[Buddy read] I think the way Maniscalco crafts worlds is brilliant, and I admire the way she can set a scene so vividly. However, I feel this book went by very slowly, and there was a lot of repetition that made it hard for me to get through.

Rereading this book made me realize I actually like it a little bit more than the first one. Maybe it is because the second time around, I was more attached to the characters and was more invested in the plot.

Going into Fourth Wing, all I knew about the book was that it involved dragons, which was more than enough to get me interested. I think the premise is really unique, and the way the world is set up works really well. I am also obsessed with Xaden because… come on. Hot, mysterious, complex character with layers of trauma who controls shadows—what’s not to love?

I will admit that I was somewhat blinded by the hype surrounding this book, and that led to me having higher expectations than I should have. I do think some of the story was stereotypical/predictable, and Violet was a bit of a “not like other girls” girl. Despite my grievances, however, I couldn’t put the book down and really enjoyed the story as a whole, hence my rating of 4 stars.

I am absolutely blown away by the beauty of this book. It is one of my favorites out of the whole series, if not my favorite. The last line of the acknowledgments is what finally broke me and made the tears start flowing.

"The snow may fall, but the sun also rises."