Is Fourth Wing Worth the Hype? My Thoughts on the Viral Romantasy Hit

I finally did it. I checked it out.

Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing has been one of the biggest literary sensations in recent years, selling over 2 million copies and igniting a viral frenzy on BookTok. As someone who appreciates both well crafted fantasy and strong character driven narratives in general (The Lord of the Rings and The Count of Monte Cristo are two of my favorite books/series of all time), I had to see what all the buzz was about. And while I enjoyed the book, I also recognize some of the criticisms it has received.

At its core, Fourth Wing is an engaging mix of high stakes fantasy and intense romance. The story follows Violet Sorrengail, a young woman forced into the brutal world of Basgiath War College, where dragon riders are trained. Right away, I appreciated how Violet wasn’t the typical invincible protagonist, her struggles, both physical and emotional, make her more relatable which is CRUCIAL for a successful story. Readers love a strong female lead, and while some argue her development is inconsistent, I found her determination compelling to be honest.

That being said, the book isn’t without flaws. The plot, while gripping, leans heavily on familiar fantasy tropes, enemies to lovers, the “chosen one” narrative, and a ruthless military school setting reminiscent of The Hunger Games or A Court of Thorns and Roses and overall gives me those early 2010s vibes, when Dystopian Fiction ruled media. Some readers found the storyline predictable, and I agree that certain twists were easy to see coming.

One of the biggest points of contention is the novel’s world building. While the presence of dragons is a definite highlight, the setting of Navarre sometimes feels underdeveloped. The magic system isn’t deeply explored, and info dumping replaces organic world building at times, which doesn’t always bother me, but did in this case. Additionally, the modern language and dialogue clash with the book’s supposed medieval inspired fantasy setting. It makes for a fast paced and accessible read, but it occasionally took me out of the story—overall not a HUGE problem though and isn’t a total necessity.

Despite these drawbacks, I see why Fourth Wing has captivated so many readers. It’s a fun, binge worthy book with high emotional stakes and plenty of romantic tension. The pacing is quick, the action is exhilarating, and the chemistry between Violet and Xaden is undeniably engaging. While some criticize the book for prioritizing romance over deeper world building, I think the balance works for the kind of story Yarros wanted to tell.

When it’s all set and done, Fourth Wing is an enjoyable read that delivers exactly what its target audience craves, an addictive mix of action, romance, and dragons. While it may not reinvent the fantasy genre, it provides a thrilling escape, and sometimes, that’s exactly what a good book should do. If you’re looking for a deep, intricately built fantasy world, you might find it lacking. But if you’re in the mood for an exciting, emotional ride with a strong heroine at its center, Fourth Wing is absolutely worth checking out.