Spoiler-Free Blog
Despite this book only releasing a week ago, Fourth Wing has received major social media hype, and has already accrued 2,000 Goodreads reviews (and counting). And it has nearly a 5-star Goodreads rating, at that – quite a rare feat. In fact, I picked this up specifically because I saw ten 5-star reviews in a row. That never happens.
And I’m here to say it’s hyped for a reason. I loved this book. At the rate this book is spreading through the book community, I’d wager it’s about to be the next big series.
What’s Fourth Wing about?
Despite being untrained, dealing with chronic pain, and having a target on her back, 20-year-old Violet Sorrengail’s mother forces her to enroll in a dragon-riding military college – where the mortality rate for first-years is something like 50% or more. Now Violet has to survive not just the deadly training but the other ruthless students as well.
I could not put this book down.
What. A. Ride.
If you’re here by way of my Instagram post, then you already know that I feel this book is the best combo of: Eragon (dragons and dragon-bonding), Divergent (an untrained woman in a ruthless setting where she must fight to survive), The Hunger Games (everyone is out for themselves and may attack or murder those who stand in the way), and A Court of Mist and Fury (for the romance and love interest).
This book has a propulsive plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, well-developed and lovable side characters, and excellent worldbuilding. It also has the kind of good writing that’s invisible – it’s easy to get immersed.
I loved Violet as the main character. She is relatable, resilient, mentally tough, quick-witted, and light on her feet. She’s the perfect person to follow through such a treacherous setting. Violet never feels like a “chosen one” or like she’s somehow “special” – everything she is and achieves is a result of her own choices.
You should know: this is an adult book – so it has adult levels of violence, death, cussing, and sexual activity. So, in other words, I fucking loved it.
And lucky us – the sequel comes out in November, only six months after book 1’s release rather than the standard full year.
Should you read Fourth Wing?
I would get a tattoo dedicated to this book. So yes, I think it should be on your TBR, stat! If you’re a fan of dragons, deadly military college settings, fantasy with a bit of romance, and plot-driven stories – this one is for you.
For my review of book 2, click here!
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6 responses to “Fourth Wing (Book 1): The best of 2023 so far”
I just finished this book and it was SO GOOD! I genuinely think it’s one of the best fantasy books I’ve read (not that I have read lots of them, anyway), but it’s a book that just feel right. I loathe fantasy/romance books were the girl is a complete ignorant and just focuses on saving the world or deal with treason; Violet is smart as hell, doesn’t run away from the guy (speaking about her feelings, not playing stupid) and knows what she wants. Definitely dying to read the next one 😭
I’m so glad you loved it as much as I did!!! I can’t wait until the sequel!
If only we could enroll in a dragon-riding academy! Hope they make into a movie. 😉
Me too! It would be a fun show.
I didn’t realise this was such a good book. I love capable main characters so I’ll probably pick it up! Thanks!
It was one of my favorites from 2023!