A Promising Fantasy Adventure: “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

“Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros is an enthralling fantasy novel that introduces readers to a world of riders and dragons, filled with adventure, mystery, and romance. While the book successfully captures the essence of an epic journey, there are a few areas where the story could have been further developed, particularly in regards to the protagonist, Violet.

Violet’s character holds great potential, but I couldn’t help but feel that she could have been more captivating if certain aspects of her journey were explored in greater depth. Here are some elements that, in my opinion, would have added more depth to Violet’s character:

Firstly, delving into Violet’s life as a scribe before she became a rider would have allowed readers to understand her background and the skills she possessed. This would have provided insight into her character and motivations, giving us a deeper understanding of her transition into the rider role.

Additionally, witnessing Violet’s training and progression as a rider would have made her transformation more impactful. Seeing her overcome challenges and grow stronger would have allowed readers to root for her and appreciate her character development.

Violet’s chronic pain is mentioned but not thoroughly explored. It would have been intriguing to delve into how she copes with this physical obstacle and how it affects her daily life. This exploration could have provided a unique layer to her character and allowed readers to empathize with her struggles.

Another missed opportunity is the exploration of Violet’s grief over the loss of her brother. This emotional aspect could have been further developed, allowing readers to witness her journey of healing and understanding the impact her brother’s absence has on her decisions and actions.

The dynamic between Violet and her mother is briefly touched upon, but it remains unexplored. Understanding the intricacies of their relationship would have added depth to Violet’s character and provided a stronger emotional connection for readers.

Furthermore, the friendships and romance that Violet forms throughout the story are not fully realized. I wanted to see these relationships grow and evolve, strengthening the emotional bonds between the characters and creating a more engaging reading experience.

Lastly, the book tantalizes readers with the prospect of Violet bonding with the dragons, but this aspect is left largely unexplored. Seeing her forge connections with these majestic creatures would have enhanced her character arc and provided a fascinating element to the narrative.

Despite these missed opportunities, “Fourth Wing” is still one of the best fantasy books of 2023 mainly because it includes dragons and has great potential for an action film or TV series that will appeal to fans of Hunger Games and a bit of Game of Thrones.

While Violet’s character could have been made more interesting with further exploration of her background, training, relationships, and emotional struggles, “Fourth Wing” still manages to entertain and leave readers eager for more. I mainly read this novel for the hype built around it and because I have more hope for the sequel.