. This is the kind of book that keeps you up at night, completely consumed by the story unfolding in front of you.
Plot Summary
Fourth Wing (The Empyrean #1) by Rebecca Yarros is a new adult fantasy romance that follows Violet Sorrengail, a twenty-year-old scribe who is unexpectedly forced by her commanding general mother to enter Basgiath War College instead of her intended quiet life studying history. At this elite and brutal academy, cadets train to become dragon riders—the kingdom's greatest warriors. Violet is physically fragile, smaller than most candidates, and plagued by a condition that makes fighting others deadly for her. But she's intelligent, strategic, and determined. As she navigates deadly challenges, cutthroat competition where failure literally means death, and increasingly complex politics, she uncovers dark secrets about the kingdom's leadership, bonds with fellow cadets, and finds herself increasingly drawn to Xaden Riorson, a powerful and dangerous rider from an enemy family. The stakes keep rising as war looms and the truth about why she was sent to the college threatens everything.
Why I Love This Book
I love how Fourth Wing refuses to let Violet be a damsel or a passive heroine. Yes, she's physically vulnerable, but her mind is her superpower—she's quick, strategic, and incredibly resilient. The romance between her and Xaden is absolutely electric; their chemistry crackles with tension, danger, and genuine connection. The worldbuilding is intricate: the dragon lore, the political machinations, the magic system, and the looming war all feel cohesive and compelling. Yarros doesn't pull punches; characters die, stakes feel real, and the emotional moments land hard. The pacing is relentless—you think you know where the story is going, and then she pivots completely. I also love that there's genuine humor woven throughout; Violet's internal monologue is witty and keeps the darkness in balance.
Who Will Like This Book
If you love romantasy, high-stakes fantasy romance, enemies-to-lovers with genuine tension, dragon lore, dark academia vibes, or morally complex characters, Fourth Wing is absolutely for you. This is a New York Times bestseller for good reason; it appeals to fans of complex fantasy worlds, intense romance, and plots where characters genuinely risk everything. The paranormal and magical elements are integral to the world, and the romance is NOT a side plot—it's central to Violet's journey. Be warned: this is the first in The Empyrean series, and it ends on cliffhangers that will have you immediately reaching for Iron Flame.
⚠️ Trigger warning: graphic violence, war, death, blood, combat violence, loss of loved ones, dark themes, political manipulation, abuse references, panic attacks, and health/medical conditions. Some potentially triggering interpersonal dynamics.
Tagged As
Romantasy, new adult fantasy romance, The Empyrean series, dragons, war college, slow-burn romance, enemies-to-lovers, fantasy magic, dark academia, dragon riders, paranormal romance, high-stakes adventure, morally gray characters, political intrigue, found family, steamy romance, explicit content, series starter, New York Times bestseller
Steam Level
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Explicit
The spice level is moderate-to-explicit with open-door scenes that become increasingly steamy as the romance develops. The intimacy feels earned and integral to both the emotional and physical relationship between Violet and Xaden. There are multiple explicit scenes, but they're balanced with the overall plot—not gratuitous, always meaningful.
