Fourth Wing: Empyrean, Book 1

Fourth Wing, the first book in The Empyrean series released on the second of may, but I read it only a few days ago. I’m not sure what went wrong where that this book escaped my notice for so long. Either way, I’m not sure where I heard of this book (probably bookstagram), but I bought the Kindle version immediately *weeps a river of tears that there’s no paperback version available*.(Random anecdotal rant commences)Then (and this is the most heartbreaking part of the story), my best friend read the book before I could and loved it. This is of course fantastic, except it’s not. Why? Well, it’s because I should’ve read it first and suggested it to her and then she should’ve read it and loved it. I blame this all on whatever strange magic has been in the air that kept this book away from my awareness and made me lose the chance for my best friend to tell me how much she loves because I recommended this book to her.(Random anecdotal rant concludes)I don’t think it has ever happened that once I finish a book I immediately want to read it again. Usually when I love a book, I float on a cloud of bliss for a few days before hunkering down to put all my feelings into fairly comprehensible words for a review. I’ve never—as far as I can recall—dove back into the book. But with Fourth Wing that’s exactly what I did. I just dove back into the book and re-read a good portion of it. And then did it again.The writing made the scenes so vivid, I was surprised I was reading and not watching it all play out on a screen. Whatever it is that Yarros did while writing, she certainly added a large dollop of something addictive to her work because the book felt like it was written to suit my senses. There was never a stagger or a stop, just flowing prose, fantastic, witty dialogue, stunning imagery supporting thrilling, heart jolting events. Honestly, all the pages of highlighted content on my Kindle is testament to that. I truly won’t be surprised if this book is picked for a movie/series because of how strong the words read.The world-building is so closely linked to the writing because the author employs a very unique and effective method to explain some of the rules of the world to the readers. If you’re reading my review and then starting Fourth Wing, I’m sure you’ll understand what I mean when the world-building scenes roll by. My only advice would be to take it a little slow (the book is devour-worthy and will force you to consume it in way lesser time than is usual) so that you’re able to truly know the rules, past and happenings of the world. It also helps if you’re buddy reading; you can help fill gaps in understanding, if there are any, with each other. *stares at my traitor best friend who didn’t buddy read with me*.Imagine the fastest book you’ve ever read, Fourth Wing is 10X that. The narrative being so conducive to the pace only adds to the way the book reads. The book is just event after event after event racing against time without any pauses/lags or inconsistencies that I could feel/find. When a book reads this way, without a stumble or a gap, to me that usually means the book has been planned down to the last letter. I’m 100% sure that Yarros has this all played out in her head, laughing at us as she types away on her keyboard. There’s no other way that this series is a five book series if she doesn’t know exactly what she’s doing.The characters are truly very many and it might be quite impossible to keep track of everyone all the time. That being said, the people that you need to know you will because their personalities are clear and constructed. I’m aware that reading a name on page and not knowing who that even is sometimes doesn’t feel great, so if you do feel that in this book I would say ignore it, mostly because if you don’t know them they’re probably not important. Think of them as NPCs. *feels proud of her computer game reference*Being in Violet’s mind was a true pleasure. The girl is whip smart, funny, honourable and filled with all the complexities and contradictions you’d enjoy in a FMC. I loved how the author stayed true to Violet’s age, adding so much strength and courage not just in her actions regarding her path but also her emotions. She was so brave and I was so proud. It added to the realness of the story when Violet had to coach herself constantly to be brave, to keep going to just stay.Xaden reminds me of the song line “hit you like a shotgun shot to the heart” because that’s how it feels from the moment he enters scene. He’s a presence in the book you can’t see past and he certainly is here to steal your heart. He was an intense and complex character to understand until suddenly you do and all the pieces come together. He and Violet truly have my heart and I can’t wait for the mental and emotional wreckage this series is going to cause in me.The disability rep in this book was a very very important part of it. I personally felt I would've loved to see it be spoken about more. Perhaps the author intends to delve deeper into it more in the second book/in the rest of the series, we’ll have to wait and see.Five stars! Happy reading! Please do check trigger warnings! The book can be a heavy and intense read for anyone, so please go in warned that there’s violence, murder, killing, death, gore, graphic content, death of a loved one (to name a few).(Also, update on the betrayal anecdote)My best friend totally re-read the whole book and pretended I recommended it to her and sent me a billion messages reacting like she was reading it the first time. I am appeased, she has been forgiven. Also, I should probably mention that she asked me to start with her but I couldn’t because well I had another book to finish and review. The point here is however, that she didn’t wait for me. Just wanted to make that clear.

I recieved the product 1 day earlier than the delivery date anyways the novel is in it's perfect condition and its original so don't worry about it. The texts are perfectly sized and there are no problems such as torn up pages or cover damage. If you wanna buy it go for it...

Well, Rhysand is safe that’s for sure! And so are my other fav fictional boyfriends. I just had to pick this up as it was all over booksta and also I could not ignore the hype around Xaden, overshadowing Rhysand. I mean how could I? This book also stirred up such a strong yearning for Manon and her wyvern - Abraxos ❤. Now I just have to reread Throne of Glass series!Violet has spent her entire existence preparing for a future within the scribe quadrant, a perfect place for her because of her love for books &history. However, her mother, who also happens to be the commanding general, has issued an order that shatters Violet's dreams. She is now compelled to enter Basgiath War College and undergo training to become a dragon rider. The challenge lies in the fact that dragons only bond with individuals who possess great physical strength, something that Violet, with her petite and delicate frame, lacks. To make matters worse, Xaden Riorson, the most formidable and ruthless wing leader in the Riders Quadrant, harbors a deep-rooted grudge against Violet solely due to her mother's actions and he is determined to bring her down.Violet possesses a remarkable blend of intelligence, cunning, and compassion. She compensates for her physical limitations with razor-sharp wit & clever intellect. In a world where everyone seems to have ulterior motives, she fights against all odds. I couldn't help but adore her. Xaden... is swoon-worthy, to sum it up in one word! The push and pull between his resistance to his feelings for Violet and his undeniable desire for her was captivating. I just wish there was more of him. And how can I not talk about the awe-inspiring dragons, Tairn and Andarna? No wonder dragons are my favorite mythical creatures. They are magnificent! This story also boasts a remarkable cast of characters like Liam, Rhiannon, Mira, and many others. Each one left a lasting impression, and I cherished them all.This book truly has a captivating plot, immersive world-building, and thrilling action. However, my main issue was around the sudden shift in their feelings. It felt somewhat jarring when one moment they were supposed to hate each other & the next there are feelings involved😳. There was no build-up to romance at all. Additionally, I found myself yearning for a dual POV, or even multiple, considering so many intriguing characters in the story. Relying solely on one perspective became somewhat monotonous and limiting. Further, while the plot was engrossing, the final revelations lacked the element of surprise, as they felt rather predictable. Nonetheless, it did not take away the fun from the story.An action-packed and captivating read. Absolutely recommend.

Book was in perfect condition. The text is also readable.

Delivered in perfect condition, it’s original even has the publisher sticker on the back. Excited to read the book

Para quem ama esse universo de romantasy, Fourth Wing é uma ótima escolha. Superficialmente, é como se a autora pegasse Jogos Vorazes, As Crônicas de Gelo e Fogo, Harry Potter, ACOTAR e batesse em um liquidificador para criar essa obra. Porém, ao nos aprofundarmos na história, esquecemos essa primeira impressão, pois é notável que a Rebecca Yaros sabe escrever uma trama envolvente, que transporta o leitor para aquele universo e consegue fazê-lo sentir o que a personagem sente. Inicialmente, sobre a trama: Violet Sorrengail é a clássica heroína que se difere dos outros porque nunca quis se encaixar naquele contexto em primeiro lugar. Em uma escola dividida em quatro esquadrões - escribas, infantaria, curandeiros e montadores de dragões -, ela queria se dedicar ao primeiro, mas é forçada a ir para o último. Daí pra frente, apenas existir lá dentro se torna uma luta pela sobrevivência, pois os montadores de dragões não aceitam alguém que enfraqueça essa unidade. Lá, ela conhece Xanden Riorson, o qual é um, também clássico, anti-herói que será o interesse amoroso - e muito, muito carnal - da personagem. Ele tem tudo que amamos em um mocinho de romantasy: é lindo, é forte, chama a Violet por um apelido especial, apoia a liberdade e a liderança dela com um jeito de malvado, de perigoso, de irônico... mas tem todos os motivos do mundo pra fazer o que faz, é justo, é leal, é irresistível...e, no final das contas, completamente devoto a ela. É a receita infalível para um enemies to lovers de devorar em uma madrugada. Jogue no meio o perigo constante, ameaças mortais, dragões amedrontadores, inimigos POR TODA PARTE, uma revolução no mundo em que a protagonista vive e no jeito que ela vê as coisas e temos Fourth Wing nos prendendo à leitura como maníacas obcecadas. Claro, o livro tem defeitos: existem muitos clichês - desde bad boys vs mocinho, a garota diferente das outras garotas, protagonista superidealizada (vulgo Mary Sue/a escolhida/se errou, foi com razão) em alguns momentos, mommy e daddy issues pra todo lado -, pelo menos 1 palavrão por página (o que, em minha opinião, deixa o livro adolescente demais), e se você é apaixonada pelo Rhysand de ACOTAR, você provavelmente vai notar umas certas... semelhanças entre ele e o Xaden. Em suma, o livro cumpre o seu papel: é uma leitura divertida, te mantém interessada o tempo inteiro, te faz torcer por alguns personagens e odiar outros, te faz passar mal com as cenas hot (muito bem escritas, por sinal!), e ir correndo pro próximo livro da série só pra não nem 1 minuto de distância daquele mundo e daquele casal. Eu não diria que é super revolucionário, pois acho que esse nicho literário (fantasia com romances épicos para jovens adultos) já não tem tanto pra onde correr mais. Dito isso, cá estou eu, já terminando o segundo livro e em agonia por ter que esperar o terceiro. Enfim, recomendo!

La trama del libro esta increible, fluye muy rapido todo y jamas te aburre. El romance es bueno, pero lo mas increible son los dragones. Lo super recomiendo, me mantuvo entretenida desde la pagina uno hasta que se acabo!!

5/5⭐️4/5🌶️i have nothing but good things to say about this book, buckle up.i’m honestly not even sure that i will be able to gather my thoughts and form a coherent review to adequate explain how much i adored this book but i’m going to try. let’s start by saying that i am obsessed with this book.this was outstanding and amazing in every single way. i cried, i laughed, i giggled, i gasped, i did ALL THE THINGS. i have not felt so many things while reading a book since my last SJM read. fourth wing absolutely deserves all the hype and more. if the hunger games, divergent, harry potter, and game of thrones had a baby, this would be it.this book was the perfect mixture of romance and high stakes and the vibes were so spot on. fourth wing is fast paced from beginning to end and will absolutely hook you from the very first chapter. the world building was perfection and so seamless that it never felt awkward and i was never confused about the fantasy world. this is a world i would absolutely love to live in!i have heard that a lot of people found this book predictable, but i’m personally HORRIBLE at predicting endings so i may have forseen one or two things but i definitely could not have predicted the entire ending for this book and that made it that much more enjoyable.i LOVED violet’s character so much. her bond with her sister and her friends was so genuine. she is tough and strong willed and is unstoppable, despite her disadvantage (which yarrow displayed SO SO well). i loved her journey and how much she grew throughout this whole book.XADEN!!!! rhysand has been my #1 book boyfriend since i devoured ACOTAR last year and no one has lived up to the hype since. xaden freaking riorson has officially take my #1 book boyfriend spot with rhysand as a very close second. how can you not love this man?? he is an ABSOLUTE SIMP from violet even from the start despite his grumpy exterior. men who show their love through actions >>>this man had me literally gasping and giggling like a little kid because of some of the things he did. he was exactly what violet needed. i loved their tension but also how he always believe in her. and the nicknames?? 🤭the romance was perfection. usually i get really impatient with slow burns, but the fantasy aspect of this book was done SO WELL that i was such as obsessed with the story as i was with the romance. and enemies to lovers??? sign me tf up. 😮‍💨 violet and xaden had the perfect build up between them. and the SPICE?? puh-lease. absolutely amazing!!tairn and andarna were hands down, the best part of this book. yarros did SO GOOD with described all of the details of the dragons and giving them so much personality. the interactions between the dragons and their riders were so much fun. i loved tairn’s grumpy exterior, his sassy comments, and how protective he was of violet. andarna is so freaking cute and i love her to death.i could honestly rave about every single aspect of this book but i feel like this really sums up some of my biggest feelings. this is definitely a book that deserved ALL the hype and definitely a book that you need to read, even if you aren’t a fantasy lover.this book was not perfect by any means. like anything else, this book had flaws but it was perfect to me. i am obsessed. it had everything i wanted from a fantasy book AND DRAGONS!!🐉 i cannot wait to get my hands on iron flame!! this is definitely a book that i will be rereading before book 2 comes out! i know for a fact that this will be the best book that i read for this year.(peep my 73 kindle highlights from this book because it had the BEST QUOTES and xaden says the BEST THINGS -> may have some spoilers so read at your own risk)“A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead.”“So then why are you here, Xaden?” “Because I can’t seem to stay away.”“There’s nowhere in existence you could go that I wouldn’t find you, Violence.”

This book is a beautiful, consuming, addicting fantasy that I wish I could read all over again for the first time! The pacing is absolutely spot on, it includes a slow burn, enemies to lovers angsty romance that sparks right off the page, incredible but easy to follow world building and my absolute favourite trope of found family!The reader is pulled in to the breathtaking world of a war college for dragon riders, we meet Violet as she is forced to follow in her families footsteps and enter the riders quadrant, instead of becoming a scribe (a scholar). Violet struggles with chronic pain and weak joints, I appreciated the author giving a voice to chronic conditions while demonstrating the Violet's resilience in how she overcame her bodies differences, never treating them as a disability but just as something unique.One of the greatest strengths of this book lies in its meticulous world-building. The author creates a vivid universe, rich in intricate details that transport readers to a realm where imagination runs wild. Each setting is exquisitely described, effortlessly pulling us into the heart of the story. I could so clearly picture each individual setting in my head, it was such a unique and intriguing fantasy world. And the dragons...I have never been so entranced by fantasy creatures in a book before!The characters are equally exceptional. Rebecca Yarros masterfully crafts a diverse cast that is not only relatable but also leaves a lasting impression. Their strengths, vulnerabilities, and complex emotions make them feel like genuine individuals, with whom readers can form deep connections. Watching their personal journeys unfold and witnessing their growth is a true pleasure. I also loved the inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters without making them a stereotype or token character placed simply to fill a quota. Sexual and gender identities were mentioned but never hovered on, it was a very small but heartwarming detail.I very much enjoyed how Violet's journey coming into her true powers was realistic, she wasn't automatically the strongest and best candidate, she had to work harder and smarter than the rest of the riders. Resilience is a central theme in this book. The characters face daunting challenges, both physical and emotional, and the author expertly portrays their perseverance and unwavering determination. Through their struggles, the reader is reminded of the power of the human spirit and the indomitable will to overcome even the most daunting obstacles.The plot of is an exhilarating rollercoaster ride from start to finish. Action-packed sequences and heart-stopping moments keep readers on the edge of their seats, desperate to uncover what lies around the next corner. Rebecca Yarros skillfully balances intensity with moments of respite, allowing readers to catch their breath before plunging them back into the heart-pounding action. The intricate twists and turns keep the plot engaging, ensuring that boredom never has a chance to set in. And when I say heart-pounding, I truly mean this, as the last action sequence had me so intensely concentrated that my apple watch gave me a warning that my heart rate was rising without any exercise occurring, I was that invested!This is an outstanding novel that deserves all the praise it has been receiving and more. With its exceptional world-building, well-developed characters, thrilling plot, and theme of resilience, it captivated me from the very beginning. Rebecca Yarros's skillful storytelling transports readers to a realm where imagination knows no bounds, leaving you yearning for more. Prepare to be swept away on a breathtaking journey that will leave you exhilarated and inspired. This is a true fantasy masterpiece!!

Extrem gutes, spannendes Buch. Einmal angefangen zu lesen und nicht aufgehört bis ichs durch hatte. Kann ich nur empfehlen