WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THIS BOOK? 🧐 praise, early reviews, and intense hype ~ Fourth Wing

[@bookishhermit]

Love it 😂 thiught I'd mention here that when Tor announced the imprint Red Tower publishing, they also announced it was specifically for fantasy romance, and that every book they publish will have a fancy first edition. So when I saw Fourth Wing was a Red Tower book, I knew it would be fantasy romance. Might be helpful to those who don't know :)

[@ivylilybasket]

Red Tower isn't from Tor, it's from Entangled which is a romance publisher. Tor's romance imprint is called Bramble.

[@bookishhermit]

Ah okay, thank you. I saw it from a Tor source so thought it was them

[@TheAquamarine4]

@@ivylilybasketoh yeah and Yarros is a regular romance writer for Entangled

[@dopex89]

I usually don't believe in conspiracies, but there is no way in hell this book deserves a 4.7 rating???

[@wjamimah7772]

10/10

[@sadotter1]

I don't know about anyone else but I just finished it and I loved it. I haven't enjoyed a book this much in a very very long time and I read all kinds of books from different genres all the time. Then again I didn't watch any reviews prior to reading this book. I think a lot of people have really big expectations on books because they choose them based on what other people say, and then base their opinion on other people's opinions. Just read books without knowing what they are about beforehand, you will enjoy them a lot more. Also, independently of what anyone else says, I like to read them myself and have my own opinion. There are other books some people have considered 5 stars and I was bored as hell while reading them. I am a firm believer each book has its person and its own time. Had I read this book last year I would not have been able to enjoy it as much because I wasn't in the right mental space. And it is ok not to like something a lot of other people do anyways, that's why there are so many books to choose from.

[@dopex89]

@@sadotter1 I read it because it was available at my library, then I did check the rating and it looked promising. I wasn't aware of the hype prior to that. Although I do agree that tastes differ and are subjective, a fantasy book with that high a rating, I did expect it to be good. I'm happy for you I guess but how do you suggest one finds books to read without checking out ratings and reviews? Sometimes I will pick something based on a booktuber's rec with similar tastes, but that's not a perfect system either. Fourth wing is not well written, you have jarring modern jargon thrown around, no character work, dragons were such a small part of it. I guess it's just me, but the romance was so bad as well. The only thing I liked was the idea of a heroine with some sort of physical handicap, but even that wasn't done that well IMHO because she just ended up being good at things or just getting the mightiest dragon that would erase all difficulties in her path, so there wasn't really any jeopardy. Anyway, I felt cheated. What did you like about it? I sincerely don't understand. What are other books you like?

[@sadotter1]

@@dopex89 Some people do not enjoy fantasy because they are constantly overthinking everything. There is people who need realism, even though it is literally called fantasy (sci fi too) because is just pure invention from the author's imagination. The possibilities in those books are endless, that is why is fun to me. If I wanted hyperrealistic stories I would read biographies, memories, historical books, etc. If you are that kind of person that loves fantasy but needs very strict rules of what they can or can't do with magic and very detailed environments and deep descriptions of the characters, then look for hard fantasy. For example, Brandon Sanderson. He is the best at that. His books are thick as hell though. Those kinds of books also tend to focus more on the adventure and characters arch development, and less on the romantic relationships between them, which is something that some people find cringe. I love romance in fantasy/sci fi books but I don't expect their personal lives to be over explained either, since this kinds of books are normally not centered on their relationship. However, I can't read romance books anymore because I overdid it when I was younger and now most stories sound cheesy to me. Maybe it is because most couples are either in high school or college and I am past that. I am at a different point in my life and I want to read other kinds of things. As for how to choose books without looking reviews, just look at the cover and the back. Trust your instinct. If its something that looks and sounds interesting to you it's probably a good sign. You know what you like if you've read other books before and what are you in the mood for. Also if you've liked a specific book, author or genre before, try to find similar books. Don't take ratings as facts, those are just personal opinions. You can also ask friends and family members, they can give you recs without spoiling anything. The authors themselves sometimes recommend books from other authors too. Librarians and book store assistants can also help. And roaming around and picking a book that sounds interesting to you is fun and sometimes you can find real gems that way too. The most important thing is to not overhype books. It is ok if you don't feel like reading something everyone else is reading, or not liking what everyone else likes. Leave it for a different time in the future, maybe you are not in the mental space right now for that book. Or you have just simply matured and your taste has changed, which is completely normal too. When I went into this book I didn't have any expectations and didn't even know what it was about. I enjoyed it because I needed a change. I had just read 22/11/63 from Stephen King, which people loved very much but to me instead felt slow, too long and disappointing. Fourth wing reminded me of a mix between Harry Potter, because of the academy, Divergent/ Hunger Games, because of the trials and the training, and Avatar/How to train a dragon, because of the connecting and flying with dragons part. I had loved all of those books and movies before, so I knew I was gonna like it. The concept of training with dragons and being able to telepathically communicate with them was cool to me. I enjoyed the conversations she was having mentally with them, while talking at the same time with her friends. I also liked how in spite of her being the underdog from the beginning, she found ways of overcoming the challenges by working really hard and thinking outside the box. As for the main relationship, I knew what I was gonna encounter from the start, enemies to lovers. It was nothing new but it is mainly a fantasy book, you can't expect them to delve too much into their personal lives on the first book. I just enjoy these books for what they are. I don't ask from them to be extremely accurate either. I don't focus too much on the language unless the book is really unreadable, and I also hate overly descriptive books in general. Lord of the Rings is probably the exception. I prefer to imagine things myself. Some people love to be told everything because they find it more immersive. Find what suits you, each person is different.

[@nazhoni]

@@sadotter1it was just pretty mid. if i am going to read any dragon book it would probably be eragon, this book didn’t make much sense and had a couple strange quirks i couldn’t get over. also i just dislike her writing style a bit, sounded immature at times and the relationship was lacking.

[@oddeyes9413]

Writer and developmental editor here. I can sum up this whole book in one sentence: *This was a generic mess that was overhyped and under edited.*

[@natesamadhi33]

sucks that that didnt stop the book from making millions of dollars

[@arenkai]

​@@natesamadhi33 Quality and financial success are two different scales. Otherwise the highest quality entertainment property would be GTA V. It's good, but not THAT good. Always baffles me when someone non-ironically thinks that something being popular is an adequate response to someone talking about quality.

[@natesamadhi33]

@@arenkai i know that...that was the point of my comment, hence why i said it SUCKS that the book made millions, meaning that i think its BAD that this terrible book made millions. If you read my comment..

[@arenkai]

@@natesamadhi33 Ah my bad, I thought it was a snarky remark, not a plain normal one. Everybody is snarky and sarcastic online so I default to this being the norm now. I apologise.

[@vanessaebony529]

Most of the books I've read from entangled needed major editing.

[@ashleybee7188]

I couldn't even finish the book. Honestly I thought it was dreadful. I was dumbfounded that people were actually raving about it. Like I had entered into a twilight zone hahahaha However now that I've learned from you that she's primarily a romance writer I am more understanding & get why it didn't hit the fantasy mark for me lol

[@ninninin656]

I'm really struggling to finish, it's just not enjoyable with all the crazy plot holes and cringe writing!

[@carjohnsxn]

I enjoyed the romance in the book, but the rest of the plot lost me at times. I think the only reason why I finished it so fast is because I listened to the audiobook while doing chores

[@zynpkrdg]

not just the fantasy, the common sense was lacking.😭 the logic was not logicing.😭 the writing was not that good either like??

[@s.y.k.a1912]

​@@zynpkrdgIt's even more baffling to know that from what I heard, she intentionally wrote the story in such a way. Meanwhile I've read fantasy authors, even more so those who are newly debuted in the publishing world, took so much of their time writing with such stunning worldbuilding, beautiful writing but not too purple prose-y, the romance and characters are developed and have actual personalities rather than being lusty all the time, and make the world very logical (other times believable) despite being "fantasy". Fourth Wing is very mid, and is very flawed on many aspects, in my opinion🙃 Not sure about Yarros' new book though, the sequel to Fourth Wing. Considering the thickness, and my guts are telling me it's going to be worse, I'm not looking forward to it lmao

[@zynpkrdg]

@@s.y.k.a1912 me neither. Honestly so many amazing debuters deserve this kind of great reactions, people who actually put care into their worldbuilding and writing and plots. It's weird to me too. This is why I don't get my recs from tiktok haha.

[@anthonyebie572]

The bad boy eventual love interest is a copy and paste that is so annoying 😭 it’s always that their tan but never really black, they have black hair that is somehow silky forever, and a jawline that can tear through armour.

[@alyssum130]

💯

[@oliviaboudreau7928]

And don’t forget that the main male interest is always the tallest

[@juliaa1121]

And the main character is always small, frail and not a good fighter but she’s always quick and agile 🫤

[@Insilcaru]

You should watch out for my book Bloodwitch, where the love interest is actually just straight up Black and a really nice dude.

[@DarwinRoger893]

​@@Insilcaruthat's sweet. What's it called?

[@joylynn0620]

Once I found out this was a "fantasy romance" I knew this would not be for me. The fantasy romance genre has a specific voice, writing style and tropes that are not for me. And love to read fantasy and romance. My issue is that since SJM became popular, that became the writing standard and her writing is "meh" at best. It's not a style I would emulate. I am also a person who gets really distracted by poor writing, poor world building and plot holes. I can't just ignore those things and enjoy the ride. I get really, really irritated when there are life or death things going on and the FMC is lusting after a guy. Girl, you could die! Now is not the time?! I know a lot of people can ignore these things. I cannot.

[@sameoldmobin]

I can ignore ANYTHING, but poor writing

[@katiedalton9841]

As someone who enjoys fantasy romance I completely get that. That every one is trying to emulate SJMs characters and writing style, etc. Which really means that fantasy romance are all starting to sound and read the same. And it’s just not it!

[@sakurablossoms94]

@@katiedalton9841 I really only liked A Fate of Wrath and Flame. It's less known but it's a really good book. For reference, I dnf'd ACOTAR and gave FW 3 stars. But I gave A Fate of Wrath and Flame 5 stars.

[@katiedalton9841]

@@sakurablossoms94 ooo I’ll have to look into that one!

[@VeelouC]

Absolutely

[@SlowBurnReader]

The amount of skits and editing in this one, and when Sean showed up I died laughing so hard 😂

[@nicolegentili2]

Omg I cried I laughed so hard haha I love it so much 🤣

[@ampersandread]

I DNFed Fourth Wing about 130 pages in for so many of the same reasons! I was fully expecting an adult romantic fantasy novel and instead I got what felt like a very formulaic YA story. The protagonist reacted and spoke so immaturely and I wasn't even entertained by it (although I'm glad that you found it entertaining regardless of its flaws!) There is some solace in seeing someone dislike a book as much as you did 😅

[@theprettygoodgatsby]

Hi! Do u have any recommendations for adult romantic fantasy novels that aren't too world-building heavy by any chance? Or a YA version of fourth wing with more mature chracters if that's even possible xD

[@amythompson6431]

I'm sure the author is crying all the way to the bank over your opinion..LOL...and how long was it on the best seller's list?

[@AllyEmReads]

When you're talking about the trials, it really reminded me of the first Divergent book. Like, "you're here to learn to be a soldier, but you'll only be one if you make it through these deadly trials, and if you don't well too bad you're on your own." Actually, this sounds A LOT like Divergent with dragons????

[@warriorprincessharmony]

It's very very much like Divergent. Four and The Fourth Wing..

[@bruadarach9758]

It also has many of the same plot beats and character dynamics as Red Queen, down to the imperial war conscription, protagonist with lightning powers, [redacted] betrayal, and big twist at end… just plus dragons

[@christeascozycorner]

i was so excited to get this book because the physical copy was so beautiful but i dnf'ed it at 10% the writing was so bad 😂 right in the first chapter when she called him scorchingly hot i was like ABSOLUTELY NOT

[@christeascozycorner]

also this book is SO POPULAR on tiktok, and that told me everything i needed to know... 😅

[@jasperkennethacasio1783]

Same. I stopped what I was reading and hopped on on this book and nah, I wanna go back to initial reading, and that's an indication that I wasn't vibing with the writing because I wanna read something else instead. 😅 but I'll get back to it some day.

[@peach_gurl]

I stopped reading at "for the win".

[@queensorngatane1239]

Atleast you got to 10%. I quit at 2% because of the writing quality too. I just can’t tolerate poor writing 😂😂

[@ivylilybasket]

I read the sample and saw the copious amount of swearing and it throws me off in a secondary world fantasy. I'm much more used to "invented fantasy swear words". I don't mind "YA style" writing, but that usually comes without "mature language". Also I saw one of the top 5-star goodreads reviews calling the romance here as "insta-lust but slow burn" and I was like... nah, not for me, I'm not interested in reading "he's so hot" internal monologues for 50 chapters.

[@bisma1352]

I love the fact that a student can just decide to (spoiler) try to kill a dragon fearing no consequence and then they have a whole debate when another bonds that one in addition to a second. Also the fireborne gag killed me before my dead body was beaten by the parapet scene

[@cat.book.nook.]

32:44 is the time stamp for the parapet reenactment 😂😂 for everyone that will want to re-watch it for a hundred times like me. Also, a petition for the apple scene also getting done! 😂

[@Thenoobestgirl]

I was so looking forward to that apple scene!

[@meowlo-the-mood-reader]

thank you for this time stamp xD i'm dying

[@beatricea2153]

This reminds me so much of Divergent. With the factions and the tests and the bad boy turned good.

[@khadiisam26]

Also the crossing the parapet part is similar to the first task the dauntless have to do as well

[@missallisnow]

It's How to Train Your Divergent Dragon with more smut

[@StephinTech]

Honestly Xaden is literally Four. When I read his description I just saw Theo James lol

[@missallisnow]

@@StephinTech including the "gold-flecked onyx eyes"? 😂

[@juliette3423]

Haha yes this book is divergent with dragons. Still enjoyed it tho

[@Lavishlybookish]

I was giving this book a side-eye because it was so heavily marketed and too beautiful. The second book also comes out in 6 months. Her previous books look like generic love stories. This was definitely a marketing ploy. 😂

[@ninninin656]

I predict that the whole thing will fall apart when book 2 comes out and everyone will realise how thin the plot and world building really are! You can still kinda get away with this during book 1 because of all the new characters, and readers being ok with things still sounding confusing. But with the second book, you better be on top of your lore, which she totally isn't!

[@sarahmrgn]

i thought the same thing about the second book coming out so early! that set off alarm bells for me immediately. and it’s apparently even longer than the first book… this is gonna be kinda disastrous

[@s.y.k.a1912]

I'm glad that I'm having the same thoughts with you folks! My instincts are telling me the sequel is going to be even worse seeing how fast the second book is being published... which sets off an alarm in me and it just screams of "Nope!"

[@AJ_12-09]

​@@ninninin656things did sound very confusing. But it was still a very entertaining read especially the last part

[@mittenvonscrufflears7233]

​@@ninninin656Nah it'll be like Shadow and Bone where it's super popular at first, but everyone hates it 10 years later and even the people who liked it don't understand why they liked it anymore 😂

[@TheArtfulBrittani]

Thank You!!! I legitimately haven't heard that this book was heavy on the romance by those praising it and I would not have been happy if I fell for everyone talking about dragons. This book also had crazy good marketing, I feel like it was everywhere "suggesting" for me to read it, not just by booktube and instagram etc.

[@ebnovels]

I was seeing it everywhere too. I’m wondering if they just sent out a ton of arcs or something? Idk!

[@thelexicon7294]

Yes, I was recommended this book by real live humans in my life assuring me it's a straightforward fantasy centered around dragons and... boy was I surprised when I picked it up.

[@luiszomarriba8700]

My reaction was “oh she chose Dauntless”

[@TamilaSushkova]

The editing KILLS me, oh my god, the knife scene is 11/10 acting, production, script, amazing! Hope we get more of these videos, El!

[@lauraking7234]

I actually really like fourth wing but this is one of the funniest book reviews I’ve seen I love the humor in this and bringing up the weaker points of the book. You made me laugh so hard when you and Shawn were on the “parapet”

[@ebnovels]

Yay! I’m so glad both the book and the video were fun 😄😄😄

[@thetrueolivia]

Same. Haha. I really liked it a lot. It was entertaining.

[@foundtheplott]

I love how nuanced you are in your reviews! I especially agree with the point you make around the 55:05 mark. Different books fulfill different things within us. I can get so frustrated with people who review every book from the same old pretentious lens. Not every book is supposed to be an epic piece of work. Some books are just there to entertain in the moment and that’s completely fine.

[@SirJamesLester]

Gosh I'm SO GLAD I saw this before picking this book up From the synopsis and talk around it, I totally thought it was going to be a fantasy heavy on dragons and worldbuilding... had not the slightest inkling it was a romantasy, akin to SJM.... This sounds very much not my type of book, so if I pick it up, I'll be much more prepared for that!

[@brock5932]

I picked this book up on a whim at Target last week, had no idea it was this big hyped up thing, but it’s totally a guilty pleasure that I’m fully onboard for 😂

[@ebnovels]

Hurray! It’s always great when that happens :D

[@joreneereads]

That part near the end with Violet feeling “betrayed” and being COMPLETELY unreasonable (as well as entirely naive) almost ruined the book for me, I completely agree I was sooo annoyed lol. But I totally agree with your assessment - this book is ridiculous and often handles things really sloppily, but really entertaining!

[@jazzy0959]

I’ve been searching for a spot on review on fourth wing because I just finished it! Reluctantly lol but what you said is 100% what made me completely dislike this book. Violet feeling betrayed was the most ridiculous thing after throwing herself blindly at this man she barely knew and she repeated that several times.. I don’t know him, he has secrets but he is sooo gorgeous .. um what??? Violet was just the worst FMC I’ve read in a while

[@swayzic8743]

I first saw this video and was like “there is no way I’m watching an hour long review for a book I’ve barely even heard of”…. 55 minutes later I was like “…..oh”

[@TheLegendOfRune]

lol, that's what I always say when I start watching a long KZbin video, then I always end up watching the entire thing.

[@szfo6090]

This is rookie numbers. I watched 7 hour breakdown of a book that i didn't even know from channel i haven't heard of. Finished in two days. 😂

[@pheonix9372]

​@@szfo6090 I'm interested...which creator is making such long-form content? I love in-depth analysis of books regardless of whether I've read it!

[@szfo6090]

@@pheonix9372 KrimsonRogue He talks about world building problems, plot holes, characters making stupid decision that contradict whatever they planned to do and more.

[@pheonix9372]

@@szfo6090 thx so much! I watched a couple of his videos a couple years back. Glad to see he hasn't changed his style much.

[@AmiRempel]

This was comedic gold! The editing, the acting and the sass was hilarious

[@girlwithflowers8058]

First of all, this was so entertaining that I'm shocked it was an hour long! Second, my God, the editing got to me 😂Keep in mind I have no interest in picking this book up but I still watched the full video, at normal speed, and even re-watched some of the edits because they were spectacular. I've been watching your videos for a few years and I can see how much this channel has grown in terms of content, editing, etc. Congratulations, I'm very proud of you - if I'm allowed to say so.

[@ebnovels]

That’s so sweet-thank you! And I’m glad you had fun :D

[@jasminv8653]

I feel like this is very much 'gateway fantasy' and I don't mean it to come across as snobbish, it's just the only way I can understand the impressed and excited reactions from people with this. Most of the ideas are rather generic and not as well executed as in some older dragon, war, and school fantasy - and for someone unfamiliar eith those styles, yeah, a new easy romance with those tropes might be a cool reading experience.

[@raro344]

Yeah. Many like it because is very beginer fantasy

[@aficklefangirl2566]

I think new adult is such an untapped genre! I know so many folks who fell off reading once they grew out of YA because adult books were just not the right fit either. New Adult has the potential to be the stepping stone for people. It can continue some of the self-discovery themes of YA, as well as the comfort of more familiar tropes and concepts or a more easily digested writing style, whilst also introducing young adults to the more mature themes and topics or the more complex writing of adult literature. Unfortunately at the moment it tends to just means a YA book but 100 pages longer and with an over-18 MC and spicy scenes.

[@samuelasanderinos1521]

What’s an example of a good new adult book?

[@ali_embley]

I had more fun watching this video than I did reading Fourth Wing. Love how you laughed at the cringe instead of hating on it, it is a way more enjoyable perspective - makes me want to consume more books in that way!

[@RodgersReads]

Your dramatic readings always bring me such joy lmao. I am still confused where this book came from, it seems to be everywhere like a new SJM book and yet I have never heard of this series or this author...ever... well done marketing team I suppose lol. Whether this is fantasy romance or a fantasy with strong romantic elements, it does not sound like the book for me, thank you for volunteering as tribute and putting out this review lmao.

[@mittenvonscrufflears7233]

I'm not even a huge SJM fan but I recognize that SJM is decent and this book is just... way worse. The 2 aren't even comparable

[@yasminepanda]

This is just a great example of " Great Marketing for shit product "

[@EotuaDawnwalker]

The prettiest book I will not be reading. I didn’t even realize this was fantasy romance until now. Thanks for the heads up. Also, the skits were hilarious. I’ll watch this video a million times over for the skits before I ever read this book lol.

[@TatyanaVogt]

OMG! I was DYING at the skits that you guys did. Friggin' the pledge of allegiance and then the knife block 😂😂😂

[@missdontunderstood]

Loved the video, also I remember the scene at the beginning where she sees Xaden and just runs away for some reason??? That made me laugh so much

[@Fantasyandmusiclover]

Hello. I’m late and I have never come across your channel before but I wanted to say thank you so much for uploading this video! I just finished Fourth Wing and I literally felt like I was insane or in the twilight zone for feeling like this book was genuinely not well written or even that great… and I have always loved fantasy romance! I don’t know how the rating is so high, how it’s sold out basically everywhere, and all the rest. I was like … I guess I’m crazy! This video was so reassuring to watch so, again, thank you! 🙃🙃

[@mcp0y3]

At 32% when she just suddenly gets two dragons outta nowhere...im like ok this is enough. But it inspired me to pick up words of radiance and thank god i did ❤

[@meganripple4523]

Lmao I just read this book and I’m so glad I read it via audiobook, because it made it so much more bearable. ESPECIALLY the info dumping when when Violet was nervous. The voice actor performed enough in those moments and sounded genuinely scared and stressed to the point where I was much more focused on her performance to move the plot rather than the info itself

[@TinyNDangerous]

I hope y'all win Oscars for this masterpiece 🤌

[@MissMokate]

I genuinely lost it at typing in "rhysand" in the search bar lmao

[@meganhuffmanwrites]

I love seeing your personality in this video with your sense of humor and the dramatic re-enactment of sections. This was such a fun video!

[@zippy_zap9525]

Also, this is one of my favorite videos that you have done. Those skits were gold lol.

[@ebnovels]

Thank you thank you 😄

[@MaryannCn]

It seems like if you are primarily a fantasy reader, this is a weak book. If you’re primarily a romance reader, this is a fun book to add to your shelf next to ACOTAR. As a fantasy reader, I literally stopped during the audiobook as the character was reciting unbelievably boring world details as a supposed anxiety coping mechanism during a life and death situation. Because don’t we all say out loud which regions of our country are known for textiles and lumber when we’re running from a homicidal predator? Lol What?! I also usually avoid calling things derivative, but I found myself seeing waaay too many similarities to other popular books and movies.

[@raro344]

Yeah. This is a romance book first, a YA second and fantasy book last

[@melanie6759]

This is helpful because I preordered it and then started seeing people review it. I’m returning it unfortunately because I’m not interested in romance heavy fantasy books. I’m glad so many people are loving it! I just know it wouldn’t be for me after all.

[@NicolesBookGuide]

Literally picked this book up on a whim and just finished reading it. I haven’t seen your review yet but I am so excited to see what you thought. I’ve been very conflicted. Edit: also, the dragon riders’ quadrant had such STRONG dauntless (from divergent) vibes. The tattoos, all black clothes, angst-totally dauntless.

[@ashiploadofbooks]

This is so interesting! The hype was really making me want to read it but the more in depth reviews I watch/listen to I realise it’s really not my thing. The hype around though is so interesting just on a human behaviour level though!

[@AliciaRobinson.]

Maybe I should just put “flaming hot, scorching hot, gets you into trouble hot” in the book I am writing to see if it everyone will read it then.

[@willsinfinitelibrary8311]

The greatest love story of all time! Tidus x Yuna

[@davefuentes3542]

Ok, you need to drop more corny books into your TBR because this was hilarious 😂

[@lyss1305]

Never heard of this book before but the editing in this video is so funny! the inspirational quotes flying around and the little scenes with you husband were excellent.

[@patricijabiskup948]

Yep, the hype is out of control, I also have not seen anything like this online. But its probably because its easy to read (and definitly reminds me of s.j.mass vibe) and people love the enemies to lovers trope. I hope the dragons will be more present in the next book.

[@tpob644]

You're review is hilarious!!! I had to DNF the book about 60% through because the writing was so bad i couldn't overlook it anymore lol. My biggest irritations were how flat the characters were (zero depth, especially the male lead), all the plot holes and also how clunky the world building/exposition was.

[@Liriodelagua]

This was great! +1 vote for best booktube video of the year! Must have been a lot of editing work. Well done!

[@alexreri2389]

23:20 What you're referring to is often called "info-dumps", explanatory dialogues that are forced, since their only purpose is to inform the reader, but it's so noticeable that it's artificial, like in Mara's case, it's obvious that she knows who Xaden is, but Violet tells it not so much to her, but rather to us, and that really ruins the atmosphere.

[@jezzaly]

Did I absolutely love this book? Yes. Was it what I would consider a “junk food” read? Also yes. No real depth, but enjoyable, with some cringe 😂 Did I absolutely die watching this video? 100% 😂 thank you for entertaining me so thoroughly 😂

[@kathakolumna]

totally feel you. I enjoyed it, but I cringed at so much stuff that I had to put it away for some minutes. The second book is even worse haha. The weird people and politic decisions....

[@faLLingFASterfeARing]

OMFG you took me out during the parapet re-enactment 😂😂😂 And yes, had I read that scene I would’ve had the exact same reaction/questions Also you and Sean are hilarious 😂

[@ebnovels]

Haha, his acting is definitely top notch! 😂

[@Lis_94]

It's so nice finding someone that loves videogames (FFX in particular) and reading. I don't feel so alone anymore, thank you! ♥

[@marumae]

Nah you're not alone! Love that game.

[@artemistheory]

I literally love you so much. Yuna and Tidus are immortal, there story is unmatched. You have every right to bring it up. Anyways, I will watch the rest of this video now, but I had to comment first.

[@stephlostinthestory]

Thank you for the review. After listening I have removed the book from my TBR. Will save myself some money, time and frustration. 😆 LOVED THE SKIT!

[@thebangkoraitrolls2920]

This video is SO FUNNY. I was dying when you Googled the "meta" of "hot" guys in the 2020s. I had to pause the video because I was laughing so hard. Also, so glad your husband made an appearance in this. 10 out of 10 acting on his part, hahaha.

[@verbalfallacy]

Subscribed because of this excellent and honest review. Glad you're not just swept away by the hype!

[@Twisterfoot]

25:28 I HOWLEDDDD. BRUTAL. BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU.

[@melissaj8384]

Oh my stars - your review was so funny - especially the re-enactments. Thanks for your fun review.

[@WatchingWhileAsleep]

I'd like to point out about the conscription thing- theres a test that conscripts take that determines if they get to choose their job. if you fail the test you are sent to infantry, if you pass, you can volunteer for dragon riding, healing, scribing, etc. so actually, every one at the dragon riding school (except the marked ones) ARE volunteers

[@caylaelon]

The little skits inserted into the “sheath” had me cackling 😂🤣😏

[@zoegulliksen7753]

This was brilliant - everything I was thinking!

[@jialin2481]

I know it's not for me when the Goodreads reviews quoted corny romance lines😂

[@mittenvonscrufflears7233]

I only finished it because my crush asked me to read it LMAO The writing is terrible, Violet is supposed to be 20 but she reads like a 14 year old, not enough descriptory language(which is a MAJOR problem for books because you need to ENVISION things in your head. So I just felt unimmersed the entire time. For example, I can't even imagine what Ridoc looks like. I think they brought up his skin and hair color once, but it was never mentioned afterwards. Every other book I've read describes body/facial features multiple times so we can get a good idea of what they look like, including more detailed descriptions, like facial structure, eye shape, figure, etc. Aside from Violet, Xaden, and Rhiannon, we literally get none of this. I'm a pretty imaginative person, I picture books like a movie, but I need something to work with. The author doesn't use enough descriptory language in general, but the characters suffer the most from this), dialogue(I don't even remember Violet having actual conversations/hanging out with anyone other than Rhiannon, and she's supposed to be in a squad which is basically family in this world. I'm sure you can name one or two, but that's all you'll be able to name, and it's nowhere near enough. It's like the author ONLY cares about Xaden and his "rippling muscles". 😂 Why do I feel like I'm the only person bothered by these last 2 points? Please tell me, did this bother you, too?), so many things that I wanted to see but they just cut off before I can actually see it(For example, during the Squad Games, the event everyone has been looking forward to, and we completely time skip to the final challenge. Like... am I the only one who really wanted to see that? That sounds like something that should be a highlight of the book with awesome action and strategy. I won't talk about the rest because spoilers but it happened at least a dozen times and it infuriated me), and terrible world building(for example: mage lights. Something that should be explained early in the book, but not only was it not described in the first book, but halfway through the SECOND book. I was always so confused, are there mages? Is it made using lesser magic? Not even the second book explains how they're made. How do they work? And early in the book, it's mentioned that Violet's color pallette is considered weak, and more bold colors are seen as strong, BUT THEY NEVER EXPLAIN WHY. Is this just aesthetic preference, then how did it come about? Or is there a magical reason behind it? There are a bunch of things like this that make the world building awful). And I definitely didn't like the second book, there are some plot twists that make it a little less boring than the first, but that book just made me hate Violet because of how stupid and petty she was being, AND it has the same problems as the first book, so it's just not worth it. Maybe the representation will be a bonus for some people and make you read the book longer, and if so, good for you. I have heard a couple people make that point. But for me, representation is nice, but it doesn't matter if the book is bad. Why would I care about representation in a bad book? I've even heard of people with the same disability that Violet has talking about how her disability was not displayed accurately. If the writing is bad, I'll simply not read it. Unless my crush asks me to 😂 I can only describe this book as being junk food for teens and people in their 20s, and I just don't like junk food. I have a more refined palatte, not that anyone's taste buds are better for being more fancy. If you're like me, then don't read it. If you aren't, then maybe give it a try. I've heard of a lot of people not liking fantasy, or romance, or fantasy romance and loving this book, maybe you will, too!

[@brad5342]

What everyone says is true, its not well written, the story has been done 100 times before and it reads like YA. But you know what I still gave it 5 stars because I devoured it in 1 day and called in sick just to keep reading Iron Flame. Again I've read this Eragon/Harry Potter/Hunger Games/Divergent storyline a million times before, yet I'm still glued to it. I think its the nostalagia of YA books mixed with the more adult themes for me, this is the YA/adult cross over I want. Something easy to read, that just allows my head to go into full movie mode without boring me to death with such heavy descriptions. Sure this will never ever be a Tolkien, Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson... etc. Which I do love those books, but for what it is a smutty, half baked unoriginal I'm in love with it!

[@FoxofScadrial]

I liked this book cause it did it’s goal for me. I’ve been reading a lot of series and intense books lately and I needed something to relax

[@viktoriabazyk8193]

omg you and sean re-enacting funny scenes from bad romance fantasy is where this channel peaked for me😂

[@scarwryn]

I chalked up most of the silliness from Violet up to her being a young adult. Most young adults do and say dumb things that to them dont seem dumb to them at the time. Also I know it seems silly for her to state the world building facts like that but it made sense to me in the mindset of books and facts being her safe space.

[@theta385]

I have to say it should have been a big red flag for me when my colleague (I work in a bookshop) that usually does not even touch fantasy says this is good.... she is in charge of romance, specifically new adult and all that that spicy romance stuff.. for clarification, I don't like books that have spice in them, it makes me cringe so badly most of the times, I'm more akin with things like Leigh Bardugo, Benedict Jacka, Neil Gaiman and that stuff... so her liking it should have made me go wait a minute is this more romance than fantasy... but I was fooled and tempted by the dragons :/ my brain going 'how to train your dragon but written for adults yes please'

[@opheliawinfrey9501]

55:00 well said about different books and their purposes

[@emiliaf.pimentel8184]

I've just read Fourth Wing, and I confess I really liked it in spite of some of the same things you mentioned (namely the often cringe language, though it got better towards the middle), but I loved this review so much! It was refreshing to see how you focused on all aspects of the book, be it positive or negative. Plus, you've made this vid so so entertaining!! I will say, the comment about the parapet's inefficiency would be true if the riders accepted all candidates, but in Chap. 1, it is mentioned that the quadrant only accepts volunteers, not conscripts :)

[@Thewizzard15]

I just made a similar comment about the volunteers! I think she may have misunderstood that the only people forced to be in the riders quadrant are Violet and everyone with a rebellion relic. But there are conscripts for the other quadrants as needed.

[@GrimDerek]

This video was hilarious. This, the Katie Colson video, and the Library of a Viking video are my favorite Fourth Wing videos. :P

[@grey8104]

lol the parapet!! i couldn't believe how all that exposition was just dumped there. it felt like studying and my eyes glazed over and i skimmed it. i loved the book and cannot wait for the next, but the hype is a bit ridiculous.

[@jessicastraw6593]

THANK YOU for saying how dumb this world is where they murder hundreds of young adults every year! How dumb is that?????? It's so stupid and only there to make things more extreme without even thinking through what a world would actually do/need. Honestly, I think the reason so many people connect to this book and love it so much is because there's no there, there. It's just surface so people can read whatever they want into it. Whereas Fireborne is actually well thought out, has amazing world building, characters, and plot. It's a crime that Fireborne has 10s of thousands less ratings on Goodreads compared to Fourth Wing. I really liked the skits in this video - the video was great!

[@themommaspot5298]

I loved this book!! I thought the dialect between Violet & Xaden when they were mind speaking was great. But this video and your edits!! Chef's kiss 💋 I was dying laughing when you did the parapet with Sean!!

[@motive_of_the_witch2369]

Love it! 😂 It's the best review which I've ever seen. ❤😂 I hope non husband has been hurt in the filming process 😂

[@sbu_englishclub]

The craziest part of this isn’t even the high ratings, it’s the way people who like the book are like SUPER invested in it. I run a book review show and irl friends have gotten like icy and almost mad at me when they learned I was doing Fourth Wing. My friend got really sad and asked me under her breath “I thought you only reviewed bad books…” 😭

[@alyssum130]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 They have terrible taste.

[@elisez3531]

Loved this video! Informative and entertaining, I had the best time watching! Would love more like this

[@madison5822]

I had no interest in this book until I started hearing about the hype and I am realizing this hype is not for me! haha thank you!

[@shawnadanielle1283]

OMG I am LIVING for this review cause I had the same problems with the unnecessary violence. I DNFed this book during the mat scene of "How was I to know his neck was so weak." I was like yeah I'm out. 🙄 ✌️

[@patriciagusso]

When you said "Final Fantasy X, the greatest love story of all time" I subscribed immediately.

[@Emma8bean542]

Loved this video! Very entertaining including the skits 😂 I will never read this book but I had fun listening to ur reaction to it

[@hiker1392]

Thank for performing this public service. The excerpts you read are execrable! No stars. $ Saved!

[@rebeccaroy3751]

The little side clips that you added to this review are my favorite things ever. Thank you. 😂

[@KourttneyL]

7:14 - synopsis starts!

[@sweet_t_reads]

At 31:02 did you have a jump scare?! It totally freaked me out! 😂

[@madelinemitchell4888]

This is the most entertaining book review I've ever seen!! Like. Ever. 😂 the part on the parapet had me dying 🤣 I would love to see more reviews of this style!!

[@Peregrine86]

Elliot also misread. The infantry are the ones who are conscripted, the only dragon riders that are conscripted are the children of the rebellion which was done so the children would die. It’s assumed dragons wouldn’t bond with seditious people so no worries. Everyone else is willing to die to be a dragon rider which is why there is no safety net.

[@doyalaundry]

The ratings are rigged. There is no way ALL of us (and other KZbinrs) disagree with the ratings hahahahah

[@olalas1455]

This video is the most hilarious thing I have even watched on KZbin!❤

[@skillet7299]

27:10 I was eating ramen, and when i tell you i had to stop myself from snorting it out of my nose 😂😂😂😂

[@make685daily]

"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." --

[@TheFran2555]

8:39 thanks for the rec haha i need a good dragon book after all this hype

[@Michelle___xoxoxoxo]

Really loving the aggressive gremlin energy in this video. 😂

[@anothermoon8894]

the SHAAAAADE on the Rhysand/andanyothermaleleadfromthelast7years look alike 😂

[@Tonlocaj]

Haha ok ok. I just finished this book yesterday and I agree with all of your notes. Luckily I went into it knowing it was gonna be cliche to the max and was able to have a good time with it. Violet's dialogue and naivete drove me nuts throughout but I did enjoy Xaden. I also had to just suspend disbelief with the whole system and how they were all dying off all the time.

[@SheiaLyn]

I loved all the edits you did with Sean. 😂 I was laughing so much, and it was so appreciated since I just lost a family member. Thank you! ❤

[@sarahmrgn]

your reenactment of the guy threatening to kill her right in the middle of her talking to herself and reciting history is SO FUNNY SLDKFJS