Have you been looking for a book that will capture your imagination and take you on a crazy, wild ride? Do you like fantasy adventures and snarky dragons? How about extremely attractive, morally gray love interests? If you answered yes to any of these questions then do I have a book series recommendation for you.
Pin this Post for Later
I’m pretty sure you’ve seen Fourth Wing all over TikTok and Instagram – it was the smash hit of spring and summer 2023 – selling out of bookshops and online everywhere. And I bet you wondered: is this book really worth all the hype? The answer is yes. I didn’t actually read this book until the end of summer because it took my bookstore that long to restock it, but when I finally got my hands on it I couldn’t put it down. It’s been a while since a book so completely captured my attention like this, which is why I knew I had to shine a spotlight on not just Fourth Wing but its sequel that recently released, Iron Flame. So let’s jump into it, shall we?
**This post includes affiliate links that if used I do receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. If you use any of my links thank you for the love and support.
Fourth Wing takes place in the fictional land of Navarre. It follows 20 year old Violet Sorrengail who wants nothing more than to follow in her late father’s footsteps and join the Scribe Quadrant. Violet longs for a quiet life among her books and the history of Navarre, but everything changes when her mother (the commanding general) forces her to join the elite dragon riding Riders Quadrant. In the Riders Quadrant there’s one rule – live to see another day or die trying. Unlike the other candidates, Violet’s smaller than everyone else and is limited by some health ailments, but nonetheless she’s determined to survive her time at Basgiath War College. Surrounded by enemies, traitors, and a few friends, Violet begins to realize that maybe her country is hiding a terrible secret – one that could bring destruction to everyone she holds dear. Iron Flame is the continuation of this story.
Ok, so the best way I can describe this book is it’s Divergent with dragons. When I was reading it, I was reminded of Tris’s journey in Divergent as she joins the Dauntless faction. Violet and Tris have a lot in common. They’re both strong women who are considered weak by society and they both rise to the occasion when other people’s choices are forced upon them. I really liked the Divergent series so I didn’t mind the comparison. But even if you’ve never read the whole Divergent series I highly recommend giving this series a try because unlike Tris, I found Violet to be more relatable. She’s not the strongest physically, but she’s clever and she’s quick, proving that even the weak can be strong when put in the right circumstances. I really liked her determination to survive and to stand up for what’s right.
I absolutely loved her relationship with Xaden, this story’s resident morally gray character. Rebecca Yarros has a way of making you feel like you’re part of the inner workings of Violet’s relationships and decisions which I found impressive. When you read Yarros’ writing you don’t feel like the story is being told to you but that you’re part of the story. I think this is just one of the reasons this book series is so addictive.
Verse of the Day: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. – James 1:17
