Why Booktok is the bane of literature
As someone who enjoys both reading and watching TikToks, I often find myself in the corner of the app nicknamed “Booktok.” While I’m picky about books, I decided to give the novel “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros a chance after seeing it in countless TikToks. I reserved it through my local library’s app this past summer, knowing that it’d arrive eventually but not particularly invested. The novel’s endless clichés, two-dimensional characters and plot, and unsophisticated writing left me questioning its popularity.
“Fourth Wing” follows Violet Sorrengail as she is forced to attend Basgiath War College where she undergoes intense training and relentless trials in order to become a dragon rider. Born with chronic pain and a condition that affects her connective tissues – resulting in frequent dislocations and broken bones, Violet’s fear shifts into determination to succeed.
Standing in her way is Xaden Riorson, the son of a rebellion leader, who considers Violet as his greatest enemy and supposedly wishes to kill her on sight. Old relationships begin to crumble and new ones form as Violet trains alongside both friend and foe, but everything becomes more complicated when Violet finds herself bonded to not one, but two dragons – the first human in history to do so.
While clichés in a novel can be comforting in their predictability, Yarros’ novel is predictable when one wants intrigue, and unpredictable when one desires stability. To begin with, the plot and tropes of “Fourth Wing” are laughably transparent. Now, I know the old saying – “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” – but in the case of this novel, I’d say the clichés have a foot in the grave with how overused they are.
To sum up a few of the plot points and tropes in Yarros’ novel: a heroine that is somehow strong and weak and “not like other girls”; the male childhood friend love-interest who is turned into a villain purely for plot purposes (usually to break up a love-triangle); the heroine falls in love with the bad-boy (this must include the revelation of his tragic backstory) who is revealed to be a really great person; plot points that exist simply to exist; and sex scenes that do nothing to move the story along.
Foreshadowing in “Fourth Wing” lacks all subtlety. As soon as tall, dark and handsome Xaden Riorson first appeared, described so eloquently by Violet as “flaming hot. Scorching hot. Gets-you-into-trouble-and-you-like-it level of hot,” there may as well have been a flashing neon sign above his head with “LOVE INTEREST” on it.
I found myself bombarded with poor attempts at foreshadowing that instead left me bored and unengaged. Perhaps Yarros underestimated the average reader’s ability to analyze, but I often found myself five steps ahead of the characters and skimming along as I waited for something more exciting.
In contrast to the predictable plot, I now need to see a chiropractor from the amount of whiplash I experienced in regard to the whirlwind characters and their motives. Even Violet, the first-person narrator of the novel, swiftly changes from one attitude to another with very little reasoning.
How is it that a novel like “Fourth Wing” has gained so much popularity? I know I enjoy casual reads, especially after all the reading required for classes, but I find myself unable to enjoy a book that assumes the reading comprehension of a fourth grader and has a writing style worse than my Lit Trad IV short story.
A popular argument I’ve seen for “Fourth Wing” is that the rise in unsophisticated, easy-toread YA novels makes reading more accessible – but I would like to argue against this. Yarros’ writing style may have been easy to read, but this was because of its immaturity. Books can be accessible and still have depth, meaning and good writing. There are so many middle grade and juvenile fiction novels, like “Howl’s Moving Castle,” that require a lower-level reading comprehension but don’t sacrifice other elements of the novel in order to do so.
Despite my complaints with “Fourth Wing,” it’s just one example of poorly written fiction that has shot into popularity on Booktok. It’s time for readers to redefine what makes a novel popular.
I haven’t read this yet, nor do I watch tiktok, but I was just suggested to read this by a coworker who said she enjoyed it a lot. Sounds like a waste of time, just like watching the popular Netflix shows, they are just created to please the masses but lack so much depth and character to the story. It’s sad how detached we have come from craving good material
THIS!
I typically read historical fiction. While it’s not strictly, it’s my favorite genre. I said I would never read a fantasy. Ew. Gross. No. But the popularity made me bite. I loved it. I’m now on Iron Flame. I’ve gotten a couple other fantasy books that I’ve yet to read, but am widening my horizons because of Fourth Wing. To each their own. I didn’t get it because of tiktok. I got it from the hype on FB.
Historical fiction girlie here too. I don’t particularly care for fantasy ~ just don’t choose it when I’m looking for my next book. I have co-workers that love this series and I picked it up bc my middle school daughter loves dragons (Wings of Fire series). I like it!! It’s immature, yes. But it’s still enjoyable and I find myself swept up into the whole world. Great for listening to while I walk the dogs!
I enjoyed it also. Yes, it’s fantasy, but a nice escape. Not every read must be an object of literature critique. Sometimes, it okay to just “enjoy the ride.” (Yes, cliche). Seriously, though it may not be everyone’s “cup of tea”. the audiobook narrator brings much emotion to the events, which are non-ending.
I also listened to the sequel. If the books are adapted to movie, I’ll watch. The action scenes alone would be thrilling.
If you enjoyed the Hunger Games books, you’ll likely enjoy this particular series.
I have just recently finished reading this. I stumbled upon it without knowing the popularity of it caused on Tik Tok. I found it to be a fun read, and I am on the wait-list for the second book in the series. Yes, very predictable plots but I generally liked it. Nice story with a good girls win vibe. When I want unpredictable I will go back to some Koontz.
Personally I disagree with this entire article. But to each their own.
❤️❤️❤️❤️ I heartily agree. It was a fun read. Some folks shouldn’t take themselves so seriously. Have they written a book?
I, too, agree. Not every reader has a lit degree and for those new to reading, this book is a fantastic door-opener to more dense reads that require depth and understanding at this level. I have a lit degree and while I love books like that, I loved the escape I had with Fourth Wing. Not every book we enjoy has to be from the Canon or at a level that all ages cannot enjoy.
Same. I fell in love with the book and 3 other women I work with loved it as well. I will recommend this book all day. It’s a cross between hunger games, based kinda like the show dragon house and the constant bickering of two people that fell a love connection but not sure about it. Love the dragons in it and everything about it. Rebecca Yarros knew exactly what she was doing when she made this. I believe any of those that Love Harry Potter would love this!
It’s nothing next to Harry Potter
Don’t be daft
Yeah she knew exactly what she was doing because she cut and pasted every other dramatic YA novel. That’s the problem that the person is pointing out. The fact that it’s comparable to the hunger games when they’re trading their own elite Force is one of the greatest plot holes of the whole story. Name me one elite force in history where they just rampantly murdered people (during basic training no less), including in ways that don’t include skill. They’re at war with lots of troop losses, if she wanted to kill off cadets she could have done it in actual war. She basically took every trope in this current market and stuffed them all in one story.
I love this series. My granddaughter and her husband also read it. I highly recommend it.
Not every book has to be deep and thought provoking. Also as a Romantasy book – of course the love interest is easily recognizable, and follows a certain formula. That’s the point.
I loved it. I read a lot of fantasy, romance, and sci-fi. This was a great read for me and my friend groups. Don’t take life too seriously.
You are doing nothing but trying to get reads and views. I’ll bite. I read like CRAZY. this serious is the absolute best two books I’ve ever read. Friend gave me book one for Christmas. I was knee deep in a book so my mother started. I finished the first on in 3 days. Over nighted the second and finished it in less than two days. Greatest depiction and story line. Even if you aren’t into fantasy it’s a must read. You are someone who sucks the soul of great things. Amazon picked it up for a serious. (horrible read right) don’t listen to these people and read it she’s a genius
At least she isn’t giving her Readers the run around like George R.R.Martin has with the songs of Ice & Fire ending The Winds of Winter he refuses to give any update been 13 years since Dance with Dragons
… Just because you like something doesn’t make the writer a genius nor the book good. As somebody’s that reads exclusively fiction I hate the influx of these terrible writers into the genre. They add a little sex for a quick buck and you guys bite. But just like romance novels they lack plots and good writing. Try some Brandon Sanderson. Not only can he hold a plot line but he can hide little secrets along the way they’ve got revealed.
Your pretentiousness bores me.
and yet you took the time to write this little comment <3
it’s just a fun book that is a great casual read. we need more fun and unserious books and i’m glad you agree with that !!
👆🏼
I found myself skimming along, eagerly awaiting something more gripping in this article. Yarros might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s perfectly fine. But did you really have to tear down and belittle someone’s work just because it didn’t cater to your personal taste? And then to generalize and disparage a whole community of avid readers who find joy in losing themselves in a story, regardless of its predictability?
Clearly, you possess intelligence aplenty. Imagine the positive impact you could make if you redirected your energy away from hurling frustrations and negative opinions, and instead channeled it towards something constructive for the world.
Why not write a book infused with the depth you believe is lacking? Lift up an author whose work you genuinely admire. Offer shoutouts and recommendations for others to discover and enjoy great literature
Yes! Agree 100%.
No this wasn’t great literature nor was it promoted as such. Escape into a fun story is its primary goal and it fulfilled that! And lastly Booktok is huge! We promote tens of thousands of books both good and bad! We are bringing people back to reading and saving the publishing industry as well!!!!!!!!
Well said. If many people are reading and enjoying this book, as I did, then it’s a great work of art. Critics act like every book, movie, etc. needs to be objectively a masterpiece or its garbage.
I mean it’s legitimate to complain about a terrible book everybody’s in love with for no seeming reason. That’s what opinion pieces are. Maybe it’s because I’m asexual so the sex doesn’t pull me in but why do you guys actually like the book? The plot is so transparent you could tell what’s happening, and I’ve read plenty of books like that. But her plot choices are so nonsensical. Like the fact that a cadet training program could be compared to the hunger games is the biggest issue right there. And they don’t even mostly die for useful reasons, usually a stupid chance. No wonder they are losing the war. I’m surprised the dragons haven’t ditched them completely. And this is garbage. You got hooked on the sex or something. As somebody who usually gets obsessed with dragon books I couldn’t even get into the dragon part.
This book goes into the category of romance novels that have miscategorized themselves in order to sell more copies.
I am am avid reader and enjoyed this book. I think anything that gets people reading that don’t normally read is a win. Period.
I’m reading it right now and find it enjoyable. There are some things that you can see coming a mile away but that doesn’t detract from the overall fun of the story.
I’ve read it. Gotta say-the above reviewer isn’t wrong here. But…I’m continuing the 2nd book, simply to finish what I’ve started. I’m an avid reader, even have a few YA series I like. I have many authors I reread and even buy audiobooks of favorite authors, no matter how often I’ve revisted their series.
I won’t re read this one.
I would have to say you are the minority here. And if you thought this book was so poorly written, predictable, and boring, what book would you recommend that you think is not?
Probably something considered “great literature” that would but you to sleep with it’s symbolism.
Any book by Brandon Sanderson. And if you like dragons literally the wings of fire is a better book line. Robin Hobb has a good series about some cripple dragons fighting for survival in a human world. Most fantasy books that don’t involve the word hot and steamy in their review quotes. (That is a sure giveaway that it’s really a romance level trash novel pretending to be fantasy). The Mercy Thompson series. Etc etc.
Now this author does make a terrible book exciting so you can actually get through it. But that just means she had the potential to write a better book than she did.
I feel like these are like the “Mean Girls” book reviews. There seems like there is a clique of reviewers that want to bring down a newcomer to keep the popular authors on top. This author might not be perfect but show me one that is! Look at John Grisham, I thought his writing was horrific!!! Nevertheless, his books received praise and movies created that over exceeded his writings. So, leave the girl alone and let her learn and live her dream!!!
I don’t know It was pretty terrible. I’ve read hundreds if not pass a thousand fantasy books and everything article says it’s true. If anything she could have pointed out more failures it just would have been spoiler heavy. This author does have potential though. After all usually books this terrible I put down but I was able to push through because she could put together a compelling story. Now she just needs to move away from the heavy cliche. And also not make assumptions about the intelligence of her writers being low (When you’re getting spoon fed foreshadowing that shouts the plot line that’s what it usually indicates). Even if she had removed the random killings from slipping on a wet stone, it would have improved it. Even an elite program that eliminates cadets left and right wouldn’t we do that by killing them off. That’s a lot of quality soldiers you could put in the infantry when you’re losing a war. Even the dragons, if you went to all the trouble of starting a bond with somebody why would you just let them slip off your back and yolo off. Heck why would you do that when you’ve been training with the person for 3 months. Well they slipped too bad… 🤦♀️ She wanted to create dramatic tension by having lots of people you know die, like people keep pointing out hunger games. But this is not the right setup. It just makes the deaths hollow and stupid. They’re literally at war, you could have plenty of people dying because of that. (Which is what makes it even stupider that she went with the slipping on a wet rocks method).
It’s a fun, quick read and second book has tons of twists.
I loved the second book!
While I agree this is not “A Tale of Two Cities”, I don’t believe anyone has said it’s going to be a classic. I personally thought it was great fantasy read, then again I just love to read. I would give your article 3 stars just for being a pompas, arrogant read…not my cup of tea but a3 star for effort.
Reggie calling it like it is.
It’s not getting the attention it’s getting for being the next literary masterpiece. Maybe people like myself with Ehlers-Danlos who are chronically ill are enjoying seeing themselves portrayed as a protagonist in a fantasy setting. Maybe it’s for us. This review is really myopic and frankly pretentious.
Yes! I was so delighted that I nearly cried when I realized the heroine has EDS or something similar!
I’m so glad it wasn’t a Tale of Two Cities because I hated that book! It was such a bore.
I agree— it’s awful. Almost every sentence of how “hot” and attractive the main live interest is— not reading the rest of the series
Right I think the term sex sells applies to what’s happening with this book. People that seemed engrossed in that seem to be glossing over how many terrible plot holes are in this book. I think that’s why most of the people that seem to be agreeing with the article also find the sex part of the book lacking.
I 110% disagree with this article. When it comes to an enemies to lovers, I don’t really understand how absolutely different you can expect the romance to be, but this book is not focused on romance. The story is a refreshing, different, and engaging. Especially w some of the twists you definitely do not see coming. I think the author of this article doesn’t understand good story telling in the least and I did not find this on tik tok. I think the author of this article Just thinks it’s cool to be in the “minority” of disliking the book. It has such wonderful writing that is written perfectly for an audiobook and adult themes (and no, I don’t mean just sex).
Why does this Op piece sound so angry?!?
I read 150-200 books a year and, unless I’m bored out of my mind, hate the subject, or there’s a crazy amount of typos/grammatical errors, I finish the book and move on.
I think whether or not a book is “good” is subjective. What moves one person may mean nothing to another. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed book 1+2 of this series. Maybe because it was so different than my typical choice. Yes, it reads like YA, but I couldn’t put it down and am looking forward to book #3. Suspect it’ll make a great movie!
P.S. Listened to a bit on Audible while driving and it had me laughing out loud.
lol this was so funny to read and it’s kinda true. There are some super overused tropes in fantasy (e.g. pregnancy, weak, petite girl falling in love with the bad boy, the bad boy having dark hair and a dangerous past). I have not read this book but honestly reading this article makes me want to read it more. The plot line itself seems interesting to me as a lover of fantasy. I can just skip past the spicy parts that I don’t like, because those are pretty cringe and unrealistic ngl.
I loved these books and I’m not usually a fan of what everyone else is reading. I found them to be exciting from beginning to end. Unlike other popular series, they kept me engaged and wanting to know what would happen next. Maybe the op just went into them expecting to have this opinion.
THIS IS SO TRUE. It’s like the most popular book right now on Booktok, and I don’t understand it. I too found myself skimming the pages for more exciting scenes, and it was so PREDICTABLE. Waited a long time on a library wait list to get THIS??? I didn’t even finish the book… 💀
This review would have been even better had you included Yarros’s blunder in using an endangered language (Scotts Gaelic) and not even bothering to learn how to properly pronounce the words in the first place. It’s the cherry on top of the disappointment that is Fourth Wing.
No re-definition needed. What makes a book popular is…people read it. Lots of people. More than an average number.
Do I like this genre-NO. No more than I like the Potter books or those Kite Runner things. I’m not interested in a protagonist who is going through puberty. But these books are undeniably popular.
I received this book as a Christmas gift and picked up the second when it went on sale at a local bookshop. I have not read either, yet, but am looking forward to them. I hope you are wrong in your criticisms, as I really love a good fantasy read! I’ll chime in again once I’ve read Fourth Wing.
I agree with most of what you wrote. It feels like Twilight but with dragons and demons. If you cut out the over the top “romance” it’s a fine story.
I have yet to read the series but it sounds like your just not into this type of book. I mean not every genre is everyones cip of tea. However instead of dragging the book you could have given a different type of criticism im sure they are plenty as is with any book. I personally dont mi d the cliches in romance type books i like to get lost in the story most books have some level of cliches and predictability especially with romance ya types
So glad to find an honest article about this book and popular books in general. BookTok has kind of destroyed the bar for books actually needing to be good and well written. It’s fine to enjoy some stuff casually, but so many of these popular books are just lazy and people are acting like they’re so great. It’s all about cashing in on the same tropes. Bad boys and enemies to lovers and of course lots of super graphic sex scenes! I hope people who like these books find this leading them into similar things that are actually well done. Readers deserve better and frankly writers deserve A LOT better. I’m hoping we see good quality authors who put a lot of thought and care into their work getting this level of attention.
I completely disagree with this article. I thought Fourth wing & Iron flame were great reads! I genre hop a lot in my reading and fantasy is the flavor of the week and I thought it was a very fun read. I honestly couldn’t put it down I just had to know what happened next. Ending the books on cliff hangers leaves the readers chomping at the bit for the next book. I don’t think the author deserved such a scathing review of her work. There is a reason it’s popular and it’s not just because it was on tik tok it’s in fact engaging and the characters are developing more has the story unfolds. I recommend this book to a few of my friends and they also loved it. It’s a great read if you like reading fantasy.
While I agree that the book is predictable and the writing can be subpar, it was still fun. Which is, for me as a fan of fantasy, the whole point of reading. And if books like this are a gateway to a lifelong love of reading, then I am all about it. My hope is that it eventually leads them to better reads that have more depth, but in their own time.
I appreciate your opinion. I didn’t mind the cliches in the first novel of the series, but the second one has left me frustrated! For example, Riorson, conveniently has a private shower room everywhere he goes. Regardless of the narrative, it doesn’t fit when other marked ones are forced to share. Which, leads to the unnecessary sex scenes. I started to think I picked up a smut novel. I understand sex sells, but after this series, I’m reminded how much I appreciate depth.
I enjoyed the series. Don’t go into reading them expecting an adult level read. It’s not! It’s not advertised that way, not written for a younger crowd. The themes are fun and whimsical, if you want thought provacting and un predictable read “Where the crawdads sing.” It’s a fun easy read and it has people talking. Sounds like a success to me.
I actually thought Where the Crawdads Sing was predictable. I saw the end coming in the first few chapters. I did really like it other than the mystery aspect.
Maybe people like the simple plots because it’s like real life. We humans can be fickle creatures and aren’t always as complex as we make ourselves out to be.
My mom watches Hallmark movies, I read and loved Fourth Wing. I am aware that it wouldn’t win any literature awards but I had a ton of fun and couldn’t put it down. I could also see the tropes coming a mile away and that made me want to read it more! Pure wish fulfillment. Of course the bad boy is the love interest. Of course the black dragon no one has seen for years is going to be the one that bonds with her. Life is short, let people enjoy things and don’t be a snob.
The book is supposed to be a fun escapism not some immaculate classic literature. The moment ppl like you figure that out is the moment yall enjoy the book.
While I disliked a lot in the first book, the only one I read so far, the main problem i have is the author could only make the MC and love interest seem smart by reducing every other person to a sub sentient drooling imbecile.
It’s just bad writing.
I read it. I think it would have been much better if there wasn’t a 1/2 a chapter about Xaden Riorson’s lips in every chapter. It’s crazy that one character is so infatuated with another that others die because they can’t focus. You don’t have to have dripping desire in every single chapter. This is what kind of destroys the plot and actually takes away from the complexity of the characters.
Somewhat enjoyed the first book but had to plod through the “Iron Flame”. There’s no chance that I will buy book three.
I agree with a lot of this review but I think the politics of Fourth Wing are its strongest aspect. I wish review touched on those aspects of the book.
What politics?
I am an avid reader and found myself being transported into the books. I loved it and absolutely loved the spin on dragons in fantasy books. I split my days between king hours at work and longer evenings taking online courses and both of the books provided me with some much needed escapism and excitement! I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
I’m so tired of people trashing this series. Plenty of authors use these tropes. Doesn’t mean it’s a bad book. It’s a great story and I can’t wait for the 3rd book. This much hate over a book is pathetic. Let people like what they like. It’s like people are trash talking it just to be “cool” move on
I completely understand why some people wouldn’t like this book because the writing is simple. I wouldn’t say the writing it’s bad because I’ve read Fifty Shades of Grey and the like. However, I loved the book and thought it was an easy read. Not all book have to have deep meaning. It’s a fun book that even my grandmother loved (which I did not expect at all). Let people enjoy things.
I’ll admit the cliches are… Well very blatant. But I also enjoyed the book because I have the same condition. Having a heroine with a disability, much less *my* disability (and the author’s) is so incredibly validating. That being said, I agree the book is not without issues.
I’m not usually a fantasy reader and most romance novels irritate me but I loved FW and IF. Are they perfect-no. Was I captivated-oh yes.🌩️🗡️💔
I wholly disagree with this. These books are great and a lot of fun. I know multiple well educated and well read people that love these books. The books are not perfect by any stretch but this review feels weak and poorly reasoned like overly negative click bait. It feels narcissistic to think that if something is popular and well loved there is not something to connect with here given so many obviously do, even if it is not for everyone. This review is so poor it does not even clarify what this person’s normal reading interests are or if they are even interested, or experienced, in reading fantasy.
Just let people enjoy things. I don’t understand the need to criticize the things that others like just because you don’t.
Don’t yuck someone else’s yum.
It’s that easy.
I think it captures people in their late teens / early 20s well. It’s not Shakespeare, but it’s a good read and I think the person who wrote this forgot how they were when they were young, dumb, etc ;). I’m almost finished the second book and thoroughly enjoyed it so far. The second book reveals a lot of the why’s from the first book.
“Books can be accessible and still have depth, meaning and good writing. There are so many middle grade and juvenile fiction novels, like “Howl’s Moving Castle,” that require a lower-level reading comprehension but don’t sacrifice other elements of the novel in order to do so.”
Can you recommend some of these books? Thank you! 🙂