Fourth Wing delivers an exhilarating conclusion that embodies the core elements readers adore in The Empyrean Series. With its suspenseful battles, heartfelt emotional stakes, and unexpected plot twists, it’s no surprise that the book became an instant hit on BookTok following its release in 2023. As readers await the sequel, Iron Flame, Fourth Wing focuses on the journey of Violet Sorrengail during her inaugural year at the Riders Quadrant in Basgiath War College. Here, she and her fellow cadets prepare to defend their homeland, Navarre, forging strong bonds with their dragons in the process.
Initially, Violet perceives gryphon riders as Navarre’s primary threat. However, by the story’s conclusion, a shocking revelation changes everything. A fateful excursion outside the wards during the War Games dismantles Violet’s understanding of her kingdom, uncovering deep-seated corruption within its military and government. The existence of venin and wyvern, once thought to be mere folklore from her father’s stories, now poses a genuine threat to Navarre—one that the leadership has deliberately chosen to ignore, risking the lives of those beyond their realm.
Unpacking Fourth Wing’s Venin & Wyvern Reveal
Navarre’s Concealment of Venin
In Fourth Wing, the War Games ultimately set the stage for its climactic battle. Xaden leads a team, including Violet, on a mission to Athebyne, an outpost beyond Navarre’s protective wards. Here, they encounter gryphon riders—unexpectedly supplied with weapons by Xaden’s group. The shocking motive behind these weapons is revealed: they are intended to safeguard those living outside of Navarre from the very venin Violet once dismissed as mere children’s tales.
The concept of venin is recurrent throughout the narrative, as Violet uncovers a children’s book left by her father. Initially, she belittles the notion of venin, viewing them as fictional creatures designed to frighten kids. However, a note located within her copy of The Fables of the Barren changes her perspective dramatically. Her father’s words emphasize the importance of history, suggesting that losing these stories could erase vital connections to the past.
As it turns out, the venin draw power from the earth to fuel their wyverns, positioning them as the antithesis of dragon riders. This pivotal realization comes as the venin attack Violet and her team, showcasing their formidable strength in battle. Their red eyes and visible corruption serve as clear indicators of their peril.
The secrecy surrounding the venin can be maintained within Navarre because they are unable to harness their powers while inside the kingdom’s wards. This compromises the lives of people living near the borders, illustrating the deep-rooted cowardice among Navarre’s leaders, which escalated into the Tyrrish Rebellion—propelled by Xaden’s father and fellow rebels desiring to rebel against Navarre’s negligence.
The Motive Behind Xaden’s Deceit and His Missions to Athebyne
The Risk of Exposure to Dain
Violet grapples with feelings of betrayal due to Xaden’s deception regarding the venin, yet his motivations stem from a noble cause. Sharing this information could brand Xaden and other Marked Ones as traitors, jeopardizing their lives and the safety of those defending against the venin outside Navarre.
Dain’s Betrayal of Violet and Colonel Aetos’ Agenda for the Marked Ones
A Deadly Mission Laid by Dain’s Father
It is revealed that Dain illegitimately uses his signet on Violet, extracting crucial information regarding Xaden and Bohdi’s missions. This violation occurs during moments when Dain feigns comfort, keeping Violet unaware of his mental intrusion. Dain promptly reports his findings to his father, Colonel Aetos, leading to the orchestrated assignment of Xaden and his fellow Marked Ones to the deserted outpost at Athebyne.
Upon arrival, they discover a chilling message from Colonel Aetos. This letter clarifies that their mission is to choose between abandoning a village targeted by the venin or maintaining their wing’s command. Such choices highlight the moral poverty underlying Aetos’ orders, as he seeks to sacrifice the Marked Ones under the guise of a mission to combat the venin threat.
The Outcome of Fourth Wing’s Final Battle
Victorious Yet Costly: The Battle Against the Venin
As the storyline reaches its climax, Violet and Xaden manage to overcome the venin, yet the victory comes at a heartbreaking cost. During a fierce confrontation, two Marked Ones lose their lives: Soleil, a minor character, and Liam, whose death resonates deeply. Liam had become a close ally to Violet under Xaden’s guidance, and his dragon, Deigh, falls victim to a wyvern, resulting in his own demise.
Ultimately, Violet and Xaden act decisively to avert further loss by confronting the remaining venin. They discover that the defeat of venin results in the corresponding fall of their wyverns, making this battle even more challenging. While Violet survives this fierce struggle, she suffers grievous injury by a poisoned blade, pushing her to her limits.
In a shocking revelation, Brennan’s survival comes into play. Rescued by Xaden, Violet learns that her brother, thought to be dead, is alive and engaging in rebellion efforts. This significant twist alters Violet’s understanding of her past, shedding light on the numerous secrets held outside the safety of the wards. While the specifics of Brennan’s escape are saved for Iron Flame, the details surrounding his survival leave readers in suspense.
Melgren’s Limitations in Predicting the Resson Battle
The Impediment of Marked Ones on the Battlefield
A notable takeaway from the ending is General Melgren’s inability to predict the outcome of battles involving three or more Marked Ones. Despite his formidable skills giving him insight into many conflicts, he is powerless when it comes to matters concerning the Marked Ones. This restriction illustrates why gatherings among them are strictly prohibited, reinforcing the stakes of their potential engagement at Resson.
Warning: The next section contains SPOILERS for Fourth Wing and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros.
The Fate of Brennan Sorrengail Revealed
A Life-Saving Act by Tairn’s Former Rider
The shock revelation of Brennan Sorrengail’s survival permeates the story, although the specifics are preserved for readers of Iron Flame. During Fourth Wing, Tairn’s previous rider, Naolin, purportedly attempted to revive Brennan on the battlefield—a notion initially deemed impossible. Yet, against all odds, Naolin succeeds, as illuminated by Brennan himself in Iron Flame. He cryptically notes that this miraculous feat came at a significant cost, leaving the nature of Naolin’s fate ambiguous. Could he have perished in the act or transformed into a venin?
With the release date of Onyx Storm set for January 21, 2025, fans can only hope for more clarity surrounding Naolin’s sacrifice. Given the series’ penchant for resurrecting seemingly deceased characters, many are left speculating if Naolin’s fate will entwine with the established narrative. As demonstrated in Fourth Wing, secrets unravel, and anticipation builds for what lies ahead.
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