A fantasy romance, set at a college for dragon riders…. heck yes! Narrated by Rebecca Soler & Teddy Hamilton, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is the first novel in the Empyrean series from Red Tower Publishing. This epic tale delivered suspense, danger, and romance that hooked me from the first chapter. I cannot wait for more…

Fourth Wing
by Rebecca Yarros
Series: The Empyrean #1
Narrator: Rebecca Soler, Teddy Hamilton
Length: 20 hours and 47 minutes
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Heat Level:
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.5x

Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away…because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom’s protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

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This story had all the elements I love in fantasy romance. We have dragons, magic, a heroine with a disability and an “enemies to lovers” romance. From the very first chapter, the author hooked me and kept me listening. When I wasn’t listening, I was thinking about it and now that I am done, I am left counting the days until the next release. l love that kind of book high.

Now, before I get into how outstanding this story was, I want to talk about the audiobook itself. Rebecca Soler narrates and does a stellar job of not only voicing the characters but of capturing the emotions and tone of the story. Her voices are such that I immediately recognized characters. Teddy Hamilton narrates near the end of the book, giving us Xaden’s perspective and gave a wonderful performance. However, the Recorded Books finished copy had editing issues. From hard swallows not being edited out to dead space. These infractions pulled me out of the story. It was a tremendous disappointment. I am hoping more care is given with the next audiobook.

The story is told from the perspective of twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail. She plans to enter Scribe Quadrant and live her life studying history surrounded by books. I adored her from the start. When her mother, the commanding general, ordered her to join the candidates, hoping to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders, I rooted for her. Given her size and fragile body, no one thinks Violet will survive the training, let alone have a dragon choose her as their rider.

As we learn about the world & its history, we get to know the cadets in Violet’s unit, from her friends to those who poke fun at her. I enjoyed the academy and training, but things got really exciting when the choosing began. I held my breath, shouted and became swept up.

The cadets not only risk not being chosen and having to wait a year but, they can also be found unworthy and incinerated. I kid you not! The competition to become a rider is cutthroat, as there are more riders than dragons. Cadets will try to outmaneuver, remove, or displace other cadets to gain a seat.

The training with the dragons themselves was exhilarating, from staying seated to maneuvers. The training, sparring, and missions all added to the tale, creating suspense as it fleshed out the characters and world.

Violet, aka “Vengeance” is a strong feminine character. She’s smart, kind, and resilient despite her disability. Violet doesn’t expect accommodations, instead she pushes herself to excel. She looks for the good in others and outwits her opponents. The girl is kickass and you’ll want to root for her.

Secondary characters added to the story from girlfriends to those placed around Violet to protect her. I found myself attached to them, and became emotionally invested.

The romance is a forbidden love that will curl your toes. I loved the chemistry between Xaden and Violet. It was all clash and teeth with delicious, consuming heat. He acted annoyed when you could just feel his attraction to her. The relationship between their dragons complicates matters and the fact that he is a child of a previous war.

The dragons were amazing from their abilities to communication. The aerial maneuvers and strategies with their riders on the field were described in vivid 3-D detail. We also see other creatures, but I will leave you to discover that and the magical elements.

The overall story arc for this series has me giddy, and the author did a great job of hooking me with reveals at the end. A brilliant tale from beginning to end. Thank the dragons the next audiobook releases in November 2023.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2023 Audiobook Challenge

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/05/fourth-wing-by-rebecca-yarros.html

On the Nature and Course of the Spirit by Robert is an engaging and profound exploration of the intricacies of human existence, delving into the underlying principles of religious doctrines and their relevance to our everyday lives. With meticulous attention to detail, the book is structured into seven distinct parts, each addressing key aspects such as cognitive development, the Holy Spirit, The Father, The Son, earth, heaven, and ‘other mysteries’. Robert’s comprehensive analysis seamlessly traverses the realms of science and religion, skillfully intertwining a vast array of human experiences.

This remarkable work stands out for its highly individualistic approach to spirituality. It is a rarity to encounter such depth and intellectual rigor in books aimed at enlightening readers. Robert’s adept utilization of religious verses, evocative imagery, and compelling juxtapositions and comparisons instills a sense of credibility and reliability. Notably, the opening chapters captivated my attention, particularly the section exploring anthropomorphism, which both stimulates the mind of the reader and encourages introspection into one’s own subconscious. Additionally, the profound insights into the functions of the Holy Spirit provoke contemplation. Robert asserts that this power serves as a catalyst for creativity, both metaphorically and literally.

On the Nature and Course of the Spirit by Robert is a captivating exploration of spirituality, drawing from both theological and psychological perspectives, and is enriched with a wealth of figures and knowledge. As with any literary work aimed at awakening spirituality, it is important to approach it with discernment. The book is best suited for mature audiences, as its language is eloquent and sophisticated.

Pages: 576 | ISBN: 1685153887

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/29/on-the-nature-and-course-of-the-spirit/

Curse by Christina Maraziotis, the second installment of the Loveletting series, immerses readers in a mesmerizing and captivating tale that will leave them yearning for more. Within the pages of this book, a blend of romance, danger, and adventure awaits. Having faced the depths of despair and grappled with profound loss and grief, Charlotte discovers solace in Jesse McCoy’s tender and loyal embrace. While evading the law for crimes she has been unjustly accused of, Charlotte finds herself entangled in a web of enigmatic figures as the search for the elusive serial killer, Mac Kinnon, persists. Amidst the unsettling supernatural occurrences that unsettle Charlotte’s sense of identity and security, Jesse’s steadfast nature becomes a beacon of hope, allowing her to heal and rediscover the joys of life. As unexpected romance blossoms and her freedom is put to the test, Charlotte traverses a path that unravels the true essence of love. However, lurking behind captivating and mysterious faces lies a darkness threatening to corrupt even the purest of souls, transforming them into unrecognizable beings, yearning to reclaim their former selves.

From the very outset, Curse shows immense promise. The author’s skillful writing and thoughtful structure transform what could be an intricate and protracted narrative into a series of concise, well-crafted chapters. This approach enables the plot to breathe and seamlessly engross the reader in an immersive experience. Once engrossed in the story, one is transported to a new world where the narrative and its characters take center stage. The book’s length is justified, as it adds depth and complexity to the overarching storyline, allowing for fully realized character arcs that embody the true nature of each individual and the myriad challenges they face.

Passion, romance, and darkness intertwine throughout the narrative, with supernatural elements deftly woven into the fabric of the plot, heightening its mystery. This narrative technique captivates the reader, holding their attention steadfastly throughout, even during quieter moments. However, the true strength of this book lies in its characters. They are flawlessly imperfect, each possessing a depth and complexity that authentically reflects the human experience and its trials. Engaging and diverse, these characters form a vibrant tapestry of personalities and emotions, with their highs and lows.

Curse by Christina Maraziotis is an entrancing and spellbinding book that transports readers to a realm brimming with mystery and passion, reminding us that amidst the darkest shadows, true beauty can still be discovered.

Pages: 879 | ASIN : B0BVQHGTBC

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/29/curse/

In “The Visibility Mindset: How Asian American Leaders Create Opportunities and Push Past Barriers,” authors Bernice Chao and Jessalin Lam offer an authentic portrayal of Asian Americans, their leaders, and the significant impact they have on their communities. Drawing from their personal experiences and acquired wisdom, Chao and Lam present a balanced perspective, acknowledging both their Asian and American identities and exploring how minority status can either empower or hinder individuals.

The book begins with an engaging introduction that effectively dispels common stereotypes, myths, and misrepresentations of Asian Americans in the United States. This enlightening section sets the stage for the reader to fully appreciate the book’s content.

Structured into three parts, “The Visibility Mindset” covers a range of topics that are both informative and well-presented. Part one delves into self-improvement, encouraging self-reflection through the authors’ personal stories. It inspires readers to step out of their comfort zones and embrace personal growth by building their brand, recognizing their worth, and prioritizing mental health.

Part two focuses on cultivating social connections and enhancing interpersonal skills. Particularly noteworthy is the comprehensive chapter on networking, in which Jessalin Lam offers valuable insights from both an Asian and mainstream American perspective. Key takeaways include the importance of claiming one’s space and honing communication abilities.

The book’s final section serves as a call to action for corporations and organizations, addressing the challenges faced by Asian Americans in professional settings. Topics such as inclusion, diversity, and equality are discussed with a positive tone, providing practical suggestions for individuals to excel in the workplace.

As prominent leaders in the Asian American community, Bernice Chao and Jessalin Lam have assembled a wealth of information in this useful book. The firsthand accounts provide an accurate depiction of the current situation and offer potential solutions for improvement. Although the primary focus is on the Asian American community, the book resonates with many minority groups, allowing them to feel acknowledged and understood.

“The Visibility Mindset” is an insightful and thought-provoking read that I highly recommend.

Pages: 212 | ASIN: B0BLY7HBG8

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/29/visibility-mindset/