Fourth Wingmeets Romeo and Juliet. This fantasy romance retelling about a Fæ Prince from the Winter Court and his forbidden romance with the Fæ Princess of the Summer Court is impossible to put down!
Prince Boreas is eager to start his last year at Nathair Caisteal, the famous dragon rider school of Draakonia. Anything to heal his broken heart. But when Princess Idalia of the Summer Court enters her first year, sparks fly. And not just from their dragons. He tells himself it’s because of their family’s history, nothing more, nothing less.
Princess Idalia is finally living her dream as a trainee dragon rider at Nathair Caisteal. Though the course is demanding and the constant threat of ‘death by dragon’ lingers in the air. Turns out Boreas, the son of her family’s rivals, is also a student there. It isn’t before long attempts on her life begin. Despite being her prime suspect, Idalia is surprised to learn Boreas isn’t behind the attacks. She’s even more surprised to find him determined to help her survive till graduation. Is it purely to keep his family’s name in the clear, or does he have an ulterior motive? Or is that just wishful thinking on her part?
Of Wings & Fury is a complete *standalone, enemies-to-lovers novella* inspired by the ultimate star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. With magic, spice and a guaranteed happily ever after—it’s perfect for fantasy romance fans looking for their next hot read!
Georgiana Kent is a writer of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She has always been creative and loves telling stories of enchanting worlds brimming with magic, mystery, and romance. Her novels are richly detailed fantasies on an epic scale marked by unique world-building, and a host of strong, diverse characters waiting for you to fall in love with.
Georgiana writes profound emotional journeys that delve into the intricate interplay of love, loss, and personal growth.
For fans of contemporary fantasies featuring mystery, shifters, time travel, and slow-burn romance, the Soul Dominion series is a must-read. But if you prefer steamy fantasy romances with 'who did this to you' morally grey characters, you'll love her Warring Hearts series of standalone retellings.
You can follow Georgiana on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram @authorgeorgianakent
I’m not sure what everyone else who wrote a review read, but it could not have been the same book I read. Sure, it’s common for fantasy books to have similarities. There’s only so many tropes and so many ways to tell a story. But there’s similar, and then there’s plagiarism. This is dangerously close to the second. Feuding families? Check. A FMC with a debilitating chronic illness that makes her physically weaker than others? Check. A family that made her go to the dangerous dragon riders school anyways? Check. Trials leading to a final test where they bond with a dragon and get powers? I could go on and on, from large plot points to small details, this book was a poor copy/paste of Fourth Wing. Just go read that, or some of this authors other works that are (hopefully) her own ideas.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my review.
It's a Fourth Wing meets Romeo and Juliet with a dash of mystery.
If you are someone who hates when books take inspiration from others, then don't read this -- it is not for you.
There was a lot of Fourth Wing inspiration, mostly around the school set up with dragons being bonded. The author did take the inspiration and make it her own. The Romeo and Juliet aspect was well done, I loved the split with Acts/Seasons with the Shakespeare's quotes.
The novella had a lot of word choice oddities which I'm relieved did not continue into this book.
Overall, I had a great time reading it. Probably not the best one to read after any of the Empyrean books though. There was an even amount of plot to romance and a lot of great 1 liners!
The writing, the world building the story all very good. I really enjoyed it and I loved how it’s a stand alone too.
BUT there are some scenes. Some likeness that pulled me out of the story with how similar it was to Fourth Wing at times. There was a lot different but having just read onyx storm the series was fresh in my mind, the similarities were a bit jarring. Also the name Boreas for the MMC , it reminded me too much of Boris and there’s nothing sexy about that name 😅
Romeo and Juliet? Heck yes! With a taste of dragons??? Double HECK YES! When an author goes through the process of creating an impressive coat of arms, maps, and descriptions, displayed beautifully, it whets my appetite to see if the same attention to detail will follow. As this is my first time reading this author, I had no inkling of what to expect but when it started in a format like a play...I was in heaven.... and very soon, oh golly, not even 4 chapters in, I was panting as though I'd run a marathon, barely able to catch my breath. Why.... you're probably asking, well, good glory is it already gory! This is an Academy read so unlike any I've read. There are Fae, there are vampires, there are all manner of species and there are dragons! But these dragons, mostly, are on the vicious side, if they don't deem you worthy, ummm...fire by dragon or being chomped in half is what happens! So yes, rather an ominous Academy and definitely not for the feint of heart! Or someone who doesn't have full functionality.... like Idalia...Tnjngs
Idalia, Princess of the Summer Court, is enrolled into the Academy, Nathair Caisteal, and against all odds manages to beat the deadly ascend to the academy. Very perilous journey up a very daunting terrain and mountain. Especially for one with an affliction such as hers, when many able bodies plunged to their death. Then she has to face the many perils of the Academy, the sorting ceremony being just another dangerous event. I loved her character immediately, she doesn't give up, she shows all the toughness she has, her resolute and determined nature comes to the fore and I do confess, as hairy as it was, I was cheering her on. And then she meets Boreas, the Prince of the Winter Court, who, although very pleasing to look at, is far from a pleasing persona! To add insult to injury, he's her squad leader....See, the Summer and Winter Courts don't exactly see eye to eye, the animosity between them runs deep, very deep and well, suspicion and dislike rears it's head. As if the Academy trials aren't enough of a challenge for Idalia, her very life is at stake, by the unknown and for an unknown reason. Which just ramps up the intrigue and desire for me to see the why. Things escalate to the point that Boreas appoints himself her tutor/bodyguard, which leads to some very interesting occurrences, of which both are in major denial of. I could almost see Fate with a grin in her face, wagging her finger at them both. I don't think there were 2 characters that so complimented each other, Boreas, is captivatingly gorgeous, I loved him to bits! And Idalia, through determination, through feistiness, through dangers, through tragedy, true grit shines through. The Fates got this match spot on!
Even though this book is definitely leaning towards the darker read, there is a beautiful strand of hope, love, friendship and family, a very unlikely kindling of a very unlikely romance, balancing the gore and violence of this world. I have enjoyed the mix of characters, some exuberant and kind, like Lorelei, a great friend to Idalia, Asterin, a cool and protective sister, others... like Re'Niah compliment the 'goodies' with their being the 'baddies'. The author did a superb job of giving each character their own flair, their own identity. I love the theme that's woven through the book, the weak and downtrodden can rise, they are not defined by impairments, perceptions can be mistaken. As this quote, from a dragon declared, "Sometimes you are at your strongest when you are at your weakest"
What an impressive tale! The Romeo and Juliet aspect comes out in full force in the final chapters, so much tension and when the perpetrator who attacked Idalia is unveiled, well HECK! I did not see that coming! But there's an even more radical twist at the end which unhinged my jaw...In case it isn't clear, I really loved this book!
Of Wings and Fury took me by surprise in the best way. At first glance, I expected a fairly typical fantasy romance star-crossed lovers, dragon-riding academies, a sprinkle of magic but what Georgiana Kent delivered was so much more layered and emotionally satisfying than I anticipated.
From page one, the tension between Prince Boreas and Princess Idalia crackles both in their mutual disdain and the unmistakable chemistry that simmers just beneath. Kent leans into the enemies-to-lovers trope with sharp banter, slow-burn longing, and just the right amount of spice to keep it deliciously addictive. But what really pulled me in was the emotional depth: Boreas’s grief and guilt are palpable, and Idalia’s determination to carve her own path while constantly watching her back gives her an edge of vulnerability I wasn’t expecting.
The world of Nathair Caisteal feels vivid and dangerous; the dragons aren’t just decoration they’re characters in their own right, and I loved how their personalities mirrored their riders. The dragon training sequences were tense and immersive without getting bogged down in endless detail. And the assassination attempts? Kept me guessing till the very end. I found myself flipping pages late into the night because I had to know who was behind them.
Is this book revolutionary? No. But it never pretends to be. It’s fast-paced, heartfelt, and satisfyingly romantic. The Romeo and Juliet inspiration is there, but Kent smartly twists the tragic origin into a hopeful, healing journey. No cliffhangers, no frustrating miscommunication tropes dragged out for drama just two people from warring courts who dare to choose love, with a few battle-scarred dragons and political stakes thrown in.
If you liked Fourth Wing but wanted a bit more heat and a bit less heartbreak, or if you’re a sucker for forbidden romance with real emotional payoff, this novella will absolutely scratch that itch.
Final thoughts: It's a perfect weekend binge read, and I kind of wish there were more stories set in this world. Would I read another book about Draakonia or the Fæ courts? Absolutely.
I have previously read the Soul Dominion series by this author, which I loved, but wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, which is a romantasy reimagining (if you will) of Romeo and Juliet. Well I loved this every bit as much!
Idalia is our MFC. She is a fae Princess of the Summer Court, who faces many challenges in her quest to become a dragon rider, not least of which are the health issues which initially meant she would not take the training required.
Prince Boreas is from the fae Winter Court and it is fair to say that the two courts do not get along! He is in his third year of training and is no more pleased to see Idalia, than she is to see him.
As if it is not enough to be at risk of death by dragon throughout the training process, it soon becomes clear that Idalia’s life is at risk from other quarters. She suspects Boreas due to the animosity between their families, but he insists on his innocence and, much to her surprise, takes her protection very seriously.
As the trainees continue their training continues, friendships and loyalties are forged but is everyone all that they seem? Who is trying to kill Idalia?
The story builds with plenty of twists and danger. Alongside that, the relationship between Idalia and Boreas proves to have plenty of surprises of its own!
Other characters play an important role, Idalia’s sister Asterin, and also her friend Lorelai, among them - they are also well fleshed out.
The end is packed with action, emotion, surprises and revelations. Then comes a further twist, regarding another character, which leads into the next book.
I have enjoyed this book SO much and will now go and read the prequel, before eagerly anticipating book two in this series, which cannot come soon enough!
Basgiath meets Romeo + Juliet with a little bit of Grishaverse and Hogwarts thrown in for fun. This was almost a fanfic of Fourth Wing in how heavily it borrowed from some ideas and setups. The influence is unmistakable - however, I will say that in the end Kent managed to make it her own story and not a retelling of someone else's. Despite some of my quibble, I did enjoy reading it and flew through the book.
Of Wings and Fury is focused more on the relationship and romance between Boreas and Idalia and also borrows heavily from Romeo + Juliet. I loved all the little nods and Easter eggs to the classic tragic romance. It starts as a typical enemies to lovers and goes through quite a bit but when it settles they join in a very different sort of conflict. None of this interminable will they, won't they, I love you, I hate you - JUST MAKE UP YOU MIND angsty frustration.
The broader cast of characters and their changes over the book surprised me too. The next book will feature a different couple and promises to expose some of the political intrigue that was introduced in this book.
I'm always very excited and curious to read books by authors I've never heard of, or never read previous books by. I hadn't read anything Georgiana had put out but was super happy to receive the arc for OWandF.
While it definitely felt like quite a few elements were inspired by Fourth Wing, there were definite differences that made reading it to completion worth while.
Truth be told, alot of times I don't care much for the main female lead, however Idalia was consistent and enjoyable throughout the story. Boreas (while I'm not fan of the name; personal preference I guess) was a "kicking your feet" good time MMC. I'm all about the "touch her and..." possessive boys so he was right up my alley. The love was fantastic by the ending. I also adored the dragons and their personalities!
One of the aspects I really appreciated about Georgiana's writing is the lovely world building and ease of understanding it. Super thankful to have had the opportunity to ARC read this book and I would recommend, however do be prepared to read some similarities with FW.
DNF @10% I know this book is “inspired” By others but there’s barely any original writing in it. Just felt like it was a badly written merge of acotar x fourth wing.
I am at a loss for words at how anyone could genuinely rate this 5 stars.
It’s like “hey babes you know you should probably between vampires, fairies, werewolves and dragons, all of them is a bit insane. What you going for?”
“Yes”
This is a literal paragraph from the first chapter:
“The candidates were a veritable cross-section of Myrrithia with people coming from all over the world: Draakonians with their tribal markings, Noxterrans with their telltale raven-black hair and blue eyes, merpeople from Atlantis with their scaly skin shimmering in the early morning light, Khandûrnis and wolfmen shifters, warriors from Cala-hearn, Avalonians and echomorphs, angel knights from Laputa, Valkyries from Valhalla... There were even some vampires wearing long-sleeved tunics against the possibility of sunshine. Skin tones varied from pale white to ochre, bronze and dark brown.”
It was at this moment I knew this was likely to be a DNF.
Idalia is a princess of the Summer Court. She is the 4th sister and is considered a “spare” so she is allowed to attend the Dragon Rising Academy, if she can make the brutal journey required. She has an illness that makes it even more difficult and dangerous for her, but luckily she has her sister and has made friends along the way. But to make matters worse, a member of her family’s long time rival, Boreas, is her squadron leader. When someone starts making attempts on Idalia’s life, is it Boreas or is there someone else after her? Idalia is a strong FMC. She doesn’t let her “disability” stop her from anything. Even though she hadn’t been planning on going to the academy for a couple years and wasn’t as “fighting fit“ as she had been, she pushes through. She never once lets it stop her, nor does she complain. She’s also a bit snarky, esp to Boreas. Boreas is the Prince of the Winter Court and has as much dislike for Idalia as she has for him. He’s a cocky, arrogant fae and definitely puts Idalia in her place. But when she suspects him of the attempt on her life, he makes sure that no harm will come to her. I do t know that I would say this is dark fantasy, but it definitely has its darker moments. From the beginning there are cut throat competitors and even some that are just unlucky. And details are not spared. This academy is not meant for the weak and in some areas, viciousness is rewarded. Keeping your morals intact while surviving the other students and her would be assassin is one of their biggest challenges. And the surprises! There were some suspicions I had throughout the book as to possible villains, but I was only partly correct! I was blown away at the end when everything was revealed (more than just the perpetrator) and also by the losses to them all. As I was reading, I have to admit, I did get a little emotional. There is some on page romance, I would say 1.5-2 out of 5. Nothing you can’t skip past if it’s not your thing and if it is your thing then you’ll love it! This book was hard to put down and the closer I got to them end, the more I had to know what was going to happen!
This book was a lot of fun! It was Fourth Wing meets Romeo and Juliet, and the last 20% or so of the book leaned hard into the Romeo and Juliet vibes. When the finale of the book was being set up I started to get a little nervous because it was so similar to Romeo and Juliet that I thought it might end as a tragedy! And I didn’t see the ending coming. The “unmasking” of the villain took me by surprise.
The story did follow some of the plot points of Fourth Wing a little too closely at times. Although I did actually like Idalia more than Violet, to be honest. And it does feel like this story was laying the stage for future books that will take place outside of the dragon rider academy (at least that’s what it seems like). It’ll be fun to see where the story goes from here. I’m looking forward to seeing Ty in the next one.
This book was good. It helped me get through the lull between FW and IF and waiting for Onyx Storm to release. I received it as an ARC and I appreciate the author giving me the chance to review it for my honest feedback. It was very reminiscent of FW.
I think the FMC could grow up a little and the MMC could use a little more explanation earlier in the story, but overall a solid story. I wish it hadn't been rushed in the last 50-75 pages. I feel like a lot happened then and there was a lull in the middle.
Sometimes, the writing felt juvenile, but that may have been intentional because of the characters. I'm unsure. I think there is definite room for improvement, but I will definitely be back for more in this world!
Thank you for the ARC, unfortunately, while I gave it a try, I discovered that I don't think the writing style is for me. I think I didn't connect with the voice and tone of the writing. I loved the idea of dragons and fae with magic but sadly the execution of the beginning didn't keep my interest. The characters weren't particularly memorable but I loved the idea of the dragon riders being fae. In the end I decided that it was best for me to move on and DNF.
1.2 out of 5 rating for me!
(An ARC was provided for an honest review. I leave this review voluntarily.)
Idalia and Boreas Well, if you like fourth wing, this book is for you if not, well maybe don't pick it... Its very similar to the dragon saga but still it's entretaining and very fun to read. There are the enemies to lovers troupe, like Romeu and Juliet that give a litlle extra Spice and them, we have mysteries to solve.
Have you read fourth wing? It's like that but slightly different, with less dragons. Disappointing because I LOVED the first one of this series that was a Hades Persephone retelling.
I loved this book from start to finish! I haven’t read Fourth Wing, which is mentioned in the information, but I liked the idea of the Romeo and Juliet style love story. I really enjoyed the description of the lessons in the dragon rider school and the relationships between the different characters. I found the characters likeable and the descriptions vivid and imaginative. Great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow wow wow! I simply can't put into words how amazing this book is! This is my first read by this author and I was not disappointed what so ever! I was on the edge of my seat for the entire read and couldn't put the book down! I didn't see the twist cooking at all and I love the Romeo and Juliet theme! I can't wait to read more by this author!
If you’re looking for a great enemies to lovers romantasy, this is it! I can’t describe in words how much I enjoyed reading this book from the first to the last page. It’s a solid 5+ ⭐️ for me, and I can’t wait to reread it in the future!
Love the unique names like the sisters Idalia and Asterin. There is also names as Cybele, Saskia, Boreas, Re’Niah and so on. Love that it isn’t just normal names.
In the beginning it’s about Idalia have to do this journey. To do the dangerous Ascent and at the same time watch out for those who falls while doing it. Idalia and Lorelai become instant friends and help each other during the ascent.
But the danger isn’t over just because they made it through the ascent.
They have training, studies and so much more to learn about everything they need to be dragon riders, if they can survive for so long to be able to fight a war against Lycians. But to do that, they need to survive.
It really kept you on your toes every page, it never felt boring.
But as I said, a simple review won’t do this amazing book any justice. It’s one of my favorite all time reads, and I can’t recommend it enough.
Very well written and both the world and character building are exceptional. Princess Idalia's lifelong ambition is to join the military elite as a dragon rider. First though, she has to survive a gruelling initiation in order to be accepted into the dragon riders academy at Nathair Caisteal. In fact, the selection process is not only gruelling, it is also deadly. One misstep could result in the candidate plummeting hundreds of feet to their death. Once past this first hurdle, Idalia is shocked to find out that her wing commander is Prince Boreas - as if things weren't difficult enough, now she has to be able to cope with taking orders from a member of the family who have been her families enemies for hundreds of years! Such a shame that he is truly gorgeous and that she can't stop imagining how it would be to 'get to know him better!'
Add to this the fact that someone is clearly trying to kill her and will clearly stop at nothing to get their way, and you have a story which will hold your interest from page one right up to the end. A real page turner, recommended!