Fourth Wing, a new genre for me, came to my attention at a Barnes & Noble book display table outfitted with cards, posters, jewelry, and clothing. The display reminded me of the Harry Potter craze in the last century. Castles, dragons, magic, and a war college set in an unidentified time and place. I picked up one of the three books in Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean Series, and I was hooked within a few pages. The genre, frequently identified as “romantasy,” adult fiction, and magical fantasy, is not for young readers. After Violet Sorrengail enters Basgaith War College, the book never comes to a calm place where the reader can go into neutral for a few pages.
Starting on the first day of war college, in a universe unlike our own, student mortality thins the ranks of future riders of flying dragons who spend three years training to defend the nation of Navaree. There are only two ways out of Basgaith College: graduate or die. In the midst of the brutal training and drama, students find a diversion in sex, mostly between first years and upperclassmen, explaining the “romantasy” genre label. I have yet to decide whether to continue with the series. The book deserves the attention, acclaim, and many awards received over the past few years.