Relax and Read Book Club: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Spabreaks.com’s Relax and Read Book Club gives you the chance to discover new books, learn about the authors, share your opinions and really escape into an inspiring world of literature.

This month we're reading Fourth Wing, an adult fantasy romance by American author Rebecca Yarros. The first book in Yarros' Empyrean series, it follows the journey of Violet Sorrengail, who is forced by her mother to join the Riders Quadrant and become a dragon rider in the kingdom of Navarre. Readers go on a journey through the elite but brutal world of Basgiath War College, across five books. The first three have already been published, including Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm, while another two are in the pipeline and await release dates.

"This book exceeded my expectations in every way. The writing is engaging, the characters are vivid, and the story kept me hooked until the very last page. It’s one of those rare books that you don’t want to put down, yet you also don’t want it to end. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a powerful and unforgettable read." - Amazon customer review

What inspired you to write Fourth Wing?

I majored in history in college and was really inspired to take a look at what happens when history is only written by the victor, and how that can change politics and truth as we know it. I really wanted one theme of the book to be about history and who gets to decide what’s taught. But I’ve also always loved the idea of a forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers set up due to mated dragons, so this was the perfect opportunity to combine them!

Can you provide a brief overview of the book's storyline?

Fourth Wing is about a war college for dragon riders where the first rule is graduate or die, and the chronically ill young woman who has been raised to be a scribe but finds herself competing to bond a dragon instead.

Do you have a favourite character in the book? If so, what makes them special to you?

I love writing Violet, partly because she has Ehlers-Danlos, like I do, and it was fun being able to explore what that would look like in a fantasy world.

But I think my favourite character is Ridoc because he always has a snarky line or joke to bring some needed comic relief.

Could you share insights into your daily writing process and routines?

My writing days look different depending on what I’m working on, but I often write at night, partially because I have ADHD and that time brings the least amount of distractions, and partially because I have six kids and those are the only hours the house is quiet. I write by scene, so I sit until the scene is done. I find that sitting down every day (even on the days I don’t feel like it) is incredibly important.

How does your wellness routine integrate with your writing practice, and do you make any specific adjustments during writing periods?

I’ve been public about the fact that I’m slowing down slightly, enough that I can put out books and still be healthy. I’m trying to listen to my body and mind and be kind to them.

Because I have Ehlers-Danlos, I sit in the most ergonomically correct setup I can to ease my joints and use a monitor without pulse width modulation to keep my migraines at bay.

Is there a particular spa treatment you enjoy, and what draws you to it?

I’m addicted to oxygen facials because I have very tender skin.

Lastly, what is your top tip for maintaining overall wellbeing, especially during busy times like writing and promoting a book?

Dedicating time to sleep. No matter what, when I'm on deadline, I never sleep less than six hours. It’s the most restorative thing for me.