As the year comes to an end, I would like to discuss the highly anticipated book that has generated a lot of buzz. And yes, you guessed it right! Fourth Wing. While mindlessly scrolling through Instagram Reels, I unexpectedly came across this literary masterpiece, which caught my attention.
It felt promising so I decided to dig into the treacherous terrain of Amazon reviews. Let me tell you, I check the worst reviews first! To my utter disappointment, the worst reviews were all about the seller and not a whisper about the literary marvel called Fourth Wing. Then I dodged to Goodreads, the platform known for its diverse range of literary opinions. and there I found one review which really caught my eye. It said something like, “Who had a gun to the head of everyone who rated this five stars Fourth Wing” and there were a bunch of people arguing regarding the book. That was interesting!
Damm Sherlock Holmes in me! I placed the order on Amazon. Upon beginning to read, I quickly noticed that the plot seemed somewhat repetitive. It featured the classic elements of a bad guy and an innocent girl who ultimately gets corrupted, enemies who eventually fall in love, a military school setting, and the presence of both good and evil forces. I have read a series by another author that was similar, and I found it very relatable. Then I contemplated why I should continue reading this book. However, since I had purchased the book with my hard-earned money, I felt compelled to read it until the very end.
This literary work is narrated from the perspective of Violent Sorrengail, who is the protagonist and is also afflicted with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). It is distressing to read about how she frequently experiences joint injuries, yet she seems to have developed an ability to block her pain. Although she originally intended to become a scribe, her mother, who is a general, shoves her into the Rider’s quadrant. That sounded like a classic tale of misplaced career choices! She is fragile but in a place where fewer dragons are willing to bond with the riders, Violet bonds with the two powerful ones. And, that is exactly where the story unfolds.
As the story unfolds, you will discover that numerous events are taking place, with each subplot being just as captivating as the main storyline. The story is replete with themes of love, betrayal, secrets, and mysteries. There is so much politics going on not only in the human world but also among the dragons which may be unveiled in the other books of the series. Furthermore, there is an abundance of unexpected plot twists and thrilling moments that will undoubtedly keep you on the edge of your seat. However, as the twists are revealed, you realise that the author has cleverly left breadcrumbs for you to follow at every step. Not in a way that makes the twists predictable. But in a way that makes the payoff extremely satisfying. This book also depicts the selfishness of powerful individuals who prioritise protecting only the borders of Navarre, while disregarding the lives of those outside its borders. The book concludes with a cliffhanger, leaving us eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the series.
This book is a conventional Romantasy novel, enhanced with a dash of spice. Once you have a strong emotional attachment to the characters, you will become more deeply engrossed. And if you’re not happy with simply reading the book, there’s a Fantasy Fangirls podcast to listen to. Indeed, nothing enhances a literary experience more than the critical analysis of every theory and plot twist by somebody else.
In conclusion, Fourth Wing is not merely a book; it is a thrilling journey that evokes a wide range of emotions. The plot is incredibly compelling, to the point where I found myself shedding tears of joy. This was the exact moment when I realised that Fourth Wing had secured a place in my personal hall of fame. Definitely a worthwhile read, and I may even go back and read it again if I need a refresher on the ideas before the next book in the series is released (I have already read Book 2, Wait for the review). If you have an interest in Romantasy then Fourth Wing is the perfect choice for you. Have fun reading, and may your book collection be a treasure trove of great books!
