If you were swept into the wild world of Fourth Wing and its sequel Iron Flame last year, then chances are you’re also rereading the series to prepare for the third book, Onyx Storm, which comes out on January 21, 2025. I’m not usually one to reread books, but I enjoyed this series so much, I had no choice! It turns out, there are many benefits to rereading a series.
If you haven’t heard of the Fourth Wing craze, here’s a brief run-down: Fourth Wing is a romantasy (romance + fantasy) novel set in a world where cadets train to graduate in one of four quadrants: riders, scribes, healers, or infantry. The story follows a young woman, Violet Sorrengail, who is unwillingly thrust into the deadly and competitive dragon rider’s quadrant. In her first year at Basgiath War College, she must learn to navigate dangerous challenges, form alliances, fight for her life.
During my first time through Fourth Wing, I read the physical copy and ran out to buy the sequel, Iron Flame, because I couldn’t wait for my library hold to arrive. Now, I am rereading the pair as audiobooks on Libby for a new perspective.
Here are a few takeaways from my experience with rereading a series:
First, the high-intensity scenes are more enjoyable. If you’re someone who is sensitive to high-intensity action scenes, or particularly graphic content like violence, torture, and the like, I’m finding that I’m far more relaxed the second time through. I’m not as on edge when I know what’s coming and, therefore, I am enjoying the scenes a bit more.
Second, the fast-paced scenes aren’t quite as confusing. I’m much more capable of slowing down and savoring the scenes that swept me away on my first read through. As a result, I can pick up more details and pay attention to elements I missed the first time.
Third, the characters feel more deeply developed. I’m guessing this is largely due to noticing more details, especially in the fast-paced scenes. Each character’s actions and dialogue feel more intentional, and I’m better able to understand their motives and intentions.
Fourth, rereading a favorite book can be a comfortable escape from reality. Rereading the first two books in The Empyrean series feels like stumbling upon a favorite warm weather vacation spot and yearning for its company on the coldest days of winter. The pages of a favorite book or series are a welcome place to retreat.
My favorite scene in Fourth Wing occurs during threshing, the annual event at Basgiath War College where first-year cadets attempt to bond to the dragon they will ride for the rest of their lives. That is, of course, if they manage to survive. The suspense of this moment had me on the edge of my seat during my first readthrough but returning to it a second time has given me a much deeper understanding of the scene. The scene demonstrates that it is possible for moments of tenderness and courage to emerge in even the most brutal of worlds.
While we are often eager to read the next new book on our reading list or whittle down the growing stack on our bedside table, there are also many benefits to rereading our favorite books. There will always be more to read, new characters to meet, and new worlds to discover, but this shouldn’t stop us from stepping back into the familiar and comfortable pages we have encountered in our past, allowing ourselves to sit with them for a second (or third) time and potentially discover something new.
What about you? Do you ever reread some of your favorite books? And if you’re someone who has never done so, are you willing to give it a try? Happy reading (and rereading!)
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