I saw this book was blowing up Bookstagram and decided to jump on it right now despite the potential for it being over-hyped. I was so gratified to learn that the hype is absolutely justified. THE FOURTH WING has taken the bookish community by storm - and it is entirely worth it. It is truly a phenomenal read... and I deeply encourage you to get yourself a copy if you haven't done so already! I sure will be, because reading the library's copy won't be enough!

In case you've been living under a rock and have never seen nor heard about THE FOURTH WING, it's about Violet Sorrengail, a twenty year old woman, who was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant at Basgiath War College. That is until her mother, the commanding general, orders her to join the Riders Quadrant. Violet's chances may seem limited, partly because she hasn't been training for very long due to her entire lack of intention of joining the dragon riders... but also because she's her mother's daughter and many would love to kill her for that reason alone. There's only two ways out of this predicament - graduate or die.

I will likely struggle to relate anything about this novel that hasn't already been said as well as navigate my speechlessness on how amazing this book was... but I will write a review nevertheless.

Rebecca Yarros excelled at creating a rich and tangible world with characters that are realistic and relatable. Violet as our FMC is perfect. She's portrayed as someone whose got the deck stacked against her - she has a chronic illness, she never wanted to be a rider, and she is 'petite' compared to the other typical rider statures. She's also described as weak, fragile, vulnerable, etc. All of these things are seen as a likely death sentence for her, but she turns them into strengths by using her best asset to her advantage - her brain. She is smart, brave, and cunning. She thinks outside the box, she's down-to-earth, loyal and friendly. I honestly couldn't get enough of her and can't wait to see what the next book in the series will bring for her.

The secondary characters are each very well done and crucial in making this book as successful as it is in my eyes. I don't want to give anything away in regards to the plot, but I quickly fell in love with each character that was encountered because they are all so well written and lovable. The dragons cannot be left out of this comment because they are truly exceptional... and they may be my favourites of the book by far with their rye humour and sarcastic comments. I thought the dragons to be unique and so interesting - I am so curious to learn more about their world, their powers, etc.

Enemies to lovers romance? COUNT. ME. IN. This was so so well done and I absolutely adore how it all played out. Xaden Riorson stole my heart early on and may live up to be my favoite book boyfriend ever. There are a couple spicy scenes - well placed and well done, might I add, but I think they could be skipped if that's not your jam without impacting the enjoyment of the novel.

The plot is fast-paced with lots of tension and action that kept me flipping the pages long after I was tired. The world-building was vivid and descriptive without being too overwhelming or confusing. The intricate storylines were truly well done and I didn't see half of what came at me coming. Proceed with caution though, I found myself sobbing through the last 15-20% of this novel while Rebecca mercilessly ripped out my heart and dragged me kicking and screaming to the show-stopper of an ending.

Is it November yet?!

This is without a doubt a novel and characters whom will stay with me for a long time... and will absolutely guarantee a re-read in the near future! One of my favourite books this year - easy.