Fourth Wing is a New Adult fantasy novel written by Rebecca Yarros. It is the first book in the Empyrean series and was released on April 5, 2023. The novel follows the story of Violet Sorrengail, a 20-year-old woman who is forced to enter Basgiath War College in the Riders Quadrant, despite her desire to become a scribe.

Fourth Wing by Yarros Rebecca


The book in three sentences:

  • Fourth Wing is a fantasy novel about Violet Sorrengail, a twenty-year-old woman who is forced to enter Basgiath War College in the Riders Quadrant, despite her desire to become a scribe.
  • Violet must overcome her illness and the challenges of training to become a dragon rider in order to protect her country from her mother's treachery.
  • Fourth Wing is a story about overcoming adversity, finding your true strength, and fighting for what you believe in.

Violet is the daughter of the Commanding General of Navarre, and she has always been expected to follow in her mother's footsteps. However, Violet is small and frail, and she suffers from a mysterious illness that makes her bones brittle. She knows that she is not cut out to be a dragon rider, but she has no choice but to obey her mother's orders.

On Conscription Day, the first day of training at Basgiath War College, Violet is immediately targeted by the other cadets. They see her as weak and vulnerable, and they are determined to eliminate her from the competition. Violet is forced to fight for her life, both physically and emotionally.

Violet is assigned to a squad led by Dain, a second-year cadet. Dain is initially skeptical of Violet, but he eventually comes to respect her courage and determination. Violet also makes friends with Rhiannon, a fellow cadet who is also struggling to survive.

As the training progresses, Violet begins to develop her own unique strengths. She is a skilled strategist and tactician, and she has a natural rapport with dragons. However, she also struggles to keep her illness under control.

Violet soon finds herself caught in a web of intrigue and betrayal. She learns that her mother is involved in a secret plot to overthrow the king, and she must decide whether to stand with her mother or to fight against her.

In the end, Violet is forced to make a difficult choice. She must decide whether to save herself or to save her country. She also must confront her own fears and insecurities, and learn to embrace her true strength.

In addition to the main plot, Fourth Wing also explores the following themes:

  • The power of storytelling: The novel suggests that stories have the power to shape our reality. Violet is a gifted storyteller, and she uses her stories to inspire and motivate her fellow cadets.
  • The importance of family and friendship: Violet's relationships with her mother, Dain, and Rhiannon are essential to her survival. She learns that she cannot do this alone, and she must rely on the support of her loved ones.
  • The strength of the human spirit: Violet is a fragile and vulnerable person, but she also has an incredible inner strength. She overcomes many challenges throughout the novel, and she proves that she is capable of anything she sets her mind to.

Fourth Wing is a captivating and well-written novel that will appeal to fans of fantasy, romance, and coming-of-age stories. It is a story about overcoming adversity, finding your true strength, and fighting for what you believe in.

Here is a more detailed summary of the plot, including some spoilers:

Violet arrives at Basgiath War College on Conscription Day, where she and the other cadets are subjected to a series of grueling tests. Violet struggles with the physical challenges, but she excels in the strategic and tactical exercises.

Violet is assigned to Dain's squad, which also includes Rhiannon and several other cadets. Dain is initially skeptical of Violet, but he eventually comes to respect her courage and determination. Violet also makes friends with Rhiannon, who is also struggling to survive.

As the training progresses, Violet begins to develop her own unique strengths. She is a skilled strategist and tactician, and she has a natural rapport with dragons. However, she also struggles to keep her illness under control.

One day, Violet is attacked by a group of cadets who are trying to kill her. Violet is saved by Dain and Rhiannon, but she is seriously injured. She is taken to the infirmary, where she learns that her illness is progressing more rapidly than expected.

While Violet is in the infirmary, she learns from Dain that her mother is involved in a secret plot to overthrow the king. Violet is shocked and horrified by this news. She doesn't know who to trust or who to turn to.

Violet eventually recovers from her injuries and returns to training. She is determined to become a dragon rider, so that she can protect her country from her mother's treachery.

On the day of the final test, Violet and the other cadets are tasked with bonding with a dragon and completing a series of obstacles. Violet is able to bond with Xaden, a powerful and ruthless dragon rider. Violet and Xaden work together to complete the obstacles, and they emerge victorious.

Violet has now become a dragon rider, but she knows that her work is not done. She must still find a way to stop her mother and her plot to overthrow the king.

Violet and Xaden begin to investigate their mother's plans. They discover that she is working with a group of rebels who are trying to destabilize the kingdom. Violet and Xaden also learn that their mother is responsible for the death of Violet's father.

Violet and Xaden decide to confront their mother. They convince the king to listen to their accusations, and Violet's mother is arrested.

With her mother's threat out of the way, Violet is finally free to live her own life. She chooses to stay at Basgiath War College and train to become a dragon knight. She knows that she has a responsibility to protect her country and its people.

Violet's journey in Fourth Wing is one of self-discovery and personal growth. She learns to overcome her fears and insecurities, and she discovers her true strength. She also learns the importance of family and friendship, and the power of storytelling.

Fourth Wing is a captivating and well-written novel that will appeal to fans of fantasy, romance, and coming-of-age stories. It is a story about overcoming adversity, finding your true strength, and fighting for what you believe in.

Conclusion

Violet Sorrengail has overcome many challenges to become a dragon rider. She has faced discrimination, betrayal, and even her own mortality. But Violet has never given up. She has learned to embrace her true strength and to fight for what she believes in.

In the end, Violet is able to stop her mother's plot to overthrow the king. She also saves Xaden, the dragon she has bonded with. Violet is now a hero, and she is ready to face whatever challenges come her way.

Violet's journey in Fourth Wing is a reminder that we are all capable of great things. No matter what obstacles we face, we can overcome them if we have the courage to keep fighting.