Book Review: ‘Fourth Wing’ is Destined to be THE Romantasy Read Favorite of the Summer
I’m calling it now: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is going to be the IT Romantasy read of the summer. And I’m fully convinced Booktok and Bookstagram are going to be filled with posts about this book. It’s violent, it’s sexy, and there are talking DRAGONS. What’s not to love? If you’re looking for a book that never stops entertaining, has chronic illness rep we rarely get to see in fantasy, and a true enemies to lovers story, this is the book for you. Did I lose sleep because I couldn’t put it down? Yes. Did I chortle out loud at some of the banter? Also yes. If this book isn’t already on your TBR, remedy that immediately.
Things to Know:
Book one of an incomplete series
New Adult Romantasy
Chronic Illness Rep, Deaf Rep
Slow burn, with spice
Cliffhanger ending
TALKING DRAGONS!!!
First and foremost, this book is super accessible if you’re new to fantasy, and love slow burn romance. Yarros writes with an almost modern dialog, which usually bothers me immensely if I’m reading a fantasy novel, but in this instance it wasn’t overdone. And while the magic system is incredibly cool, it’s also very easy to understand. These combined with everyone’s favorite enemies-to-lovers trope, and extremely high stakes, make it an easy book for the masses to love. Again, this is a fantastic book rec for all my romance-loving friends who are finally ready to dabble in fantasy. Plus, everyone loves an underdog, and Violet, is exactly that. As someone who has a chronically ill best friend, this was some of the best disability rep I’ve read. I love that we see this character find her strengths and confidence.
“These are the only people guaranteed by the Codex not to kill you. But just because they can’t end your life, doesn’t mean others won’t. You want a dragon? Earn one.”
Trained to be a scribe her whole life, she’s forced to enter the Riders Quadrant at Basgiath War College, and everyone’s convinced she’s weak and won’t last a day. And with her chronic illness making her joints and bones constantly at risk, they could be right. But she’s smart, resourceful, and a complete badass. Oh, and day one she immediately catches the eye of Wingleader, Xaden Riorson, and not in a good way. Her General mother had his father executed, so it’s not exactly love at first sight. But when I tell you the BANTER in this book will have you giggling like a school girl, I mean it.
“Is it absolutely toxic that I’m attracted to this look on him? Probably.”
Y’all know I’m a sucker for any book with dragons, but THESE dragons?! They have my whole heart. Imagine the most curmudgeonly, but fiercely protective old man. That’s Tairn. And little Andarna is the most precious thing ever, and must be protected at all costs. I dare you not to fall in love with these dragons and their riders. Rarely have I found a book that’s so easy to digest as a fantasy read, but still has the extremely violent and high stakes of a tried and true high fantasy. Was I surprised by any of the twists? No. But #protip: pay close attention to those little snippets ahead of each chapter…they’re very illuminating. And I’m avoiding giving you any spoilers, so all I’ll say is, there are also GRIFFINS/GRIPHONS and some other magical creatures.
“Eventually those closest to us become our enemies in some way, even if it’s through well-intentioned love or apathy, or if we live long enough to become their villains.”
Now if I’m being SUPER nitpicky, I could have done without all the F-bombs. But hey, if I was in those situations, I’d probably be dropping them too, so it’s understandable. I’m also not a huge fan of the cheesy nickname, but plenty of my mutuals on Booktok seem to find it endearing. ;)
With that cliffhanger ending, I’m going to need book two immediately. I cannot wait to continue this story with Violet, Xaden, Tairn, and Andarna! If you want to be in on the next big Romantasy series, do yourself a favor and preorder it now. Misery loves company, and I sure could use some fellow readers to commiserate having to wait for book two right about now…
Fourth Wing comes out May 2nd, 2023. Many thanks to Red Tower Books for sending me an ARC to review. All opinions are my own.
Note: While it looks like the limited edition first print with sprayed edges is now sold out, we did get confirmation that book two, Iron Flame, which comes out November 8th, 2023 will also have sprayed edges! So I’ll definitely be preordering. There are also at least two book subscription boxes that are doing a special edition of Fourth Wing: The Bookish Box and Fairyloot if you missed out on the first edition.
UPDATES: The Shop has been approved for official ‘Fourth Wing’ licensed merch, so be on the lookout for a collection launch in July! You can sign up for the newsletter to get the merch drop info here.
We also have a Buddy Read ‘Fourth Wing’ forum chat in the BAMTP community Discord, and + YOU’RE INVITED!
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P.S. If you end up getting a copy of this book through the Amazon affiliate link above, you’ll be helping me support this site and newsletter. Thanks in advance for supporting a fellow bookworm! BTW, I will always disclose affiliate links when they’re present. :) Happy reading!