A review by pm_me_book_recs
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This was incredible. The plot was in constant drive and build, we get hints and tidbits of foreshadow that were so tastefully dropped that they spoilt nothing, we get disability representation from an author with the described disability, we get dragons and magic, fast-paced battles, boarding school style intrigue, a fully developed world with political strain, witty banter between allies and enemies, and the steamiest romance. For only having two sex scenes, they are the most well written, passionate, realistic throes I have ever read. No weird cringey descriptors or bedroom talk. Consent is also addressed and handled excellently. 

I'm not even sure if I consider my only complaint a complaint; there is an attempt at LGBTQ representation, and it really fell short- it's a side note of a passing conversation. I would never require all authors to represent identities they are unfamiliar with, that's how you get offensive stereotypes streamlined, right? 

While full of feminine power, this story is straight AF. 


I listened to this via libro.fm and the narrator was absolutely phenomenal. Her voice is so dynamic and each character has a different, unique, recognizable lilt. She also actually sped up the reading pace during stressful battles, slowed down during introspective bits, and evokes so much emotion. Rebecca Soler deserves a damn award for this reading. I finished all 20 hrs and 45 minutes in a two day period. The final chapter is read by Teddy Hamilton, and while he did a good job, it was jarring for the switch to happen, and I wasn't a big fan of his intonation and representation of our heroine. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings