Fourth Wing Audiobook Review

What it's about

Death is only a heartbeat away at Basgiath War College, where the stakes are lethal and the competition is unforgiving. Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was originally destined for the Scribe Quadrant, a quiet life devoted to books and history. However, her commanding general mother has issued a strict order: Violet must join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite dragon riders of Navarre. This is not a path of honor for the faint of heart; it is a brutal and elite world where survival is far from guaranteed.

Violet faces a unique and terrifying disadvantage in this arena. She is smaller than her peers and suffers from a brittle body, making her physically vulnerable. The summary notes that dragons do not bond with "fragile" humans; instead, they incinerate them. With fewer dragons available to bond than there are cadets, the environment is hostile not just from the beasts, but from the other candidates. Many would kill Violet to improve their own chances of success, while others, like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant, harbor personal animosity toward her simply because of her lineage.

As Violet relies on her wits to see the next sunrise, the external threats escalate. The war outside the college grows more deadly each day, the kingdom’s protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Complicating matters further, Violet begins to suspect that the leadership is hiding a terrible secret. In this high-pressure environment, friends, enemies, and lovers all have their own agendas. The summary makes it clear that once you enter Basgiath War College, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

Why the audiobook

The audiobook edition of Fourth Wing offers an enhanced experience for listeners who want to immerse themselves fully in the Empyrean series. This version includes three bonus chapters read by Teddy Hamilton, providing additional content that extends the story beyond the standard release. Listeners can re-download the title to access this extended version, ensuring they receive the complete narrative package as intended by the publisher.

Who it's for

This title is ideal for fans of romantic, adventure-filled fantasy who enjoy suspenseful storytelling with high stakes and intense character dynamics. It is particularly well-suited for listeners who appreciate the "romantasy" genre and are looking for a book that combines dragon lore with political intrigue and romantic tension. However, it may not be for those who prefer slow-burn, low-stakes narratives or readers who are uncomfortable with themes of lethal combat and high mortality rates. It is also worth noting that this is the first in the Empyrean series, so new listeners should be prepared to invest in a longer saga.

The verdict

Fourth Wing stands as a compelling entry in the fantasy genre, backed by significant critical acclaim including being named an Audible Best Book of 2023 and a Goodreads Choice Award Winner. With its blend of suspense, romance, and adventure, it delivers on its promise to have your heart pounding from beginning to end. The inclusion of bonus chapters read by Teddy Hamilton adds value for dedicated fans, making this audiobook a strong candidate for your next Audible credit if you are ready for a ride where death is always a heartbeat away.