Format: Print 

First read: July 2023 
Reread: December 2024 

I am so glad this stood up on reread.  I joined the hype train on first read and have very solidly stayed there for the reread. 

Fourth Wing hooked me from the start and kept hold of me right through to the end. Reading it this time as a buddy read (admittedly still only over a few days) allowed me to really savour it this time in a way I perhaps didn’t the first time. 

I love Violet. She’s incredibly strong – facing challenges head on despite having a chronic health condition. As much as some people try to push her down, she finds ways to adapt and be competitive in a ruthless world where any sign of weakness is pounced on. I have to say, this is also something I like about Xaden (in contrast to other characters I won’t mention) – he doesn’t put her down for these perceived weaknesses, but instead helps her adapt and comes up with solutions to her limitations. He doesn’t treat her as weak. Admittedly I have read this time around with hindsight and knowledge of what is coming, but I also really like the development of their relationship – I am most definitely a Xaden fan. 

I also like our side characters – Liam (love Liam!) and Rhiannon in particular – and the dragons with their own unique personalities. I am loving the development of the relationships between Violet and Tairn, and Violet and Andarna and can’t wait to see more of this in later books. The characterisation of all characters is a real strength of the book – even those whose names I don’t wish to utter! 

The world is intriguing and I’m excited to learn more. I also really like the nod to the scribe quadrant (Violet’s original plan) with the extracts from books in the world at the start of each chapter and Violet’s penchant for reciting Navarrian history when she needs to stay calm – ok maybe you could argue this is info-dumpy, but what a clever way of world building. 

While not the most unique story ever written, this is certainly compelling and completely addictive. I cannot wait to read/reread more from this world.