Reading Guide: Fourth Wing
READING GUIDE
The Empyrean 101: Fourth Wing
A recap of the world, characters, and events from Fourth Wing.
Fourth Wing is the January 2025 Haus of Hamilton Book Club Pick to prep for the Onyx Storm release.
I recognize Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is a long book with a lot of characters, and it might be difficult to track. So I’ve put together a little reading guide (aka cheat sheet) to help keep everything organized.
If you scroll all the way down, there are even some *spoilers* and a book summary to reference during our Book Club discussion.
Have I missed something? Or are you looking for more information? Let me know! The Iron Flame Reading Guide is coming soon.
NOTE: This is comprehensive, and there may be spoilers included below. Proceed with caution!
Locations
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The Kingdom of Navarre is one of two kingdoms on the Continent. Poromiel splits the Known World and the uninhabitable land of the Barrens lies beyond their borders
Navarre, made up of mountainous and forested land, is ruled by King Tauri. Heir to the throne is the King's eldest son, Halden Tauri. Second in line is Cam Tauri, the King's youngest son.
Navarre has been at war with Poromiel for four hundred years. The kingdom's primary resources include ore, hardy timber from the Eastern provinces, elk, and deer
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Basgaith War College trains members of the Navarrian military. It is made up of four Quadrants: Riders, Scribe, Healer, and Infantry. Basgaith is most popularly known for its dragon riders.
The building is split into two halves — the lower portion is dedicated to Scribes, Healers and Infantry as well as the Administration. The Citadel, the upper half, is home to the Riders Quadrant. To reach the Citadel and to enter the Riders Quadrant, candidates must cross the parapet. The Riders Quadrant only accepts volunteers and the 107 children of the rebellion.
Training lasts three years. During their first year, Cadets are not allowed to communicate with the outside world. Only second and third years are allowed to contact their families and friends outside of the college.
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Monserrat: outpost in the Morraine Province (same as Basgaith); this is where Mira is stationed
Athebyne: a mountainside outpost in the Tyrrendor province near the border of Krovla, Poromiel; it is used as a trading post between Navarre and Poromiel due to the Trade Agreement of Resson
Resson: a city in the Krovla Province, just beyond Athebyne; lies outside the protection of the ward
Aretia: former capital of Tyrrendor until it was burned in the apostasy
Species
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“A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead.” - Article 1, Section 1, The Dragon Rider's Codex
The Empyrean
While little is known about the ways of dragons, or how they govern themselves, a clear hierarchy exists among the most powerful, and deference is paid to the elders. The Empyrean is the name for their leadership. During a meeting of the Empyrean, dragons do not communicate with their bonded riders because humans are not permitted to know what is said within the Empyrean.
Introduction to Dragons
Dragonsare one of the species able to bond with humans and share their magical powers with them.
A dragon’s lifespan is estimated to be around 200 years.
Dragons do not typically bond riders until they are fully grown.
Their sacred hatching grounds are at the Vale.
Dragons can stay in their eggs for over 650 years. These embryos have the ability. to hear their surroundings and have some level of choice when they can decide. to hatch.
Ten dragons make up a full riot.
When Dragons bond with a rider, the humans develop signet abilities channeling their magic.
Physical Description
Dragons have four legs and two wings; they average 25ft. tall.
All dragons have semi-translucent wings and the tip of the wing joint is crowned by a single fierce talon. Each leg ends in razor-sharp talons and they have horns coming out the tops of their heads.
Violet often describes the smell of sulfur when around dragons.
Dragon scales are larger and thicker than a hand; they are layered into the scales above them in an intricate pattern which does no leave handholds or paths for a rider to climb.
Dragons have a part of the back called a seat — a smooth, scaly divot right in front of their wings. A pommel sits in front of the seat — a thick ridge of scales where their neck meets shoulder, and riders often grip this to stay seated.
Powers & Abilities
Every dragon has a certain level of inner power, which they channel through their riders through lesser magic and to create an individual signet.
Lesser magic allows riders to open doors without touching them, preternatural speed, manipulating mage lights, place runes
When a dragon thinks its rider is ready, they are able to channel their power through their rider, giving them the ability to produce a signet
Signets manifest according to the person wielding them, but its strength is a reflection of the bond and power of the dragon.
Dragon Relic is a magical mark to. the skin of the bonded rider, symbolizing honor and power. The relic usually takes the shape of the dragon who gifted it.
"Signets are the result of the unique chemistry between rider and dragon and usually say more about the rider than the dragon. The stronger the bond and the more powerful the dragon, the stronger the signet.”
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Dens
Dragon dens are distinguished by color, which informs their personality.
Black Dragons
Considered to be the rarest type of dragonkind.
They are the smartest, the most discerning and the most cunning — it’s impossible to outsmart them.
They are “killing machines” and considered to be the deadliest den.
According to Violet, there hasn’t been one born in the last century.
Their original hatching grounds were in the valley above Riorson House in Aretia.
Blue Dragons
They are the most ruthless — the Blue Daggertail (the rarest of the blues) has knifelike spikes at the tip of their tail, which allows them to disembowel an enemy with one flick.
Do not comply with the law
Have an intimidating reputation. It is advised to not approach any blue dragons. Instead, one should run!
Known for their formidable size; their shades of blue vary
Green Dragons
Known for their keen intellect and rational countenance, which makes them the perfect siege weapons.
To approach a green dragon, lower your eyes in supplication and wait for their approval.
It is advised to never back down from a green.
Brown Dragons
It is advised to never show trepidation to a brown.
Orange Dragons
Known to be the most unpredictable, which makes them always a risk.
Red Dragons
It is advised to never look a red in the eye.
Red Scorpiontails, specifically, are the quickest to temper. Do not offend them, or you will die.
Red Swordtails are nasty when they get riled.
They prefer to be approached from the left and the front, if possible.
Breeds
Dragon breeds are distinguished by their tail. Although tails are considered the breed of the dragon, they are a matter of a dragon’s choice and need.
Clubtail: ends in. asolid mass for bludgeoning
Daggertail: have knifelike spikes at the tip of the tail that can disembowel an enemy with one flick
Morningstartail: considered one of the deadliest breeds as they have the same bludgeoning power of a clubtail, but with spikes with the sharpness of a daggertail
Scorpiontail: tipped with poisonous barbs
Swordtail: long and sharpened on the edges
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Bonding a Rider
Dragons must obtain their Right of Benefaction before they are permitted to bond; the head of their den must approve.
Each dragon-human bond is stronger than the previous. Just as a rider cannot live without its dragon, the loss / dissolution of a strong rider-dragon bond has significant impact on the dragon, which may result in the dragon’s death.
“They choose for reasons they don't see fit to share with us.” -Professor Kaori, Fourth Wing, Chapter 8
“In the six centuries of recorded history of dragon and rider, there have been hundreds of known cases where a dragon simply cannot emotionally recover from the loss of their bonded rider. This happens when the bond is particularly strong and, in three documented cases, has even caused the untimely death of the dragon.” - Navarerre, An Unedited History by Colonel Lewis Markham
Mated Pairs
The only relationship stronger than a dragon and its rider is one with its Mate. Their bond goes beyond the depth of human love to an undeniable requirement for proximity — this means mated pairs cannot be separated for significant periods of time, or their health diminishes. As a result they often bond riders in the same year and the riders are often stationed together.
Dragons mate for life
Mated dragons cannot survive without the other — if one dies, so does the other
Tairn and Sgaeyl are a mated pair. They are the strongest mated pair in centuries
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Not everyone in Navarre has been exposed to the fables of Venin and their wyverns. But Violet’s dad left her a book of these fables upon his death. However, when she seeks out a copy at the Scribe Quadrant, she learns that it does not exists. She finds this odd as the Scribes document and have a copy of each tome ever published. She later suspects that the government has outlawed the books that features them.
The folklore involves a tale of three brothers: one who bonded with dragons, one who bonded with gryphons, and the third brother who became so jealous that he “drew [magic] directly from the source, losing his soul and waging war on the other two.”
According to the lore channeling magic from the source, without the use of a dragon or gryphon, corrupts that person’s soul beyond salvation. They created wyvern to compete with dragons. Wyverns are flying creatures that lack front legs, relying on their membrane wings to move forward when landing. They have a mane of razor-sharp feathers down their necks with poison-barbed tails.
Venin are described as having red veins around their red soulless eyes. Their haunting looks made them the perfect villain for childhood tales.
Characters, Dragons and Signets
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Lilith Sorrengail
Relation: Mother
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Riders
Rank: Commanding General, Basgaith War College
Dragon: Bonded to Aimsir (Brown)
Signet: Storm Wielder
Notes: Became colder towards her children after husband’s death
Asher Sorrengail
Relation: Father
Status: Deceased, heart-failure
Quadrant: Scribes
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Notes: Left Violet a book on Navarrian folklore
Brennan Sorrengail
Relation: Brother, oldest child
Status: Deceased, killed by Fen Riorsen during Tyrrish rebellion
Quadrant: Riders
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Dragon: Bonded to Marbh (Orange Daggertail)
Signet: Mending (rare) - ability to fix, restore, or return anything to its original state, including broken human bones
Notes: Violet believes he was Lilith’s favorite, the “perfect” child
Mira Sorrengail
Relation: Sister, middle child
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Riders
Rank: First-Lieutenant
Dragon: Bonded to Teine (Green Clubtail)
Signet: Ward extension (rare) - can extend natural, existing wards to protect herself and fellow riders
Notes:
She is well revered for her abilities as a rider
Disagrees with her mother’s decision to send Violet to the Riders Quadrant; she gives Violet advice on how to stay safe (seek out Dain, avoid Xaden, keep her hair braided), gives Violet riding boots, a vest-shaped corset made out of her dragon’s scales, and the Book of Brennan
Violet Sorrengail
Relation: Youngest child
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Riders
Rank: Cadet
Dragon: See Spoilers
Signet: See Spoilers
Notes:
Due to a fever Lilith contracted during her pregnancy, Violet was born with a rare condition which causes her ligaments and joints to subluxate frequently
Violet’s hair turns silver at the ends, regardless of how short she cuts her hair; it’s a distinguishing trait
She was sequestered / raised to be a Scribe. However, Lilith made the decision that she was to join the Riders Quadrant
Through her bond with Andarna, Violet was briefly able to stop the flow of time
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Bodhi Durran
Relation: Xaden’s cousin
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Riders
Rank: Tail Section Executive Officer
Dragon: Cuir (Green)
Signet: Countering Signets - able to reduce or eliminate someone’s ability to use their signet
Dain Aetos
Relation: Violet’s childhood friend / crush
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Riders
Rank: Squad Leader of Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing
Dragon: Cath (Red Swordtail)
Signet: Retrocognition - can view a person’s recent memories while touching their face
Notes:
Father, Colonel Aetos, is Lilith’s second in command, which is how he and Violet became friends
Implied past relationship with Amber Mavis
Garrick Tavis
Relation: Xaden’s best friend
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Riders
Rank: Flame Section Leader
Dragon: Chradh (Brown Scorpiontail)
Signet: Unknown
Notes: Child of a Rebellion leader
Imogen Cardulo
Relation: Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Riders
Rank: Cadet
Dragon: Glane (Orange Daggertail)
Signet: Memory eraser
Notes: Child of a Rebellion leader
Jack Barlowe
Relation:
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Riders
Rank: Cadet
Dragon: See Spoilers
Signet: See Spoilers
Notes:
Jesinia Neilwart
Relation: Violet’s friend
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Scribe
Rank: Cadet
Notes: She is deaf and uses sign language to communicate
Liam Mairi
Relation: Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Riders
Rank: Cadet
Dragon: See Spoilers
Signet: See Spoilers
Notes: Child of a Rebellion leader
Rhiannon Matthias
Relation: Child of a Rebellion leader
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Riders
Rank: Cadet
Dragon: See Spoilers
Signet: See Spoilers
Notes: Met Violet on the walk across the parapet; they traded one boot for better traction
Ridoc Gamlyn
Relation: Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Riders
Rank: Cadet
Dragon: See Spoilers
Signet: See Spoilers
Sawyer Henrick
Relation: Second Squad, Flame Section, Fourth Wing
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Riders
Rank: Cadet
Dragon: See Spoilers
Signet: See Spoilers
Xaden Riorson
Relation: Wing Leader of Fourth Wing
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Riders
Rank: Cadet
Dragon: Sgaeyl (Blue Daggertail)
Signet: Shadow-wielder (very rare) - able to control shadows and cast darkness
Notes:
Child of the Rebellion leader, Fen Riorson
Made a deal with Lilith that he would take responsibility for the loyalty of all of the 107 underage children of the Rebellion leaders, giving each child the opportunity to fight for their survival in the Riders Quadrant and not be executed as their parents — each life is are represented by a short scar on his back cut by Lilith
If any of the 107 rebel, he would be executed
Sgaeyl was previously bonded to Xaden’s grandfather
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Nolon Colbersy
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Riders
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Signet: Mender
Professor Carr
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Riders
Rank: Professor of Wielding - helps cadets learn how to nurture their signets, develop shields and master lesser magic
Signet: Fire wielder
Professor Devera
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Riders
Rank: Captain; instructs Riders Quadrant in daily Battle Brief lesson
Signet: Unknown
Professor Emetterio
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Riders
Rank: Combat teacher
Signet: Unknown
Professor Kaori
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Riders
Rank: Colonel; teaches about Dragonkind
Signet: Illusionist - projects what he sees in his mind
Professor Lewis Markham
Status: Alive
Quadrant: Scribe
Rank: Colonel, Curator of the Scribes Quadrant; instructs Riders Quadrant in daily Battle Brief lesson
Literature & Lore
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Violet receives a copy from her father. This children's book features a collection of stories about the lure of magic and dragons. They feature dark-wielding Venin and their wyvern.
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Page 2: "Mira you’re a Sorrengail, so you will survive. Perhaps not as spectacularly as I have, but we all can’t live up to my standards, can we? All kidding aside, this is everything I’ve learned. Keep it safe. Keep it hidden. You have to live, because Violet is watching. You can’t let her see you fall. Brennan”
Page 3: "You survived Parapet. Good. Be observant the next few days, and don’t do anything to draw attention to yourself. I’ve sketched a map that shows you not only where the classrooms are but where the instructors meet, too. I know you’re nervous about challenges, but you shouldn’t be, not with that right hook of yours. The matches might seem random, but theyre not. What the instructors dont tell you is that they decide the challenges the week before, Mira. Any cadet can request a challenge, yes, but instructors will assign your matches based on weeding out the weakest. That means once the real hand-to-hand starts, the instructors already know who you’ll be up against that day. Here’s the secret- if you know where to look and can get out without being seen, you’ll know who you’re fighting so you can prepare.”
Page 46: "Don't underestimate the challenge of the gauntlet, Mira. It's designed to test your balance, strength and agility. The times don't matter for this shit, only that you make it to the top. Reach for the ropes when you have to. Coming in last is better than coming in dead."
Page 47: "Everyone thinks most Rider cadets die from dragon fire. Truth be told, it's usually gravity that gets us."
Page 50: "Just because you survive Threshing doesn't mean you'll survive the ride to the flight field. Being chosen isn't the only test, and if you can't hold your seat, then you'll fly straight into the ground."
Page 61: "Don't freak out if you can't immediately channel your dragon's powers, Mira. Yeah, I know you have to be the best at everything, but this isn't something you can control. They'll channel when they feel you're ready. And once they do, you'd better be ready to manifest a signet. Until then, you're not ready. Don't push it."
Page 64: "The first rush of power is unmistakable. The first time it forms to you, surrounds you with a seemingly endless supply of energy, you'll be addicted to the high, to the possibilities of all you can do with it, to the control you hold in the palm of your hand. But here's the thing, that power can quickly turn and control you.”
Page 70: "I know you don't want to hear this, but sometimes you have to know when to take the death blow, Mira. It's why you have to be sure that Violet enters the Scribe Quadrant. She'll never be able to take a life.”
Page 77: "The Squad Battle is more important than the wingleaders let on. They like to joke that it's a game, that it's just bragging rights for the squad leaders and the winning squad, but it's not. They're all watching. The commandant, the professors, the commanding officers-- They're watching to see who will rise to the top. They're salivating to see who will fall."
Page 80: "Winning the War Games isn't about strength. It's about cunning. To know how to strike, you have to understand where your enemies-- your friends-- are most vulnerable. No one stays friends forever, Mira. Eventually those closest to us become our enemies in some way, even if it's through well-intentioned love or apathy, or if we live long enough to become their villains."
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It is a fraction of the length of other division rule books, likely because riders have trouble obey rules.
Article One, Section One": "A dragon without its rider is a tragedy, a rider without their dragon is dead.”
Article Three, Section Unknown: "It is unlawful for a rider to cause another harm while in a quadrant formation or in the supervisory presence of a superior-ranking cadet as it will diminish the efficacy of the wing."
Article Three, Section Two: "It's an executable offense to attack any cadet while sleeping."
Article Three, Section Six, Addendum B: “A rider may only bring to the quadrant the items they can carry and they shall not be separated from those items no matter what they may be, for once carried across the parapet, they are considered part of their person”
Article Four, Section Two: "A cadet's discipline falls their chain of command before being brought to cadre."
Article Four, Section Three: "Quadrant leaders cannot hurt each other without cause and calling a quorum of wingleaders, other Rider Quadrant leaders cannot be harmed."
Article Five, Section Seven: "Though not forbidden, cadets are strongly encouraged not to develop strong romantic attachments while studying in the quadrant for the efficiency of the unit."
Article Unknown, Section Unknown: "People within the same squad cannot kill each other." ... "Challenges between squadmates are forbidden."
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Addendum 5.2: "In the best interest of preserving peace within Navarre, no more than three cadets carrying rebellion relics may be assigned to any squad of any quadrant.”
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Major Rorilee's Guide to Appeasing the Gods, second edition: "It is a grave offense against Malek to keep the belongings of a dead loved one. They belong in the beyond with the god of death and the departed. In the absence of a proper temple, any fire will do. He who does not burn for Malek will be burned by Malek."
Effective Uses of Wild and Cultivated Herbs by Captain Lawrence Medina: "There is an art of poison not discussed, and that is timing. Only a master can properly dose and administer for effective onset. One must take into account the mass of the individual as well as the method of delivery."
My Time as a Cadet: A Memoir By General Augustine Melgren: "Accusing a wingleader of wrongdoing is the most dangerous of all accusations. If you're right, then we've failed as a quadrant to select the best wingleaders. If you're wrong, you're dead."
Major Frederick's Modern Guide for Healers: In the event that you come across a poison you do not recognize, it is best to treat with any and every antidote. Either way, the patient will die, but at least this way you will have learned something."
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"Blue dragons descend from the extraordinary Gormfaileas line. Known for their formidable size, they are the most ruthless, especially in the case of the rare Blue Daggertail, who's knifelike spikes at the tip of their tail can disembowel an enemy with one flick."
"Presentation Day is unlike any other. The air is ripe with possibilities, and possibly the stench of sulfur from a dragon who has been offended. Never look a red in the eye. Never back down from a green. If you show trepidation to a brown... well, just don't."
"There is nothing quite as humbling, or as awe-inspiring as witnessing Threshing... for those who live through it anyway."
"Though this officer considers himself to be an expert on all matters dragonkind, there is a great deal we don't know about the way dragons govern themselves. There is a clear hierarchy among the most powerful, and deference is paid to elders, but I have not been able to discern how it is they make laws for themselves or at what point a dragon decided to bond only one rider, rather than go for better odds with two."
"There is no stronger bond than that between two mated dragons. It goes beyond the depth of human love or adoration to a primal, undeniable requirement for proximity. One cannot survive without the other."
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“There's a misconception that it's kill or be killed in the Riders Quadrant, as a whole, aren't out to assassinate other cadets... unless there's a shortage of dragons that year or a cadet is a liability to their wing. Then things may get... interesting."
"The sparring ring is where riders are made or broken. After all, no respectable dragon would choose a rider who cannot defend themselves, and no respectable cadet would allow such a threat to the wing to continue training."
"It is therefore only natural that the more powerful the dragon, the more powerful the signet its rider manifests. One should beware of the strong rider who bonds a smaller dragon, but even warier of the unbonded cadet, who will stop at nothing to seize a chance to bond."
"The most worrisome sight for any instructor is most definitely when powers backfire. We lost nine cadets my first year to signets that could not be controlled from their first manifestation. Pity."
"The death of a cadet is an inevitable yet acceptable tragedy. This process thins the herd, leaving only the strongest riders, and as long as the cause of death does not break the Codex, any rider involved in extinguishing another's life shall not be punished.”
"The inability to control a powerful signet is just as dangerous to a rider-- and everyone in their vicinity-- as never manifesting one."
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Letter's found during the Squad Battle On General Sorrengail's Desk
"General Sorrengail, the raids around Athebyne have spread the wing too thin. Being posted beyond the safety of the wards comes with considerable hazards, and though I am loathe to request reinforcements, I must. If we do not reinforce the post, we may be forced to abandon it. We are protecting Navarrian citizens with life, limb, and wing, but I cannot adequately relay how dire the situation is here. I know you receive the dailies from our scribe attachment. But I would be remiss in my duties as executive officer of the Southern Wing if I did not write to you personally. Please find us reinforcements. Sincerely; Major Kallista Neema"
"General Sorrengail, Protests regarding conscription laws are growing within the province of Tyrrendor. Knowing that due to Tyrrendor's size it provides the majority of our conscripts to replenish our front lines, we cannot afford to lose the support of our people again. Perhaps an influx of defensive spending on outposts here would not only bolster the provinces economy and remind the Tyrrish how needed they are to the defense of our kingdom, but also ease the unrest. Please consider this solution as an alternative to suppressing the unrest with force. Sincerely; Lieutenant Colonel Alyssa Travonte."
The Treaty of Aretia
Addendum 4.2: "As for the 107 innocents, the children of the executed officers, they now carry what shall be known as the rebellion relic, transferred by the dragon who carried out the kings justice. And to show the mercy of our great king, they will all be conscripted into the prestigious Riders Quadrant at Basgiath, so they may prove their loyalty to our kingdom with their service or with their lives."
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Letter Found on Violets Bed, from Mira Sorrengail, along with the Book of Brennan: “Violet, I stayed long enough to read the rolls this morning, and you aren’t on them, thank gods. I can’t stay. I’m needed back with my wing, and even if I could stay, they wouldn’t let me see you anyway. I bribed a scribe to sneak this into your bunk. I hope you know how proud I am to be your sister. Brennan wrote this for me the summer before I entered the quadrant. It saved me, and it can save you, too. I added my own bits of hard-earned wisdom here and there, but mostly it’s his, and I know he’d want you to have it. He’d want you to live. Love, Mira.”
Letter from Violet Sorrengail's dad to her, hidden inside a book: "My Violet, By the time you find this, you'll most likely be in the Scribe Quadrant. Remember that folklore is passed from one generation to the next to teach us about our past. If we lose it, we lose the links to our past. It only takes on desperate generation to change history-- even erase it. I know you'll make the right choice when the time comes. You have always been the best of both your mother and me. Love Dad."
The Tyrrish Rebellion, an official brief for King Tauri by Lilith Sorrengail: "Knowing I am in direct disagreement with General Melgren's orders, I am officially objecting to the plan set forth in today's briefing. It is not this general's opinion that the children of the rebellion's leaders should be forced to witness their parents' executions. No child should watch their parent put to death."
Recommendation for Award From Major Potsdam to General Sorrengail: “For Valor above and beyond the call of duty in the battle of Strythemore, where her bravery resulted not only in the destruction of a battery behind enemy lines but also saved the lines of an entire company of infantry. I recommend Mira Sorrengail receive the Star or Navarre. But if the criterion is not met, which I assure you it has been, downgrading to the Order of the Talon would be a shame, but sufficient."
Royal Proclamation of King Tauri the Wise: "July first, the anniversary of the Battle of Aretia, is hereby proclaimed Reunification Day and will be celebrated throughout Navarre on this date every year to honor the lives lost during the war to save our kingdom from separatists and those saved by the Treaty of Aretia.”
Spoilers
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Liam Mairi bonded Deigh (Red Daggertail)
Jack Barlowe bonded Baide (Orange Scorpiontail)
Rhiannon Matthias bonded Feirge (Green Daggertail)
Ridoc Gamlyn bonded Aotrom (Brown Swordtail)
Sawyer Henrick bonded Sliseag (Red Swordtail)
Violet Sorrengail bonded Tairn (Black Morningstartail), Andarna (Feathertail)
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Liam Mairi: Farsight
Rhiannon Matthias: Retreiving
Ridoc Gamlyn: Ice wielder
Sawyer Henrick: Metallurgist - can manipulate metal
Violet Sorrengail: Lightning wielder (very rare) - can manifest and direct lightning
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July
Conscription Day
Mira tries and fails to convince Lilith that sending Violet to the Riders Quadrant is a death wish; Mira equips Violet with Riders boots, a dragonscale corset, Brenan’s journnal and tells her to keep her hair braided when in combat.
Violet meets Rhiannon on the walk up to the parapet. She notices Rhiannon’s boots are flat and offers to give her one of her riding boots for better traction.
Violet and Xaden meet as she’s about to walk the parapet. She’s instantly drawn to him until she realizes who he is.
Violet and Jack exchange words as he threatens to throw her off the parapet.
Upon making it across and onto campus, Violet sees Dain who tries to convince her to leave and join the Scribe Quadrant. She is sorted into his Squad, which Xaden moves to sit under his Wing. That means Xaden would have direct access to her. And according to the Rider’s Codex, he would be in charge of punishing her for any minor rule infraction… however he saw fit.
Classes Begin
Before her first class, Dain tells Violet that his signet is the ability to read people’s recent memories.
Violet’s experience in the Scribe Quadrant and her love of learning sets her apart from her peers. She often asks questions or considers strategies her peers don’t think of. This strengthens her relationship with Rhiannon , who agrees to train Violet in return for helping her study Navarrian history.
Ahead of combat / sparring practice, Violet sneaks out in the middle of the night in search of a berries for a poison cocktail she’s making for her opponent. She accidentally discovers that Xaden has gathered the other children of Rebellion Leaders to help them study and train. Xaden catches her after the others leave, but she tells him that she won’t report him. After all, he was just helping them. During this interaction, Violet learns that Xaden can wield shadows.
Violet wins a series of matches by poisoning her opponents. But when she mistimes the poison activation of an opponent, she’s forced to spar with Xaden. He systematically removes her daggers (in the hottest spar… even Violet had to remind herself, “You are not attracted to toxic men.”) just because he could. He teaches her how to target her opponent’s weak points and that she shouldn’t be going for big moves that would expose her small frame. He reveals he knows she’s been poisoning her opponents (but he knows better poison masters and will keep her secret).
The first-year cadets all train for the Gauntlet, a vertical obstacle course they must complete before Threshing (when they have the opportunity to bond a dragon), but Violet really strugles to complete the obstacles — she’s just too weak. Dain uses this as proof that she should switch to the Scribe Quadrant; Xaden tells her “the right way isn’t the only way.”
September
Gauntlet Day / Presentation
During her official run, Violet takes advantage of Xaden’s advice (and references his exact wording) to complete the Gauntlet, using the Riders’ Codex. This upset fellow wingleader (and stringent rule follower) Amber Mavis, aka Dain’s ex-lover.
During Presentation, the cadets see the dragons who are willing to bond this year, including a golden feathertail dragon.
October
Threshing
During Threshing, Violet overhears three cadets (Jack, Oren and Tynan)talking about killing the gold dragon they saw during Presentation. Violet finds the dragon first and fights to protect it. During the fight, Xaden and his dragon, Sgaeyl, witness her heroism, and Sgaeyl’s mate, Tairn, shows up and kills Tynan.
Violet bonds Tairn and the golden dragon, Andarna — the first rider to ever bond two dragons, putting a target on Violet’s back.
Life as a Bonded Rider
With the help of Amber Mavis, unbonded cadets bond together to attack Violet in her sleep — an execution-able offense according to the Codex. Violet wakes up before they can attack and is able to defend herself with the help of Andarna’s power. Xaden arrives and kills all the cadet.
Violet and Xaden meet up with Sgaeyl and Tairn and learn that Andrna is (and all feathertails) technically a child… under 2 years-old. And all feathertails have the ability to directly gift their bonded riders with their special feathertail power. However, taking too much power can drain the dragon.
The next day, after Violet confesses her involvement to Xaden, Xaden accuses Amber of assisting wih the assassination attempt and calls for her execution. Dain begs Violet to step up and say Xaden is lying, that Amber would never go against the Codex. He demands to read her memories, lifting his hands to put her her face. Violet is shocked and yells at Dain, eventually turning to Tairn to share a clip of her memory showing Amber in the room. Amber is burned alive on the dais.
Xaden assigns Liam, another first year and Rebelllion Leader’s child, to protect Violet. Because of her bond to Tairn (Sgaeyl’s mate), Violet’s protection was vital — if either Violet or Xaden were killed, it would kill the other.
December
Bonding Mates
One night, Sgaeyl and Tairn have sex and forget to close their off their paths to their riders, influencing Violet’s emotions. She kisses Xaden in a kiss full of sparks, until he pulls back and tells her she’s incapable of consenting while being influenced by Tairn.
January
Challenges Resume
Jack’s challenge to fight Violet is finally granted. He gets her pinned down, but in classic Violet fashion, she is able to cause an allergic reaction by exposing him to oranges. They both end up in the Healer Quadrant, and Xaden decides he’s going to take over her training, claiming she’s putting both their lives at risk.
March
Squad Battles
Second Squad wings a series of challenges, which earns them the reward of a visit to an outpost for a week — which just happens to be Mira’s!
Xaden joins after three days because Tairn and Sgaeyl can’t be apart for longer. Violet learns that she and Xaden can also telecommunicate. Their trip is cut short when gryphons attack the outpost.
When Violet asks Xaden where he was when she saw him after curfew, Xaden tells Violet that he was in Athebyne — an outpost beyond the wards in Tyrrendor.
April
War Games
During a practice battle, Violet receives her signet! When Jack tries to kill Liam, she wields lightning to strike a turret, which kills Jack when he’s buried under the rubble.
Xaden and Violet give into their electric chemistry, and they end up destroying Violet’s room.
Violet begins training her signet with Professor Carr, and Xaden memoryshares with Violet to inspire her / spark inspiration to trigger her signet.
Reunification Day
King Tauri hosts a celebration of the day the Rebbellion fell at Basgaith. Violet realizes that the day she remembers for her brother’s death is also a day of mourning for Xaden and the Rebellion kids.
Violet and Xaden find comfort in each other… (wink, wink) Xaden tells her about the 107 lashes on his back. Violet tells Xaden she loves him.
The following morning, ten days before graduation, the riders are sent on their final war game. Violet joins Xaden and other marked ones to an outpost outside the protection of the wards. Xaden and Violet realize that Dain read her memories of Xaden mentioning Athebyne when he cradled her face, and he likely told his father. This “war game” was a set-up — they were sent there to be killed by venin and wyverns, creatures they were taught only existed in fables.
On the way to Resson, Violet learns that Xaden and the other marked ones have been helping the “enemy” fight against venin. But also that Navarrian leadership were lying about venin and wyverns existence (the entire reason behind the Rebellion).
The group chooses to fight the creatures to protect the civilians at Resson. During battle, Liam dies, and Violet is poisoned and knocked unconscious.
Three Days Later
Violet wakes up in Aretia, a city she thought was destroyed in the Rebellion. It’s also Xaden’s home.
Violet learns that she was saved by her brother Brennan, who she thought was killed five years earlier by Xaden’s father. And he welcomes her into the Revolution.
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Moving Second Squad to Fourth Wing: At the beginning of the book, Xaden trades his Second Squad so Dain’s Squad can join his Wing. This gave him direct access to Violet. While Violet believes he did that so he could punish her for any minor rule infraction however he saw fit, his actions throughout Fourth Wing make you wonder if that was ever his intention…
107 Lashes: These lashes represent the 107 children of the Rebellion leaders. We know that Lilith disagreed with King Tauri’s declaration that the children watch their parents’ execution, so one would wonder why she would agree to Xaden’s negotiation… unless she also got something out of it.
Posion Masters: After Xaden volunteers to spar with Violet, he tells her that she won’t always be able to poison her opponents in battle. He also tells her he knows better poison masters. The person he refers to is revealed at the end of Fourth Wing.
Andarna: Following the Threshing, Andarna joins the Empyrean to discuss her decision to bond with Violet. The Empyrean, per the definition provided by the book is limited to the Elders who serve as leadership for dragonkind. This usually includes the eldest and/or most powerful dragon(s) of each den. So why did Andarna join?
Jack Barlowe: When Jack is finally able to challenge Violet in combat, she describes “a red rim around his eyes” (Chapter 23). This description is used later in Fourth Wing to describe someone else.
Resson: After Resson, Xaden is informed that Syrena and her sister are alive. This character’s backstory and importance is revealed in Iron Flame.
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Silver Hair: At the beginning of Fourth Wing, Mira tells Violet she should have cut her hair that the silver ends are too distinguishable and would give her identity away, putting a target on her back. Violet replies that no matter how short she cuts her hair, the ends always turn silver. She wonders if this is connected to the fever her mother had when she was pregnancy with Violet. After all, that’s why her ligaments and bones are so brittle.
Lilith & Venin: “Mom had really long night when stationed by eastern border” and she didn’t get much sleep. When young Violet saw her in the morning, she hid behind Brennan because she thought her mom had turned into a venin — a character she was familiar with from the stories her father had told her.
Bonding with Dragons: During Threshing, Violet stood in front of Tairn, debating whether or not she could kill someone even if she was defending herself, defending Andarna. That’s when Tairn spoke to her: “Step aside, Silver One.”
Liam Mairi: During the battle at Ressen Violet observes Liam “wielding spears of ice into the injured wyvern’s throat.” Well, Liam’s signet is farsight and wielding ice is a signet, not considered lesser magic.
Favorite Scene
“Ask me nicely, Violence.”
FOURTH WING by Rebecca Yarros
Read The Empyrean Series
WALK THE PARAPET AND BOND A DRAGON: Fourth Wing (The Empyrean #1) by Rebecca Yarros (Amazon)
Romantasy was not on my list until this book. And this was soooo far off the list after TikTok led me astray one too many times. But after reading through a looooot of reviews, I was convinced. I had to give this book a try. And it was the best decision.
I finished the book in a single sitting (in the middle of the work-week, no less) — yup, I did not sleep. From the second I learned about the requirements for entering Basgaith’s Rider’s Quadrant, I became Violet’s biggest cheerleader. And as I devoured each page, I needed to know more: Will Violet survive all the challenges this College is throwing at her? Will Xaden get his revenge on the Sorrengails? What’s happening on the war-front? What secrets are people hiding? Why are they hiding secrets?
VICTORIA’S RATING: 5/5
EXPOSE THE TRUTH AND START A REVOLUTION: Iron Flame (The Empyrean #2) by Rebecca Yarros (Amazon)
I have such mixed feelings about Iron Flame — on one hand I was so emotionally wrecked by some of the plot-lines, on the other, I was so frustrated by the introduction of the rest. And I may have wanted to murder a few characters… All I know is that the throne room changed me, and the ending broke me. If Rebecca continues to write cliff-hangers like this, I don’t know if I’ll be able to make it through this series. Consider yourself warned.
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5
TRAVERSE THE WORLD TO FIND ANSWERS: Onyx Storm (The Empyrean #3) by Rebecca Yarros (Amazon)
Review coming soon!
VICTORIA’S RATING: 4/5
Immerse yourself in Navarre and Basgaith War College; listen to our Empyrean playlist (Spotify).
Until the next chapter!
xo, Victoria
P.S. Craving more books featuring these sub-genres, tropes, and themes? Tap the links below.
