Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. (2023).

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. (2023).
(The Empyrean; #1)

**5 out of 5 stars**

20-year-old Violet was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. But the commanding general – her mother – has ordered her to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders. But Violet is small and with brittle bones – dragons tend to kill fragile humans, not bond with them. With less dragons willing to bond than cadets, some want to kill Violet to take her out of the race. Others want to kill her just for being her mother’s daughter, like powerful and ruthless wingleader Xaden. Every day the way outside grows more deadly, the kingdom’s protective wards are failing, and Violet suspects leadership are hiding secrets…

Okay so if you are on any book related social media, you’ve seen this novel because it’s definitely a hot pick at the moment. I’ve seen people who have loved it, and I’ve seen some people who didn’t finish it. I am firmly in the first camp. I’m giving this one 5 out of 5 stars because I was totally engrossed from beginning to end. There is a trigger warning at the start that explains the story includes some sensitive topics including war discussion, battles, fights, injuries, death, graphic language and sex – if you don’t like any/all of that, consider yourself warned. I really liked Violet’s character and thought the hurdles she faced really lent to a good character growth. I was quite fond of some other characters (probably not a good idea to get too attached to anyone in the book though considering the high death rate in this world!). Huge fan of the dragons dialogue – who knew that grumpy dragons is actually quite funny. As for the romance angle, I’m all for it, totally worked for me!
Overall: I loved this fantasy adventure/romance that was the 2023 Goodreads winner for Best Romantasy – can’t wait to read the next one in the series!