Fourth Wing

Definitely more of a 4.5 and I'm only not giving a 5 coz I was able to guess the twists.

I came across the hype of this book a bit late because I haven't been keeping up with bookish updates recently and by the time I realized what was happening, I kept seeing both raving reviews and criticisms. As I have been in a reading slump this whole year and have a huge list of pending arcs, I wasn't sure I would get to this book but I've always been a sucker for hype and I couldn't help myself. And this was definitely something I needed at this time.

As I'm used to reading a lot of reviews before I pick up a book which wasn't on my radar, I knew what to expect going in. This isn't the kind of book where you are looking for sublime prose or a world you'll get lost in. The world building is interesting but not extensive - we only get enough that is required for the purpose of propelling the characters' journeys but I did love the sudden revelations that happened towards the end because it suddenly opened up the possibilities for the sequel. The best part of this book is how fast paced it is - it's a breeze to read and it's very easy to forget the time once you start reading because it really sucks you in. The plot is also very straightforward and easy to follow and has familiar beats, so while some may find it very predictable, I think that's what I liked. It gave me a comforting reading experience which I really needed at this time.

The highlight of the book is definitely the characters. Violet is the protagonist whose POV we follow exclusively and she is so real and honest and strong and an absolute joy to follow along. She is hampered by her chronic health condition but the whole book is about her working hard to overcome her body's shortcomings because she is strong and smart and compassionate otherwise, and just needs to convince herself and the others that she is equally capable of being a dragon rider. The friends she makes in the riders quadrant, the way they support each other during life and death stakes, and all the trials themselves - it was all very enjoyable to read.

And ofcourse the one element that has blown everyone's mind - the romance. It's a solid enemies to lovers trope with intense attraction right from the get go and the tension is palpable in every interaction. Xaden as a character is also the typical brooding bad boy archetype that we've come to love in our fantasy romances for ages and the way he is written makes for perfect book boyfriend material. Violet and Xaden's chemistry is really electrifying and makes for some very smutty moments but thankfully it didn't take over the plot, which is what I prefer.

The dragons and how they choose their riders and the way their bonds work is also pretty cool, but the best part is the way they communicate and how it's both intense and hilarious but also equally emotional.

Overall, I can only say the hype is real. This may not be a masterpiece in writing but it's very entertaining and has its emotions in the right place, ready to ensnare the reader. If you're especially one of those who used to love reading the magical boarding school fantasy romances in the late 2000s/early 2010s or need a Divergent/ Hunger Games fix, then this book is the perfect solution. The audiobook is also pretty well narrated though it might be better to read the initial chapters so that you can get a hang of the terminology in this world. In the end, this is like a proper desi masala film, which is full of enjoyable and nostalgic elements and you don't need to think too much, just surrender to it.