Fourth Wing: DISCOVER THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES AND NUMBER ONE GLOBAL BESTSELLING PHENOMENON!* (The Empyrean): DISCOVER THE GLOBAL PHENOMENON THAT EVERYONE CAN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT!

Fourth Wing, the first book in The Empyrean series released on the second of may, but I read it only a few days ago. I’m not sure what went wrong where that this book escaped my notice for so long. Either way, I’m not sure where I heard of this book (probably bookstagram), but I bought the Kindle version immediately *weeps a river of tears that there’s no paperback version available*. (Random anecdotal rant commences) Then (and this is the most heartbreaking part of the story), my best friend read the book before I could and loved it. This is of course fantastic, except it’s not. Why? Well, it’s because I should’ve read it first and suggested it to her and then she should’ve read it and loved it. I blame this all on whatever strange magic has been in the air that kept this book away from my awareness and made me lose the chance for my best friend to tell me how much she loves because I recommended this book to her. (Random anecdotal rant concludes) I don’t think it has ever happened that once I finish a book I immediately want to read it again. Usually when I love a book, I float on a cloud of bliss for a few days before hunkering down to put all my feelings into fairly comprehensible words for a review. I’ve never—as far as I can recall—dove back into the book. But with Fourth Wing that’s exactly what I did. I just dove back into the book and re-read a good portion of it. And then did it again. The writing made the scenes so vivid, I was surprised I was reading and not watching it all play out on a screen. Whatever it is that Yarros did while writing, she certainly added a large dollop of something addictive to her work because the book felt like it was written to suit my senses. There was never a stagger or a stop, just flowing prose, fantastic, witty dialogue, stunning imagery supporting thrilling, heart jolting events. Honestly, all the pages of highlighted content on my Kindle is testament to that. I truly won’t be surprised if this book is picked for a movie/series because of how strong the words read. The world-building is so closely linked to the writing because the author employs a very unique and effective method to explain some of the rules of the world to the readers. If you’re reading my review and then starting Fourth Wing, I’m sure you’ll understand what I mean when the world-building scenes roll by. My only advice would be to take it a little slow (the book is devour-worthy and will force you to consume it in way lesser time than is usual) so that you’re able to truly know the rules, past and happenings of the world. It also helps if you’re buddy reading; you can help fill gaps in understanding, if there are any, with each other. *stares at my traitor best friend who didn’t buddy read with me*. Imagine the fastest book you’ve ever read, Fourth Wing is 10X that. The narrative being so conducive to the pace only adds to the way the book reads. The book is just event after event after event racing against time without any pauses/lags or inconsistencies that I could feel/find. When a book reads this way, without a stumble or a gap, to me that usually means the book has been planned down to the last letter. I’m 100% sure that Yarros has this all played out in her head, laughing at us as she types away on her keyboard. There’s no other way that this series is a five book series if she doesn’t know exactly what she’s doing. The characters are truly very many and it might be quite impossible to keep track of everyone all the time. That being said, the people that you need to know you will because their personalities are clear and constructed. I’m aware that reading a name on page and not knowing who that even is sometimes doesn’t feel great, so if you do feel that in this book I would say ignore it, mostly because if you don’t know them they’re probably not important. Think of them as NPCs. *feels proud of her computer game reference* Being in Violet’s mind was a true pleasure. The girl is whip smart, funny, honourable and filled with all the complexities and contradictions you’d enjoy in a FMC. I loved how the author stayed true to Violet’s age, adding so much strength and courage not just in her actions regarding her path but also her emotions. She was so brave and I was so proud. It added to the realness of the story when Violet had to coach herself constantly to be brave, to keep going to just stay. Xaden reminds me of the song line “hit you like a shotgun shot to the heart” because that’s how it feels from the moment he enters scene. He’s a presence in the book you can’t see past and he certainly is here to steal your heart. He was an intense and complex character to understand until suddenly you do and all the pieces come together. He and Violet truly have my heart and I can’t wait for the mental and emotional wreckage this series is going to cause in me. The disability rep in this book was a very very important part of it. I personally felt I would've loved to see it be spoken about more. Perhaps the author intends to delve deeper into it more in the second book/in the rest of the series, we’ll have to wait and see. Five stars! Happy reading! Please do check trigger warnings! The book can be a heavy and intense read for anyone, so please go in warned that there’s violence, murder, killing, death, gore, graphic content, death of a loved one (to name a few). (Also, update on the betrayal anecdote) My best friend totally re-read the whole book and pretended I recommended it to her and sent me a billion messages reacting like she was reading it the first time. I am appeased, she has been forgiven. Also, I should probably mention that she asked me to start with her but I couldn’t because well I had another book to finish and review. The point here is however, that she didn’t wait for me. Just wanted to make that clear.

Good quality book ... Very interesting loved it

Well, Rhysand is safe that’s for sure! And so are my other fav fictional boyfriends. I just had to pick this up as it was all over booksta and also I could not ignore the hype around Xaden, overshadowing Rhysand. I mean how could I? This book also stirred up such a strong yearning for Manon and her wyvern - Abraxos ❤. Now I just have to reread Throne of Glass series! Violet has spent her entire existence preparing for a future within the scribe quadrant, a perfect place for her because of her love for books &history. However, her mother, who also happens to be the commanding general, has issued an order that shatters Violet's dreams. She is now compelled to enter Basgiath War College and undergo training to become a dragon rider. The challenge lies in the fact that dragons only bond with individuals who possess great physical strength, something that Violet, with her petite and delicate frame, lacks. To make matters worse, Xaden Riorson, the most formidable and ruthless wing leader in the Riders Quadrant, harbors a deep-rooted grudge against Violet solely due to her mother's actions and he is determined to bring her down. Violet possesses a remarkable blend of intelligence, cunning, and compassion. She compensates for her physical limitations with razor-sharp wit & clever intellect. In a world where everyone seems to have ulterior motives, she fights against all odds. I couldn't help but adore her. Xaden... is swoon-worthy, to sum it up in one word! The push and pull between his resistance to his feelings for Violet and his undeniable desire for her was captivating. I just wish there was more of him. And how can I not talk about the awe-inspiring dragons, Tairn and Andarna? No wonder dragons are my favorite mythical creatures. They are magnificent! This story also boasts a remarkable cast of characters like Liam, Rhiannon, Mira, and many others. Each one left a lasting impression, and I cherished them all. This book truly has a captivating plot, immersive world-building, and thrilling action. However, my main issue was around the sudden shift in their feelings. It felt somewhat jarring when one moment they were supposed to hate each other & the next there are feelings involved😳. There was no build-up to romance at all. Additionally, I found myself yearning for a dual POV, or even multiple, considering so many intriguing characters in the story. Relying solely on one perspective became somewhat monotonous and limiting. Further, while the plot was engrossing, the final revelations lacked the element of surprise, as they felt rather predictable. Nonetheless, it did not take away the fun from the story. An action-packed and captivating read. Absolutely recommend.

Great story and Great condition of the book.

This is one of those fantasy books that completely pulls you into its world from the very beginning. Honestly, it’s the kind of immersive fiction I can only compare to the feeling I had while reading Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling — that same sense of stepping into a fully alive universe with its own rules, stakes, friendships, rivalries, and danger around every corner. The world-building is brilliant. Basgiath War College feels real, intense, and unforgiving. For example, the dragon-rider selection, survival pressure between cadets, and the constant threat of failure (or death) create a tension that keeps the pages turning fast. It’s the kind of setting where you’re not just reading the story — you’re experiencing it alongside the characters. The character development was another highlight. Watching Violet grow from someone underestimated by almost everyone into someone stronger and more determined makes her journey incredibly satisfying. And the relationships — friendships, rivalries, and especially the romantic tension — all add emotional depth without slowing the pace. The twists toward the end were especially well done. Just when the story feels like it’s settling into a direction, the narrative shifts and raises the stakes dramatically. The climax builds perfectly and leaves you wanting the next book immediately.

Wow! Why and when did I stop reading fantasy? Did I think I have grown above it? Perhaps. But from the moment I entered Violet Sorrengail's life, she literally grabbed me by my hair and pushed me face down into chilled well of water. An awakening into the world of Basgiath War College. Violet Sorrengail has always trained to be a Scribe, too weak according to her loved ones to enter the Riders Quadrant. Only when the Commanding General - her hard task mother forces her to enrol in the Riders Quadrant does her life flip over and over again. From broken bones, to poisoned weapons to soul sizzling chemistry she finds all of it and more on her plate. Brutal games that have the ultimatum do or die. You either bond with a dragon or die under its fire. Xaden Riorson the rebellion leader's son who is out to get his revenge. Whom Violet needs to runaway from but only finds herself drawn towards his magnetic charisma. Dain Aetos the best friend every girl wants to share secrets with. Every character taps a pulse so deep and endearing. These characters stay with you, period. And the dragons, the dynamic, magnificent dragons, I never imagined these intimidating creatures would do anything but command power in a scene. But the author has fleshed out dragons with characters, I found myself falling in love with. An exceptionally woven tale with heightened action packed drama. The plot moves smoothly laced with suspense, thrills and romance at every stage. The language and dialogues are whipped with emotions and never once dips low. A page turner which gets completely under your skin. So much to take back from this amazing tale. Simply cannot wait for the sequel to release. I highly recommend this to all those who love a good fantasy romance.

Okay, so the first time I ordered the book, the dust cover was torn and it did not had sprayed edges. I replaced it with the same item and MY GOD. This time? The book was in perfect condition. Untorn dust cover. Sprayed edges. Perfect. The packaging was better too. It came in a box this time rather than a paper package like the first time I got it. Thank you Amazon.

The paperback was nice and in good state . The sliwbutn was fun and definitely should try this if you are a newbie!

Wow! It has been a LONG time since I have actually felt tension while reading a book. I can read the biggest action scenes at the end of various books and the majority of the time they just don't affect me at all - because I don't care that much about the characters. But THIS - this was different. I felt the tension. And it was real. Plus the author is very willing to kill characters so there is some uncertainty there as well. And the battle at the end of this most excellent book - it was hot and raging. Plus the enemy leaked danger as well. True menace. Very rarely does some enemy in a book impress me at all but this one most certainly did.. Right from the description I just KNEW there was something different about these mages called venin. They seemed impressive too. And very memorable. I wanted to draw them based off of the description. Very rarely do I get that urge. But what a battle at the end! It was touch and go. What would happen? Would the heroes win or lose? I didn't know. And I felt concern. This book has made me feel things. Earlier it had made me cry - tears of joy. And the book has surprised me too. The plot twists! I guess I should have seen it coming but I didn't so I was quite surprised. But it certainly makes the story way more interesting! And I am certainly eager to read the sequel too! This is a massive book and worth reading every word! And rarely do I feel that way. But its exciting and the characters face so many challenges. And there is death too. In fact there is a lot of death in here. Its a very violent world, a tough world of dragons and griffins and things that are supposed to be only legends to scare kids to eat their vegetables... But what I love the most in here in the main character Violet. She has a connective tissue disorder. I have one too (its called Ehlers Danlos Syndrome - EDS - and I am pretty confident that Violet actually has EDS). I have never run across a character in a book before that has EDS. And certainly not one that is bold enough to be in a fantasy world where she rides a dragon. How cool is that? So yes I certainly can relate to her very well! And so much of the stuff in here is quite accurate too. Exercise is the best way to protect the joints (and personally I find diet matters a ton too). And yes it certainly can make many things way harder. The joints are all wonky and they naturally hyper-extend so doing things - even just balancing - is way harder. But riding a dragon!!! I remember when I was much younger I used to read this other very popular fantasy series that included dragons and I used to try to imagine what it would be like to ride a dragon. Of course I never thought about the issues of staying ON said dragon... But since I ride horses these days I have a better idea of some of the issues. But wow this book is totally AMAZING! it totally captivated my attention. The first evening I started it I got 50% through. And I certainly would have powered through the second half yesterday but unfortunately I have packing to do as I am moving at the end of the month. If I could I would rate it 6 stars! The characters are just so real. And they go through character arcs too. They change. They face obstacles and have to find solutions. And there is certainly a bit of romance in here too. The story moved so smoothly. Never a dull moment at all. None. And I just loved the first person writing in here from Violet's viewpoint. But the story is about a young woman named Violet who has been forced by her very powerful mother to become a dragon rider. That is a warrior. But her body is weak and ill suited for it. So she was training to be a scribe (but all of that writing would be a huge strain on her too - in fact I cannot write very long at all by hand anymore without pain + numbness going down my arm and I get horrid shoulder pain) but that changed - she had to go be a dragon rider or die trying. But its not that easy in fact its very dangerous. Most people who try to become a rider end up dead. And you can be killed by your own classmates! Yes, its a very brutal school. And after all of these difficult obstacles - which Violet is ill suited to pass - she has to hope that a dragon will pick her. But what dragon will pick someone with a body that doesn't work right due to genetic mutations? And all of that is near the beginning of the book! For a huge mysterious and dangerous problem is brewing in the Kingdom! And poor Violet will run smack into it - err - fly into it. If she can stay on the dragon that is... You definitely should read this!

Para quem ama esse universo de romantasy, Fourth Wing é uma ótima escolha. Superficialmente, é como se a autora pegasse Jogos Vorazes, As Crônicas de Gelo e Fogo, Harry Potter, ACOTAR e batesse em um liquidificador para criar essa obra. Porém, ao nos aprofundarmos na história, esquecemos essa primeira impressão, pois é notável que a Rebecca Yaros sabe escrever uma trama envolvente, que transporta o leitor para aquele universo e consegue fazê-lo sentir o que a personagem sente. Inicialmente, sobre a trama: Violet Sorrengail é a clássica heroína que se difere dos outros porque nunca quis se encaixar naquele contexto em primeiro lugar. Em uma escola dividida em quatro esquadrões - escribas, infantaria, curandeiros e montadores de dragões -, ela queria se dedicar ao primeiro, mas é forçada a ir para o último. Daí pra frente, apenas existir lá dentro se torna uma luta pela sobrevivência, pois os montadores de dragões não aceitam alguém que enfraqueça essa unidade. Lá, ela conhece Xanden Riorson, o qual é um, também clássico, anti-herói que será o interesse amoroso - e muito, muito carnal - da personagem. Ele tem tudo que amamos em um mocinho de romantasy: é lindo, é forte, chama a Violet por um apelido especial, apoia a liberdade e a liderança dela com um jeito de malvado, de perigoso, de irônico... mas tem todos os motivos do mundo pra fazer o que faz, é justo, é leal, é irresistível...e, no final das contas, completamente devoto a ela. É a receita infalível para um enemies to lovers de devorar em uma madrugada. Jogue no meio o perigo constante, ameaças mortais, dragões amedrontadores, inimigos POR TODA PARTE, uma revolução no mundo em que a protagonista vive e no jeito que ela vê as coisas e temos Fourth Wing nos prendendo à leitura como maníacas obcecadas. Claro, o livro tem defeitos: existem muitos clichês - desde bad boys vs mocinho, a garota diferente das outras garotas, protagonista superidealizada (vulgo Mary Sue/a escolhida/se errou, foi com razão) em alguns momentos, mommy e daddy issues pra todo lado -, pelo menos 1 palavrão por página (o que, em minha opinião, deixa o livro adolescente demais), e se você é apaixonada pelo Rhysand de ACOTAR, você provavelmente vai notar umas certas... semelhanças entre ele e o Xaden. Em suma, o livro cumpre o seu papel: é uma leitura divertida, te mantém interessada o tempo inteiro, te faz torcer por alguns personagens e odiar outros, te faz passar mal com as cenas hot (muito bem escritas, por sinal!), e ir correndo pro próximo livro da série só pra não nem 1 minuto de distância daquele mundo e daquele casal. Eu não diria que é super revolucionário, pois acho que esse nicho literário (fantasia com romances épicos para jovens adultos) já não tem tanto pra onde correr mais. Dito isso, cá estou eu, já terminando o segundo livro e em agonia por ter que esperar o terceiro. Enfim, recomendo!

I picked this book up because of all the hype I was seeing on Tiktok and Instagram, everyone was reading and loving this book. It did no disappoint, I was hooked from 3 chapters in and it easily became one of my favourite books I've read in a while. I am obsessed with everything about this book, every word, every page had me gripped and on the edge of my seat. I went through so many emotions while reading this, the absolute unflinching brutality the characters face is both addictive and shocking, but there are also so many triumphs and heart squeezing moments. Rebecca Yarros has done what some authors can't do, and that is write a book that has everything you could ask for. Violet Sorrengail is among my all-time favourite FMC's ever, she was everything you could ask for in a female MC. She is the embodiment of determination, grit and bravery. Her willingness to bet on herself time and again when so many around her keep telling her she will never be good enough is so inspiring, her absolute grit to survive or at least giving it her all when she thinks she can't do something. She never gave up and became an ultimate badass. Having had chronic illness, people always underestimate her (all but one) but that's what makes her an underdog. I liked how balanced her character and personality was, never over the top and I liked how the author didn't make the chronic illness her whole personality, she showed that it didn't stop her from being amazing. Xaden is the most powerful and brutal Wing leader at the academy and also the main person likely to kill Violet, we love an enemies to lovers, but I knew from the start he had a hidden agenda and feelings. I loved his character, he only gets more interesting as the story goes on and the TENSION between Violet and him, was steaming, it is hotter than the dragon fire. I was screaming at the book for them to finally kiss! Xaden defiantly had his secrets and it made him seem more broody but once he started opening up, and we got to see the softer side of him, it made him even better. He's always up for a challenge and he serves every freaking time. He has such a soft spot when it comes down to it. Him showing his love through his actions and constantly challenging Violet to do better, even in moments she didn't believe in herself, was everything you could ask for in a MMC. He made me swoon multiple times. The romance is an angsty slowburn, enemies to lovers (what more could you need?!) and it was brilliantly it was executed. Even though it was a slowburn, the romance came at the right time. And if you like the characters being jealous, you'll enjoy that trope here too. Xaden and Violet's chemistry is off the charts from the beginning, just him looking at her makes you swoon. They compliment each other so well and I like how open and honest they are with each other, and that both of them don't hold each other back and give the other room to make mistakes, learn and grow. It is a mature relationship, which I love to see in fantasies. The Dragons were an amazing surprise, they all have their own personalities and I love it! I got major How to Train Your Dragon vibes. They're lethal, terrifying, and spectacular and I know need to find more dragon books! The found family in this book is the most precious thing ever, I feel in love with each side character but also had major anxiety whenever they were in a dangerous situation. I loved to read how they’re bonded together and I can see that each relationship has the potential to grow into something really special. The camaraderie and rivalry between the riders is such a significant part of the story. The plot was addicting from start to finish, with some many wow moments, WTF moments and sad moments. Rebecca Yarros has written such a thrilling, addicting and compelling introduction book to this wonderful world of dragons and their riders, and I can't wait to see where the story continues! I don't know how I am going to wait till November, but I am defiantly going to be rereading and discussing theories!

Real nice book, my jaw dropped to the floor with the last sentence.

I never write reviews, but now I have to. This book is like heroin! You start, and you can't put it down any more. You can't focus on reality, your work, you just want to go back into the World of Basgiath. You fall in love with Xaden, though he doesn't even exist. You turn the pages, and you only have relief when he is present. I don't know if he is a traitor, but I want to trust a dragon's instinct. I was looking for a book for a long time, and I was very sceptic ordering it, with the reassurance, that I can return it any time. It won't go anywhere!!! The only thing I would mention, that there are a bit too much wear word at the first sex action. And I would never use the expression of 'f. me', when a woman asks a man to make love with her. It just humilates womenkind.