I’m about halfway through Fourth Wing, and I might be making too many early judgements about it, but I’m kind of struggling to continue with this writing.
I really really love the idea of Fourth Wing, from its world building, to everything about the dragons, to the fact that it’s “academia” fantasy. I love the idea of “dragon rider college”, forming rivalries and friendships, getting tested again and again mentally and physically, forming bonds with dragons, and also having a romance.
Unfortunately, the writing has not been pulling through for me. I don’t think the protagonist is for me, and the whole “sexy enemies to lovers” romance with her and her love interest isn’t that appealing either. The vibe is more focused on making the pairing seem super hot and full of sexual tension than actually “romantic” if that makes sense. I’m just not charmed!
I also don’t think I’m a fan of this style of YA writing either— the constant cursing, middle fingers, edginess, and blatant statements when we could just clue ourselves in with subtext is kind of getting to me.
I’m really disappointed, because I truly want to love this book— and I AM enjoying a lot of it. I WANT to fall for this love interest, root for the main character, and fully dive into this book, but I feel like I’m being held back from truly enjoying it because of the elements I mentioned above.
I hope any fan of Fourth Wing isn’t offended by this, because I absolutely understand the appeal of the story and I will be finishing it. I was just looking for some recommendations because I think Fourth Wing is really close to what I AM looking for.
Here are some things I’d like to see:
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a likeable main character that has a personality that can stand on its own regardless of how “cool” their abilities may be. I want to really feel for them, root for them, admire their accomplishments, and get angry for them when they’re wronged. It’s not that I DON’T like Violet!! I just don’t think I’m a fan of the snarky protagonist trope. Give me a protagonist where it makes total sense for the “overpowered sexy” love interest to fall in love with them.
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As for romance, I do enjoy a really good slow burn. And I mean slow burn!!! Not “gods he’s so handsome it’s painful” every other page after they meet. I don’t mind if the romance is more of a side story— I look forward to every interaction more if they’re sparse. But I want pining, I want quick soft moments that aren’t overblown, I want their relationship to actually make sense within the context of the story. Enemies should actually feel like enemies. I also don’t really care for stories that follow “tropes” like enemies to lovers step-by-step. It doesn’t feel as natural to me!
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I’m pretty flexible when it comes to the fantasy element of the story. I like academia settings, not only because there’s an inherent competitiveness in them but also the way it can easily introduce characters (classmates, professors, etc) and fun moments (exams, dance nights, general student tomfoolery). I think that’s half the reason why people loved Harry Potter, too. THAT BEING SAID! I don’t mind what the story is about, and what the magic system is like, or if there are dragons or not. I just ask that it’s engaging enough!
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I would like for the side characters— not just the main character and love interest, to truly be relevant and interesting as well, not just “the friend that follows you from the start of the journey”. Let me root for various relationships, not just the romantic one!!! I love found family
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I would like for the writing to not be filled with snarky/quirky throwaway lines or for curse words to be thrown between every word. I curse all the time and I think in the right instance, in the right moment it can absolutely have an impact. But definitely not all the time..
That’s all I can think of. Hopefully there’s something out there that you think will be a good fit!! Thanks!
by feelings-are-gross