Book Review: Fourth Wing (The Empyrean Series #1) by Rebecca Yarros

Genre: Fantasy/Romance

Pages: 544 (Paperback)

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Spoiler-free Review!

Summary

Forced into the deadly Rider's Quadrant at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail is in a fight for her life. Not only is she the smallest of all the cadets, she's also the war general's daughter. Putting an even bigger target on her back. A target that the powerful and ruthless Wingleader, Xaden Riorson would do anything to hit true. At Basgiath there is only one way out. Graduate...or die trying.

My Review

As one of the #1 books in the Fantasy/Romance genre, my expectations going into this were extremely high. While I very much enjoyed this book and gave it 4 stars, I will say that it didn't quite live up to the hype. Loveable side characters, a great leading lady and sexy romance...but something was missing.

As always, we start with out main character. I really liked Violet. For the most part. I know a lot of people have a problem with her always being described as "tiny and fragile," but I never saw it as the author glorifying being skinny and teeny tiny. I saw it as a weakness that Violet never let deter her or get in her way. Despite the fact that she's smaller than anyone else in the quadrant and her bones and joints have been breakable since birth, she does every damn thing that all the other riders do. She finds a way to persevere and I loved that about her. Strength through determination, kindness and attitude. I truly enjoyed following Violet's story.

The side characters are what really gave this books such a high rating. Rihannon, Ridoc and Liam gave that found family that we love to read about and were incredible allies for our FMC.

Our main male character was yum. Sexy, dangerous and mysterious, Xaden lived up to ALL the hype.

Rebecca Yarros has a great writing style. Simple and easy to follow. However, her world building was lacking a bit. There is an entire scene in the beginning where Violet is literally reciting pages from a history book and that was basically all the world building we got. Didn't give a lot in terms of depth and insight into the "war" the world has been in for the last 600 years.

Something that Rebecca Yarros can do really well however, is write a spicy scene. Cause damn. Honestly some of the best sex scenes I have ever read. I was sweating by the end of each one.

The plot is where Fourth Wing lost a star. While the main part of the plot is Violet surviving Basgiath, and her journey through the first year. The subplot of the 600 year war was the issue. Yes. 600 years they have been at war with this other Province and its never explained why. Until the end. Before the truth of the war is revealed, you aren't really told why everyone thinks they are at war. FOR 600 YEARS! A rebellion happen a few years prior to the novel...but why. A mean King? I was confused about this plot point the entire book and it took me out of the story. A weakness in the plot, but not exactly a plot hole. I was just constantly asking...Why?

The romance between the love interests was really good and had me wanting more, more, MORE! Hoooowwwever. Violet's damn inner monologue. Girl. Have some dignity. The desperation this girl has over Xaden was not it. There's yearning and longing and then there's just pathetic. It actually gave me the ick. I love when a man is obsessed and desperately in love with a woman. But when the woman is obsessed and desperately in love with the man? And I have to read her thoughts?! No. I'll pass.

All in all, I loved Fourth Wing and it was a very fun read. Never a dull moment with Violet, Ridoc, Liam, Xaden and their Dragons. Whether you are new to Fantasy or a seasoned reader, Fourth Wing will reel you in and keep you turning the pages from start to finish!