Fourth Wing Chapters 31-35 Explained | Fantasy Fangirls Podcast Insights & Theories

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Two sisters, Nicole and Lexi explore chapters 31-35 of Rebecca Yarros's Fourth Wing!
Lexi and Nicole begin with Battle Brief (summary of this section), then dawn their Signet Powers deep diving into critical insights, theories, and foreshadowing, and then finish off with taking a trip to the Archives to learn all about the wards and speculating why they are faltering!
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All episodes include spoilers for the entire Fourth Wing book

[@jenniferadair3259]

Lol the “bang.. bang.. bangety bangs” are too funny 😂

[@leamichellemuller2173]

Gfdd is defiinitely my favourite section of the podcast 😂😂

[@fantasyfangirls]

Ours too haha

[@divyapatel56]

The auto generated subtitles show Dain's name as 'DNE" as in "Does Not Exist" and I love that

[@2000ppg]

Part of why I love listening/watching the podcast is because it illuminates the differences between versions. I have only listened to the book, so I didn't know about the Italics vs non-italics

[@2000ppg]

The evidence I found most convincing for Xaden being an intinsic is him saying "No, Violet, you wouldn't" when they were talking about whether she would know Dain read her memories. I gasped so loudly!

[@createdbyriks]

THIS IS WHAT IVE BE SAYING! Biggest hint for me! Like screw all the scalp prickling moments - this was it for me.

[@pippinrocks]

You called it!

[@joaneflim]

Oooh! I totally reckon xaden told her to "leave the boots" was cos he had hidden supplies for the gryphon riders in the armoir!

[@fantasyfangirls]

Ooooooo that definitely could've also been a reason!

[@dramadreamer6328]

I definitely thought this too!

[@katebuczulak260]

That's how I read it too!

[@3BlackDogsCrafts]

That was what I got on my 2nd read for sure. On the first read, I thought there was something he was hiding, but didn't know what.

[@AlliNW0nderland.]

YES!!!

[@dylandavis4909]

Just a thought. When the Emperyan meets it sounds like it is like a council meeting of the strongest dragons but, what if the emperyan is a single dragon? This thought ties in with the theory that andarna is royalty so maybe she is the emperyan and just not old enough to rule/make decisions so the council makes decisions in her stead

[@violet31331]

Sooo excited about the merch!! Love your podcast!!! Can't wait for more!!! GFDD!!

[@whitneywoodruff]

I LIVE for these battle briefs! I would love to listen to other book summaries. It would be so helpful when a new book in the series is released…especially if they are also wine influenced too! 😅

[@ericeckstein2706]

A colt 45 drop on this pod is the last thing I expected but it was 10/10 elite drop

[@Chan-y329]

But if Xaden could read minds wouldn’t he have read Gen. Aetos’ mind when he got his orders to go to Athebyne and he would have known what was going to happen or at least would have know that they were walking into something bad.. they all were shocked to find out the post was abandoned and I’m 100% sure if Xaden knew something bad was going to happen he wouldn’t have brought violet with them especially since he was regretting bringing her during his POV

[@nualavi7688]

The harder one thinks about this book the more plot holes and plot conveniences one finds...still love it though 😅😂❤

[@ashleygant4298]

Yall make me giggle lol love you guys and the podcast!

[@lacey.a5]

I don’t think Violet would put up with another bodyguard at this point because now she’ll feel like she can’t trust anyone to watch her back, and Xaden won’t be in a position of authority to make squad changes and the like to force it on her. (Unless…partial memory wipe.)

[@HomeworkWithMrsKat]

I can’t wait to see Dain’s reaction to seeing Violet. Because if he sees her then he knows Xaden is still around and his sneaky plan didn’t work.

[@danidonohue1784]

I love your energy honestly it's so fun to listen to. Now 2 thoughts/theory's ... 1: Do we perhaps think that the 3 third years that ended up on the death roll throughout the book could be riders that faked their deaths and went to the rebels in Athebyne? (Book: Pages 239 and 401) strange that these third years are specifically mentioned when in other parts of the book they just skim over the death roll. 2: What do we think the deal with Melgren is? There are multiple points throughout the book where Violet thinks things like "Melgren's beady eyes have always made me shrivel every time we've met" (Ebook page 62), "His focus flicks toward me, and I suppress a shudder" (Ebook: Page 232). and "Dain's right in one way - the top general in our kingdom is terrifying." (Ebook page 250) to name a few... Obviously, he is a big bad but do we think he is involved in some way shape, or form with the venin?

[@AlliNW0nderland.]

Yea after reading Iron Flame - those “scalp tingling” moments become sooooooo interesting 🙃

[@FerinhasMusic]

One thing I don't understand is the fact that there's no comments or issue with the fact that Xaden gathers a team of only marked ones except Violet for the War Game when they are not allowed to have more than 3 marked ones together at any point in time.....

[@nualavi7688]

thank you! I was like hello?! isn't this considered treason?! it makes no sense, especially at the beginning of Iron Flame. This could be used by Dain's dad to put them all to rest, I'm just saying...

[@Xlcamino]

To me, I took the the italic vs non-italic with Xaden and Vi's saucy saucy scene the same way Tairn would comments on her thoughts when the bond was first established. We would get a description of how she was thinking and our dragon would just comment on it. I think in the moment, with their feelings and thoughts and proximity they are feeling a similar bond as what is linking Tairn and Vi.

[@ericaleeann8480]

Soooo you guys are going to have Jennifer L. Armentrout on soon? Sorry I understand that "honeydew" reference 😅

[@akashr2396]

Best part as usual 1:55:11

[@camilaprata6942]

I love this podcast ❤❤

[@kimmiesmart304]

I felt like a complete idiot too on the re-read! How in the world did I not for one second think "oh venin or wyvern are real" considering how in your face AND how many times the fables were mentioned before it came to light! You're not the only one who had to give themselves a face-palm 🤣

[@steffanieh6742]

I totally had the same thought about the Duke they were fostered by!

[@ROQUECA401]

What if the “ trust my violence you wouldn’t” is referencing something from his past where his memories had been read and it led to those in the uprising being found out or even the uprising happening before they were truly ready

[@AnnieBeanie]

I feel like for Dain it’s a - should I listen to my dad or should I listen to my friend? Also like you know, It’s a hard situation - if your parents told you your friend has fallen in with the bad crowd… like it’s tough for him. I understand, but it doesn’t mean I empathize lol because GFDD hahaha

[@regina3782]

something else that proves the theory of Dain working with command is the missive they get right before the venin attack saying that the new headquarters is in Eltuvle which is the outpost Dain and second squad went to. Do you think Dain was went there on purpose??

[@Raaz1990]

The reference to Gimli and Legalos counting ended me! I am in tears from laughing

[@mariavelazco942]

I love colt 45😂 I died 😂

[@carlie7593]

Hahaha funniest thing😂

[@user-nk7nx3cf1u]

I've had this thought in my head all day ever since I finished this episode in the car this morning and it's about what you said regarding the Griffin flyers actions with attack the different outputs possibly for the same material and weapons that Xaden is handing over. Also, the missing chunk of the history. What if the three brothers story is true, or to some degree and that is why the book of fables is so hard to find or possibly banned? What if during that chunk of missing time the dragon riders and the griffin flyers worked together in harmony? What if it was the death of the third brother that put a wedge between the two groups and they removed all traces of their history because it destroyed their relationship so badly they could never see themselves working with the other ever again? Is it also possible that the griffin flyers are in sort of two groups as well, maybe not necessarily a rebellion but a second group who has found the truth and wants to go back to working in harmony with the dragon riders? Maybe the group that Xaden actively helps are the ones that wants to bring the two groups back together but the group of griffin flyers attacking outposts don't.

[@SarahNyx]

I also can imagine that there are 2 groups of Griffin Flyers and trading with them in monserat gone wrong.

[@jnwestberg2010]

The war games were already planned to go the way they were. The only part added was sending Xaden to Athebyne instead of Etuval (sp?) We don't know if there are different groups of Gryphon Fliers. We assume-ish that there are dragons for and against the rebelion. There could be gryphon fliers for and against working with any riders.

[@ninad.s4015]

You guys should do zodiac academy this would be perfect !!

[@emilyhicks4194]

Are you all going to do an episode for the 2 xaden pov scenes that are going to come out??

[@jessymcdermott7033]

waaait tairn said that what makes wards is what brings them down, there are less dragons willing to bond, are they in the vale? are they with some gryphon riders? are THEY whats taking down the wards? questions questions questions!!!

[@lauraamaral2991]

about the mental image that they have when they are grounding themselves, we know that Violet's is the Archives and that the shadows represents Xanden, and we also know that Xanden's is the hills at Aretia, so what do we think represents Violet in his mind? like a bush of wild violets? does it work the same for everyone? if yes, then how does he visualize Sgaeyl?

[@lindsayflotte]

I truly believe Melbourne can’t see V’s battle future because of her “mark” or her silver hair. Not because of her relationship with any marked ones.

[@nualavi7688]

Even if wing leaders were allowed to form their own squad to take to headquarters, I do not understand how it is possible for Xaden to take more than 3 marked ones, since it is forbidden...

[@leamichellemuller2173]

So happy to listen to it at work

[@fantasyfangirls]

Yayy!

[@sarahzorn7846]

I agree on most points but i dont think xaden knows that their war games assignment is a death trap im sure he knows its a trap but there is no way he would take violet if he knew regardless of their dragons bond

[@Nightmareclub333]

What if Violet and Xaden meet when there where younger/he say her when they where younger... 1 Lilith was probably at some point in Aretia before the uprising beinging her family with her. 2 He has seen here at events/parties. 3 After learning about her through Brennen he sees her at the school. through shadows or him just actually seeing her??

[@SerpentineMoon]

57:45 I love how Nicole says that she loves that weed is canon in this book but doesn't know Colt 45 😭

[@IAmPyrofan]

Is the generals power as good as we think? Can he change the outcome of battles just because he can see the outcomes of them?

[@kaylabarnett6779]

You ask the question "who will be looking out for Violet next year since Liam is gone 😢" I think since Xaden went against orders and stayed to protect the city he will not be allowed to graduate and have to repeat his 3rd year. This would keep him at the school and give us a new balance with Dain in a Wing Leader role and him a subordinate or at the very least a peer.

[@lf1257]

I’m curious that because Xaden told Violet that if one of the marked ones betrays Navarre then his life becomes forfeit, can he even return to Besgiath without being captured or executed. He technically abandoned his command to fight for a village of their enemy, and unless they play it off as a “we were suddenly ambushed upon arrival,” I’m not sure he can or even will return at all. He definitely has caught the attention of command since they attempted to send them all to their death, and I am not sure they will trust him to graduate and work with any of their outposts

[@kaylabarnett6779]

good point@@lf1257

[@katharinad7658]

Honeydew😂 Definetly makes me question who your favorite shadowdaddy is

[@SarahNyx]

I'm 30 minutes into the Podcast. And you talk about the 7 dragons and riders who died, but what if they dont died. What if they just switcht to the rebelion side. Remeber when violet an liam find out about summerton, violelt commented that the griffin flyer dont need these things they got because of the trading between navarre an poromial. I think that was the rebelion but the king and melgrem dont want that info to come out, so they have to say all these attacks came from the griffin and also the 7 dragons “died" because they cant say, that there is a rebelion going on. 31:30 Tairn said at some point not all riders can communicate in their heads and i wish vi had ask him why she an xaden can do this. What are the conditions for this skill. Maybe its just because they love each other or maybe they are really have some mated connection. What If Violet ist the one who can communicate with xaden/people without using the Bond? These to Situations I remember Violet ist highly emotional and then xaden responded to this. Maybe he also didnt noticed that Violet didnt was smt.?

[@Rhea-jr9cd]

if xaden dies and let's say she emotionally dies than we have to agree that she'll be a shell of herself and that honestly i think we will see her after let's say saving her kingdom kill herself so that she can greet Malek with Tairn.

[@ItsSmores420]

The colt 45 reference LOLOLOL

[@Egliukasss]

Oh my god! You're interviewing JMA 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@savannahherbert3275]

Colt 45 😂 a classic

[@akashr2396]

Theory: what if during the unification day celebration.. remember Lilith says there's Dain let's meet him etc etc.. what if he says everything about xaden and athebyne and thus the immediate war games!..

[@brandikesson5416]

What if a signet is communicating over long distances

[@elizabethvalentin229]

GODFKNDMMTDAIN cracks me up!

[@tashareynolds7559]

What if there are rebels within the griffin flyers. Just like X is in the dragon riders

[@iktdovlecicamergatoare1847]

Nahh cuz im on the street and i started giggling at the honeydew from fbaa😂❤

[@brandikesson5416]

What if they harvest the material give it to xadin he gets weapons made and gives them back

[@ezzimcgee]

Maybe the griffins are stealing the material and supplying it to X and crew to produce the weapons?

[@zeeljetly9621]

Wait! So the theory that Xaden slipped it, BUT WHAT IF MIRA DID

[@margaretk9954]

What if the 7 dragons and riders that died were assassinated by leadership because they were on the side of the rebels?

[@margaretk9954]

Or maybe he fell in love with her from her brother’s stories about her??? 1:30:59

[@sparklingdesert]

🤦🏻‍♀️ Melgren is the one who likes to lay eyes on Xaden once a year, not the King❗️- Chapter 31 & 36

[@julieann19]

Hufflepuffs unite! 😂

[@donnabaker5976]

A riot of dragons is 8 dragons. Chapter three Fourth wing

[@aliyoung9531]

I actually think every time the hairs on her neck stand or her scalp prickles is Xaden actually reading her mind in some way