Every so often, a book comes along that reignites your passion for reading, reminding you exactly why you fall in love with stories in the first place. For me, Rebecca Yarros’s Fourth Wing was precisely that book. It’s not just a read; it’s an experience. An addictive, unputdownable whirlwind that demanded my full attention, to the point where I found myself devouring it deep into the night. It has been far too long since a story held me so captive, and for that alone, Fourth Wing earns a special place in my heart.

The premise alone is a potent brew: Violet Sorrengail, physically vulnerable, forced into the deadly Basgiath War College’s Dragon Rider Quadrant by her ruthleses general mother. What ensues is a brutal gauntlet of trials, fierce competition, and an omnipresent threat of death. Yet, what truly sets this book apart, what makes it sing, are, quite simply, the dragons. I’ve never delved into a dragon-centric fantasy before, but if Fourth Wing is any indication, I’ve been missing out. These aren’t just beasts of burden; they are sentient, powerful beings with distinct personalities, capable of channeling magic into their riders. This concept of channeling magic from dragons is utterly badass, bringing to mind the sheer power and mystical connections. Which is entirely intriguing since my favorite show is Charmed. Tairn, with his grumpy, ancient wisdome and fierce loyalty  (especially his deep care for the adorable, tiny, yet incredibly powerful Andarna), easily stole my heart. Andarna, in turn, is a delightful bundle of cuteness mixed with suprising power.

At the heart of the human drama is the enemies-to-lovers trope, executed with a slow-burn perfection that is utterly chef’s kiss. The animosity between Violet and Xaden Riorson isn’t born of petty squables; it’s forged in blood. His father was executed by her mother; her brother was killed on his father’s orders. Their deep-seated, legitimate hatred provides a phenomenal foundation for the simmering tension and eventual, agonizingly slow shift towards something more. The emotional payoff is immense precisely because the states of their initial animosity are so incredibly high.

And speaking of Xaden….is he truly “morally grey”? While that label is often used, Xaden, in my eyes, transcends it. He’s a brooding menace, yes, but crucially, he never coddles Violet. Instead, he believes in her strength, her capability, and consistently pushes her to rise. His actions speak volumes: the violets he picks for her, the things he crafts for her dragons, his protectiveness. Every gesture, every acknowledgment of her resilience, simply makes you swoon. He is the protector who empowers, and that, for me, makes him an exceptionally compelling romantic lead.

Beyod the fiery romance and magnificent dragons, Fourth Wing excels in its depiction of  found family. The bonds Violet forms with her squadmates had me rooting for them intensely, feeling every triumph and every heartbreak. There were moments that genuinely moved me to tears, highlighting the deep emotional investment the narrative cultivates.

However, no intense ride is without its bumps, and for me, that bump was unequivocally Dain. He is, without a doubt, the absolute worst of the worst. His constant self-righteousness, his incessant need to make violet feel small, weak, and unworthy under the guise of “following a code” or “protecting her, was infuriating. His power, and how we readers learned what he did…..I developed a visceral hatred for his character. Seriously, if Dain dies in the next four books (I heard this was  going to be 5 books total) I would be totally happy with it. Not joking! She could even bring him back to life over and over just to kill him more slowly the next round. He has served his purpose as an obstacle in Violet’s journey…..now he can go fall off a cliff.

That ending???? Seriously, WTF. It delivers a moumental punch that left me reeling and desperatefor more. Its a testament to Rebecca Yarros’s plotting that even after such a lengthy and immersive read, I was left utterly craving the sequel. (which arrives tomorrow)

In conclusion, Fourth Wing is a powerouse of a romantasy novel. It’s an intoxicating blend of high-stakes action, a deeply staisfying slow-burn romance, incredible dragons, and a found family dynamic that will tug at your heartstrings. Despite my intense dislike for Dain (seriously, Rebecca Yarros…..please make him suffer) the sheer addictiveness and the breathtaking climax make this book an absolute triumph.