Empyrean #1
I wasn’t going to read this. Honestly, I wasn’t. I was still at the bookstore, though, and the manager looked at me and asked if I was genuinely going to pass up a book that was a mashup of How to Train Your Dragon and A Court of Mist and Fury. She’d gotten to read the arc, and there was one more special edition copy left that was unclaimed. What can I say? She was right. I wasn’t about to pass it up.
Synopsis
From the publisher marketing:
Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general–also known as her tough-as-talons mother–has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.
But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away…because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.
With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter–like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.
She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.
Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom’s protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.
Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda–because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.
A dragon without its rider is a tragedy.
A rider without their dragon is dead.
Dragons, Friendship, and Rebellion
*Small Caveat: I wrote this before book 2 came out, and I’m still holding out hope that I’m wrong in my current disappointment, but we’ll see.
Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing is a breathtaking blend of fantasy, romance, and empowerment, and I ate it right up. This book is a rare gem that perfectly balances the magic of dragons, the thrill of rebellion, and the heartwarming power of connection. It’s a story that invites us to lose ourselves in her brilliantly imagined world.
At the core of Fourth Wing is a world where dragons are more than mythical creatures—they’re integral characters with sharp wit, biting sarcasm, and personalities that leap off the page. Their bond with their riders is as emotionally charged as it is magical, adding depth to the story telling and pulling us deeper into this enchanting universe. Yarros’ world-building is nothing short of masterful, striking a balance between familiar fantasy elements and inventive twists that make this story wholly unique.
One of the things I absolutely loved is the portrayal of female friendships. Violet, our fierce and determined protagonist, is surrounded by a cast of women who challenge, support, and inspire one another. These friendships are layered and authentic, offering moments of humor, vulnerability, and unwavering solidarity. Yarros reminds us that the bonds between women can be as transformative as any romantic relationship—a message that feels both refreshing and deeply empowering.
Violet’s journey is further enriched by some well done inclusive representation, particularly in the nuanced depiction of chronic illness and disability. Violet isn’t defined by her physical limitations; instead, she thrives in spite of them, her strength shining in both her battles and her determination to defy expectations. Yarros treats these themes with care and authenticity, giving us a protagonist who feels deeply relatable and inspiring.
The romance in Fourth Wing is another highlight, offering a partnership built on respect, mutual growth, and sizzling chemistry. Violet and Xaden’s relationship avoids tired tropes, focusing instead on their shared journey toward self-discovery and empowerment. Xaden is more than a brooding love interest; he’s a partner in every sense, challenging Violet while supporting her autonomy. Their dynamic is electric (sometimes literally!), with just the right balance of tension, vulnerability, and heartfelt moments to keep readers swooning.
Adding to the intrigue is the underlying theme of rebellion, which Yarros unveils with precision and suspense. The layers of political tension and moral ambiguity give the story a weight that lingers long after the final page. As secrets unravel and alliances shift, we are given a twist that challenges ideas of loyalty, power, and sacrifice, making Fourth Wing more than just an escapist fantasy—it’s a story that resonates on a deeper level.
Fourth Wing is a perfect storm of snarky dragons, vivid world-building, and unforgettable characters. Yarros weaves together magic, rebellion, and heartfelt relationships into a narrative that’s as emotionally gripping as it is thrilling. Whether you come for the dragons or the romance, you’ll stay for the rich themes of empowerment and connection. This is a book that doesn’t just tell a story—it creates a world you won’t want to leave. Fourth Wing is an instant classic that deserves a place on every fantasy lover’s shelf.
Rating: 10+ out of 10
If you’ve already read and enjoyed Fourth Wing, check out the following books:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas – A fae world full of magic, romance, and betrayal, with a fierce heroine and complex relationships.
- Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin – A story of witch hunts, forbidden love, and magic, centered on a witch and a witch hunter who must navigate their intense and complicated partnership.
- The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang – A brutal yet captivating tale of magic, war, and personal growth, featuring a strong female protagonist facing immense challenges and internal conflict.
- The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon – A sprawling epic featuring dragons, political intrigue, and powerful female characters who stand against a world-ending threat.
- Skyward by Brandon Sanderson – A thrilling sci-fi novel with a determined young heroine, strong friendships, and a focus on rebellion and self-discovery against a backdrop of space warfare.
Celebration of Books 