Hello friend, it’s time for my August update!

My August gift for you: this Pinterest board with images of my debut novel! I love to collate images that help me imagine the world:

Today’s topic: why ‘Fourth Wing‘ is worth the read

I have finally jumped on the ‘Fourth Wing‘ train! Yes, I am late (but in my defense, my TBR is huuuuuge!). I doubt you are unaware, but in case you have been living off-grid for several years, the series I’m referring to is written by Rebecca Yarros (‘Fourth Wing‘ is the first in the series, followed by ‘Iron Flame‘ and the most recent release, ‘Onyx Storm‘). Of course our Bookstagram and TikTok feeds have been dripping with this series for a few years now, and I do have a natural tendency to avoid books when they seem to be overhyped. But I am glad to say that I’ve found the story to be quite entertaining! Allow me to explain why. I hope this might encourage you to give it a go despite its hype, and perhaps explain why you might already be a fan.

#1 it’s pacey and racey

From the very first word the narrative of this first book is rolling. Yarros presumes confidently that if you are reading, you are deep in the story already as it’s well underway. As a reader it feels as if you’ve jumped onto a moving train. By comparison, I’m up to book eight of the Outlander series, written by Diana Gabaldon, who’s writing style could not feel more opposite: she spends entire chapters delving into environments and social interactions that often don’t seem to push the narrative forward. Yarros only includes moments and scenes where the plot or a story or character arc is moving at a good pace, and this definitely adds entertinment to the experience.

#2 the web of characters is actually quite rich and complex

Some months ago I stumbled upon an audiobook of a story that had obviously tried to copy ‘Fourth Wing‘ – swap out the dragons for flying unicorns and that was basically the same (Yarros definitely got to the story first, though). This copycat book made one major error though: the author cut the social network of characters in half, presumably to finish writing the story faster (big mistake). Yarros’ character world is much richer, richer than I was prepared for. There is a back story of war and empirical activity, with levels of authority, characters from far flung corners who serve different purposes. They serve in differing departments and wings, and even within the same wing, characters are vastly opposite. In the best moments this actually creates unlikely friendships, in other scenarios it creates friction. This is what makes a deep social network of characters so interesting to read. You know there will be moments that people simply will not get along, and you hang out for it!

#3 the stakes are always high

Whether it involves physical, relational or metaphorical height, you always have a sense of peeking over the edge of a cliff while reading this first book. One wrong word, one wrong comment from a character, one wrong step and the result is death. Some of this is extracted from direct character dialogue, or Violet’s narration (at times this can be a little grating, but you learn to roll with it). Yarros makes it clear that if the plan is not carried out successfully, then more than just Violet’s life is at stake. This pressure works away like a ticking timebomb in the background as Violet learns how to navigate life in the Fourth Wing. It gets your heart racing, and personally, I’ve been enjoying this uplift in energy.

But a disclaimer

Let’s be real for a second: is the story super deep? Not really. Is the writing dense and literary? No. Has Yarros been caught out using Scottish Gaelic names for dragons but not known the difference between Irish Gaelic (in English pronounced ‘gay-lik’) and Scottish Gaelic (in English pronounced ‘gaa-lik’) in interviews? Yes (we authors really need to stop stealing from cultures, especially minorities, we either don’t understand or haven’t researched enough). But is it gripping? Absolutely! A book is enough if it is entertaining. I don’t buy into the idea that behind every story, there must be some deeper meaning, some metaphor, some unpeeled layer waiting for us to dissect. I’ve sat in literature lectures and tutorials where I’ve had to do this endlessly. Sometimes, it reveals truth and incredible meaning behind the stories we read. But it isn’t always necessary. Simply loving the story, going along for the ride and relishing the journey is enough. Not every book serves the same purpose, and that’s exactly as it should be.

Side note: Yarros is nailing her marketing campaign

Now my next thought doesn’t have anything to do with the writing of the story, but one thing I’ve noticed as a marketer and someone keen on book marketing in general is that Yarros and her publisher have really harnessed the energy behind these books. With the television series in the works and a few more books to come, you can tell Yarros and her team are building a very strong following. She gives sneak peaks, they’ve maximised special editions of the books, they’ve leant into her follower community, fan art and stories abound, and they’ve really leant into Yarros brand as a personality. Readers feel like she is exactly like them: relateable, down-to-earth and a lover of fantasy stories. Well done to Yarros and her team!

But also, make sure you understand the Celtic languages you adopt for your stories 🫣

Novel update (72k words)

My Beta readers are well underway! While they read away I have been enjoying a much-needed break from the story to read books for myself. I’m enjoying it! My TBR certainly needs some attention 🤗

What I’m reading/finishing reading 
Psykhe by Kate Forsyth
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
Written in my Hearts Own Blood (Outlander #8) by Diana Gabaldon 🎧
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros 🎧

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