Reviewed by Bianca Becchinelli
Smoke, wings, war games, and a lightning storm in human form—Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing isn’t just read; it is consumed.
You’re dropped into the world of Basgiath War College from the very first page, and it doesn’t let you get comfortable. Everything about this place is designed to chew people up—its trials, secrets- and dragons. And yet- somehow, you can’t look away. This is partly because of the setting, which is brutal and rich with detail, but mostly- it’s due to Violet Sorrengail.
Violet isn’t supposed to be here. She was meant to train as a Scribe, someone who studies, documents, and stays far away from combat. But after a last-minute command from her war-hero mother, she’s forced into the Riders Quadrant—a place where candidates either bond with dragons or die trying. And in Violet’s case, with her fragile bones and smaller frame, most people assume it’ll be the latter for her.
What makes her such a compelling protagonist is how aware she is of her limitations but how unwilling she is to let them define her. She’s not trying to be the strongest or the fastest. She knows she can’t be. Instead, she leans into her intelligence, sharp observations, and refusal to give in. There’s real vulnerability in her narration but also a deep resilience that never feels forced.
The book is told in the first person present, which works perfectly for Violet’s character and the environment she’s thrown into. Readers are placed in her head for every difficult choice, aching bruise, moment of doubt—and that closeness really pays off. It makes the emotional stakes feel high, not just because of the physical dangers she faces (and there are many) but because you care about how she navigates all of them.
Fourth Wing is part of a newer wave of fantasy that blends intense world-building with strong romantic subplots—what many readers now call “romantic.” Think Throne of Glass or A Court of Thorns and Roses—but with more dragons and, in my opinion, a more grounded emotional arc. It also touches on tropes we know and love: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, found family, and a touch of forbidden romance. And yet, it doesn’t feel like a collage of overused ideas. Yarros brings something fresh to the table.
Part of what helps is the pacing, this book moves. There are rarely lulls in the action or emotion. Every chapter pushes the story forward through combat training, political tensions, of shifting alliances- or revelations about the world that make you rethink what you thought you knew. The chapters often end on these little cliffhanger moments—not in a gimmicky way, but in a way that makes it hard to put the book down at midnight when you tell yourself “just one more chapter”.
The world of Basgiath itself is fascinating. It’s a fully militarized society, and the Riders are elite within that structure, chosen by dragons who decide who’s worthy. But there’s also unrest beneath the surface. Tensions between different groups of students, whispers of rebellion, and questions about what kind of war this society is fighting. It’s a place full of rules and rituals but also secrets. And Yarros doesn’t give it all away at once—she lets it unfold at just the right pace.
Of course, no romantic is complete without a complicated love interest, and Fourth Wing delivers on that front. Enter Xaden Riorson: dangerous, brilliant, emotionally guarded- and harboring a past that puts him at odds with Violet’s entire family. Their dynamic is electric, full of tension and unspoken questions. But what I appreciated most is that their relationship isn’t just about chemistry. It’s about power, trust, and what it means to truly see someone—even when everything around you says you shouldn’t.
The supporting characters deserve mention, too. Violet’s best friend Rhiannon is fierce and loyal, a constant source of encouragement without ever becoming a sidekick stereotype. Her childhood friend Dain, who starts the story as someone she trusts deeply, adds complexity to her journey as their relationship changes. Even the dragons have distinct personalities, which is one of my favorite parts of the book. These animals are not merely magical. They have intelligent, strong-willed, and occasionally humorous attitudes. Their relationships with their riders are more than dream clichés; they are genuine and complex.
I appreciated that the book doesn’t hold back when posing deeper concerns. What happens when the system you’re attempting to live within is fundamentally flawed? How do you make moral choices when all the options are dangerous? What does it mean to be strong physically, emotionally, intellectually, and morally? Violet’s journey isn’t just about surviving Basgiath. It’s about figuring out who she wants to be and what she’s willing to stand for.
If I had to offer any critique, it would be that some of the early character beats feel a little trope heavy. There are a few predictable moments, especially in how some rivalries and alliances are introduced. But to be honest, the book finds its voice quickly, and those moments become less noticeable as the story deepens. It feels like its own thing by the midpoint, and familiarity adds to the fun.
It’s also worth noting how well Fourth Wing balances. Yes, it’s a fantasy novel with dragons, elemental powers- and war games. But it’s also an emotional coming-of-age story, a romance, a mystery- and a political drama. The fact that Yarros is able to pull off all these different themes without the story feeling messy is impressive.
By the end, you’re not just invested in what happens next. You’re invested in who these characters become. And that’s what makes Fourth Wing more than just an entertaining read. It’s a survival story, yes, but also about transformation. About growing into your power—even when the world tells you, you shouldn’t have any.
This book asks big questions. It makes you feel things, and it’s a crazy ride. Whether you’re a longtime fantasy reader or just dipping into the genre- Fourth Wing is worth the hype, and then some.
