Story Summary
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros follows Violet Sorrengail, a bookish girl forced into the brutal Basgiath War College, where only the strongest survive to bond with dragons.
Violet isn't built for battle, but her quick mind and determination make her stand out — especially to Xaden Riorson, the powerful wingleader who should be her enemy. As training turns deadly, Violet uncovers secrets that could destroy their world, and her connection with Xaden becomes as dangerous as the war brewing around them.
It's a mix of dragons, danger, and forbidden romance — where survival and love are both a fight.
Main Characters
Violet Sorrengail
- Age: 20
- Ethnicity: Navarran
- Hair Color: Silver
- Eye Color: Violet
- Identity: Rider cadet / dragon rider
A sharp, underestimated fighter who learns that intellect can be just as powerful as strength.
Xaden Riorson
- Age: 23
- Ethnicity: Navarran
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Onyx
- Identity: Wingleader / shadow wielder
The son of a rebel, feared by many, loyal to few — and drawn to Violet against every rule.
Dain Aetos
- Age: 21
- Ethnicity: Navarran
- Hair Color: Brown
- Eye Color: Blue
- Identity: Squad leader / longtime friend
Protective, cautious, and a firm believer in rules — his loyalty is tested as Violet changes.
Rhiannon Matthias
- Age: 20
- Ethnicity: Navarran
- Hair Color: Black
- Eye Color: Brown
- Identity: Rider / Violet's best friend
Bold, funny, and fiercely loyal — Rhiannon brings light and strength to Violet's journey.
Binge Smut with Visuals on SHORTBREAD
Love Fourth Wing? Watch smut brought to life on Shortbread, just like TV shows.
Every Spicy Chapter – Breakdown & Highlights
Fourth Wing keeps the tension simmering for most of the book, letting Violet and Xaden's chemistry build slowly through rivalry, banter, and trust. When things finally ignite, it's a mix of passion, fear, and release — fitting for two people constantly living on the edge of death.
Here's what actually happens in each of the main romantic and spicy chapters.
Chapter 34 – The First Kiss
Violet and Xaden's tension finally snaps during a heated argument in his room. The scene starts with frustration — Violet challenging his authority — and ends with their first real kiss.
It's quick and impulsive, more emotional than sensual. Xaden immediately pulls back, frustrated with himself for breaking the rules. Violet is left flustered and angry, unsure if it meant anything to him. The moment sets up their eventual downfall into something more.
"He tastes like heat and danger, like every bad decision I've ever wanted to make."
Chapter 37 – The Flight Scene
After a dangerous mission, Violet and Xaden share a high-adrenaline moment flying together on their dragons, Tairn and Sgaeyl.
The scene isn't explicitly sexual, but it's charged. The physical closeness, the way Xaden trusts her mid-flight, and their mental bond through their dragons deepen their connection. It's the emotional foreplay that makes later chapters so explosive.
"For a moment, it's just us — the sky, the dragons, and the pull I can't ignore."
Chapter 46 – The Bedroom Scene
This is the first fully intimate scene between Violet and Xaden, and it happens after weeks of tension.
They're alone, and for once, there's no battle or training looming. Xaden admits how much he's fought his feelings for her, and Violet makes the first move. The scene is detailed but tastefully written — focused on the vulnerability between them rather than just physicality.
They end up in bed, and it's clear this is more than a fling. Xaden's protective restraint breaks, and Violet finds both confidence and power in their connection.
"He's careful, reverent even, like I'm something he never thought he'd be allowed to touch."
Chapter 51 – The Balcony Scene
After the chaos of battle and betrayal, Violet and Xaden find each other again. They argue, kiss, and things quickly turn heated.
The scene takes place on a balcony — raw, emotional, and desperate. It's less polished than the earlier scene, reflecting their pent-up frustration and fear. The moment balances anger and love — a reminder that even in chaos, they still choose each other.
"We're fire and air — meant to burn, even if it kills us."
Chapter 54 – The Final Night
At the end of the book, Violet and Xaden share one last night together before everything changes.
The tone is softer this time. They're both exhausted, aware that their future is uncertain. Their final love scene is more emotional than passionate, focused on their trust and connection before war tears them apart again.
"If this is the last time, then I'll make it count."
Goodreads Reader Reactions
Readers loved Fourth Wing for its balance of danger, fantasy, and slow-burn romance. It became an instant BookTok favorite for its mix of dragons, training, and emotional depth.
Positive Reactions:
Many readers praised Violet as a unique fantasy heroine — smart, stubborn, and refreshingly real. Xaden's morally gray character and the tension between them were major highlights.
"It's like ACOTAR meets The Hunger Games, but with dragons and better banter."
"The chemistry is insane — every glance feels like foreplay."
Critical Reactions:
Some found the pacing uneven or wished the world-building had more depth, but nearly all agreed it was one of the most addictive fantasy debuts in years.
"If you love enemies-to-lovers, this is your new obsession."
Binge Smut with Visuals on SHORTBREAD
Love Fourth Wing? Watch smut brought to life on Shortbread, just like TV shows.
Where to Buy or Read Fourth Wing
- Amazon: Hardcover, Kindle, and Audible audiobook
- Barnes & Noble: Hardcover and special edition with sprayed edges
- Book Depository / Waterstones: International editions
- Libby & Hoopla: Available for library eBook and audiobook loans
Related Books – The Empyrean Series
Fourth Wing is the first book in The Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros, which is confirmed to be a multi-book saga.
1️⃣ Fourth Wing (Book 1)
Violet's journey through Basgiath War College, where survival means bonding with a dragon — and falling for her enemy.
2️⃣ Iron Flame (Book 2)
Released in November 2023, the sequel follows Violet as she faces new enemies, higher stakes, and deeper betrayals.
Future books are confirmed but not yet titled, expected to expand the world beyond the war college and explore the rebellion's history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many pages is Fourth Wing?
The U.S. hardcover edition has 528 pages.
Q: What is Fourth Wing about?
A fantasy romance set in a deadly dragon-rider academy where a fragile, bookish girl named Violet Sorrengail must survive brutal training, forge powerful bonds, and navigate a forbidden romance with a dangerous wingleader.
Q: How many chapters in Fourth Wing?
There are 55 chapters, plus an epilogue.
Q: How many books will be in the Fourth Wing series?
Rebecca Yarros has planned five books in The Empyrean Series.
Q: When is the next Fourth Wing book coming out?
The sequel, Iron Flame, was released on November 7, 2023. Future titles have not yet been announced.
Q: What to read after Fourth Wing?
Start with Iron Flame, then try similar fantasy romances like The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent or From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout.
Q: When is the Fourth Wing show coming out?
Amazon MGM Studios is developing a TV adaptation of Fourth Wing, though no official release date has been announced yet.
Binge Smut with Visuals on SHORTBREAD
Love Fourth Wing? Watch smut brought to life on Shortbread, just like TV shows.