Fourth Wing (Empyrean)

I actually bought this book in hardcopy first, not realising waterstones had released it early and so I finished it in 2 days (last page read last night!) But this book is absolutely amazing and I had to support the author, so bought the kindle version this morning.The book.... wow. Imagine hunger games for the trials, divergent for the fractions and eragon for the dragons, but better than all 3 combined!The worldbuilding is spot on, the characters really well thought out and developed, the story so addictive I stayed up that first night and read it until 3am (I wanted to keep going but I've 2 young kids, one only just turned 12 months who got me up 3 hours later!)What can I say about this book, without spoiling anything... it's an addictive, captivating read full of excitement from the moment you open the book! The moment you read the first page the plot is in full swing and the main character, Violet, is so well written. The romance is perfect and whilst I wanted to shake 'him' (I say him to not spoil who he is) sometimes, I cheered Vi on and her determination to show him. This is a book any romance reader will love! If you love fantasy romance you'll love this book!!I love how 'he' never knocks her down, always believes in her and stands by her side, not in front, even though he wants to protect her, he helps her in every way he can. It's the perfect balance for their relationship, neither stronger or weaker, just equal.I finished it last night and cannot find another to read similar now and I'm tempted to just reread Fourth Wing. Not only is it absolutely amazing, full of adventure and thrills and hot scenes that make you wish your husband, bf, etc was like this! (Like come on other halves, be like 'him' already!!) But it's unique in its own right and I'd recommend anyone and everyone read this book if they love fantasy romance. This is a must read book. A book you'll read over and over until the second book comes out (which I already have on my wish list and I'm counting down the days to!)An amazing story and I take my hat off to the author for writing such an amazing, engaging, addictive story that has quickly risen to being one of my top fav books. One, if not the best, book I've read so far this year. Can't wait for the second book

Believe the hype! This book is FANTASTIC! I absolutely it. I was not sure if a fantasy novel was really my kind of thing (HP excepted....) but a great book is a great book, regardless of genre. And this book was fantastic. Gripped me from the first page and did not let go.It was a cleverly plotted: compelling story with great characters, great dialogue, and fabulous world building. It was funny, exciting, sexy, and scary. With a jaw dropping finale - can't wait for Book Number 2 now.

Oh wow, what a wild ride. I actually think this is my favourite book that I’ve ever read. If I could give it 6 stars I would.“A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead.”Step into the cutthroat world of dragon riders at Basgiath War College. Meet Violet Sorrengail, destined for the Scribe Quadrant, but thrown into the race to become an elite dragon rider by her tough-as-nails mother. With her fragile physique, bonding with dragons seems impossible, and the odds stack against her. As deadly secrets and ruthless competitors lurk, Violet must rely on her wits to survive. Amidst a war-torn kingdom and failing defenses, every day brings new challenges, alliances, and betrayals. At Basgiath War College, the path to victory is treacherous, and the only options are to graduate or die. When I tell you this is the best, not only fantasy, but the best book I have ever read I am not exaggerating.Firstly, I was absolutely h o o k e d within the first 20 pages. That has never happened for me in a book before 😭 I fell in love with Violet almost instantly. She's the tiny but mighty FMC who, even though she has a disability, takes and runs with literally anything that is thrown at her. We enter the world following Violet as she enrolls in Basgiath and takes on her first challenge almost instantly. We're thrown into the world, but it doesn't seem confusing. Everything is explained and I didn't feel lost at all when I was reading this.“But I will not run. I wouldn't be standing here if I'd quit every time something seemed impossible to overcome. I will not die today.”Violet is amazing, she's sassy, caring, charming and a complete and utter queen. She takes no bs, but also is incredibly caring, kind and compassionate, even when other characters didn't deserve it. Xaden is also a complete highlight. He's your typical dark and brooding MMC, but what lies beyond that is such a deep and complex character. I would follow him into battle.The romance in this book is absolutely sizzling. I was melting everytime their eyes met from across the room 😩 Lord give me strength because I was NOT prepared for *those* scenes 🥵🥵But the most shocking part for me, was how much I absolutely fell in love with the Dragons. Tairn is a whole mood. The dialogue with the dragons was some of the best dialogue I've ever read and had me giddy and giggling like a child the whole time.“You're making us look bad. Stop it.”This book may only be around 500 pages but EVERY. SINGLE. PAGE of this book was full of action, information and funnies. There was absolutely no filler in this book at all. I was completely entranced.The last sentence absolutely BROKE me. Rebecca, how could you do this? How can you leave us like that?! I can't believe we have to wait until November to find out what happens next. I did not see that coming - AT ALL.Overall, were the tropes in this book original? No. But it was so incredibly enjoyable and written so well that it's now one of my (if not the top) all time favourite books. I'm already NEEDING the next book.