Fourth Wing (The Empyrean, 1) Paperback – September 17, 2024

Plot or Character Driven: A mixStrong character development: YesLoveable characters: YesDiverse cast of characters: YesFlaws of characters a main focus: ComplicatedFourth Wing has been on my TBR list for quite some time. I finally had the time to read, and I now know why so many people have been talking about this series. I quite enjoyed reading Fourth Wing. The story is engaging, with a plot that leaves you wanting to know more, and the characters are entertaining.This slow-burning, enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance is definitely a page turner. Adding the dragons to the mix makes the read even more exciting.Violet always thought she was to be a scribe, writing the times and reviewing the history of the city and its future. She was not like her brother, a healer or a badass rider and fighter like her sister. She was a scribe like her father. Violet is also quite fragile; every week, something happens to her resulting in an injury.However, times have changed, and her mother, who is the General, demands that she become a rider. Violet has to go through the list of challenges, just like the others. The only rule is that one must stay alive.As Violet makes it through the challenges. She learns that not only is her fragile state something she has to work on, but also the other prospective riders who may view her as competition or even harbour hatred towards her because of her family name. Violet finds the courage and strength to overcome these challenges one by one. She is even chosen by one of the most powerful dragons to be his rider.Xaden, a third-year wingleader, has revenge on his mind towards Violet. After all, her mother killed his father in battle. He moves Violet and her squad to his section and lets her know that he intends to kill her. After watching her move through the challenges, he has started to develop respect for her and thinks less of killing her.Xaden's dragon and Violet's dragon are mates. This leads to them spending more time in each other's space. The attraction between them starts to sizzle. Xaden has now turned his focus toward keeping Violet safe.Reasons I enjoyed this book:Action-packed, Entertaining, Great world building, Page-turner, Romantic, Twisted, Wonderful characters

Loved this book! It's one of those story's that has more to offer once you compete the current 3 books published in the series and then you can go back and re-read, some moments in the story have a new and deeper meaning once you learn a few things in the second and third books. Which makes it interesting to re-read over and over again. It does have a few open door S*x scenes, definitely NOT a young adult book. However, I don't feel they are over done and it's just enough to add some spice and growth in the MCs relationship.I appreciate the world building and that there are so many strong supporting characters throughout that really add to the plot. I also love the representation of a disabled MC, and the feeling of the "underdog" that proves everyone wrong. It has a permanent place on my bookshelf, along with the other 2 books in the series. I can't wait for the 4th to be published!

This book completely pulled me in from the very first chapter—I couldn’t put it down! The world-building is rich and exciting, the characters are layered and relatable, and the storyline keeps you hooked with nonstop action, romance, and emotion. I loved how the mix of fantasy and romance felt perfectly balanced, and it had me turning pages late into the night. If you’re looking for a gripping read that combines dragons, danger, and heart, Fourth Wing is absolutely worth it. Can't wait to read the next book!

Let's get those two small warnings out of the way, okay?1. Amazon lists this as a three book series (likely because that's all the author has written so far), the author plans it as a FIVE book series. Yeah, I failed research - after reading the sample of Fourth Wing, i bought books 1-3 and went aaarrrrgggggggh at the end of Onyx Storm, only to find reviews that noted there are two more books to come. My own fault, but trying to help others here.2. Forget about doing *anything* else while reading these. Compelling? Absolutely. Full throttle from beginning to end? Yes, sir/ma'am! Keep you reading till way after your bedtime? Find yourself reading while fixing and eating breakfast/ lunch/dinner? Yes, and very yes.2(a) If you have trouble with f-bombs or explicit sex scenes, this series is not your best bet as there are plenty of each.I wholeheartedly enjoyed this book(/series - I gobbled up Iron Flame and Onyx Storm also).Our protagonist, Violet? I like her. She's far from perfect, but she is smart and resourceful, capable of thinking outside the box (without things becoming too cryptic). And there are plenty of other three-dimensional characters to interact with her.Characters show true growth in this series and the world building is solid (and expands beyond the initial borders in books 2 and 3).Clearly our author is thoughtful, careful, and determined to write books that you want to/ought to read.Technically a romantasy rather than high fantasy, but there is a lot to like, especially if you don't mind 100mph rides. And hey, there are way cool dragons.