Let me tell you about a book that completely grabbed my attention like no other series has since Harry Potter. I am talking about 'Fourth Wing' by Rebecca Yarros. Book One of Five in the Empyrean Series. I don’t know what it was— probably the allure of dragons, the intense battles, or realistic but easy to follow writing—but as soon as I started reading, I was hooked. I finished it and immediately bought the part two 'Iron Flame'. Now that I also finished that one I’m left in this weird limbo, counting down the days until the next book, Onyx Storm, is released next year. Seriously, I feel like I’m in withdrawal.
The Empyrean Series, with its unique blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure
To help with the wait, I’ve been following the Fantasy Fangirls podcast, where two sisters dive deep into the world of Fourth Wing. They discuss everything from lore to character development, and it’s comforting to know that I’m not the only one obsessing over every detail. They make the wait for the next book a bit more bearable, even if it’s just by reminding me that I’m not alone in my obsession. If you are interested in the podcast, you can find it here.
The Plot of Fourth Wing
The story follows Violet Sorrengail, a young woman who was all set to live a quiet life among books in the Scribe Quadrant. But on the day she was supposed to start her new life, her mother—a general—ordered her to join the dangerous world of dragon riders instead. Imagine being forced to abandon everything you’ve prepared for, only to be thrown into a life-or-death situation where your survival isn’t guaranteed. That’s Violet’s reality, and it’s made even harder by the fact that she’s physically weaker than the other cadets. Her conditions resemble the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, which impacts joints, skin, and blood vessels, and in a world where only the strong survive, this is a serious disadvantage.
But within this dangerous world she also gets to meet Xaden Riorson, the brooding, powerful wingleader who has every reason to hate Violet, but ends up being her most complicated relationship. Their connection is intense and filled with tension.
Once Violet passes the initial tests of the first year at war college, she doesn't only manage against all odds to bond one dragon. Also against all odds and never done before, she bonds two. Firstly, the bad-ass huge dragon Tairn. The name is gaelic and stands for Thunder and he is a Black Morningstar, that until the day of bonding hasn't been seen at the college in years. The surprising second bond happens with Andarna. Her name is also gaelic meaning Second Honour. She is a young Gold Feathertail, that because of her age techincally was not allowed to bond. But the dragons make the rules and the humans are the pets. Therefore nobody from the War College was able to argue with the dragons.
As Violet navigates this perilous world, she must rely on her intelligence thanks to the Scribe Training and cunning to survive, all while uncovering dark secrets within the kingdom. All the while reevaluating relationships with childhood friends and family, and their understanding of others and the kingdom.
About the Dragons in Fourth Wing
Now to the best and most important part: The Dragons!!!
In "Fourth Wing," dragons are majestic and powerful beings with a significant role in the world of Navarre. They are creatures of immense strength, intelligence, and longevity, with lifespans that can reach around 200 years. Dragons are central to the protection of Navarre, as they bond with humans to grant them signet abilities, which are essential for weaving the protective wards around the Vale—safeguarding it from gryphons, wyvern, and venin.
Dragons have a complex life cycle, beginning as eggs that can remain unhatched for centuries, as seen with Andarna, a young Feathertail dragon who is not yet mature. She is still a juvenile dragons that has not yet developed her full powers or abilities to bear riders. She is distinguished by her golden color and feather-like tails, which she loses after undergoing a significant growth period known as the Dreamless Sleep. This phase is crucial for their development, during which they transition into adolescents and later into fully matured dragons.
The dragons are governed by an enigmatic leadership known as the Empyrean, a council that dictates their laws and hierarchy, though the details of their governance are largely unknown to humans. The hierarchy among dragons is clear, with the eldest dragons commanding respect and authority. Mated dragons, such as Tairn and Sgaeyl, share an unbreakable bond and can't stay apart for longer than about 5 days.
Dragons come in various colors and breeds, each associated with different dens and ancestral lines. For instance, Tairn, a Black Morningstartail dragon, is known for his intelligence, cunning, and deadly power. Sgaeyl, a Navy-Blue Daggertail, is equally formidable, known for her ruthless combat abilities. Other dragons include Andarna, who, despite being a Chameleon Scorpiontail, is still a Feathertail and not fully developed. Each dragon's color and breed play a role in their abilities, personalities, and the type of tail weapon they possess, such as the bludgeoning power of a Clubtail or the venomous barb of a Scorpiontail.
The bonding between dragons and their riders is a sacred process, where dragons choose humans for reasons they do not disclose. This bond allows humans to channel the dragons' magic and develop unique signet abilities, which are critical for their roles as protectors of Navarre. Dragons, such as Tairn and Sgaeyl, have bonded with powerful riders like Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson, making them some of the most formidable pairs in the story.
Also important to note is, that if dragons do not see a cadet as worthy they may not simply not bond them but actually torch them.
Another fact that I learned during the Fantasy Fangirl podcast is that the dragons in this book series have four legs and wings on their back. The Wyvern on the other hand have 2 back legs and the wings include their arms. Makes one rethink all the other movies that include dragons a bit, see Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, etc. 😉
Final Words about Fourth Wing
What I loved most about Fourth Wing is how it blends fantasy and reality in a way that feels both thrilling and relatable. The world-building is immersive without being overwhelming, and the constant danger keeps you on the edge of your seat. Violet’s journey is filled with tension—every day is a battle, not just to survive but to prove that she’s more than her physical limitations.
I couldn’t help but connect with Violet. She’s not the typical strong, invincible heroine you often see in fantasy novels. She’s vulnerable, sometimes scared, and constantly battling her own insecurities. But that’s what makes her so relatable. She uses her intelligence, unique skills and wit to overcome challenges, and as someone who’s faced their own share of obstacles, I found that incredibly inspiring.
However, this book is casual read and will not win an price for the writing style. But even with these imperfections, I found myself completely encharmed. It’s not highbrow literature, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s a fast-paced, thrilling ride that reminded me of why I fell in love with reading in the first place.
Now, here I am, waiting for Onyx Storm and trying to fill the void left by Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. It’s strange to feel this way about a book, like a part of you is missing until you get your hands on the next installment. I honestly didn't feel this way since the Harry Potter books and then eventually movies came out and I was part of Midnight Book Releases and more. But that’s what makes reading so magical. It’s not just about the words on the page—it’s about the world you get to escape to, even if it’s just for a little while.
So, if you’re looking for a book that’s going to suck you into another world of magic, give Fourth Wing a try. You might just find yourself joining me in the countdown for Onyx Storm next year.
Thank you for reading this book review of Fourth Wing and happy reading!
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