Fourth Wing (Yarros)
Short summary
Basgiath War College, Navarre. Violet Sorrengail was forced by her mother, General Sorrengail, to enter the brutal Riders Quadrant instead of becoming a scribe.
Despite her physical frailty, Violet survived the deadly parapet crossing and faced constant threats from fellow cadets, including Jack Barlowe. She befriended Rhiannon and received protection from Dain Aetos, her childhood friend. Xaden Riorson, whose father was executed by Violet's mother, became her wingleader and assigned Liam to guard her.
During Threshing, Violet bonded with two dragons: the powerful black dragon Tairn and the young golden feathertail Andarna, becoming the first rider ever to bond two dragons. She struggled to manifest her signet power while training intensively and developing complicated feelings for Xaden.
Violet discovered Xaden was secretly supplying weapons to gryphon riders beyond the wards to fight veninâsoul-drained wielders who drew power directly from the earth. Leadership knew about the venin threat but concealed it. During a mission to Athebyne, venin and their wyvern attacked the village of Resson. Liam died protecting Violet.
Violet finally manifested her lightning signet and helped defeat the venin, though she was poisoned in battle. Xaden confessed his love, declaring:
I would rather lose this entire war than live without you, and if that means I have to prove myself over and over, then Iâll do it. You gave me your heart, and Iâm keeping it.
Xaden took Violet to Aretia, a hidden city where rebels prepared to fight venin. There, she discovered her brother Brennan was alive and leading the revolution.
Detailed summary
Division into chapters is editorial.
Surviving the parapet on Conscription Day
On Conscription Day, Violet Sorrengail arrived at Basgiath War College expecting to join the Scribe Quadrant, but her mother, General Sorrengail, commanded her to enter the deadly Riders Quadrant instead. Despite six months of intense training with her sister Mira, Violet struggled to carry her heavy rucksack up the stairs, her lungs burning from the effort.
In her mother's office, Violet witnessed an argument between the General and her older sister about this decision. The General dismissed concerns about Violet's physical weaknesses, insisting all Sorrengails become riders. Before crossing the parapetâa narrow stone bridge where many cadets fell to their deathsâViolet swapped her rubber-soled boot with another cadet to help her survive. On the rain-slicked parapet, she watched a cadet fall, then faced Jack Barlowe, who tried to push her off. She bolted onto the parapet, using practiced mini-strides while reciting historical facts to control her panic. Jack threw another cadet to his death and pursued Violet, but she reached the citadel safely, pulling a dagger on him when he lunged for her.
Early training: combat, squads, and survival
Violet discovered she had been assigned to Fourth Wing under wingleader Xaden Riorson, whose father had been executed by her mother for leading a rebellion. Xaden made clear his hatred for her family, telling her the parapet would kill her for him. During their first formation, dragons descended on the citadel walls, incinerating three terrified cadets who tried to flee.
In Battle Brief class, Violet impressed Professor Devera by deducing that an attack on a high-altitude village was only possible because attackers knew the wards would fail. During combat training, a second-year named Imogen brutally dislocated Violet's shoulder during sparring. Her childhood friend Dain Aetos carried her to the Healer Quadrant, where he tried to convince her to leave the Riders Quadrant. Despite the injury, Violet insisted on being mended by Nolon so she could continue training.
Violet found her deceased brother Brennan's journal under her pillow, a gift from her sister. The journal revealed that instructors decided challenge matches a week in advance, giving Violet crucial intelligence. She began secretly poisoning her opponents before challenges, winning five matches without killing anyone. When Jack challenged her, Xaden volunteered to fight her instead, easily disarming her multiple times while teaching her that she relied too heavily on established rules and needed to think creatively.
Conquering the Gauntlet
One night, Violet sneaked out to collect unripe fonilee berries for use as weapons. While in a tree, she witnessed Xaden meeting with nearly two dozen cadets bearing rebellion relicsâan illegal gathering that could result in execution. She overheard them discussing losses among their group and Xaden's plan to train struggling first-years. When someone asked about killing Violet, Xaden stated she was his to handle. After they dispersed, Xaden caught Violet with his shadow-wielding powers, but she promised not to report the meeting, recognizing it as a support group rather than sedition.
On Presentation Day before the Gauntlet, Violet prepared to face the obstacle course that had killed many cadets. She successfully navigated the spinning log, granite columns, and rotating wheel using mental recitations to control her fear. When her hand slipped on metal rods, she grabbed a rope to recover. At the final obstacleâa curved ramp simulating a dragon's forelegâViolet recalled Xaden's advice that the right way isn't the only way. She ran up the ramp and embedded her dagger into the wood, using it to pull herself to the top. When accused of cheating, she defended her actions by citing the Codex, which stated items carried across the parapet became part of a rider's person. Xaden conceded she had found a valid technicality.
You feel invincible after the parapet... You think youâre untouchable! Youâre on the way to becoming the elite! ... Thatâs not just cheering, itâs the sound of wings beating the air into submission.
After completing the Gauntlet, Violet's squad placed eleventh out of thirty-six. That night, she contemplated Professor Markham's offer to transfer to the Scribe Quadrant, but a persistent inner voice urged her to continue as a rider.
Presentation and Threshing: bonding two dragons
During Presentation, cadets paraded before dragons willing to bond. Violet's squad walked past various dragons, including a small golden feathertail that other cadets mocked. When a red dragon incinerated a cadet, Violet realized the deadly seriousness of the event. Two green dragons approached her, sniffing intently, but retreated after she explained she wore dragon scales from her sister's dragon for protection.
On Threshing day, Violet entered the forested valley where first-years hoped to bond with dragons. Hours passed without connection until she discovered Jack, another cadet, and a companion hunting the small golden dragon to kill it. Violet positioned herself between them and the dragon. Just as Jack attacked, Xaden arrived on his dragon Sgaeyl, but stated he couldn't interfere with Threshing. Violet fought all three attackers, wounding them with her daggers. When Jack prepared a killing blow, a massive scarred black dragon appearedâTairn, who had been unbonded since his previous rider died five years earlier. Tairn incinerated one attacker and ordered Violet to kill the unconscious one, but she refused. He then instructed her to mount, and despite her terror, she climbed onto his back.
During their first flight, Tairn threw Violet from his back repeatedly to test her, catching her each time. When they landed, the golden dragon Andarna revealed she had also bonded with Violet, making her the first rider in history to bond two dragons. The revelation caused an uproar, but the dragons' decision was final. Violet's unprecedented dual bond marked her with a black dragon mid-flight with a golden one silhouetted in its center, stretching across her back.
Violet moved into her own room and began intensive training. Imogen trained her with weights to strengthen her joints, while Xaden took over her combat training, pushing her harder than anyone else. During flight lessons, Tairn made maneuvers deliberately difficult, repeatedly dropping Violet and catching her to force her to improve her seat. Xaden revealed that because Tairn and his dragon Sgaeyl were mated, he and Violet were bound togetherâif she died, it could trigger a chain reaction leading to his death.
Seven unbonded riders attacked Violet in her room one night, seeking to kill her so Tairn might choose them instead. As she fought desperately, Andarna unleashed a wave of energy that froze time, allowing Violet to escape. Xaden burst in and brutally executed the attackers. He revealed he knew about her poisoning tactics and warned her that forty-one unbonded riders now targeted her. Xaden then took Violet through secret tunnels to the flight field, where Tairn and Andarna explained that Andarna was still a hatchling with the rare ability to stop timeâa secret that must be kept or Violet would be hunted for this power.
Itâs the nature of what happens here. What makes you a rider is what you do after people die. You want to know why youâre still alive? Because youâre the scale I currently judge myself against every night.
Channeling power and discovering her lightning signet
In November, Violet finally began channeling power from Tairn. One night, overwhelmed by Tairn's emotions for Sgaeyl flooding through their bond, she fled to the river where she encountered Xaden. He taught her to shield her mind by visualizing barriers. Their lesson turned passionate, and they kissed intensely, but Xaden pulled away, insisting her desire wasn't truly hers but Tairn's influence. Violet, realizing he was right, fled back to the citadel.
During the Squad Battle competition, Violet's squad broke into General Sorrengail's office and stole a comprehensive map of Navarre showing all current outposts and troop strengths. When they presented it, chaos erupted, but Violet felt triumphant. Her squad won the competition. Later, Jack challenged Violet to a match. She fought fiercely, but Jack used his signet to channel painful energy into her. As her vision darkened, she broke a vial of orange extract against his mouthâJack was severely allergic. His airway closed, and he collapsed. Violet also lost consciousness from his power transfer.
Violet woke in the infirmary to find Xaden there. He admitted his feelings had changedâhe no longer wanted to ruin her. He confessed that moments like seeing Oren threaten her and finding fingerprints on her neck had transformed his intentions. However, he insisted their inevitable lifelong stationing together made any relationship a mistake. Despite this, he began training her intensely on the mats, teaching her to fight while injured and to use all available advantages, not just established rules.
During War Games preparation, Xaden and Tairn created a custom saddle to help Violet maintain her seat despite her physical limitations. In the midst of battle, Violet's friend Liam was critically wounded by Jack. Desperate to save him, Violet called upon Andarna's time-stopping power. Tairn caught the falling Liam, but he was dying. Filled with rage at Jack, Violet's power surged uncontrollably. She unleashed a devastating lightning strike that disintegrated the tower Jack stood on, killing him instantly. Tairn roared in pride, proclaiming her a lightning wielder.
The world is a better place without Barlowe in it... Do I wish Iâd been the one to end his miserable life? Absolutely. But what you did will save countless others.
Squad Battle victory and the Montserrat mission
Violet struggled with having killed Jack, but Xaden insisted she embrace her power as a weapon necessary for defending the kingdom. That night, she went to him, and they gave in to their passion, making love intensely. Xaden revealed the 107 scars on his back represented his pact to take personal responsibility for the children of rebellion leadersâif any betrayed Navarre, his life was forfeit. Despite their connection, Xaden warned Violet not to fall for him, claiming he wasn't sweet and would only hurt her.
The next morning, Professor Carr took Violet to train her lightning powers in the mountains. She struggled to aim her strikes, finding the immense power difficult to control. Meanwhile, her relationship with Xaden deepened, though he maintained emotional distance. During a visit to the forward outpost at Montserrat, Violet's sister Mira led a tactical briefing. When gryphons attacked and the wards fell, Mira ordered Violet to flee. Xaden kissed her passionately before helping her onto Tairn, telling her to leave for him.
War Games and uncovering dangerous secrets
On Reunification Day, Violet walked across the dangerous parapet at night to reach Xaden, who sat mourning his father's death. She confessed her love for him, and after initial resistance, Xaden admitted he wanted to stop fighting his feelings for her. They returned to his room and made love repeatedly, their passion so intense that Violet's lightning shattered his window. Their intimacy was interrupted when the entire quadrant was called to formation for the final War Games exercise.
Iâm so wildly in love with you that I canât imagine what my life would even look like without you in it... if weâre doing this, then weâre starting from a place of complete honesty.
The scenario simulated falling wards and mass casualties. Xaden was assigned to establish headquarters at Athebyne, beyond the wards. He announced he needed Violet for his squad because Sgaeyl and Tairn couldn't be separated for more than a few days. Dain protested, accusing Xaden of using Violet for revenge, but Violet chose to go with Xaden. During their flight, they crossed the wards into unprotected territory. At a lake stop, Xaden pulled Violet aside for a passionate moment, but they were interrupted by two gryphon ridersâenemies who should have been killed on sight.
The gryphon riders warned that veninâdark wielders from folkloreâhad destroyed a village and were heading toward Athebyne. Violet was shocked to discover that Xaden had been secretly supplying weapons to their supposed enemies to fight venin. When the gryphon riders left, Violet felt betrayed, realizing everyone in Xaden's squad knew about this except her. Xaden explained that venin were real, that they drained magic from the land, and that Navarre's leadership knew but did nothing because the material powering their wards was the only thing that could kill venin. He gave Violet a black-handled dagger embedded with this alloy. He admitted he couldn't tell her earlier because Dain would have betrayed the secret if he read her memories. Xaden declared his love for her, but Violet stated she no longer trusted him.
Because it hurts to think weâre the kind of kingdom that would do this. It hurts to rearrange everything you think you know. Lies are comforting. Truth is painful.
The final battle: venin, wyvern, and devastating truths
At Athebyne, they found the outpost abandoned. A missive from Colonel Aetos revealed their mission was to survive if they couldâeffectively a death sentence. Xaden realized Dain had touched Violet's face and read her memories, betraying their secret to his father. Looking down at the village of Resson, they spotted venin in purple robes with red veins. Seven gryphon fliers arrived, warning that the venin were far more dangerous than anticipated and could destroy an entire city. Despite knowing they would likely die, Xaden decided to fight rather than abandon innocent civilians. His entire squad pledged to fight alongside him.
As they prepared to descend, a wyvernâa two-legged dragon-like creatureâemerged and spewed blue fire on Resson, revealing that wyvern were real and posed a new threat. The battle began with Tairn and Violet providing cover for evacuations. A female venin began draining the essence of the land, and when a rider named Soleil intervened, the venin's power shriveled her and her dragon to death. More wyvern emerged from the valley, creating chaos. Liam mounted his dragon Deigh and engaged a venin-ridden wyvern, killing the venin, but another wyvern attacked. Deigh intervened to save Tairn, but in the struggle, Liam was thrown onto Tairn's neck.
Violet secured Liam to the saddle, unable to use her lightning without hitting Deigh. The wyvern refused to release Deigh, and they crashed into the hillside. Deigh didn't moveâhe was gone. Liam, dying, entrusted Violet with the care of his sister and urged her to listen to Xaden. He died in her lap. A horde of wyvern appeared, and Violet, consumed by grief and rage, mounted Tairn, determined to unleash her full power. During the aerial battle, a venin climbed onto Tairn's back and stabbed him with green-tipped daggers. The wound burned with acid, but Xaden used his shadows to help Violet kill the venin.
Violet realized that when a venin died, so did the wyvern they created. She instructed Xaden to drop his shadows protecting them from the wyvern horde, trusting her plan. Facing the oncoming horde, she identified the most powerful venin rider. Despite Tairn's warnings about burnout, Violet drew immense power, accepting Andarna's help. Time slowed as she focused a single silver-blue vein of lightning, manipulating its descent with her waning strength. The lightning struck the venin, killing him, and more than half the wyvern fell from the sky. Another venin charged, but Xaden killed him with shadows and a dagger. Violet, knowing they were safe, let go and fell from Tairn's back.
Andarna stopped time to catch Violet, but both were too weak. Xaden caught her, panicked by the poison from the green-tipped dagger turning her blood black. He flew her to Aretiaâa city Violet believed had been destroyed but was actually rebuilt and hidden by the rebels. For three days, Xaden stayed by her side as she lay unconscious. When Violet finally awoke, miraculously healed, Xaden confessed his terror at nearly losing her. She kissed him, and he promised to always strive to do better. Violet realized she was in Aretia and deduced the rebels were hiding their operations. She stated she would fight with them but couldn't trust Xaden with her heart again due to his secrecy. Xaden, crushed but determined, vowed to earn back her trust. As they argued, the door opened to reveal BrennanâViolet's supposedly dead brotherâwho grinned and welcomed her to the revolution.