Is Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros Worth the Hype?

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Fourth Wing stormed its way onto bestseller lists in 2023 and remains one of the most popular romantasy novels on the market. The first book in this series promises a blend of thrilling action, heart-stopping romance, and a vibrant world of danger and dragons. In my younger years, I consumed a lot of fantasy (i.e., The Percy Jackson series and a few french fantasy series), but this genre has been mostly unexplored in my adult reading years.

I am late reading this, partly due to the fact that fantasy is not a genre I read often, and partly due to the fact that I had intentionally avoided reading it (I thought it had been over-hyped on social media). In retrospect, my avoidance was a big mistake. Here is what I thought of Rebecca Yarros's first book of the Empyrean Series - with NO SPOILERS:

Characters - 5/5

Fourth Wing contains well developed and interesting characters. Yarros crafted a compelling protagonist in Violet, with her growth from a reluctant cadet to a fierce warrior is being believable and inspiring. She also gave depth to the secondary characters; they have their own arcs, quirks, and faults, making the story richer and more immersive. The relationships, whether friendly, romantic, or not-so-friendly, feel authentic. The emotional connections between characters elevate the tension and allow you to build a real connection to them.

World Building - 5/5

The world of Fourth Wing is well crafted, blending familiar fantasy elements with unique twists. The deadly trials of the Riders Quadrant set the stage for the brutal environment from the beginning. The intricacies of bonding with dragons adds depth to the relationship between riders and their dragons. All aspects feel purposeful - even if the purpose may not be immediately clear. The history, politics, and magic system are woven naturally into the narrative, leaving the reader wanting to know more about the Navarre and the other provinces. Detailed descriptions are balance with action, ensuring readers are never bored but still understand the stakes and complexities of the world.

Pacing - 5/5

The pacing is spot-on, with a satisfying balance between slower, context-rich moments and adrenaline-pumping action scenes.

Romance & Spice - 5/5

The romance is a highlight. Palpable chemistry and slow-burning tension that builds beautifully. The romantic and spicy scenes are deliberately paced and well written. The dynamics between Violet and her romantic interests (no spoilers here!) add an extra layer of depth and vulnerability to the story, without being too vulgar or crass.

Writing - 4/5

While most of the writing is immersive and evocative (her descriptions, especially of the dragons and the Riders Quadrant, are stellar), some aspects of the tone and wording felt out of place. Casual phrases like “for the win” or “bat shit” occasionally broke the fantasy atmosphere, pulling me out of the story. It felt too modern for the setting. I have no issues with swearing, and even feel it is fitting for the gritty, dangerous setting of Fourth Wing, it sometimes felt overdone, veering into excess rather than adding impact. These are minor issues in the grand scheme, but they did stand out in an otherwise beautifully written book.

Overall Rating - 4/5

Fourth Wing was an electrifying start to what promises to earn a spot in my list of my favourite fantasy series. Unforgettable characters, well-built world, expertly paced action and romance - it all contributes to making Fourth Wing a must-read for fans of fantasy romance. While the casual tone in some of the writing occasionally felt out of step with the setting, it’s a minor flaw in an otherwise amazing story.

I can now say I have joined the Fourth Wing hype, and I can’t wait to see where the series takes us next; as I am preparing to immediately binge Iron Flame in preparation for the release of Onyx Storm in a few days.