Reviews with content warning for Animal cruelty - Fourth Wing

It’s pretty polarizing online among book influencers but I don’t think Fourth Wing is bad for a first installment. This was actually my second time going through it (in anticipation for book three) and I will say that after a re-read the character flaws are VERY loud. Overall, the biggest issue is the (almost) love triangle.

Dain is almost from the beginning, annoyingly condescending of Violet to the point that when he eventually betrays her, it doesn’t feel like the gut-punch it’s supposed to. You’re just left with this feeling of ‘well of course he would, he’s an asshole.’ And I think a large part of that is lack of development of their relationship prior to the story. We are told that they are childhood friends but we don’t really SEE their connection. He just babies her and makes references to their past that we never get to actually experience. A flashback or something would have been nice.

As for Violet and Xaden, for a first book their chemistry works but outside of physical attraction we aren’t working with much else. I would have loved them to have more opportunities, outside of the scene on the parapet toward the end, to really emotionally connect. But I’ve definitely been disappointed by worse, less developed insta-love before.

I had a good time regardless and at the end of the day that’s the important part.

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chronic_listener's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

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lb_1903's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this book, couldn't put it down. Love the main characters and there are some amazing supporting characters too. It's a wild ride

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miss_cr's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

10000/10 absolutely amazing. I was hooked from the very beginning. So many jaw-droppint moments. HIGHLY recommend listening to the audiobook with the full cast- like a movie but without the picture. Definitely worth the wait!
I'll be buying these books for my personal collection. Just... stunning.

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thatswhatshanread's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I took off half of a star just because some of the world building and descriptions were a little too confusing to me and could have been done better in keeping me engaged within this fantasy world; the imagery wasn’t quite there for me. And I’ll admit the writing in general was not my favorite, though the characters and plot made up for it for the most part.

But alas!!! This was a fun one!!

You’ve got dragons, you’ve got a war college, you’ve got enemies to lovers, you’ve got mysterious happenings outside of the border that are kept hush hush, you’ve got redacted history and rebellion, you’ve got strong friendships and literal soulmates… I loved it. Our female protagonist Violet is not unlike any other leading character in these kinds of books—she’s weak and fragile, not cut out for the life she’s forced to take on, a disappointment to her mother, the least impressive of her siblings. UNTIL! She proves everyone wrong, even herself, as she is meant to do for the story to exist of course. Which isn’t a bad plot, even if it’s been done many times before, because it clearly works. Violet goes from meek little sister who prefers books over battle, to the incredible dragon rider who packs a striking punch. And Xaden—pretends he loathes her and wants to kill her, broody and closed-off, strong and intimidating to everyone else, but in reality a very kind, caring person who would do anything for Violet. Their chemistry was sizzling, and I loved learning more about their fated connection. The YOU DIE, I DIE trope to a T.

Dain—basically Gale from The Hunger Games but even worse—however, can suck a dozen eggs.

Overall, an intriguing and heart-pounding introduction to the Empyrean series! Great mix of fantasy and romance! You’ll want your own dragon and wingleader boyfriend asap.

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