is fourth wing REALLY worth the hype? 🐉

[@PaperbacksOnly]

It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece for me have a ✨good time✨😅

[@olivesbooknook]

louder 📢 📢 📢

[@susanclevenger6181]

This so much! I read to have a good time not write a dissertation on the writing.

[@heymariaa_]

YEEEEES

[@whereljlives8705]

I agree whole heartedly.

[@robinstephens1810]

You are one of my favorite book-tubers. Enjoy your dialogue about books and always feel your thoughts/opinions are well spoken and respectful no matter what others are.

[@olivesbooknook]

This is so nice wow. Thank you so much!

[@AshleighDeniece]

I’m the opposite of a band wagon jumper…the more hype there is, the further I want to be from it (you certainly won’t find a Stanley cup in this house.) That being said, books are art and not everyone will connect with every piece. What a mad world we live in that we can’t just allow one another to have our own preferences.

[@olivesbooknook]

I get that! Do you ever feel like you’re missing out on things just because other people are hyping them up though? Just curious! I think there are plenty of books out there that deserve the hype still. (Definitely not saying it’s Fourth Wing - just curious of your thoughts) *she says as she sips from her beloved Stanley*

[@AshleighDeniece]

@ haha! I may visit things after hype has died, depending on the thing. Books: yes. I guess I’m cautious (perhaps overly so) to get swept away in the energy surrounding something. Once the crowds disperse, I can get a better “read” on things for myself. I certainly will not belittle anyone who chooses to join in the excitement though so if you’re happy to have a Stanley, then I am happy for you 😂

[@FollowingDopamine]

I like hype. My buddy has missed out on hype books for decades. For him, its "principle" to be different, yet other than the last couple of months, it was years since he really read. He has yet to read Harry Potter and won't because to him, the movies are good enough. However, I got him on a semi-hype series, Dungeon Crawler Carl and it is now his favorite series ever. I listen to "hype" and if I feel that it could be good, I'll give it a shot. It's how I can figure out what to read as I have ADD and it is really hard sometimes to find a good book. Typically my brother sends me recommendations and they work out...but again, his recommendations end up being "some form of hype to semi-hype". Edit: Dune, the book has been told it's a must read, the best in its class. Man, it was hard to get into, but I kept on trudging along and when it hit, it hit.

[@sousou5926]

Sad to see this great idea of dragon school romantasy get ruined because of the horrible writing and cheesy presentation.

[@spencer7151]

Yeah I totally agree! If you are looking for a dragon academy with great characters, depth, worldbuilding and plot, I highly recommend Fireborne by Rosaria Munda! It's everything I wanted from fourth wing but 10times better! 😊

[@aanntruongg]

​@@spencer7151 totally agree

[@Harley24986]

I wish I had DNF'd it but I pushed through it for my bestie who loved it. I just could not get passed the way the FMC was more like a 14 yr old instead of an adult, the glaring plot holes and, what I considered, terrible writing. But reading is subjective and I won't tell someone their tastes are bad just because they like something I didn't. 🤷‍♀ It's like reading terrible reviews of the books I love...I get confused lol I also hated Crescent City and tons of people love that series. As long as people are reading, I'm happy.

[@olivesbooknook]

Yeah it can be confusing, haha. But it’s true, it’s completely subjective and sometimes people are just gonna disagree. And that’s fine! Crescent City is another super interesting one. The first time I read it, I really did NOT like it. And I’m an sjm fan actually. But I ended up re-reading it last year, and I liked it so much better. I think it’s such a dense and intense read, with an insane amount of world building that I was SO lost the first time through. But second time in it was a bit easier for me to focus on the plot vs the world building. But that definitely is another book/series that divides people!

[@TaraCreel]

I think part of the “problem,” is that so many people on booktok are attempting to be more engaged with the community and/or make money off of being involved in the community, that they are thinking up a review AS they are reading. They are reading with a more critical lens as opposed to just immersing themselves in the story and enjoying it for what it is. I notice myself doing that sometimes. I’m often thinking “what will I contribute to booktok or Goodreads about this book?” and then I start picking it apart as I read, or comparing my thoughts to popular ones. Whereas, if I just let myself vibe, I will rate a book higher because I’m not trying to pick it apart; I’m simply enjoying the process of reading… or not. For me, Fourth Wing kept me engaged. I wanted more more more and i had fun reading it. But if I stop and let myself critique it, storylines are overplayed, conversations are unrealistic, and there are plot holes aplenty.

[@olivesbooknook]

This is SUCH a good point

[@dark.and.planty]

Interesting. There is a point to be made about thinking critically about what one consumes. Then again… what exactly is the purpose of that? I think it benefits people in certain contexts, but it really doesn’t matter much when harmless entertainment and escapism is the objective, maybe?

[@heymariaa_]

This is exactly what I tell my friends. Let the book surprise or disappoint you. Reading is a subjective experience that cannot be ruined because of people that, at the end, are not you.

[@goldenhorde6944]

@@dark.and.planty Why are watching a critique then?

[@gabrielleyordan2749]

5 stars can mean I had a great time or it can mean this book was well done. Either way if it’s a 5 star for me I loved it! Your thoughts were spot on!

[@olivesbooknook]

Love that! It can be whatever people want it to be. :)

[@MsBaby1959]

Hi Olive , may I say that I love that finally somebody isn't afraid of being honest about the books they've read, keep it up, I really enjoy listening to you, love from Italy ❤

[@olivesbooknook]

Awe, thank you so much! That means a lot ❤️

[@TashaxMack]

I completely agree with all you said. I went into Fourth Wing with low expectations and it came out being ok for me. I was entertained and it did that. But Iron Flame was a drag and disappointing and my hopes are low for the 3rd one since it is also coming out very quickly, but I will still give it a chance. Hopefully it won’t be that bad

[@olivesbooknook]

My hopes are also really low for book 3… so worst case scenario, hopefully we won’t be too disappointed lol

[@rachaelemmanuel6799]

I love your videos. You’re so well spoken and I enjoy listening to your opinions ☺️

[@dark.and.planty]

You make some excellent points. I don’t even need to have read these books yet to agree with so much of what you say about hype and expectations, along with feeling of belonging or estrangement. I do have them in my tbr though and hope to catch up before January! I would also take it one step further and suggest that some people might read hyped books with the expectation of not liking it, for the (maybe unaware) purpose of separating themselves from “the herd” and feeling superior, which is beyond snobby in my opinion. I see this happen a lot with romantasy and I don’t appreciate it. I absolutely also get what you say about the context of a certain book or movie and how it is “meant” to be judged. It is really annoying when people trash a book and even shame others for thinking it is good. I understand where they might be coming from sometimes, but it can be so condescending too, like “oh when you read more you will appreciate better things, your taste will mature”. Yes, maybe in a way, but also omg why do you care so much what romance book is popular? 🙄 In the end, are there books better written than others? Yes, if you judge them from a literary perspective; Does that mean that those are the only books people should read and enjoy? Or that other stories don’t qualify as “good” because the literary standards are different? It is such a subjective and hard topic, but in the end, if one enjoys what one reads, isn’t that all that matters?

[@olivesbooknook]

Yep I think you’re spot on with everything you said. Also - you’re so right, there is that sect of people that I think read hyped up books just to be contrarian. It’s WILD.

[@lina_winehouse]

Another amazing video Olive 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I love your point to just let people like what they like. Like you mentioned, I feel like because of social media we get scared when we do like something that many others do not. Beautifully worded in this video. Keep up the amazing work Olive! ❤

[@olivesbooknook]

Ah thank you so much - I really appreciate it!

[@katemurphy4985]

Doing a re-read of both books before the third one comes out and yes it's bc it's fun and a cozy read..new to channel so Hi👋

[@olivesbooknook]

Hi! Glad to have you here. :)

[@abigailabell6054]

The way you just summarised exactly how I felt about both books!!

[@olivesbooknook]

Whew 😅

[@AbigailMartonik]

My thoughts are right in line with yours! Great video, great points, and keep doing your thing! ❤

[@olivesbooknook]

Ah thank you!

[@deetee8100]

I DNF’d, but I measure all dragon books by Anne McCaffrey’s Pern series ( forever my fave). The writing in FW wasn’t great ( IMO) nor was the premise of a girl spending her whole life in academia, then suddenly becoming a warrior. Maybe it would have made sense if I’d kept reading but I just couldn’t.

[@j.s.elliot7121]

I empathize. Pern was my first big series (at the age of 8ish), and I found Eragon derivative for similar reasons. I likewise had similar complaints about Fourth Wing. Considering the characters are supposedly 20+, they're all incredibly immature. The only "mature" thing about the book was the constant thirsting, and that's in air quotes only.

[@olivesbooknook]

Super interesting to hear both of your perspectives on this! Technically, fourth wing is my first dragon book ever. (…I think). I never read Eragorn, Pern, even like GOTs or something. So I didn’t really have anything to compare it to and actually thought the dragons were cool 😂 but so interesting to hear how that would be an opposite experience for you guys

[@kristin_Robin2311]

The analogy of the Christmas Hallmark movies is so spot on! I am obsessed and will watch faithfully every season even though I know they are so cringed 😂. I saw FW allll over booktok for months on end but I never thought about reading it 😂. Guess I’m glad I didn’t because if the rumors are true and AI was used to write IF; that’s just soo disappointing 😢 my jaw dropped when you said IF came out SO soon after the first book, like how?!? When they are soo dense! Was IF already written before she even published FW? 6 months is such a short time 😮

[@olivesbooknook]

Yeah the timeline between book 1 and 2 is literally insane! I think RY has the outline for all the books done, but I don’t believe she had IF finished when fourth wing came out. That might be wrong but I’m pretty sure I remember her confirming that she was finishing it still. Wild.

[@rewbaccan.1005]

I got the impression that people who usually read romance books loved it and people who usually read fantasy books hated it. It skewed HEAVILY towards the romance and the fantasy was an afterthought. That’s fine, but when it’s marketed to both groups, someone will be disappointed lol

[@olivesbooknook]

Yeah, this makes a lot of sense.

[@luvpotion333]

people say a lot of negative things about fourth wing, but i read it when it came out and i had the best time ever, couldnt put it down and i havent read anything that made me feel like that since. not saying it's perfect, but it gets the job of entertaining done, which is what i personally need when reading

[@luvpotion333]

the sequel, however? i kinda hated iron flame

[@aquarianfog]

@@luvpotion333I think all the miscommunication in IF was frustrating and definitely not as much of a pure good time like FW was, but IMO, the plot got a lot juicier in IF! And in hindsight, I think the essence of the miscommunication could be important towards Violet’s second signet (if the theory I prescribe to ends up being correct). I’m sure you’ve heard this, but RY has said this series will follow the shape of a W, with the first book ending on a high, the second on a low, the third on a high… all that to say, maybe Onyx Storm will be better for you/us!

[@luvpotion333]

@@aquarianfog i liked the ending of IF and will definitely give a chance to onyx storm, i think the reason i enjoyed it less is just cause the world was already stablished (which is expected for a sequel), whereas in FW there was the whole novelty of understanding and getting to know the dynamics of the school and the relationship with the dragons. it's inherently more fun than the whole rebel revolution thing we got in the second book, for me at least

[@olivesbooknook]

Yeah from an entertainment perspective, FW knocked it out of the park for me. Loved it so much. But I agree, it’s by no means a perfect book. And if I really put my critical thinking cap on, it might even be a kinda bad book 😂 but it’s all about how you enjoy something personally. And honestly, I did enjoy IF. But it also was really disappointing, especially coming off of the high of FW.

[@JuiceyBabs]

I just finished iron flame yesterday and fourth wing a couple days before and I LOVE this series. It’s going to be a firm fave of mine. 😊. I didn’t jump on the bandwagon when it was all the rage and steered clear of reviews etc, which is why I’m watching your video now 😊

[@olivesbooknook]

That's awesome! I think that's the way you gotta do it sometimes to be able to form your own opinions.

[@JuiceyBabs]

@ I’m now adding everyone’s fourth wing vids that I avoided to my watch list now. Keep up your great work. So glad I stumbled upon you ☺️

[@Romy-90]

At the moment I am still learning that it's okay not to like what everybody else seems to like. For example, I am 200 pages into "From Blood & Ash" and I find it soooo boring and probably will DNF it but I really really wanted to like it because of the book community 😅 nevertheless, I will also give "Fourth Wing" a try at some point just to form my own opinion 😃

[@olivesbooknook]

I think that’s a really healthy perspective to have! Regardless of what the internet and the book community is saying, I think it is so important to be able to form our own opinions on the matter, positive or negative.

[@Hopeday2020]

As i once said in one of your videos, Fourth Wing it's not a master piece but for me too it has a special place in my heart as it helped coming out from a horrible reading slump... but Iron chain, my lord, couldn't finish that book not even for my love for the dragons

[@olivesbooknook]

I feel the same! Although I was able to finish IF… I have wildly low expectations for book 3 tho

[@Angelareadsalot]

Honestly, this is the best discussion of Fourth Wing I’ve seen yet 🎉 Personally, I gave it 3.5 stars for the writing, but I had fun. The overall concept and the dragons were the best part 🐉

[@olivesbooknook]

Wow, thank you for saying that!!

[@abbirreads]

I waited so long to read this because of the hype. I didn't want to be let down, but I just finished it and I enjoyed it. Definitely not perfect writing and a little predictable but still a good time. 4.5⭐

[@olivesbooknook]

That’s awesome! Definitely a good spot to be in

[@mas6335]

I loved fourth wing but iron flame I had to dnf at 400 pages I don’t think I’ll pick it back up either but I’m grateful for the joy and nostalgia that fourth wing brought me

[@olivesbooknook]

Dang you got far into IF - I’m sorry your experience wasn’t as good with that book. But I love how you still can think of FW fondly, even if you don’t continue the series.

[@LaraMariaPezzicoli]

Hello Olivia! I’ve watched most of your videos in the span of a few days and I can honestly say that you’re one of my favorite booktubers out there. The way you’re so polite and understanding, as well as so passionate while dissecting books and giving very valid arguments on them is so fun to me. When I lay down in my bed in the evening I truly don’t know whether I’d rather read a chapter of the book I’m currently in the middle of or watch one of your videos. Having said that, I’ve just about started reading “The Will of The Many” after getting the confirmation from you that it’s worth the hype hahahah. I wanted to ask you whether you’ve read “The Poppy War” by R. F. Kuang. I’ve read the first two books for now and I deeply enjoyed them. Would love to hear your thoughts on the series at one point in your future videos. 😊 Greetings from Slovenia.

[@olivesbooknook]

Wow, this is such a kind comment. Honestly made me a bit emotional 🥹 thank you so much. I’m so happy you’re here! So excited for you to start The Will of the Many! It’s easily a top 3 book for me this year. Also, I haven’t read The Poppy War! I’ve heard some strong trigger warnings about it, specifically as it relates to violence and that has kind of wanted me to steer clear of it, just cause of my personal thresholds for that stuff haha. But I have heard amazing things about it, and I might still pick it up some day.

[@clostace2856]

I love books that are just fun to read. Fourth wing was one of those for me, it was just so fun and I didn’t care what the writing was like. I was disappointed by iron flame though it was like it was trying to be more serious but the story and the writing style dont really work well with that imo

[@olivesbooknook]

I agree with you totally!

[@eldressemo]

This is how I’ve been feeling about a lot of books. As someone who hadn’t really started reading until my algorithm fed me book recommendations. I read very hyped books and then after looking through Reddit felt deep shame for my tastes lol.

[@olivesbooknook]

Awe you should never feel deep shame for your tastes!!! Reading should be for you and you alone. (Unless it’s like… your profession and you have to haha).

[@PaulinaReadsss]

I haven’t read Fourth Wing but it’s waiting for me on my shelves and I’m even more nervous reading all the different comments on it!😂

[@olivesbooknook]

Honestly…you could be in a great position to actually enjoy it! Go in expecting a little less and either have your expectations met, or be pleasantly surprised with how much you can enjoy it. 😂

[@bunbun4042]

iron flame was so disappointing- i dnf it. me and my friends have a bookclub and we just all collectively agreed to not talk about it. 3rd comes out in january? thats way too soon yet again lmao. 💀

[@olivesbooknook]

IF was for sure a big disappointment. She probably could have taken a bit more time on book three, but at least it’s like 15 months instead of 6 😬 here’s hoping for an uptick in quality

[@skyeditzzz_]

I also dnfed it 😣

[@aamikt]

Haha love the frequent uploads!

[@olivesbooknook]

Ahh thanks ❤️

[@AnaPopa309]

I loved Fourth Wing and completely agree with every word you've said

[@olivesbooknook]

❤️

[@theprayingdoula9604]

100000% agree. I read 4th wing RIGHT after my TOG re-read and it tanked for me. Going from SJM to RY didn't help my opinion in 4th wings favor.

[@olivesbooknook]

Ooooooh yeah that would be a tough drop off, going from KoA straight to FW 😂

[@lauramatei8181]

I first heard about FW around the time it came out. I finished the ACOTAR series around that same time and wanted something similar. I haven’t read a lot of fantasy before, and ACOTAR just really took over me. Then I started seeing negative reviews about FW and looked into it. It kinda put me off, honestly. English is not my native language, but still. Seeing how badly it was written, disappointed me. It seemed disrespectful towards readers. Editors have one job and in this case they failed to do it. I cannot even imagine the writing in IF if people say it’s worse 😢

[@olivesbooknook]

This is actually a good point - I feel like people are always super quick to point fingers at the author. Of course that is part of the problem, but publishers and editors are the ones that give the final sign off to push it across the finish line…I wish they had had a bit more of a critical eye for sure! That being said…it’s still a super fun read haha 😂

[@KrystleMartin]

I wish I wouldn’t have read this right after ACOTAR. I think my expectations were way too high coming off of that super hyped up series and absolutely loving it. I went in with that same hype and just didn’t love it like I loved ACOTAR. Pretty sure that along with the writing style ruined it for me. 😢

[@olivesbooknook]

Yeahh, I could totally see how that would be a disappointment!

[@greenicedtea2]

People are allowed to enjoy whatever they want, HOWEVER people should also be allowed to hate and criticize whatever they want. That’s how things improve. I don’t believe that people need to settle on mediocrity. Like you shouldn’t bash other people for liking something that is bad and those people should in turn, not take everything so personally and get offended when someone else calls their fav book trash (with good reason).

[@olivesbooknook]

I agree but I think the key word there is “hate”. I don’t think there’s ever room for hate. There’s absolutely room for critiques, negativity, calling something higher and to be better, etc…yes that is a way that we can improve. But I’ve seen so much “hate” and I personally do not believe that that is ever productive.

[@greenicedtea2]

@@olivesbooknookthat’s fair. Though I am specifically talking about those rabid fans (cough sjm cult cough) who attack people who don’t look favorably on their favorite author, and act like you just wished hell on their bloodline and killed their first born child. Those people are the real plague of the book community because they accept whatever trash is thrown at them blindly while being stubbornly aggressive when people question the quality of said slop.

[@olivesbooknook]

Yeah I totally see that. Definitely a dark spot in the community when people act like that for any book or author, lol.

[@elizabethpotter9471]

I loved both but agree with your iron flame thoughts. But the ending of Iron Flame … can’t wait for the next one. I also love the MCU ❤ and I’m 66 😂

[@olivesbooknook]

Yeah ending was crazy!

[@athertonca]

I read Fourth Wing as escapism. I was disappointed. For me, It wasn’t horrible, but it wasn’t good.

[@olivesbooknook]

Yeah I think that was a lot of people’s experience. It’s definitely not for everyone!

[@kristin_Robin2311]

I had to pause the video to comment and say I loveee your nails! 😅 are they press ons? Or something else? The color is beautiful! *okay back to watching*

[@olivesbooknook]

lol I luv u They’re my real nails haha. I have a little gel kit that I got on Amazon that has soooo many colors and is so good at giving me long lasting manis. Big fan 💯

[@kristin_Robin2311]

@ ooh. I’m envious of natural nail girlies! lol mine never went to stay long and strong, I always end is breaking them! you will have to send me the link haha

[@MRytviewr]

Way overhyped is my take.

[@olivesbooknook]

Can I ask why you think that? I’m just always curious to hear everyone’s reasons. :)

[@pjpjpjpjpjpjpj]

this is the first time im early lol

[@olivesbooknook]

Hahahaha hi

[@oatmilktea90]

Can something so extremely popular even qualify for being underhyped? I haven't read FW and I'm not on TikTok, but of course I have seen it a thousand times and know roughly what it's about. This is not a comment on quality, I'm just wondering how a book that more or less everyone has at least heard of can be categorised as underhyped.

[@olivesbooknook]

I think at this point the question becomes, is it talked about TOO positively or TOO negatively? I think both can be true. It feels like in the beginning it was swinging way too far in the positive direction. But honestly now I think it’s swung way too far in the negative direction. I think that’s so fascinating the journey this book has taken with public opinion! Either way, it’s not really allowing readers to form opinions for themselves anymore which is what’s sad for me.

[@baku2461]

overhyped for sure. Good idea and I liked elements of it. But the excessive horny internal dialogue of the main character was insufferable and amateur. I say overhyped a lot because people on booktoc are fangirling about it like it's the best thing ever written and while it's ok to enjoy the story, there are way better books than this one, that have better writing style, better developled relationships and characters and better written dialogue. I did enjoy elements of it like I said, but the random porn style spice scene that was far too descriptive and in a more modern way than suited a fantasy book really spoiled it.

[@olivesbooknook]

Yeah I ended up skipping all that. Crazy thing is it didn’t take away from the plot or story at all which is when you REALLY know it’s unnecessary.

[@rebeccaerbskorn]

You are one of my recent favorite KZbinrs🤍🤍 I feel very similarly to you about Fourth Wing! I definitely feel like it is overhyped for what it is, but it also got me out of a huge reading slump. I feel exactly the same way about ACOTAR. I hadnt read in literal years, and ACOTAR kickstarted me beginning to read again, and starting a bookstagram account! I will forever be thankful to both of them, just for that🤍

[@olivesbooknook]

that's so nice, thank you for saying that! yeah i've heard a lot of people say that fourth wing was exactly what they needed to read to get them out of a massive reading slump! and yes i had a similar experience with ACOTAR - it definitely kickstarted me into reading more seriously and more regularly.

[@susanclevenger6181]

I relate a bit on how I came across Fourth Wing. I hadn’t read in a very long time, I read ACOTAR and was in a bit of a slump and I saw Fourth Wing on an ad on Facebook. I read the sample chapters on Amazon, liked it enough and ordered and I inhaled it. I loved it so much I started seeking out reading groups and it’s how I found booktok and I was shocked to see the visceral hate people had over this book. It was the first time I actually realized readers can be terribly toxic. So much bullying and shaming. I liked Iron Flame too 🫣 and pre-order the third one as soon as it was available 😂

[@olivesbooknook]

Wow yeah we did have a similar experience with FW! Seriously, that book really did get me out of such an intense slump and even just that reason alone I’ll always think about it positively. It is sad how toxic the book community online can be… I’m glad you’re excited for book 3! I am too, although a bit hesitantly, haha.