Review of Fourth Wing: Empyrean, Book 1 by Rebecca Yarros
As a lifelong fantasy enthusiast, I confess I often enter new worlds with a mix of excitement and skepticism. With Fourth Wing: Empyrean, the buzz around it was deafening—every corner of social media echoed its praises, drawing me in like a moth to a fire. The promise of dragon riders, a fierce female lead, and an elite war college ignited my curiosity, but could it live up to the hype? Spoiler alert: it absolutely did.
From the first page, Rebecca Yarros captivated me with her gripping storytelling. Violet Sorrengail, the protagonist, is everything I adore in a character—resilient, intelligent, and layered. The challenge she faces at the Basgiath War College, where survival isn’t just a goal but a necessity, hooks you immediately. Violet’s brittle body and towering expectations provide a complex backdrop against which her determination shines.
As the plot unfolds, we’re immersed in a world where dragons are as diverse and riveting as the characters themselves. The camaraderie and tension between Violet and Xaden Riorson is palpable—an electrifying blend of enemies-to-lovers that had me rooting for them both, despite the obstacles of betrayal and deep-seated loyalty. Their banter had me laughing and gasping in equal measure, particularly one line from Xaden that stuck with me: "There’s nowhere in existence you could go that I wouldn’t find you, Violence." It embodies the fierce connection that grows between them.
Yarros’s writing style is refreshingly accessible yet evocative. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter revealing twists and new layers of danger, intrigue, and romance. The world-building is rich; it felt seamless and immersive. I appreciated how Yarros wove the narrative threads of honor, friendship, and sacrifice amid the backdrop of war. Notably, some themes echo real-world struggles, resonating with me on a deeper level than typical fantasy fare often manages.
One of my favorite moments in the book arrives during Threshing, a pivotal event where potential dragon riders bond with their dragons. The suspense had me perched on the edge of my seat. The sheer joy and tension during this scene exemplified why this book is poised to be a new classic in the genre—highlighting that magical connection between rider and beast.
The emotional stakes reach a dizzying height in the final chapters. I found myself battling tears, not just for the heart-wrenching moments but for the sheer impact of the story. It wrapped up with a cliffhanger that left me yearning for more, and I couldn’t help but feel an insatiable hunger for the next book.
Fourth Wing: Empyrean is for those who love adventure, romance, and richly developed worlds. If you enjoyed the high stakes of The Hunger Games or the magic of Harry Potter, this book should definitely be next on your reading list. Rebecca Yarros not only brings dragons back to the forefront of fantasy, but she evokes a sense of wonder and excitement that left me exhilarated.
In conclusion, this was not just a book for me; it was an experience. I found myself completely ensnared in Violet’s struggles and triumphs, and I can’t wait to dive back into this world. If you’re looking for a captivating read that makes you both laugh and cry, give Fourth Wing a shot. It’s a fantastic start to what promises to be an exhilarating series.