How I Got Into This
Thanks to my TikTok algorithm, I stumbled upon Manacled, a Harry Potter fan fiction that takes a rather different turn from the original storyline. It also features a lot more sexual content than J.K. Rowling’s universe ever did.
Not exactly my usual read, but hey – I’m not opposed to reading something a little steamier, especially when it’s not written by E. L. James for once…
This led to a “problem”:
I’ve officially become a target for similar books.
You know how it goes: “Because you liked this, you might also enjoy…”
And, well – what can I say? The internet is currently obsessed with one particular book in this genre, so I figured, why not? Let’s see what all the hype is about.
Becoming a Dragon Rider?
Fourth Wing:* Same old story here:
Not only was Harry Potter a big part of my childhood, but so was Eragon. A boy finds a dragon egg and becomes a Rider.
(And yeah, maybe I’ll write about that too – especially now that I’ve added the fifth book to my shelf…)
So what could possibly go wrong when the premise is somewhat familiar – except this time, it’s not a dragon rider, it’s a future female dragon rider.
And yes, it’s probably going to be a bit more… charged.
I’m doing this review a little differently. Instead of waiting until I’ve finished the book, I wanted to share some thoughts while I’m still in the middle of it.
You know, just in case my opinion shifts drastically later and I forget what I actually liked along the way.
75% In – A Midway Verdict
With three-quarters of the book behind me, here’s where I’m at:
I like it. The story is cool. The writing style works for me. I’m just hoping that the looming sex scenes won’t ruin the whole thing.
But honestly?
So far, I’m into it. Big time.
Spoiler-Free Quick Recap of the First Half
No worries – I won’t spoil anything. Think of this as a teaser to help you decide if the book’s* your vibe.
The story is set at a military academy for dragon riders, the Basgiath War College. The main character, Violet Sorrengail, is the daughter of a legendary general. She was supposed to live a safe, scholarly life – but her mother has other plans, forcing her to train as a dragon rider. A dangerous path, since only the strongest survive.
Violet isn’t as physically tough as the others, making her an easy target for ruthless rivals who won’t hesitate to eliminate the weak. She’s thrown into a brutal hierarchy where betrayal and manipulation are daily business.
Amid the cutthroat competition, she forms friendships – and enemies. One of the most intense dynamics is with Xaden Riorson, a powerful and intimidating rider who has every reason to hate her. Still, fate keeps pushing them into each other’s orbit.
Despite the odds, Violet starts discovering her own strengths. She learns that brute force isn’t everything – strategy, smarts, and grit matter too. But the academy hides darker secrets that could upend everything she believes.
The first half of the book* focuses heavily on the academy’s harsh training, the fierce rivalry among cadets, and hints at a greater threat beyond its walls. There’s suspense, romance, and some epic dragon action.
I really got hooked once the dragons became part of the story.
Can’t say much here without spoiling, but if you’re familiar with how dragons communicate in Eragon, you won’t be too surprised- though let’s just say the tone is more adult.
The writing style? I’m into it. The punctuation feels intentional – it guides how the dialogue is meant to be read.
Like, if I were yelling at you right now, it would look something like this:
This. Is. How. It. Would. Feel.
You get it, right? Each word hits different – like someone is seriously not in a good mood.
Anyway, I’m sharing all this now because the story seems to be shifting away from just dragon riding and heading into more adult (riding … lol) territory.
So here’s where I’ll pick up next time – once I’ve finished the book.
So Yeah, There Was Sex
And you know what? It was actually fine.
I was a bit worried at first that it would be all sex, all the time. But as I mentioned before – 75% of the book focused more on the plot than the bedroom.
And honestly?
It really is like Eragon for adults.
In a way, it feels more real. People have sex – especially when they’re packed into high-pressure, hormone-filled environments. And Fourth Wing* doesn’t shy away from that. It’s direct, detailed, and definitely explicit – but not annoying or over-the-top like, say, that one book with all the grey shades.
I’m curious to see where the series goes next.
Bottom line: It was a solid read. So solid, in fact, that I already grabbed Book 2*.
Final Thought
One thing I didn’t love: the chapter lengths.
It’s not a quality issue – it’s just personal preference. I like being able to stop at the end of a chapter, especially when I’m reading before bed.
But when every chapter is 80 pages long, that’s tough. 😅
Still, it’s kind of impressive how many pages end with a clean, dramatic sentence.
And when a chapter feels too long and it’s getting late, I just stop at the next full stop on the page. That’s totally normal… right?
Right?
*Disclaimer:
Some of the links on this page are referral links, meaning that if you make a purchase through them, both you and I may receive a small benefit (such as a discount, credit, or bonus). This comes at no extra cost to you. Prices remain the same whether you use the link or not. These links simply help support my work while also giving you something in return. I only recommend products or services that I genuinely believe in.
