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.

The epigraph is a little insight into how little we know about dragons. This is not new, and all the way to Onyx Storm, we continue to know so…little. Deference is paid to elders. And Kaori does say, “at what point a dragon decided to bond only one rider, rather than go for better odds with two.”

Chapter 16 is epic (like all chapters, I know, I know). Violet has…two dragons. Tairn and Andarna. We also learn that Jack is bonded to an Orange Scorpiontail: Baide.

From conversations, we learn that Violet is the first to bond two dragons. I often wonder if that’s true. Dragons are known to keep secrets. If some riders develop two signets, why would some not be bonded to two dragons and keep it a secret?

“It’s up to the Empyrean to decide” — The Empyrean. The first time we learn that this is the name of the “order” of the elders. It makes me wonder. What if the Empyrean series was never about the humans, but it was always about the dragons…

“[Codagh]…his golden gaze focused on Tairn in a way that makes me nauseous. He growls, low in his throat, turning those sinister eyes on me.” Interesting observations here. Codagh looks at Tairn in a way that makes Violet feel nauseous. Why? He also looks at Violet in a sinister way. Again, why?

We take a break from dragon politics and learn about Violet’s squad. Rhiannon bonds Feirge, the green Daggertail. Ridoc bonds Aotrom, the brown Swordtail, and Sawyer bonds Sliseag, the red Swordtail.

We then go into a conversation between Dain and Violet and, of course, my blood boils. When did Dain become so insufferable?

A few more interesting bits of information. Not sure if they will come in useful at some point, but maybe it’s good to remember that every Basgiath instructor needed the requisite four years with a combat wing before he was put behind a desk.

I think the climax of this lovely chapter is learning that Tairn and Sgaeyl are a mated pair. I think this made me jump when I read it the first time, and it still puts a smile on my face. Such a smart move on the author’s side. Bravo!

We learn a little bit about what mated dragons mean. They are always stationed together because otherwise their health diminishes.

It’s also the first time Dain and Xaden have a more intense conversation, and one that actually puts Dain where he belongs: in the corner. Xaden does a great job trying to cover his feelings and attraction for Violet, but yeah, well, we didn’t quite love that part.

It’s finally time to tether Violet and Xaden with a delicious forced proximity.

“Tairn’s bonds are so powerful, both to mate and rider, because he’s so powerful. Losing his last rider nearly killed him, which, in turn, nearly killed Sgaeyl. Mated pairs’ lives are—”
“Interdependent, I know that.”

The author smartly and elegantly sets the story forward by telling us Violet is about to be haunted, so there is danger and peril at every corner. Just because she is bonded, things are about to get even more complicated.

“While tradition has shown us that there is one rider for every dragon,

there has never been a case of two dragons selecting the same rider, and therefore there is no dragon law against it.” We all breathe with relief and wait with anticipation to see what happens next. Our Violet has not one, but two wholesome dragons. It almost feels like the book is truly about to begin.

The chapter continues with the scalp prickling, and that’s our cue that Xaden is reading Violet’s mind. We learn that dragons mark their riders with stunning…relics. Violet’s is unique: a glistening black relic of a dragon mid-flight stretching from shoulder to shoulder and, in the center, the silhouette of a shimmering golden one. And with this, I would like to ask, what happens to her relic when Andarna changes? Do we have any ideas? Does the relic always stay the same?

The chapter ends with Dain kissing Violet…finally. And we learn that it’s…not what Violet actually wants.

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