Major spoilers ahead, so I’m going to assume you’ve finished the entire series. These thoughts cover all the books, not just Fourth Wing.

“I think that of all the signet powers riders have, mending is the most precious.” When you really think about it, that’s absolutely true. No one would’ve made it through without the menders. Not Violet. Not the whole of Navarre in Iron Flame. But it was also such a great moment in this chapter to finally see how the powers of menders actually works.

Chapter six is where we meet Nolon. Can we just take a moment to appreciate how much we all liked him before Iron Flame? It’s almost hard to believe that the same gentle, smiling old man could betray Violet the way he did. It definitely makes you want to go back and really pay attention to everything he says and does, now knowing what’s coming.

There are two big things we learn in this chapter. First, the signet of mending is incredibly rare among riders. These powers can restore things to their original state—everything from ripped clothes to shattered bridges, and yes, broken bones too. That’s not just relevant for Iron Flame, but for the whole series. Menders aren’t just healers, they’re restorers in every sense.

The second important detail is the little clue dropped here: Brennan was a mender. That’s a huge hint for what’s coming later in the book, in the last chapters. The story makes it sound like there are only two menders we know of: Nolon and Brennan.

Chapter six also made us lose even more respect for Dain. We already know his terrible arc in this book, but every reread just makes his behavior more eye-roll worthy.

Back to Nolon for a second. He says, “I’ve never agreed with the way they conscripted those kids to the Riders Quadrant as punishment for their parents’ sins. We have never forced conscripts into that quadrant. Ever. And for a very good reason. Most cadets don’t survive—which was likely the point, I suspect. Regardless, you certainly shouldn’t have to suffer for the honor of your mother. General Sorrengail saved Navarre by capturing the Great Betrayer.”

He really sounds like a kind and thoughtful man, doesn’t he? But now I can’t help but wonder about where his loyalties truly lie. Maybe he’s against forced conscripts from Tyrrendor not out of compassion, but because he sees them as a threat. And the way he refers to Fen Riorson only by his title, the Great Betrayer, says a lot about his allegiance to Navarre.

And then there’s this moment: “I will always mend you,” Nolon says. That promise hits so much differently now, doesn’t it? He sure will, but that’s not always a good thing, as we come to learn.

It’s a short chapter, but there’s much to unpack. We learn a lot about the supporting characters. We see (in retrospect, having read two more books) Nolon’s true colors starting to peek through. Dain continues to frustrate us with his lack of courage and support for Violet. Rhiannon is her usual steady, loyal self with Violet. And we get just a little more of Brennan, who left behind a journal for Mira (and now Violet), so his knowledge wouldn’t be lost. Being a legacy rider definitely has its perks. That journal, “The Book of Brennan”, becomes one of the most important books Violet can learn from. And it’s thanks to Brennan, that Violet already has a plan in motion to survive challenges…

Introducing poisons was one of my favorite thing about the series. I really loved that Violet uses her mental strength to overcome difficulties.

Continue with the Fourth Wing Read Along

• Fourth Wing Read Along – Chapter 1
• Fourth Wing Read Along – Chapter 2
• Fourth Wing Read Along – Chapter 3
• Fourth Wing Read Along – Chapter 4
• Fourth Wing Read Along – Chapter 5
• Fourth Wing Read Along – Chapter 6
• Fourth Wing Read Along – Chapter 7
• Fourth Wing Read Along – Chapter 8
• Fourth Wing Read Along – Chapter 9
• Fourth Wing Read Along – Chapter 9 – Xaden’s POV
• Fourth Wing Read Along – Chapter 10
• Fourth Wing Read Along – Chapter 11
• Fourth Wing Read Along – Chapter 12
• Fourth Wing Read Along – Chapter 13
• Fourth Wing Read Along – Chapter 14
• Fourth Wing Read Along – Chapter 15
• Fourth Wing Read Along – Chapter 16
• Fourth Wing Read Along – Chapter 16 – Xaden POV