🚨 *ATTENTION!* 🚨 This is for the small group of people who similarly disliked this book. If you loved it, I'm happy for you. Please don't leave nasty comments about me, the author or other readers.
I honestly haven't read it but I've been looking at reviews lately since I planned to get it and from what I've seen and heard about it especially the writing I probably won't get it.
Oh my god I know right it’s SO bad!! I’m ace so the whole shitty romance thing was not working at all and everything else was just lacking anyways so?? Idk it’s the typical popular formula shitty quality kinda book Edit: just remembered I actually hated this so much I had to cut my Goodreads review cuz it was too long and didn’t even cover like half the issues I had
At this point, I think these Fourth Wing rants are actively fueling my motivation to write, not so that I can copy it, but because I don't think I can do much worse.
I'm currently reading Fourth Wing and it's motivating me to write my own book because I know I can't do any worse. I have to be careful I don't hurt my eyes from all of the rolling they are doing during this read haha.
The thing that gets me is that Rebecca Yarros is a military wife. She should be very well aware how it's all about the camaraderie and building UNITS that work together, which is just impossible if you know that all your squadmates are out to get you. It's not even just losing in a duel - it's perfectly fine for someone to straight out murder you by pushing you down the stairs or something.
@@misselthwaitemanor If I was writing a book that heavily relied on understanding how the military works I would probably ask the extremely close first-hand experience living under my roof for reference of what it's like. It sounds like some very basic research for a very essential part of the book.
@lokalcrow1470 sure I would too but writers like any creative person can get egos about their work and feel a story needs to be one way for a variety of reasons. They might feel one thing works better for the drama of the story and is more important than realism. I mean it doesn't sound like a great book, but I try to put myself in the perspective of the person writing and consider why they might make the decisions they make.
i feel like i can't rely on goodreads stars at all, because some of the most atrocious books ever written have 4 stars, with IMDB atleast I have some degree of reliability
THANK YOU! Violet literally reads as a 14-15 year old girl. It's so weird. Plus, every character is like: "wow she's so smart and cunning" and then has (1) the most childish sense of humor EVER and (2) makes very dumb mistakes throughout the book
i'm so mad that people keep saying "but the disability rep though!" as if it was actually that good... she got through almost everything with sheer force of will, and didn't ever need a day off because she was in so much pain despite all the dangerous activities she's being forced to do every day, and her saddle/mobility aid was given to her rather than her having any agency AT ALL in treating or accommodating herself throughout the book. readswithrachel linked an essay that made me feel so vindicated about some of my issues with the disability rep. i was so sad and disappointed and grossed out
Part of it, I think, is that Violet has a whole lot of internalised ableism about seeking or accepting accommodations for her disability, which her culture absolutely reinforces and cultivates. It rang trueish to me that she'd be reluctant to ask for anything out of a belief she'd be a failure to do so, even if the instructors were willing to give any accomodation, the training seemed to be designed to weed out and kill candidates who need any help (her mother is utter scum for forcing her into it, however well she ended up doing). I did like that her dragon challenges her attitude, hard, about accepting his help with mounting and staying on his back. Even then, she's having a long and hard journey to accepting assistance. I absolutely agree that it's frustrating to see her not challenge her own mindset until other people do, though. Possibly I'm being unwarrantedly charitable to the author and book, but that was what I picked up in terms of what seemed to be happening.
@@thomasjoychild4962 yeah she absolutely did have a lot of internalised ableism and i found that relatable, but i don't feel like it was adequately addressed or confronted, which led to some of my disappointment. it's hard to articulate how or why, but it felt like Yarros herself has internalised ableism and isn't aware of it because Violet's empowerment comes from sheer force of will most of the time, and a lack of agency in other moments. Violet, in an effort to prove she wasn't "weak and fragile", just pushed herself harder, meaning she performed like an able-bodied cadet (if not better). Even when it came to her dragon, who allowed her to use his leg to get up and off his back, makes her training *more* difficult to make up for her "weakness" (there's a line that literally reads "Tairn insists on making everything harder than what Kaori is doing.") The people who try to empower her similarly kind of just tell her she's capable/able to do things, and it just felt shallow and performative empowerment, because even if she could, we didn't see any consequences at all of her gritting her teeth and sheer-force-of-willing her way through things for months and months. personally, empowerment to me would be accommodating the disability and finding ways to be strong within the parameters of that. She manages to poison half a dozen people but doesn't once sneak some painkilling herbs, and it just rings a bit false to me 😭
@@whatareyousayinggirl I thought Tairn was just skipping past the beginner stuff and going straight for the full-complexity combat maneuvers out of impatience, I totally didn't pick up an element of making things harder specifically to toughen her up, but I could have just missed it. I did pick up an element of "See, this isn't a lack of willpower, your muscles just can't get strong enough on their own." I'm not knowledgeable enough about connective tissue disorders to say for certain but it does seem like you'd need to do any strengthening exercise program pretty carefully and slowly in order to not damage yourself. I assume also that she'd realistically be more debilitated from constantly pushing her limits than the book portrayed. I can understand not wanting to numb out warnings to ease off on a joint or muscle before doing damage, but you're right that she could have probably tried to take the edge off after training.
@thomasjoychild4962 yeah so the line is this: “I just need to strengthen my muscles to stay seated through maneuvers, and Tairn insists on making everything harder than what Kaori is doing.” and my subjective reading of it was that she is engaging in needed strengthening training, and also that Tairn's method of training is even more difficult than the non-disability-informed training that the actual flight instructor is making her do 😅 ergo it just seems like yet another bit of "in order to prove myself capable, I must go above and beyond", which is an interesting and relatable manifestation of internalised ableism, but the narrative seems to be framing it as empowerment because it works and it works without Violet seeing any consequences of pushing herself so hard. I know that everyone with EDS has varied experiences, so I'm not trying to say it should have been depicted any one way, just that this seems unrealistic and like it's accidentally perpetuating the ableist idea that people with disabilities just need to try harder. I appreciate what Yarros tried to do and I am glad we have a book with this disability in it, I just wish it had been a little more... inclusive? almost? like it could have been cool and real to see Violet really struggle with pain one day, or tell Tairn she can't fly because her legs are too sore, but what we got feels a little too clean to me. an unfortunate reality for us EDS-ers is that even the strengthening training can cause pain, and Violet is doing that *on top* of everything else that's even higher impact (and that EDS-ers are warned not to do because of the risk of injury). The more I think about it, the more I see all the potential 😅 but that's just me! and I'm glad hearing all your thoughts and perspectives 😊
@@whatareyousayinggirl Ah yes, on reminder of that wording it is in fact Teirn making an effort to give her more force to work against. Good to hear from someone with the relevant condition about possible realistic experiences someone could have with exercise and other activities. You're right that we don't really see good vs bad days or how all the activity without accommodations like extra breaks could wear Violet down (not that I got the impression Violet's trainers would let a candidate off from the full intensity schedule). Yeah, I don't know if people Violet has access to in-world would have developed knowledge of how to safely to strength training for connective tissue disorders but maybe Violet could have started taking notes about what is or isn't working for her. :P I guess we're reading about about Yarros' own perspective on her condition too. I wonder if there's a bit of wish fulfilment in how she's writing Violet's experiences.
it's frustrating being a girl because I'll be like "wow you like reading? What books are your favorites?" And they're like "acotar, fourth wing" like ooookay let's actually not get me started on those
I'm reading it right now and every time she says "for the win" I lose at least a year of my lifespan from the pure power behind the way my entire body cringes
@@Alexander-tu3ivWhen an author uses slang language from our world (and outdated, cringey slang at that), it takes the reader out of the fictional world they’re trying to immerse themselves in. It’s like creating a medieval fantasy world and suddenly we have a character referencing Britney Spears or DVDs. It’s simply bad writing.
@Alexander-tu3iv If it's a fantasy world, then characters shouldn't be using modern slang phrases from the real world. That does not mean that characters can only use "old-timey" phrases either.
Honestly as someone with a chronic condition NEITHER love interests handles it well!! Yes overprotectiveness is annoying when someone says “I can do this” but at the same time this idea that she just needs to try harder and that will override her chronic condition is toxic wellness culture TO A T!!!!
The chronic illness Violet has is actually the same one as Rebecca Yarros herself struggles with in real life. So although i do 100% agree with what you are saying, i also feel like part of it was written like that on purpose (at least with Dain, and him not thinking she could handle herself).
I did really like how her dragon challenges her internalised ableism though. He repeatedly makes it clear that he chose her knowing she had her condition and that it's a non-issue as far as he's concerned to give her a ramp with his leg for mounting/dismounting and magically hold her steady during aerobatics (before the harness gets made). He points out that she's already worked out how to effectively compensate for her disability when she's fighting on the ground, rather than bashing her head against the wall of trying to power past it, rejecting even simpler accomodation in the air is just masochism.
@@martem6706I am confused how all Violet's injuries are inflicted tho. If you get a lot of dislocations it takes less and less to dislocate. For the amount of times she's injured I would have liked to see something random happen
@@marytreaty9357 honestly same -- i think yarros was quite explicit in telling us how her disability manifests, but then those symptoms/struggles/manifestations felt like they only showed up when she was being attacked or in moments where injury was already likely anyway, which in turn made the rep feel weird to me. it's hard to explain. i would have loved to have seen her just wake up and be like "oh crap, my shoulders must have slipped forward because i slept on my side" or something more mundane and reflective of the day-to-day "normal" impacts of having EDS 😅
I can't believe this "book" is allowed to exist anywhere other than Wattpad. It's a testament to the marketing team behind it and the true author, ChatGPT.
The funny thing is after I read this comment, I went to ChatGPT and told it to write a story with parameters similar to fourth wing. The style of the story produced was like I was reading fourth wing all over again. Stuff like “ her heart fluttered as their eyes me “. Lol. I think I can be a writer at this point.
Oh man, even the entire world building (read: info dump) sounds something right off Chat GPT. jeez. The bar for a good NA fantasy books couldn’t be lower!
@@shrutigollamudi7959 You know you guys have me somewhat convinced the author actually used Chat GPT to write this book. It'd hardly be difficult to do, with just some proof reading to not make it obvious.
I don't expect any better books in this genre in the wake of Sarah J Maas books which were terrible to begin with. Honestly, the only people who rave about these are the ones that only read one type of books and think classics are boring.
It depends on the readers, but I definitely despise SJM and YR books. They're both equally terrible and both authors are just as controversial. Both have also been accused of plagiarism because their stories feel like badly written fanfics as opposed to proper books. Also, I love classics and other types of books.
I would argue. This is the first book with “spice” or fantasy romance I’ve read and I enjoyed it. I appreciate it’s not to everybody’s taste because that’s how opinion works, we all like different things, but to say people who like this don’t enjoy the classics is just false. I read the classics. I TEACH the classics. It’s just a matter of taste, you know?
I am hoping that I am not the only one. I've seen Elliot Brooks and Reads With Rachel talk about it but I swear everyone else loves it. I feel like a hater, ha
@@KatieColson People like it because they don't care about the actual story so long as they get their identical 5 YA Romance tropes fed to them in exactly the same way each time.
@@danielbroome5690 honestly, this is why fanfiction is important 😭 it gives you exactly what you want, published books that pander to this extent may be successful for a time but they'll never be remembered or respected for anything good
@@KatieColsonwe told to Merphy Napier to do NOT read it so she won’t. Daniel Greene had the same advice. There won’t be vids from the bigger booktubers of fantasy. Elliot just said she DNF Iron Flame. 😂
@@Firemerchisfireobviously, but it was bad. It simply didn’t make sense. Same when authors say “he roared/purred” I just imagine him acting roaring like tiger or purring like a cat lol it’s just not good, it needs to be replaced with something else.
@@Firemerchisfireok well in my opinion it was really bad personification because the phrasing itself doesn't make any sense 😭 its like when sjm wrote that nesta's fingertips were "screaming at the splinters" in ACOSF . sometimes more beige prose communicates what is happening in the story better and ppl shouldn't sacrifice clarity to sound cool
The part that got me about the parapet was that THAT'S NOT EVEN WHAT A PARAPET IS! A parapet is a piece of a wall or trench that elevates up from the base or floor that provides cover. A parados is the same thing but on the inside of the fortifications acting more like a railing built into the wall. The "parapet" was a beam, a bridge at most. The word parapet isn't used much outside of war nerds or architects because they sometimes go on balconies. Which means that Rebecca Yarros at least googled what parts of a wall were called, and she used them wrong. This was in the first chapter like holy shit. I knew i was in for some high tier trash at that point
Thank you!!! It reminded me of SJM using the term "forested steppes" in ACOTAR like. Ma'am. A steppe is an *unforested grassland* it cannot be both it takes ONE (1) google search
I've translated this book to my language, and even though it stung like hell, I had to keep the word because the parapet is such a key element in the whole riders' quadrant thing.
THANK YOU! I am absolutely baffled and flabbergasted this book is as beloved as it is because it’s absolutely ATROCIOUS. I felt like I was reading a completely different book to everyone else and was honestly just laughing my way through it because it’s so ridiculous. THANK YOU for posting this video. It was so refreshing and on point!! 🤮👏🏻🤮👏🏻🤮👏🏻🤮👏🏻
I had no plans to read this, im glad u did tho 😂 i cant get over the dragon sex telepathy thing. Aint no way the author and editors thought that was a winning concept.
Funny note, I was talking to my mom about that and she named a couple (much older) dragon series she read back in the day that have this same exact thing. Apparently it’s a dragon trope.
@@Raikuait’s literally so gross and funny how many ppl go feral over “shifter” smut like omg dragon shifter smut and there’s like so many other shifter ones it’s just odd and it shows that people are just using romantasy to bust a nut
The thing is it doesn't detail the dragon sex 😂 The riders bond with their dragons. Therefore, they feel most of any emotion they feel lol So when Tairn was getting it, poor Violet got horny 😂 LMFAO it's a silly concept, yes, but I also have to say I can't stand books that are over the top sexual (and do not understand the appeal of torture porn in books lol) and I feel Yarros didn't take it to far when it comes to the sex aspect, which is appreciated lol
Ive felt so gaslit because ive literally not heard a single negative review and i really disliked the book. The worst for me was the part where she would be like "what was his name again? Ah, right xxx" and then that person was offed. And that it happened MULTIPLE times like could you introduce characters in a more lazy way. Also i really feel like this free for all k1ll1ng spree really made every single d3ath feel insignificant.
YES! What sealed the deal for my hatred towards this book was not just the messed up writing, the meh fanfic style and the awful dialogue+characters, but the fact that the AUTHOR supports genocide. Like, WHY?!
This book got big because it did the bare minimum in representation and hit enough tropes or straight out copied enough things from books that got huge, some of which we're nostalgic for like Hunger Games. I think this is one of those that people will look back at in a few years and go "ah...hm maybe I didn't love it"
as someone with chronic illness, this book read exactly like the stereotype given to autistic people "your disability is actually a super power!!!!!!!" no, it is not. when i am unable to physically move any part of my body because i am in unbearable pain, that is not something i can just, magically will my way out of because some hot guy tells me to/shames me to. the whole point about chronic illnesses is that they are, as the title literally says, CHRONIC. they dont just magically go away with the power of friendship. it is so fucking embarrassing seeing this book as "representation" if anything i feel mocked.
I am Autistic and I love the book. I can relate to Violet, we are both short and small, I dont have the best knees and fett etc. I also have my natural hair color and will soon get more grey in it. I always loved the "assassin" "gothic" clothing. and DRAGONS! Its all individual what peoples tastes are :)
oh wow, this is such a comforting comment honestly. That's a very difficult stance to take. I applaud you. Being able to hear criticism about something you like and not immediately retaliate says a lot about someone's character. I appreciate that you reached out and left a comment. I know it's dramatic but this comment made me more hopeful in human beings in a weird way. So thank you very much.
Same!! I know the quality is objectively terrible, but it was an awesome read for my vacations, I needed something light and the characters were so fun, they gave me the nostalgia of wattpad, which isn’t always an issue. I loved the more childish humor, the supporting cast (Ridoc, Liam, Imogen ❤️) it was definitely a fun read and I’ll use the sequel for my next book slump It kinda felt like Marvel to me, it doesn’t have to be too deep to be a good experience
"Fourth Wing" is in the same category for me as "From Blood and Ash". They have horrible writing, female main characters who are simpletons, and the love interests who suck. And yet have GLOWING ratings on Goodreads. I'm glad people like them, and they're probably good starts for people who want to get into fantasy romance, but whenever someone brings either of these in their recommendations, I scroll away because I don't trust their reviews.
most of the people raving about these terrible books started reading bc of booktok and they strictly consume works as a way of consuming p0rn. They only care about “spice” literally
I'm surprised you didn't mention Xaden's nickname for Violet. I'm truly curious as to what was going through the authors mind when she thought that "Violence" would be the perfect nickname for the love interest to call the main character and why everyone just went along with it. Like how did anyone think that was a good idea??!? Every time he called her Violence I just started laughing it was so ridiculous💀
@@ahobbyist9520omg yes. To be fair the first time he says it they're still in their enemy era so it's so petty I thought it was funny but then he keeps calling her that... affectionately... and at that point is like omg he's serious 😀
When I picked this up ALL I had heard was immense *praise* from literally EVERYWHERE, and then I started it and was like: 🤨😒😫🤯🤬 THE PLOT HOLES and the complete lack of logic in the world build are awful!!!!!!!!! I keep trying to get through it, but every few pages something comes up that throws me out of the story to the point I can’t keep reading. Also, the DIALOGUE?!?! I absolutely hate when “romance” writers have their protagonists say things like “my tongue can do amazing things” in the middle of a random conversation. Like sure in a sex scene, but no one just says horny shit all the time!!!
Wholeheartedly agree. It sounds like the author tried way too hard to make Violet sound horny and edgy. And I hate how she keeps using modern slang like “for the win!” and “the fuck you will!” It just gives me badass-fmc-everybody clapped-wattpad vibes. I picked it up because the plot sounded so cool and I thought the worldbuilding was going to be rich and awesome but I was disappointed. I guess a great idea doesn’t necessarily mean someone’s a great writer. Also, Readswithrachel pointed this out, but it’s so funny how in the beginning they made Violet the token library girl who just loves books so much but then it she never consults books? Even the book that literally tells her how to kill people?
@@londonfroglatteshe actually does consult that book though. It’s a book about poisons and she mentions reading it as she is gathering berries and mushrooms and whatnot so she can make people she gets matched to fight with sick so she has an advantage.
I just finished this book and I hate the fact that Violet is a literal glass cannon. Also the need for riders in this military is extremely valuable yet they can die anytime while at school.
so many of my friends tricked me into reading this book. I trusted them. WHYYYYY. Glad other people have found a thing they love, but I walked into a wall after finishing it and then thought back on my entire life and what I had done wrong to get to that point.
I wish people were honest about why they liked the book (wish fulfillment of having a hot shadow daddy) rather than trying to pass it off as this great fantasy adventure you have to read
What gets me is the dumb ass military. I get wanting to portray it as ruthless and cut throat, but when murder I straight up shrugged on when you’re supposed to trust these people in the heat of battle. Like how the hell has this supposed Military not imploded on itself? Violet doesn’t even trust one of her own CO’s (Commanding Officers) not to kill her in the middle of a class!
@ correct, however doesn’t change the validity of my statement. Fantasy or not, if you can’t at least know you should rely on your CO, then any form of cohesion, tactics, strategy would fall apart. You’re flying out to battle then get scorched from behind by your wingman because they don’t like you.
I saw the cover for the second one was put out. One of the biggest annoyances in this book was. The. Periods. The sequel’s cover says “Burn. It. Down.” I screeched when I saw the cover lol
This book is not for heavy fantasy readers because they will realize it reads like another story they had read before. Its a rip off of probably 5 other popular YA novels and you can't convince me otherwise. Aside from that, it's not even good.
Part of the reason there aren’t negative reviews is likely that those of us who wouldn’t like it (aren’t into fantasy, especially one that leans YA/NA & written by a romance author)don’t bother picking it up. I often am suspicious of overly hyped books. Thanks for quelling any FOMO I had. 😆 Some, I imagine, who do pick it up but can’t get into it DNF it without reviewing; and, it likely didn’t stir any emotions (which is a bad sign when the author can’t move reader’s emotions in any way) so they aren’t compelled to bother reviewing it.
Look at the preview. Like I will always read the first page of any hyped book, my Aphantasia aside, I can get a good idea on who the writer is based on the first page. The first page, or couple of pages, in any book is super important. It is supposed to grab the reader and pull them in. The first page of Fourth Wing? Incomprehensible. It's called "low brow" and yeah it is. I've never read an intro this bad, and I've read books that are "bad".
I know this was from a year ago but I was one of those ppl lol 😭😅 put it down and never remembered it until recently when Amazon's suddenly inundating me w it
Same! The person who recommended this ATROCITY of a book to me hasn't read a fantasy in a while. I wouldn't be surprised if she thought this was good. I, on the other hand, was cringing through it all. This was like the Wattpad fics that weren't well written. The author is controversial these days, anyway.
I think it's because many very young kids from 12-15 read these books, and they don't really know what good literature is. 😂 When I was 12, I read books that were a 10 out of 10 from me back then, but now they are just trash for me. I still can't believe that I thought this garbage I read once was good 😂 Also, we live in a time where people's attention span gets lower and lower. They need something very easy to read that is not intellectually overwhelming for them. With lots of sex and action for constant dopamine release so they somehow keep reading. "A song of ice and fire" for example would be too much already for many people 😂
i'm so glad i'm not the only one who HATED this book. so many plot holes and so predictable. i don't understand the hype since 90% of this book is rip offs of other books. violet is such an annoying "mary sue" main character but oh no its bad to not like her because of the "disability representation" as if the representation wasn't poorly written.
the whole academy thing (from the entrance exam to the killing each other, etc.) baffled me soooo much!?! like, why are you throwing away potential soldiers like that?....
I’m with you on wholeheartedly hating this book 😂😂. The thing that really topped it off for me was the scenes between Violet and Xaden with the lightning 😂😂😂
Thank God I found this review because I was planning on reading it with my bff for a book club and we were legitimately traumatised by the graphic sex scene in Love Hypothesis
I'm starting to wonder if ppl were paid to positively review this book 😅 and then inexperienced/new readers picked it up and, expecting it to be good, convinced themselves that it is. 🤷♀ That's the only way I can understand what happened here. 😂
Amen girl!! All my same issues with this book!! I’m so happy you brought them all up!!! Their is so many nonsensical things about this BOOK! It drove me crazy.
As someone who wasn't planning on reading the book, cause I didn't feel drawn to the plot and couldn't understand the hype...let me say that I watched this rant review because of you. I just like watching you talk. You are funny, outgoing, animated, with all these great facial expressions and ways of saying things. And I personally thought the rant was a riot. 😂
Aw thank you so so much. I truly appreciate that beyond words. I was really scared to post this because of backlash. And while I have certainly received that, comments like this make up for it tenfold.
The fact that Katie can just rant for 28 minutes about an absolutely awful book🤮 is the reason i absolutely adore her! The honesty is top tier. Please I'm dying for more hate rants 😂
I think that the more a book is hyped the less it will have bad reviews... people will feel discouraged to do it because of the backlash... apparently we are animals that can't deal with critics😅 and that's a damn shame, reviews should be as diverse as we all are. Thank you for the video! ❤🔥
It was really surprising to see all fives and just a few ones, I don't think any book is all fives and ones not even some of the greatest books ever written.
I never read (and will never read) this book, but I find it strange that so much about this book's military premise makes no sense, yet the author is a military wife of 20+ years... Honestly, the aggressive, hype-centric marketing of this book feels a *little* like veiled "patriot" propaganda to me, but I'm old and prone to the distrust of popularized mediocrity.
Both Reads with Rachel and My Name is Marines hated it and I love the fact another content creator that I like and trust the judgment hated it too. 💚 One of the things you mention that is important about this book is: Fourth Wing is 20000 books in one because it's like Yarros just grabbed bits and pieces of other books in it. Another one that FW its almost carbon copy is Red Queen. Same kind of plot, same stupid and blind protagonist, lighting powers, dead brother that is actually alive, rebellion and stuff. Fourth Wing is just an amalgam of other books, and I'm always in awe of how people just ate this up without criticism.
Thank you!! You hit the nail on the head addressing multiple things wrong with this book! Do NOT waste your time or money! Yarros DID copy characters from other authors! 🤨 It seems the “New Adult” label is to justify the sexual content, but Teens are reading this book!! 😢 The “love” theme in the book is hardened, including the love of a parent. As for the “love interest,” I was invested in most of the book until we are bombarded with explicit sexual content! This could have been written as a respectful encounter so I’m not sure what the agenda was for the author when including X-rated content. Yarros, where is your moral compass?! It is irresponsible to her audience, not to mention appalling! As a mother myself, I never understand why authors write smut (knowing that Teens will be reading it), and they have children of their own! Shameful!
All of your points are very valid and make complete sense. I think people love this book because it reminds them of the books they read as teens, but they are now adults. When I read this, it gave me all of the vibes of popular YA books such as Red Queen, Shadow and Bone, Twilight, and Eragon. It's nostalgia and that familiarity that are making people love this and eat it up (in my opinion).
But I have seen reviews from people who've barely picked up a book in their lives review this book so positively. And the other demographic that is raving about this book are people who EXCLUSIVELY read contemporary romance. This is a book for romance readers who are looking for something else interesting. Nostalgia wouldn't apply here. Not NEARLY as much to justify the overwhelmingly positive reviews this book is getting
The Shadow and Bone part!!! Girl I have 9 chapters left and I am like hhmmmm..... lol IT"S THE SAME STORY!!! The shadow prince for sure. I felt this so much!!! lol
THANK U FOR SAYING THIS!!!! I cannot understand how everyone and their mother love this to the point of saying it's the best fantasy book ever, like???? I want to get inside their brains. I genuinely Don't Get It.
Thank you for this review! While I was working on my own analysis of this book, I just couldn't believe how MANY positive reviews this book got. I'm so glad there are at least some other people who also question the fame this book has received. Love your rage, that was exactly my (only) emotional state while reading Fourth Wing.
God this book is terrible, I’m glad at least someone agrees with me. I’m starting to think people who promote books like this don’t actually care about things like plot, or character building. I’ve seen better of both in fanfic.
I was almost sucked into dropping $30 to read this book (because the library wait is like SIX MONTHS), and I am so so grateful for the negative reviews 😂😂
@@aliasalias7141It's not fun for everyone. I felt like I was being forced to finish a terrible book, it wasn't fun at all! (Would love to have every minute I lost reading that book back)
Thank you for doing this review. I was originally reluctant to do my review series for this book, as the amount of support for it (and hostility against criticism of it) made me think that no one would want to read said series. You were the first person I came across who was critical of it, and that helped motivate me to get up and write that series.
I've been scouring the internet trying to find people reviewing this book negatively. There's not much out there, so it's a breath of fresh air when I do find some. Every time I see this book praised it makes me hate it more. *puke emoji* Loved everything you had to say!!!
Thank You for this rant. This book is the new twilight. And the s-scene made me feel sooo uncomfortable because I felt like reading about children... You are so right about this. The only thing I enjoyed about this book was that more people kicked the bucket than I tought they would. :D You can just not take this book serious. I read it like a comedy at some point because it was so hilariously bad.
I put it down and picked it back up 3x before i finally gave up. It’s like everything works out for her if only she didn’t have such weak joints she’d be absolutely perfect and flawless to all boys and dragons
As someone who LOVES this book and Iron Flame and they have me in a chokehold, you have valid points 🤣 for me- the STORY is engaging, captivating and my imagination runs wild with the story itself. The writing …. doesn’t do it justice- idk if that makes sense. There’s definitely a lot that I’m like- did an editor read this part? When it’s adapted to a television series I hope the story shines, with help from the tv writers and actors and film crew, etc. This video was entertaining to watch :)
i’ve seen a fair amount of people with EDS (including myself !) bring up the rep in this and from everything i’ve heard there’s no way i could get myself through this one lol. i’ve been trying to gather as much information on it as i can so i can actually have discussions about it, and even that makes me wanna hit my head against the wall. and the fact that she seems to have next to no issues with the EDS symptoms during sex?? most unrealistic part of the whole book 😭 if someone with EDS feels represented by this book, that’s fantastic for them! but we should also listen to the criticisms of it. there’s also a difference between it not representing everyone and it just being bad rep, and i’m pretty sure it’s more of the second one.
Yeah, her issues are all around the obstacle courses and duelling and other military-training type of physical things. She has no issues with her joints or muscles from a sex scene... energetic... enough that it results in the shattering of every piece of furniture in her room aside from her bed (because it was the one thing they didn't fuck on/against). :P I don't have firsthand connective tissue issues experience but I did pick up that that was probably incongruous. One thing I did really like was that when her condition causes some problems with directly dragon-related things like mounting and staying on the dragon's back, her dragon just goes "Okay, so I can hold you in place magically when we're flying, no problem. As for mounting, let's try me making a ramp for you with my leg? No, stop internalised ableism-ing yourself, you are an excellent human who is working really hard at this, don't be ashamed of needing accommodations for your legit condition." Her culture is really ableist, but her dragon gives no fucks :P
ugh the sex scene... i found it icky that the only reason her disability comes up at ALL in the sex scene is so Violet can say "you won't break me", as if needing him to be gentle/needing accommodation would be a bad thing??? that's one of the things that made the "empowerment" aspect so questionable to me. violet is constantly saying she's not weak or fragile, but the way she proves it is to reject accommodations and do things normally, whether it causes her pain or not. i don't think Yarros meant to do it, but it feels like in an effort to portray Violet as "strong" she's kind of reinforcing the supremacy of able-bodies. i'd have been more okay with it her internalised ableism in that respect if Xaden had stopped and told her that needing him to be gentle, or being "breakable" doesn't make her "fragile", and even if she were "fragile", that's NOT a bad thing.
@@whatareyousayinggirl Hard agree on all of that. If Violet and Xaden got into a conversation in that scene deeper than "I'm not fragile, don't worry about breaking me!" (and removing associated handwaving of stuff I imagine could have done some injury to even people without connective tissue disorders) I can see a potentially interesting exploration of Violet maybe having frustration related to her wanting rougher/more intense stuff than her muscles and joints are safely up for. In fact it could have been really cool to have an ongoing thread in the book examining Violet's feelings and thoughts related to situations where her body struggles to fulfil what her mind wants. That's a real and complex experience many people (thinking specifically of people with chronic conditions, but also in general) go through, it's worthy and interesting to discuss in relation to a protagonist with a disability. The military culture explicitly buys into the able-bodied supremacy idea but there's this dawning understanding that the culture is wrong about a whole lot of things, including as it turns out the inability of someone like Violet to be a good dragonrider. (I would guess actually that the military are enforcing way more punitive and narrow [particularly physical] standards for candidates than the dragons themselves would. The dragons seem to care a lot more about the candidates' character and intelligence, cunning, magical potential, etc than their ability to do a sprint-vault-mount reliably. Which makes sense, in the air a rider's brawn is kinda redundant) But there's still, like you point out, Yarros kinda buying into the idea of there being just one most important kind of able-bodied strength and/or maybe Violet and others still have a lot of mental journey ahead of them. Like... the dragons seem to understand what's what far better than the humans, including the main character and the author's seeming perspective. :P
I agree with every single point 👏👏. I’m so glad I was not the only one that had all of these critical points. I’m not bothering to pick up the second book after reading the first one.
One thing I will give R. Y. ... she sure knows how to throw together everything every reader wants into a book blender and then copy-pasted the content into an somewhat orderly fashion, to be the most marketable barely-fantasy book that a Romance author could put together.
Alright, finally watched it, I agree Violet reads extremely young. She was an annoying FMC. The third act conflict was rushed and seemed extremely pointless. I also agree that you can tell the book was written by a millennial with the FTW and "I. Will. Not." etc. which makes it difficult with the jarring contrast between how young violet seems and how dated the writing is. I makes Violet speak like shes close to 30. Honestly, its as if we're watching Freaky Friday. I absolutely thought for a book about dragons, the dragons we're given enough page time, thought, they weren't fleshed out enough, period. Good point about why can the cadets kill each other if they so desperately need people for the war. I didn't even think about this... major plot hole. Should have done something like, if they get eliminated they have to go to the infantry and they don't fall and die, they're just "less than" now. Dain is the most insufferable character I've ever read in my life. NO ONE was rooting for Dain, it wasn't a love triangle, it was a "nice guy" moment and I wanted to kill him. "I love you but if you break a rule I will root for your death." I did like Xaden and Rhiannon but definitely hated the instalove between Vi and Ri & Vi being like "ohemgee I can't kill anyone bc its so scary and somehow I'm making it through all these challenges even though I'm sOoOoOOoo weak" When books have a super weak MC that ends up getting all these great things that have Never. Happened. Before. it kills me. THE DRAGON SCENE (THAT SCENE) WAS PAINFUL TO READ. IT WAS HORRENDOUS. SO BIZARRE TO WRITE THAT SCENE. There were so many other ways to introduce a moment for Xaden and Violet than writing this horrifying scene. Anyway, I gave it 4 stars but I can admit that I have fun reading trash LOL. I've never watched GoT (I didn't want to get invested just to be let down in the end, so I didn't know the connections between them but I did see Shadow & Bone in this) 🤮
Ooooh thank goodness, I've been reading all the 5 star reviews and feeling so gaslit!! I am incredibly confused how so many people think THIS is 5 star material 😭😭
I LOVED this book. But I am open to critics... Coz I know most of the things I was able to compromise are the things pple hate about this book. PS: I loved the dragons... They made this book good for me.
The dragons were great! Just like in the Pern books, the Pern books would be improved a whole lot by being more about the dragons and less about the humans' sex lives! :P
Haven't read this book and have never had any intention to but this was incredibly entertaining. If you want to see more negative reviews, Regan from PeruseProject recently read it and hated it too.
I was convinced to read this (yes, I did knew that there would be some cringiness as it is in everything that's hyped in booktok), but I didn't expect that "share minded sex" like...that's so freaking gross. Thank you so much for saving my precious reading time.
i've been anxiously awaiting your review!! i felt the same way about it...I didn't HATE it but I was so confused by the end??? I'm like what is everyone talking about?! I'm so glad my library had this, because I would have been mad if I bought it lol
Honestly I personally think everyone should listen to criticism of their favourite work, it adds new perspectives and can help you appreciate your favourite work more. Like my favourite book of all time is the virgin suicides and I want everyone to read it and give me their opinion.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions on books without putting them down for it. Katie asked for people not to be mean in the comments for her not liking the book. I would assume the same goes for not being mean to those who do?
@@KatieColson personally the “like what you like” can be toxic to me because it allows for really problematic stuff to just go on it’s way with no issue. I saw your comment before you had to take it down and I do agree and support your opinion. I’ve adjusted my phrasing to not be so harsh but as someone who loves fantasy and dragons and reading the hype for this book has been a hard pill for me to swallow. I didn’t mean to cause an issue. Thanks!
Lol. It’s definitely an amalgamation of all the poplar YA fantasy from the last 20 years. Two chapters in, and you already have a pretty clear idea of everything that’s ahead. The sex scenes felt incredibly awkward and the dialogue drove me crazy. 🤮. Violet was so very “not like other girls.”
Wow, finally somebody is not just riding the hype wagon and saying the next cliche but actually sharing some really interesting thoughts! What you mentioned could have been all used to make this book better if these were told to the writer before publishing. That way it could have become a more logical and better structured book. As a beginner writer your opinion helped me to learn a lot more about what to pay attention to in my own stories and world-buildings. I subscribed to your channel, I feel every moment of this video was worth my time and attention. Cannot wait to watch (and learn) more!
You convinced me to NOT pick this book! All the problematic things you mentioned are deal breakers for me, so thanks for that :) And you just earned a new subscriber!
@@chelsey_lay2734 but then again maybe I am just not the target audience. When I read atorat I was all about the one eyed friend. I wanted to sit and talk with him. Save him from his dark past that was never his fault.
The ending of the book reminds me of Hunger Games Catching Fire ending 😂😂 The whole, "Welcome to the revolution, Violet." Is just a clear inspiration of the Hunger Games.
Thank you!!!! I have yet to find anyone who had the same opinion as me about this book. Violet reminded a lot of elaina from vampire diaries. She always thought she was capable while having everything practically handed to her the whole time because she was so weak and powerless. She wouldn't have survived without having all of this miraculous good luck. (Other than death in the her family prior)
🚨 *ATTENTION!* 🚨 This is for the small group of people who similarly disliked this book. If you loved it, I'm happy for you. Please don't leave nasty comments about me, the author or other readers.
Thank you for saying what I am thinking 😂😂😂
I honestly haven't read it but I've been looking at reviews lately since I planned to get it and from what I've seen and heard about it especially the writing I probably won't get it.
Oh my god I know right it’s SO bad!! I’m ace so the whole shitty romance thing was not working at all and everything else was just lacking anyways so?? Idk it’s the typical popular formula shitty quality kinda book
Edit: just remembered I actually hated this so much I had to cut my Goodreads review cuz it was too long and didn’t even cover like half the issues I had
I 100% agree with everything you've said about this book! I hated it too 😂
First video I have ever watched of yours… and …
Subbed 😊 love the honest review!
Your awesome! 🎉
At this point, I think these Fourth Wing rants are actively fueling my motivation to write, not so that I can copy it, but because I don't think I can do much worse.
I'm currently reading Fourth Wing and it's motivating me to write my own book because I know I can't do any worse. I have to be careful I don't hurt my eyes from all of the rolling they are doing during this read haha.
Reading bad books always motives me. The worst I could do could still be gold for someone else.
Exactly my thoughs lmao
Opposite for me, this book makes me feel like my trashy first draft makes more sense than whatever abomination Fourth Wing turned out to be. 😂
I wanna write some bad books under a pseudonym to make some money tbh
The thing that gets me is that Rebecca Yarros is a military wife. She should be very well aware how it's all about the camaraderie and building UNITS that work together, which is just impossible if you know that all your squadmates are out to get you. It's not even just losing in a duel - it's perfectly fine for someone to straight out murder you by pushing you down the stairs or something.
A military wife is not in the military. Is a doctor’s wife qualified to treat patients?
@@zenderfall I'd expect a Doctor's wife to at least know what medical malpractice means
@nottaleona knowing a legal concept is completely differnt than comprehending a more abstract concept like military comradery
@@misselthwaitemanor If I was writing a book that heavily relied on understanding how the military works I would probably ask the extremely close first-hand experience living under my roof for reference of what it's like. It sounds like some very basic research for a very essential part of the book.
@lokalcrow1470 sure I would too but writers like any creative person can get egos about their work and feel a story needs to be one way for a variety of reasons. They might feel one thing works better for the drama of the story and is more important than realism. I mean it doesn't sound like a great book, but I try to put myself in the perspective of the person writing and consider why they might make the decisions they make.
I'd prefer that ALL Booktubers are this honest about the books they read. I can't go off Goodreads stars bc we all have different tastes.
This is why I always read 1-star reviews for books before buying them. Not only do I get free entertainment, but I get honesty.
i feel like i can't rely on goodreads stars at all, because some of the most atrocious books ever written have 4 stars, with IMDB atleast I have some degree of reliability
I looked at 2-4 star reviews. 5 stars never have anything bad to say and 1 stars seem to hate it before even reading a book.
Never go on recommendations. Just find a book and read a few pages and decide based on that.
aint no way this girl really read the book her review was basically asking logic to a fictionial dragon world story
THANK YOU! Violet literally reads as a 14-15 year old girl. It's so weird.
Plus, every character is like: "wow she's so smart and cunning" and then has (1) the most childish sense of humor EVER and (2) makes very dumb mistakes throughout the book
I have a long list of reasons she's actually a dumbass.
i'm so mad that people keep saying "but the disability rep though!" as if it was actually that good... she got through almost everything with sheer force of will, and didn't ever need a day off because she was in so much pain despite all the dangerous activities she's being forced to do every day, and her saddle/mobility aid was given to her rather than her having any agency AT ALL in treating or accommodating herself throughout the book. readswithrachel linked an essay that made me feel so vindicated about some of my issues with the disability rep. i was so sad and disappointed and grossed out
Part of it, I think, is that Violet has a whole lot of internalised ableism about seeking or accepting accommodations for her disability, which her culture absolutely reinforces and cultivates. It rang trueish to me that she'd be reluctant to ask for anything out of a belief she'd be a failure to do so, even if the instructors were willing to give any accomodation, the training seemed to be designed to weed out and kill candidates who need any help (her mother is utter scum for forcing her into it, however well she ended up doing).
I did like that her dragon challenges her attitude, hard, about accepting his help with mounting and staying on his back. Even then, she's having a long and hard journey to accepting assistance. I absolutely agree that it's frustrating to see her not challenge her own mindset until other people do, though.
Possibly I'm being unwarrantedly charitable to the author and book, but that was what I picked up in terms of what seemed to be happening.
@@thomasjoychild4962 yeah she absolutely did have a lot of internalised ableism and i found that relatable, but i don't feel like it was adequately addressed or confronted, which led to some of my disappointment. it's hard to articulate how or why, but it felt like Yarros herself has internalised ableism and isn't aware of it because Violet's empowerment comes from sheer force of will most of the time, and a lack of agency in other moments. Violet, in an effort to prove she wasn't "weak and fragile", just pushed herself harder, meaning she performed like an able-bodied cadet (if not better). Even when it came to her dragon, who allowed her to use his leg to get up and off his back, makes her training *more* difficult to make up for her "weakness" (there's a line that literally reads "Tairn insists on making everything harder than what Kaori is doing.")
The people who try to empower her similarly kind of just tell her she's capable/able to do things, and it just felt shallow and performative empowerment, because even if she could, we didn't see any consequences at all of her gritting her teeth and sheer-force-of-willing her way through things for months and months. personally, empowerment to me would be accommodating the disability and finding ways to be strong within the parameters of that. She manages to poison half a dozen people but doesn't once sneak some painkilling herbs, and it just rings a bit false to me 😭
@@whatareyousayinggirl I thought Tairn was just skipping past the beginner stuff and going straight for the full-complexity combat maneuvers out of impatience, I totally didn't pick up an element of making things harder specifically to toughen her up, but I could have just missed it. I did pick up an element of "See, this isn't a lack of willpower, your muscles just can't get strong enough on their own."
I'm not knowledgeable enough about connective tissue disorders to say for certain but it does seem like you'd need to do any strengthening exercise program pretty carefully and slowly in order to not damage yourself. I assume also that she'd realistically be more debilitated from constantly pushing her limits than the book portrayed. I can understand not wanting to numb out warnings to ease off on a joint or muscle before doing damage, but you're right that she could have probably tried to take the edge off after training.
@thomasjoychild4962 yeah so the line is this: “I just need to strengthen my muscles to stay seated through maneuvers, and Tairn insists on making everything harder than what Kaori is doing.”
and my subjective reading of it was that she is engaging in needed strengthening training, and also that Tairn's method of training is even more difficult than the non-disability-informed training that the actual flight instructor is making her do 😅 ergo it just seems like yet another bit of "in order to prove myself capable, I must go above and beyond", which is an interesting and relatable manifestation of internalised ableism, but the narrative seems to be framing it as empowerment because it works and it works without Violet seeing any consequences of pushing herself so hard. I know that everyone with EDS has varied experiences, so I'm not trying to say it should have been depicted any one way, just that this seems unrealistic and like it's accidentally perpetuating the ableist idea that people with disabilities just need to try harder.
I appreciate what Yarros tried to do and I am glad we have a book with this disability in it, I just wish it had been a little more... inclusive? almost? like it could have been cool and real to see Violet really struggle with pain one day, or tell Tairn she can't fly because her legs are too sore, but what we got feels a little too clean to me. an unfortunate reality for us EDS-ers is that even the strengthening training can cause pain, and Violet is doing that *on top* of everything else that's even higher impact (and that EDS-ers are warned not to do because of the risk of injury). The more I think about it, the more I see all the potential 😅 but that's just me! and I'm glad hearing all your thoughts and perspectives 😊
@@whatareyousayinggirl Ah yes, on reminder of that wording it is in fact Teirn making an effort to give her more force to work against.
Good to hear from someone with the relevant condition about possible realistic experiences someone could have with exercise and other activities. You're right that we don't really see good vs bad days or how all the activity without accommodations like extra breaks could wear Violet down (not that I got the impression Violet's trainers would let a candidate off from the full intensity schedule).
Yeah, I don't know if people Violet has access to in-world would have developed knowledge of how to safely to strength training for connective tissue disorders but maybe Violet could have started taking notes about what is or isn't working for her. :P
I guess we're reading about about Yarros' own perspective on her condition too. I wonder if there's a bit of wish fulfilment in how she's writing Violet's experiences.
My friend highly recommended this book, saying that she was "hooked from the second page".
I'm now completely questioning our friendship.
Gurl my wife did lol I don't say I hate the book but I pause it so much cause it's sometimes just not good
No real, a cousin recommended this book to me and now I can't trust any of her recomendations 😭
it's frustrating being a girl because I'll be like "wow you like reading? What books are your favorites?" And they're like "acotar, fourth wing" like ooookay let's actually not get me started on those
🤣🤣
This book saves me a lot of time, because if someone has a “top must-read fantasy books” list and they start with this I can just keep scrolling 😂
This is exactly what I do 😂 I just keep scrolling cause now I don't trust any of your recommendations.
This is me when someone starts off with coho in a book recommendation video
YES same
@@ava5959 Me with CoHo and Sarah J. Mass
I like to use The Dark Tower series as my judge. If they tell me it's amazing, I know immediately the bring salt shaker to their recommendations.
I'm reading it right now and every time she says "for the win" I lose at least a year of my lifespan from the pure power behind the way my entire body cringes
imagine if Smaug showed up one day in the fourth wing universe, roasted all these hoes for no reason and went to bed
Omg this comment gave me life 😂😂😂
goodboi Smaug😌
“For the win” absolutely floored me. Book is about a world full of dragons but also throw around “for the win”
Eh I mean it's a fantasy world there's no reason to only use old timey sounding phrases.
@Alexander-tu3iv that's fair, and this book does use very modern language, but even with that, "For the win" felt SO out of place
@@Alexander-tu3ivWhen an author uses slang language from our world (and outdated, cringey slang at that), it takes the reader out of the fictional world they’re trying to immerse themselves in. It’s like creating a medieval fantasy world and suddenly we have a character referencing Britney Spears or DVDs. It’s simply bad writing.
@@Alexander-tu3iv Millennial detected
@Alexander-tu3iv If it's a fantasy world, then characters shouldn't be using modern slang phrases from the real world.
That does not mean that characters can only use "old-timey" phrases either.
Honestly as someone with a chronic condition NEITHER love interests handles it well!! Yes overprotectiveness is annoying when someone says “I can do this” but at the same time this idea that she just needs to try harder and that will override her chronic condition is toxic wellness culture TO A T!!!!
Yes as a girl with a chronic condition I let someone else be the hero I don’t have bodily capacity for this ish 😂
The chronic illness Violet has is actually the same one as Rebecca Yarros herself struggles with in real life. So although i do 100% agree with what you are saying, i also feel like part of it was written like that on purpose (at least with Dain, and him not thinking she could handle herself).
I did really like how her dragon challenges her internalised ableism though. He repeatedly makes it clear that he chose her knowing she had her condition and that it's a non-issue as far as he's concerned to give her a ramp with his leg for mounting/dismounting and magically hold her steady during aerobatics (before the harness gets made). He points out that she's already worked out how to effectively compensate for her disability when she's fighting on the ground, rather than bashing her head against the wall of trying to power past it, rejecting even simpler accomodation in the air is just masochism.
@@martem6706I am confused how all Violet's injuries are inflicted tho. If you get a lot of dislocations it takes less and less to dislocate. For the amount of times she's injured I would have liked to see something random happen
@@marytreaty9357 honestly same -- i think yarros was quite explicit in telling us how her disability manifests, but then those symptoms/struggles/manifestations felt like they only showed up when she was being attacked or in moments where injury was already likely anyway, which in turn made the rep feel weird to me. it's hard to explain. i would have loved to have seen her just wake up and be like "oh crap, my shoulders must have slipped forward because i slept on my side" or something more mundane and reflective of the day-to-day "normal" impacts of having EDS 😅
i got into an argument with the author on tiktok because i told her it didn’t make sense and she told me to read it… like
Her brain wasn't braining💀🙏
I can't believe this "book" is allowed to exist anywhere other than Wattpad. It's a testament to the marketing team behind it and the true author, ChatGPT.
The funny thing is after I read this comment, I went to ChatGPT and told it to write a story with parameters similar to fourth wing. The style of the story produced was like I was reading fourth wing all over again. Stuff like “ her heart fluttered as their eyes me “. Lol. I think I can be a writer at this point.
Oh man, even the entire world building (read: info dump) sounds something right off Chat GPT. jeez. The bar for a good NA fantasy books couldn’t be lower!
@@shrutigollamudi7959 You know you guys have me somewhat convinced the author actually used Chat GPT to write this book. It'd hardly be difficult to do, with just some proof reading to not make it obvious.
Don't do chat like that.
It’s soooo watttpad!!!!
I don't expect any better books in this genre in the wake of Sarah J Maas books which were terrible to begin with.
Honestly, the only people who rave about these are the ones that only read one type of books and think classics are boring.
It depends on the readers, but I definitely despise SJM and YR books. They're both equally terrible and both authors are just as controversial. Both have also been accused of plagiarism because their stories feel like badly written fanfics as opposed to proper books. Also, I love classics and other types of books.
They’re not even readers they got into reading bc of “booktok” and they read exclusively to consume p0rn
yeah it's Plato's cave, if you've never read and appreciated good writing, you can't miss it
I would argue. This is the first book with “spice” or fantasy romance I’ve read and I enjoyed it. I appreciate it’s not to everybody’s taste because that’s how opinion works, we all like different things, but to say people who like this don’t enjoy the classics is just false. I read the classics. I TEACH the classics. It’s just a matter of taste, you know?
I love how this is super over hyped on TikTok and all the OG booktubers are tearing it to shreds 😂😂😂
I am hoping that I am not the only one. I've seen Elliot Brooks and Reads With Rachel talk about it but I swear everyone else loves it. I feel like a hater, ha
@@KatieColson People like it because they don't care about the actual story so long as they get their identical 5 YA Romance tropes fed to them in exactly the same way each time.
@@danielbroome5690 honestly, this is why fanfiction is important 😭 it gives you exactly what you want, published books that pander to this extent may be successful for a time but they'll never be remembered or respected for anything good
@@KatieColsonwe told to Merphy Napier to do NOT read it so she won’t. Daniel Greene had the same advice. There won’t be vids from the bigger booktubers of fantasy. Elliot just said she DNF Iron Flame. 😂
@@KatieColson I'm waiting with bated breath for Krimson Rogue's video on it.
The amount of times the words “I arched my eyebrows” showed up in this book was so sickening 😭
Oh and ... 'my knee SCREAMED'. Your knee what now?
@@yishmoosa1234 It's a personification.
It's pretty common in writing. To show more detail of how she feels.
@@Firemerchisfireobviously, but it was bad. It simply didn’t make sense. Same when authors say “he roared/purred” I just imagine him acting roaring like tiger or purring like a cat lol it’s just not good, it needs to be replaced with something else.
Violet loves to arch it’s a core character trait
@@Firemerchisfireok well in my opinion it was really bad personification because the phrasing itself doesn't make any sense 😭 its like when sjm wrote that nesta's fingertips were "screaming at the splinters" in ACOSF . sometimes more beige prose communicates what is happening in the story better and ppl shouldn't sacrifice clarity to sound cool
The part that got me about the parapet was that THAT'S NOT EVEN WHAT A PARAPET IS! A parapet is a piece of a wall or trench that elevates up from the base or floor that provides cover. A parados is the same thing but on the inside of the fortifications acting more like a railing built into the wall. The "parapet" was a beam, a bridge at most. The word parapet isn't used much outside of war nerds or architects because they sometimes go on balconies. Which means that Rebecca Yarros at least googled what parts of a wall were called, and she used them wrong. This was in the first chapter like holy shit. I knew i was in for some high tier trash at that point
Thank you!!! It reminded me of SJM using the term "forested steppes" in ACOTAR like. Ma'am. A steppe is an *unforested grassland* it cannot be both it takes ONE (1) google search
I've translated this book to my language, and even though it stung like hell, I had to keep the word because the parapet is such a key element in the whole riders' quadrant thing.
THANK YOU! I am absolutely baffled and flabbergasted this book is as beloved as it is because it’s absolutely ATROCIOUS. I felt like I was reading a completely different book to everyone else and was honestly just laughing my way through it because it’s so ridiculous. THANK YOU for posting this video. It was so refreshing and on point!! 🤮👏🏻🤮👏🏻🤮👏🏻🤮👏🏻
I had no plans to read this, im glad u did tho 😂 i cant get over the dragon sex telepathy thing. Aint no way the author and editors thought that was a winning concept.
Wtf did this really happen???
Omg I got to this part 😢
Funny note, I was talking to my mom about that and she named a couple (much older) dragon series she read back in the day that have this same exact thing.
Apparently it’s a dragon trope.
@@Raikuait’s literally so gross and funny how many ppl go feral over “shifter” smut like omg dragon shifter smut and there’s like so many other shifter ones it’s just odd and it shows that people are just using romantasy to bust a nut
The thing is it doesn't detail the dragon sex 😂 The riders bond with their dragons. Therefore, they feel most of any emotion they feel lol So when Tairn was getting it, poor Violet got horny 😂 LMFAO it's a silly concept, yes, but I also have to say I can't stand books that are over the top sexual (and do not understand the appeal of torture porn in books lol) and I feel Yarros didn't take it to far when it comes to the sex aspect, which is appreciated lol
Ive felt so gaslit because ive literally not heard a single negative review and i really disliked the book. The worst for me was the part where she would be like "what was his name again? Ah, right xxx" and then that person was offed. And that it happened MULTIPLE times like could you introduce characters in a more lazy way. Also i really feel like this free for all k1ll1ng spree really made every single d3ath feel insignificant.
The sheer amount of times she said “what was their name again?” Ugh 🙄
YES! What sealed the deal for my hatred towards this book was not just the messed up writing, the meh fanfic style and the awful dialogue+characters, but the fact that the AUTHOR supports genocide. Like, WHY?!
This book got big because it did the bare minimum in representation and hit enough tropes or straight out copied enough things from books that got huge, some of which we're nostalgic for like Hunger Games. I think this is one of those that people will look back at in a few years and go "ah...hm maybe I didn't love it"
as someone with chronic illness, this book read exactly like the stereotype given to autistic people "your disability is actually a super power!!!!!!!"
no, it is not. when i am unable to physically move any part of my body because i am in unbearable pain, that is not something i can just, magically will my way out of because some hot guy tells me to/shames me to. the whole point about chronic illnesses is that they are, as the title literally says, CHRONIC. they dont just magically go away with the power of friendship. it is so fucking embarrassing seeing this book as "representation" if anything i feel mocked.
I am Autistic and I love the book. I can relate to Violet, we are both short and small, I dont have the best knees and fett etc. I also have my natural hair color and will soon get more grey in it. I always loved the "assassin" "gothic" clothing. and DRAGONS! Its all individual what peoples tastes are :)
While I did enjoy the book and Iron Flame, these are all valid criticisms and I love seeing people being very honest with a differing opinion.
oh wow, this is such a comforting comment honestly. That's a very difficult stance to take. I applaud you. Being able to hear criticism about something you like and not immediately retaliate says a lot about someone's character. I appreciate that you reached out and left a comment. I know it's dramatic but this comment made me more hopeful in human beings in a weird way. So thank you very much.
Lol same. I just overlook alot of that stuff but they are valid arguments. I just liked the dragons and the powers lol
Same!! I know the quality is objectively terrible, but it was an awesome read for my vacations, I needed something light and the characters were so fun, they gave me the nostalgia of wattpad, which isn’t always an issue. I loved the more childish humor, the supporting cast (Ridoc, Liam, Imogen ❤️) it was definitely a fun read and I’ll use the sequel for my next book slump
It kinda felt like Marvel to me, it doesn’t have to be too deep to be a good experience
Same here! Completely stupid book but I really needed something stupid and fun. Violet is so horny all the time it's just ridiculou😂😂😂😂
"Fourth Wing" is in the same category for me as "From Blood and Ash". They have horrible writing, female main characters who are simpletons, and the love interests who suck. And yet have GLOWING ratings on Goodreads.
I'm glad people like them, and they're probably good starts for people who want to get into fantasy romance, but whenever someone brings either of these in their recommendations, I scroll away because I don't trust their reviews.
most of the people raving about these terrible books started reading bc of booktok and they strictly consume works as a way of consuming p0rn. They only care about “spice” literally
I'm surprised you didn't mention Xaden's nickname for Violet. I'm truly curious as to what was going through the authors mind when she thought that "Violence" would be the perfect nickname for the love interest to call the main character and why everyone just went along with it. Like how did anyone think that was a good idea??!? Every time he called her Violence I just started laughing it was so ridiculous💀
Huh?
The nickname is seriously violence?
@@ahobbyist9520omg yes. To be fair the first time he says it they're still in their enemy era so it's so petty I thought it was funny but then he keeps calling her that... affectionately... and at that point is like omg he's serious 😀
that was a major ick for me
I guarantee the author patted herself on the back and took the rest of the afternoon off when she came up with that.
When I picked this up ALL I had heard was immense *praise* from literally EVERYWHERE, and then I started it and was like: 🤨😒😫🤯🤬
THE PLOT HOLES and the complete lack of logic in the world build are awful!!!!!!!!! I keep trying to get through it, but every few pages something comes up that throws me out of the story to the point I can’t keep reading.
Also, the DIALOGUE?!?! I absolutely hate when “romance” writers have their protagonists say things like “my tongue can do amazing things” in the middle of a random conversation. Like sure in a sex scene, but no one just says horny shit all the time!!!
OMG! I love you. I thought I was the only person who had these issues with it.
Wholeheartedly agree. It sounds like the author tried way too hard to make Violet sound horny and edgy. And I hate how she keeps using modern slang like “for the win!” and “the fuck you will!” It just gives me badass-fmc-everybody clapped-wattpad vibes. I picked it up because the plot sounded so cool and I thought the worldbuilding was going to be rich and awesome but I was disappointed. I guess a great idea doesn’t necessarily mean someone’s a great writer. Also, Readswithrachel pointed this out, but it’s so funny how in the beginning they made Violet the token library girl who just loves books so much but then it she never consults books? Even the book that literally tells her how to kill people?
I agree but get all your info straight
She's allowed to use slang cause the damn characters are in their young twenties so of course they will use it
@@londonfroglatteshe actually does consult that book though. It’s a book about poisons and she mentions reading it as she is gathering berries and mushrooms and whatnot so she can make people she gets matched to fight with sick so she has an advantage.
I just got gifted the first 2 books of the series…happy reading to me I guess…
I just finished this book and I hate the fact that Violet is a literal glass cannon. Also the need for riders in this military is extremely valuable yet they can die anytime while at school.
so many of my friends tricked me into reading this book. I trusted them. WHYYYYY. Glad other people have found a thing they love, but I walked into a wall after finishing it and then thought back on my entire life and what I had done wrong to get to that point.
You need better friends.
Your friends have awful taste, or are just riding the hype and will forget soon enough
My assiant teacher from last year made me read this. Now I'm questioning both the author and said teacher on a concerning level.
I wish people were honest about why they liked the book (wish fulfillment of having a hot shadow daddy) rather than trying to pass it off as this great fantasy adventure you have to read
What gets me is the dumb ass military. I get wanting to portray it as ruthless and cut throat, but when murder I straight up shrugged on when you’re supposed to trust these people in the heat of battle. Like how the hell has this supposed Military not imploded on itself? Violet doesn’t even trust one of her own CO’s (Commanding Officers) not to kill her in the middle of a class!
It's Fantasy not real life
@ correct, however doesn’t change the validity of my statement. Fantasy or not, if you can’t at least know you should rely on your CO, then any form of cohesion, tactics, strategy would fall apart. You’re flying out to battle then get scorched from behind by your wingman because they don’t like you.
I saw the cover for the second one was put out. One of the biggest annoyances in this book was. The. Periods.
The sequel’s cover says “Burn. It. Down.”
I screeched when I saw the cover lol
This book is not for heavy fantasy readers because they will realize it reads like another story they had read before. Its a rip off of probably 5 other popular YA novels and you can't convince me otherwise. Aside from that, it's not even good.
Part of the reason there aren’t negative reviews is likely that those of us who wouldn’t like it (aren’t into fantasy, especially one that leans YA/NA & written by a romance author)don’t bother picking it up. I often am suspicious of overly hyped books. Thanks for quelling any FOMO I had. 😆
Some, I imagine, who do pick it up but can’t get into it DNF it without reviewing; and, it likely didn’t stir any emotions (which is a bad sign when the author can’t move reader’s emotions in any way) so they aren’t compelled to bother reviewing it.
Exactly 😂.
Look at the preview. Like I will always read the first page of any hyped book, my Aphantasia aside, I can get a good idea on who the writer is based on the first page.
The first page, or couple of pages, in any book is super important. It is supposed to grab the reader and pull them in.
The first page of Fourth Wing? Incomprehensible. It's called "low brow" and yeah it is. I've never read an intro this bad, and I've read books that are "bad".
Then, may i ask what genre do you like to read?
I know this was from a year ago but I was one of those ppl lol 😭😅 put it down and never remembered it until recently when Amazon's suddenly inundating me w it
The Dragonriders of Pern fanfiction I wrote when I was 13 years old made more sense than this bestselling book. XD
Sometimes I wonder...I read the same book as everyone, I'm too objective or people just disconnect their brain reading this wattpad story?
Same! The person who recommended this ATROCITY of a book to me hasn't read a fantasy in a while. I wouldn't be surprised if she thought this was good. I, on the other hand, was cringing through it all. This was like the Wattpad fics that weren't well written. The author is controversial these days, anyway.
I think it's because many very young kids from 12-15 read these books, and they don't really know what good literature is. 😂
When I was 12, I read books that were a 10 out of 10 from me back then, but now they are just trash for me. I still can't believe that I thought this garbage I read once was good 😂
Also, we live in a time where people's attention span gets lower and lower. They need something very easy to read that is not intellectually overwhelming for them. With lots of sex and action for constant dopamine release so they somehow keep reading.
"A song of ice and fire" for example would be too much already for many people 😂
They literally disconnect their brains and exclusively consume it for the “spice”. Like I’ve deadass seen them say this
Books like these are why we NEED gatekeeping.
Until the gatekeeping becomes this. 😨
i'm so glad i'm not the only one who HATED this book. so many plot holes and so predictable. i don't understand the hype since 90% of this book is rip offs of other books. violet is such an annoying "mary sue" main character but oh no its bad to not like her because of the "disability representation" as if the representation wasn't poorly written.
This has been the most refreshing book review I've randomly clicked on in my life. The honesty is just amazing. Imma binge all your videos.
I loved this book, but I also love trash. And we KNOW my book opinions are WILD.
Literally same 😂
Hahahah top tier comment 😂😂😂😂
dittoooo haha
REAL
Dittooo😭😂
I read this book and you are spot on! The good news is you have the first edition and you can sell it for money.
the whole academy thing (from the entrance exam to the killing each other, etc.) baffled me soooo much!?! like, why are you throwing away potential soldiers like that?....
I love how you’re holding the book up the entire time lol😂 I wish I didn’t pay for this book already
I hope you can return it, and you didn't pay too much for it.
It’s good. Read it and enjoy it for what it is
@@ElisabetTX
I read the first sentence and I have questions about the author and her editing team.
Thankfully I read it through Libby and didn't have to pay a cent lol
@@ElisabetTXit’s good but not great imo.
20:05 the way my cat's head turned to me, like he was SHOCKED of what you just said 😭 i feel you, boy, i feel you
I’m with you on wholeheartedly hating this book 😂😂. The thing that really topped it off for me was the scenes between Violet and Xaden with the lightning 😂😂😂
OMG IM SO THANKFUL I FOUND YOUR VIDEO BECAUSE I WAS LITERALLY LIKE AM I READING A DIFFERENT COPY FROM EVERYONE ELSE!?
Me too! I think about it all the time. Like, are we selectively getting Punked??
YES!! Katie, you have no idea how much I needed this video because I DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHY EVERYONE WAS RAVING ABOUT THIS. Validation. 😮💨
Thank God I found this review because I was planning on reading it with my bff for a book club and we were legitimately traumatised by the graphic sex scene in Love Hypothesis
I'm starting to wonder if ppl were paid to positively review this book 😅 and then inexperienced/new readers picked it up and, expecting it to be good, convinced themselves that it is. 🤷♀ That's the only way I can understand what happened here. 😂
Amen girl!! All my same issues with this book!! I’m so happy you brought them all up!!! Their is so many nonsensical things about this BOOK! It drove me crazy.
As someone who wasn't planning on reading the book, cause I didn't feel drawn to the plot and couldn't understand the hype...let me say that I watched this rant review because of you. I just like watching you talk. You are funny, outgoing, animated, with all these great facial expressions and ways of saying things. And I personally thought the rant was a riot. 😂
Aw thank you so so much. I truly appreciate that beyond words. I was really scared to post this because of backlash. And while I have certainly received that, comments like this make up for it tenfold.
Totally a riot! It's why I've now subscribed to the channel :)
If you hate this book, I recommend Riders of Fire by Eileen Muller. It's fourth wing, but better and without the explicit scenes
I did not enjoy this book. Thank you for making this video lol I felt like the only crazy person that didn't like it
that's EXACTLY why I made this video. Thank you so much for this comment. And for relating to me. Because we are few but we are out there, ha
The fact that Katie can just rant for 28 minutes about an absolutely awful book🤮 is the reason i absolutely adore her! The honesty is top tier. Please I'm dying for more hate rants 😂
I think that the more a book is hyped the less it will have bad reviews... people will feel discouraged to do it because of the backlash... apparently we are animals that can't deal with critics😅 and that's a damn shame, reviews should be as diverse as we all are. Thank you for the video! ❤🔥
It was really surprising to see all fives and just a few ones, I don't think any book is all fives and ones not even some of the greatest books ever written.
I never read (and will never read) this book, but I find it strange that so much about this book's military premise makes no sense, yet the author is a military wife of 20+ years... Honestly, the aggressive, hype-centric marketing of this book feels a *little* like veiled "patriot" propaganda to me, but I'm old and prone to the distrust of popularized mediocrity.
Both Reads with Rachel and My Name is Marines hated it and I love the fact another content creator that I like and trust the judgment hated it too. 💚
One of the things you mention that is important about this book is: Fourth Wing is 20000 books in one because it's like Yarros just grabbed bits and pieces of other books in it.
Another one that FW its almost carbon copy is Red Queen. Same kind of plot, same stupid and blind protagonist, lighting powers, dead brother that is actually alive, rebellion and stuff.
Fourth Wing is just an amalgam of other books, and I'm always in awe of how people just ate this up without criticism.
Thank you!! You hit the nail on the head addressing multiple things wrong with this book! Do NOT waste your time or money! Yarros DID copy characters from other authors! 🤨
It seems the “New Adult” label is to justify the sexual content, but Teens are reading this book!! 😢 The “love” theme in the book is hardened, including the love of a parent. As for the “love interest,” I was invested in most of the book until we are bombarded with explicit sexual content! This could have been written as a respectful encounter so I’m not sure what the agenda was for the author when including X-rated content. Yarros, where is your moral compass?! It is irresponsible to her audience, not to mention appalling! As a mother myself, I never understand why authors write smut (knowing that Teens will be reading it), and they have children of their own! Shameful!
All of your points are very valid and make complete sense. I think people love this book because it reminds them of the books they read as teens, but they are now adults. When I read this, it gave me all of the vibes of popular YA books such as Red Queen, Shadow and Bone, Twilight, and Eragon. It's nostalgia and that familiarity that are making people love this and eat it up (in my opinion).
But I have seen reviews from people who've barely picked up a book in their lives review this book so positively. And the other demographic that is raving about this book are people who EXCLUSIVELY read contemporary romance. This is a book for romance readers who are looking for something else interesting. Nostalgia wouldn't apply here. Not NEARLY as much to justify the overwhelmingly positive reviews this book is getting
I would say Eragon is better than this
@@wkoya4803 I would agree too.
@@wkoya4803most books are better than this book lol
@@wkoya4803I would even say TWILIGHT was better than this book lol
I kept forgetting these kids where in college and not highschool
The Shadow and Bone part!!! Girl I have 9 chapters left and I am like hhmmmm..... lol IT"S THE SAME STORY!!! The shadow prince for sure. I felt this so much!!! lol
THANK U FOR SAYING THIS!!!! I cannot understand how everyone and their mother love this to the point of saying it's the best fantasy book ever, like???? I want to get inside their brains. I genuinely Don't Get It.
Thank you for this review! While I was working on my own analysis of this book, I just couldn't believe how MANY positive reviews this book got. I'm so glad there are at least some other people who also question the fame this book has received. Love your rage, that was exactly my (only) emotional state while reading Fourth Wing.
God this book is terrible, I’m glad at least someone agrees with me. I’m starting to think people who promote books like this don’t actually care about things like plot, or character building. I’ve seen better of both in fanfic.
I was almost sucked into dropping $30 to read this book (because the library wait is like SIX MONTHS), and I am so so grateful for the negative reviews 😂😂
It is bad, but it is fun! Try it out when it hits the library.
I was eyeing it constantly and hearing booktubers mention it and lately ive started to see these videos 😂
@@aliasalias7141It's not fun for everyone. I felt like I was being forced to finish a terrible book, it wasn't fun at all! (Would love to have every minute I lost reading that book back)
Try hoopla(no wait) or Libby(occasionally a few weeks wait time).
I'm glad Libby has a very long sample to try before you put it on hold. I discovered that the writing style and I wouldn't have gotten along.
Thank you for doing this review. I was originally reluctant to do my review series for this book, as the amount of support for it (and hostility against criticism of it) made me think that no one would want to read said series. You were the first person I came across who was critical of it, and that helped motivate me to get up and write that series.
I've been scouring the internet trying to find people reviewing this book negatively. There's not much out there, so it's a breath of fresh air when I do find some. Every time I see this book praised it makes me hate it more. *puke emoji* Loved everything you had to say!!!
Thank You for this rant. This book is the new twilight. And the s-scene made me feel sooo uncomfortable because I felt like reading about children... You are so right about this. The only thing I enjoyed about this book was that more people kicked the bucket than I tought they would. :D You can just not take this book serious. I read it like a comedy at some point because it was so hilariously bad.
I put it down and picked it back up 3x before i finally gave up. It’s like everything works out for her if only she didn’t have such weak joints she’d be absolutely perfect and flawless to all boys and dragons
LITERALLY MY THOUGHTS!!! THANK GOD IM NOT THE ONLY ONE
I didn’t read this and wasn’t planning to but I’ve watched the whole video and had a great time listening to you roasting this book 😂😂 loveddd it 🤢🤮
As someone who LOVES this book and Iron Flame and they have me in a chokehold, you have valid points 🤣
for me- the STORY is engaging, captivating and my imagination runs wild with the story itself. The writing …. doesn’t do it justice- idk if that makes sense. There’s definitely a lot that I’m like- did an editor read this part?
When it’s adapted to a television series I hope the story shines, with help from the tv writers and actors and film crew, etc.
This video was entertaining to watch :)
i’ve seen a fair amount of people with EDS (including myself !) bring up the rep in this and from everything i’ve heard there’s no way i could get myself through this one lol. i’ve been trying to gather as much information on it as i can so i can actually have discussions about it, and even that makes me wanna hit my head against the wall. and the fact that she seems to have next to no issues with the EDS symptoms during sex?? most unrealistic part of the whole book 😭 if someone with EDS feels represented by this book, that’s fantastic for them! but we should also listen to the criticisms of it. there’s also a difference between it not representing everyone and it just being bad rep, and i’m pretty sure it’s more of the second one.
Yeah, her issues are all around the obstacle courses and duelling and other military-training type of physical things. She has no issues with her joints or muscles from a sex scene... energetic... enough that it results in the shattering of every piece of furniture in her room aside from her bed (because it was the one thing they didn't fuck on/against). :P I don't have firsthand connective tissue issues experience but I did pick up that that was probably incongruous.
One thing I did really like was that when her condition causes some problems with directly dragon-related things like mounting and staying on the dragon's back, her dragon just goes "Okay, so I can hold you in place magically when we're flying, no problem. As for mounting, let's try me making a ramp for you with my leg? No, stop internalised ableism-ing yourself, you are an excellent human who is working really hard at this, don't be ashamed of needing accommodations for your legit condition." Her culture is really ableist, but her dragon gives no fucks :P
ugh the sex scene... i found it icky that the only reason her disability comes up at ALL in the sex scene is so Violet can say "you won't break me", as if needing him to be gentle/needing accommodation would be a bad thing??? that's one of the things that made the "empowerment" aspect so questionable to me. violet is constantly saying she's not weak or fragile, but the way she proves it is to reject accommodations and do things normally, whether it causes her pain or not. i don't think Yarros meant to do it, but it feels like in an effort to portray Violet as "strong" she's kind of reinforcing the supremacy of able-bodies. i'd have been more okay with it her internalised ableism in that respect if Xaden had stopped and told her that needing him to be gentle, or being "breakable" doesn't make her "fragile", and even if she were "fragile", that's NOT a bad thing.
@@whatareyousayinggirl Hard agree on all of that.
If Violet and Xaden got into a conversation in that scene deeper than "I'm not fragile, don't worry about breaking me!" (and removing associated handwaving of stuff I imagine could have done some injury to even people without connective tissue disorders) I can see a potentially interesting exploration of Violet maybe having frustration related to her wanting rougher/more intense stuff than her muscles and joints are safely up for. In fact it could have been really cool to have an ongoing thread in the book examining Violet's feelings and thoughts related to situations where her body struggles to fulfil what her mind wants. That's a real and complex experience many people (thinking specifically of people with chronic conditions, but also in general) go through, it's worthy and interesting to discuss in relation to a protagonist with a disability.
The military culture explicitly buys into the able-bodied supremacy idea but there's this dawning understanding that the culture is wrong about a whole lot of things, including as it turns out the inability of someone like Violet to be a good dragonrider. (I would guess actually that the military are enforcing way more punitive and narrow [particularly physical] standards for candidates than the dragons themselves would. The dragons seem to care a lot more about the candidates' character and intelligence, cunning, magical potential, etc than their ability to do a sprint-vault-mount reliably. Which makes sense, in the air a rider's brawn is kinda redundant) But there's still, like you point out, Yarros kinda buying into the idea of there being just one most important kind of able-bodied strength and/or maybe Violet and others still have a lot of mental journey ahead of them.
Like... the dragons seem to understand what's what far better than the humans, including the main character and the author's seeming perspective. :P
I agree with every single point 👏👏. I’m so glad I was not the only one that had all of these critical points. I’m not bothering to pick up the second book after reading the first one.
not "for the win" 😭😭😭😭😭 this is cracking me up lol
One thing I will give R. Y. ... she sure knows how to throw together everything every reader wants into a book blender and then copy-pasted the content into an somewhat orderly fashion, to be the most marketable barely-fantasy book that a Romance author could put together.
*immediately adds to watch list* I want to come back to this video after I've read the book; can't wait to hear what you have to say about it
She doesn't like the book girl... you're going to be disappointed in this video.
Alright, finally watched it, I agree Violet reads extremely young. She was an annoying FMC. The third act conflict was rushed and seemed extremely pointless. I also agree that you can tell the book was written by a millennial with the FTW and "I. Will. Not." etc. which makes it difficult with the jarring contrast between how young violet seems and how dated the writing is. I makes Violet speak like shes close to 30. Honestly, its as if we're watching Freaky Friday.
I absolutely thought for a book about dragons, the dragons we're given enough page time, thought, they weren't fleshed out enough, period. Good point about why can the cadets kill each other if they so desperately need people for the war. I didn't even think about this... major plot hole. Should have done something like, if they get eliminated they have to go to the infantry and they don't fall and die, they're just "less than" now.
Dain is the most insufferable character I've ever read in my life. NO ONE was rooting for Dain, it wasn't a love triangle, it was a "nice guy" moment and I wanted to kill him. "I love you but if you break a rule I will root for your death." I did like Xaden and Rhiannon but definitely hated the instalove between Vi and Ri & Vi being like "ohemgee I can't kill anyone bc its so scary and somehow I'm making it through all these challenges even though I'm sOoOoOOoo weak"
When books have a super weak MC that ends up getting all these great things that have Never. Happened. Before. it kills me. THE DRAGON SCENE (THAT SCENE) WAS PAINFUL TO READ. IT WAS HORRENDOUS. SO BIZARRE TO WRITE THAT SCENE. There were so many other ways to introduce a moment for Xaden and Violet than writing this horrifying scene.
Anyway, I gave it 4 stars but I can admit that I have fun reading trash LOL. I've never watched GoT (I didn't want to get invested just to be let down in the end, so I didn't know the connections between them but I did see Shadow & Bone in this) 🤮
Ooooh thank goodness, I've been reading all the 5 star reviews and feeling so gaslit!! I am incredibly confused how so many people think THIS is 5 star material 😭😭
I LOVED this book. But I am open to critics... Coz I know most of the things I was able to compromise are the things pple hate about this book.
PS: I loved the dragons... They made this book good for me.
The dragons were great! Just like in the Pern books, the Pern books would be improved a whole lot by being more about the dragons and less about the humans' sex lives! :P
@@thomasjoychild4962 This. I concur.
Read Eragon if you haven’t it’s my favorite dragon book series!
@@rhymerlegend2717 I haven't read it . I am adding this to my TBR
Really glad that someone else has latched on to "for the win" with the same loathing I do.
Haven't read this book and have never had any intention to but this was incredibly entertaining. If you want to see more negative reviews, Regan from PeruseProject recently read it and hated it too.
Marines from mynameismarines also had a negative opinion of the book. Her video breaks it down chunk by chunk why she didn't like it.
I was convinced to read this (yes, I did knew that there would be some cringiness as it is in everything that's hyped in booktok), but I didn't expect that "share minded sex" like...that's so freaking gross. Thank you so much for saving my precious reading time.
i've been anxiously awaiting your review!! i felt the same way about it...I didn't HATE it but I was so confused by the end??? I'm like what is everyone talking about?! I'm so glad my library had this, because I would have been mad if I bought it lol
I’ll never forget “flaming hot, scorching hot, get you into trouble hot.” 😂😂
Honestly I personally think everyone should listen to criticism of their favourite work, it adds new perspectives and can help you appreciate your favourite work more. Like my favourite book of all time is the virgin suicides and I want everyone to read it and give me their opinion.
me as an english major when Twilight came out 💀
You are spot on. This book is bad on every level a piece of writing can be bad. I am really shocked by the popularity and wish I could understand it!
Everyone is entitled to their opinions on books without putting them down for it. Katie asked for people not to be mean in the comments for her not liking the book. I would assume the same goes for not being mean to those who do?
@@kristenumansky8855 you’re right. I deleted my response. I had to rethink. I won’t respond to stuff like this again, you’re totally right
@@KatieColson my comment was for cateyes8588 not you. Your comment was fine
@@KatieColson personally the “like what you like” can be toxic to me because it allows for really problematic stuff to just go on it’s way with no issue. I saw your comment before you had to take it down and I do agree and support your opinion. I’ve adjusted my phrasing to not be so harsh but as someone who loves fantasy and dragons and reading the hype for this book has been a hard pill for me to swallow. I didn’t mean to cause an issue. Thanks!
@@kristenumansky8855 adjusted my phrasing. Thanks for the reminder.
not even halfway through this book bro want to GIVE UPPPP. Any fantasy books about dragons you would recco?
Ahahaha i burst out in laughter at the "6 months later, nothing happens" part xD I really DO know why i avoid books that are beeing hyped THAT much 🤮
Glad to be a part of 0.15%! 💝
Lol. It’s definitely an amalgamation of all the poplar YA fantasy from the last 20 years. Two chapters in, and you already have a pretty clear idea of everything that’s ahead. The sex scenes felt incredibly awkward and the dialogue drove me crazy. 🤮. Violet was so very “not like other girls.”
“You don't know this girl from Eve!” 😂😂😂
Wow, finally somebody is not just riding the hype wagon and saying the next cliche but actually sharing some really interesting thoughts! What you mentioned could have been all used to make this book better if these were told to the writer before publishing. That way it could have become a more logical and better structured book. As a beginner writer your opinion helped me to learn a lot more about what to pay attention to in my own stories and world-buildings. I subscribed to your channel, I feel every moment of this video was worth my time and attention. Cannot wait to watch (and learn) more!
Wanna start off by saying I havent read the book. As soon as I read the synopsis, it sounded like a regular YA clone of most others.
You convinced me to NOT pick this book! All the problematic things you mentioned are deal breakers for me, so thanks for that :) And you just earned a new subscriber!
I’ve seen this happen with a lot of books that gain traction on book tube and elsewhere and then I read them and am just flabbergasted.
Agree with everything. The only guy I thought was worth chasing was Liam who treated everyone well and was a friend.
Yk the authors gonna kill Liam off in the series 😂 hes the reason why I kept reading the book
yikes… same though same.. but yikes
@@chelsey_lay2734 but then again maybe I am just not the target audience. When I read atorat I was all about the one eyed friend. I wanted to sit and talk with him. Save him from his dark past that was never his fault.
THANK YOU! I thought I was losing my minddddd
The ending of the book reminds me of Hunger Games Catching Fire ending 😂😂 The whole, "Welcome to the revolution, Violet." Is just a clear inspiration of the Hunger Games.
I almost threw my kobo into the woods with the "Welcome to the revolution". How did that make it past an editor?
Where did you get that Greco-Roman style statue?
Thank you!!!! I have yet to find anyone who had the same opinion as me about this book. Violet reminded a lot of elaina from vampire diaries. She always thought she was capable while having everything practically handed to her the whole time because she was so weak and powerless. She wouldn't have survived without having all of this miraculous good luck. (Other than death in the her family prior)