The Fourth Wing Series

What did we think about this best selling series?

This review will attempt to have as little spoiler material as possible, but be advised before reading that it may contain spoilers.

The beginning was a bit slow. However, this is a new world, so the author needs to spend some time painting a picture for us and creating context. We’re dropped into Basgiath War College, a brutal military academy where survival is never guaranteed and dragon bonding is the ultimate goal. The world-building is rich, and while it takes a moment to settle in, the payoff is worth it

Eventually you realize that everyone’s life revolves around a war that we get little information about until Book Two. Violet Sorrengail, our protagonist, was raised to be a Scribe—quiet, bookish, and far from the battlefield. But when her mother, a high-ranking general, forces her into the Rider Quadrant, Violet must adapt quickly or die trying. Her physical fragility (she has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome) makes her journey even more compelling, as she’s constantly underestimated and targeted.

I was left craving answers most of the first book, so of course I couldn’t wait to start the second. There are hints of rebellion, secrets buried in the archives, and a mysterious past that slowly unravels. The “threshing” ceremony, where dragons choose their riders, is one of the most intense and memorable scenes—some students don’t survive, and not every dragon chooses a bond.

There were definitely quite a few twists in Book One that will have you running to Book Two just like me. The relationships are complex, especially between Violet and Xaden Riorson, a brooding, powerful rider with a rebellious past. Their dynamic is electric, full of tension and slow-burn chemistry.

As far as the spicy scenes, if you aren’t into these types of scenes, they weren’t overwhelming or too frequent. I believe they were done in a way that no matter your preference, you will enjoy the story. They’re emotionally grounded and serve the character development rather than feeling gratuitous.

I chose to listen to the regular audiobook for the first book and then invested in the dramatized versions of the second book. The dramatized version is spilt into two parts, so you have to buy two books instead of one. I was a bit distracted in some cases by some of the back ground noises, because some didn’t seem to match. However, it was worth it and not everyone is going to have the same experience as me. The most important part is that everyone have there own voice and I loved that. The voice acting brought the characters to life—especially Violet’s inner strength and Xaden’s intensity.

The series has a little bit of everything: fantasy, romance, action, political intrigue, and emotional depth. It’s not just about dragons—it’s about power, legacy, and survival. If you love morally gray characters, high-stakes training, and a heroine who refuses to be defined by her limitations, this is a must-read.