Books, Boots and Bakeries

Last year, during a Christmas cruise with my family, I finally cracked open Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing. It wasn’t just me who got swept up in its pages—my cousin, my beautiful friend and traveling companion, and I, all devoured the book together, which added an extra layer of joy to the experience. Even though I was battling a flu, Fourth Wing turned out to be the perfect escape and a surprisingly delightful foray to the romantasy genre.

For those unfamiliar, Rebecca Yarros isn’t just an accomplished author; she’s also someone whose work I’ve followed for years. I first discovered her through her military spouse blog, where her reflections were relatable to me, given I had just begun a relationship with a military man and had no idea what the hell to expect from his workplace. The rabbit hole that wad her blog then led me to her contemporary romances, which I’ve one-clicked without hesitation ever since.

But Fourth Wing felt like a departure—not just for her, but for me as a reader. I’ve always adored her grounded, emotional stories, so stepping into a world of dragons, power struggles, and fantastical stakes felt like a big leap. I procrastinated picking it up for months, unsure if it would hold the same magic.

I shouldn’t have doubted her.

In saying that, wasn’t the best romantasty book I have ever read. It was definitely a first go fantasy, from a fantastic contemporary author. But it was fun. It was fun and enjoyable and I was invested. So, if you’re hesitant about reading fantasy or wondering if romantasy is for you, this book is a great place to start. And if you’re already a fan of Yarros, you’ll find her signature character-driven storytelling shining through, even with dragons in the mix.

Yarros’ talent for creating compelling, relatable characters translates seamlessly into this new genre. Violet, the protagonist, is sharp-witted and vulnerable, navigating a brutal academy where survival is anything but guaranteed. The world-building is immersive without being overwhelming, and the dragon-bonding aspect adds a layer of thrill and intrigue that kept me hooked.

But let’s talk about the romance—because, let’s face it, Yarros always delivers on that front. The tension, chemistry, and slow-burn connection between Violet and her love interest felt just as deeply crafted as the relationships in her contemporary works. It’s emotional, it’s intense, and it’s just plain addictive.

What made this reading experience even more special for me was sharing it with my cousin and friend. There’s something magical about reading the same book at the same time, swapping thoughts, gasps, and swoons as the story unfolds. Fourth Wing gave us a shared experience that I’ll always treasure, on a floating covid city. (Handy hint from my first ever cruise, don’t touch the handles of doors, or ride the elevators!)

While Fourth Wing doesn’t replace my love for Rebecca Yarros’ contemporary romances, it’s undeniably a standout in her catalogue, in a good way. It’s a story that blends rich fantasy elements with emotional depth, creating a perfect gateway for readers who may not

For me, Fourth Wing wasn’t just a book—it was a shared adventure, a comfort during an otherwise challenging holiday, and a gentle push toward a genre I don’t always expect to enjoy.