First Impressions: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

I’m only five chapters into Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, but I had to pause and share how much I’m already enjoying it! From the first page, this book pulled me in with its vivid world-building, tension, and that addictive quality that makes you want to keep turning the pages.

The story follows Violet, who’s been thrust into the ruthless world of dragon riders, where survival isn’t guaranteed and danger lurks around every corner. I love how Yarros doesn’t waste any time throwing us into the action. The stakes feel incredibly high, and the training scenes are intense. Violet isn’t your typical heroine—she’s physically weaker than most of the other cadets, which makes her journey feel even more compelling. I already find myself rooting for her to prove everyone wrong.

I think what’s really standing out to me so far is the atmosphere. Yarros has done such a great job creating this cutthroat environment where everyone is constantly on edge. There’s a palpable sense of tension that makes every chapter feel like anything could happen. Even in just the first few chapters, you can tell that this isn’t going to be an easy ride for Violet or anyone else.

Another thing I’m loving is how detailed the world feels. There’s so much depth—from the hierarchy of the dragon riders to the brutal training regimen, it’s clear that Yarros put a lot of thought into building this world. I’m a sucker for a well-crafted fantasy setting, and this one definitely delivers.

And can we talk about how cool the dragons are? Even though I’ve only gotten a small glimpse of them so far, they already feel like such an integral part of the story. I’m really looking forward to seeing more of their personalities and the bond they’ll form with the characters.

Now, let’s talk characters. Violet is such an interesting protagonist. She’s not your typical strong, fearless heroine—in fact, she’s constantly being underestimated because of her smaller size and physical limitations. But what I love about her is that she’s sharp, determined, and refuses to back down, even when the odds are stacked against her. I can already tell she’s going to have some incredible character development.

The side characters are intriguing too. There’s definitely some mystery surrounding a few of them, and I’m excited to see how their relationships with Violet evolve. I’m especially curious about a certain someone who seems to be giving off major enemies-to-lovers vibes. You all know how much I love that trope, so I’m crossing my fingers that it delivers.

I’ve been switching between reading the paperback during the day and using my Kindle in bed at night. It’s been perfect for staying immersed in the story no matter where I am. Also, let’s be real—there’s something about reading a book with dragons late at night that makes it feel extra magical. I think having multiple formats makes it easier to fit reading into my day, and honestly, I might start doing this more often.

One thing I wasn’t expecting was how invested I’d be in the story so quickly. Usually, it takes me a little longer to really get hooked on a fantasy book, especially when there’s a lot of world-building upfront. But with Fourth Wing, everything just clicks. The pacing is spot on, and even though there’s a lot of information being thrown at you, it never feels overwhelming. Instead, it feels like you’re discovering this world right alongside Violet.

I’m excited to keep reading and see where this journey takes me. If the rest of the book is as good as these first five chapters, I can already tell it’s going to be a favorite. I’m also really looking forward to diving into the fandom once I finish because I’ve heard so many good things about how passionate the fans are.

Stay tuned for a full review once I finish! I’ll definitely be sharing all my thoughts—hopefully without too many spoilers.

Have you read Fourth Wing? What did you think? No spoilers, please—I want to go in as blind as possible!

Thanks for reading, and if you’re also reading Fourth Wing, let’s chat in the comments about your non-spoilery thoughts so far!