There have been many novels to rise to worldwide fame thanks to Booktok, but some of the currently well-known are Rebecca Yarros’Fourth WingandCallie Hart’sQuicksilver. Both are extremely popular among fans of the fantasy romance genre, with several readers enjoying both series. But the debate still stands: which one is better? The two romantasy books share many similarities, as they both have extremely large followings and fandoms among readers, and kick off with the classic enemies-to-lovers storyline — albeit, ones that don’t last for too long.
AsQuicksilverhas only one published novel on the shelves at the time of writing this, it would be unfair to compare the entirety of theEmpyrean Seriesnovelsagainst it — but there’s still much to consider when evaluating each fantasy series' opening novel. Obviously, the two have amassed such large followings due to their compelling storylines and swoon-worthy romances, but there’s one series that I feel is more technically sound and can stand apart from the fanfare generated on social media.
Who’s The Better Heroine: Fourth Wing’s Violet Sorrengail Or Saeris Fane?
Both Are Very Similar, But One Is Better Developed In The First Book
Fourth Wing’s Violet SorrengailandQuicksilver’s Saeris Fane hold many similarities — both are fiery FMC’s with quick wit and a sharp tongue, and are each thrust into a world for which they are initially ill-equipped. This sets each up to defy the odds and rise up in power regardless of the circumstances stacked against them. And while I loved each character for their unique qualities, I feelViolet has a stronger transformation and deeper character arcinFourth Wingthan Saeris does in the firstQuicksilvernovel.
It’s hard to compare the two directly, given their different circumstances, but I feel Violet as a whole is a better developed character by the end of the first book.
Readers are very quickly acquainted with Violet’s belief system and her values, whereas Saeris struggles to find her footing for most of the narrative. While both characters have a long road ahead of them in discovering their true potential at the end of book one, Violet has a greater determination to fight for what’s right and chase after knowledge, while Saeris reluctantly explores her alchemical abilities throughoutQuicksilver. It’s hard to compare the two directly, given their different circumstances, but I feel Violet as a whole is a better-developed character by the end of the first book.
Xaden Riorson vs. Kingfisher: Which Romantasy Book’s Love Interest Is More Compelling
One Couples Relationship Is Considerably Stronger At The End Of Book One
This is probably the hardest comparison to make between the two popular romantasy book series, as both Xaden and Kingfisher are equally captivating in their series opener. The two characters each enter the narrative as the dark, moody, and mysterious counterpart to the book’s heroine, and it’s very quickly realized just how attractive both Violet and Saeris find them. However, if I’m being honest, I believeKingfisher proves himself to be the stronger love interestwhen compared to Xaden inFourth Wing.
Quicksilverreally delves into Kingfisher’s backstory and sees him open up completely with Saeris— and his decision to do so makes his character all the more compelling. This marks a huge difference between Kingfisher and Xaden, as the latter is still very closed off by the end ofFourth Wing. Obviously, Xaden is keeping secrets to keep those he cares about from harm, but it also hinders his and Violet’s connection. And while this sets up his character arc nicely in book two, comparing strictly the first books alone, Kingfisher takes the crown.
Fourth Wing’s Supporting Characters vs. Quicksilver’s Secondary Cast
Both Rebecca Yarros & Callie Hart Have Incredibly Endearing Side Characters
This one is so close, as both Rebecca Yarros and Callie Hart do an excellent job of adding levity and expanding their book’s world through its secondary characters.Fourth Wing’s Ridoc andQuicksilver’s Carrion are basically the same person, and each is incredibly hilarious and acts as a great source of comedic relief throughout the narrative. However, I’d have to sayFourth Wingultimately has the better supporting cast.
Every Major Fourth Wing Character’s Signet & What It Does
Rebecca Yarros' Fourth Wing magic system is incredibly unique, and the powerful signets riders developed throughout the series are equally so.
Yarros puts a greater emphasis on her side characters— like Rhiannon, Ridoc, or even Dain — throughoutFourth Wing, which helps them to feel a bit more fleshed out thanQuicksilver’s cast. Readers come to truly know and understand several characters in the firstFourth Wingnovel, whereas Hart introduces many but doesn’t take the time to develop them as deeply as her protagonists in the first book. Instead, Hart lays the groundwork for much of her secondary cast to hold a larger role in afutureQuicksilversequel.
Which BookTok Hit Has The Better Story, Fourth Wing Or Quicksilver?
Each Story Employs Classic Romantasy Tropes, But One Is A Bit More Unique
Again, I loveQuicksilver’s story, but it tracks very similarly to several romantasy novels that center around a human-fae romance. The market has been overwhelmed with these types of stories ever sinceA Court of Thorns and Roses' rise in popularity, and while this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, itleaves little room forQuicksilver’s narrative to be truly one-of-a-kind. WhereasFourth Wing’s overall plot and dynamics are quite unique to the genre.
The overall plot of Hart’s first novel was still intriguing, no doubt, but the fast-pacing made the story a bit harder to understand.
The construction and pacing ofFourth Wingalso reads a bit more smoothlythanQuicksilver, slowly introducing the readers to different aspects of its world-building and magic system.Quicksilver, comparatively, throws a lot into the narrative in a short amount of time — and it feels a bit like whiplash by the speed at which a new element is introduced. The overall plot of Hart’s first novel was still intriguing, no doubt, but the fast-pacing made the story a bit harder to understand.
Which Of The Beloved BookTok Series' Settings Is Better?
The Setting Is So Much More Than A Fictional Landscape
The setting is incredibly important to introduce early on in any fantasy novel, and is so much more than just a fictional landscape, but the backbone of what makes the reading experience so immersive. Simply describing a location once doesn’t equal a brilliant setting, but instead requires continual reference throughout a narrative. While bothFourth WingandQuicksilverexcel at painting a vivid picture in the reader’s mind,Fourth Wing’s relatively stationary setting allows for greater detail to be expanded upon.
BecauseFourth Wingis mainly set in Basgiath alone —Navarre’s War College— readers come to know and understand all that makes the school unique: including the layout of the rider’s quadrant, its relation to surrounding provinces, and even Basgiath’s extended territory, like the Vale. Yarros' descriptive language throughoutFourth Wingcontinues to build upon the foundations described in the first few chapters, whereasQuicksilver’s constantly shifting setting doesn’t allow for as much detail to shine through.
Why Fourth Wing Is The Better Romantasy Book
The Overall Storytelling Awards It First Place
While both of these series can be enjoyed in equal measure, the characters, unique setting, and overall storytelling found inFourth Wingset it up as a technically better romantasy book.Fourth Wing’s narrative is unique to others in the genre, and its protagonists and side characters are well-developed by the end of the first novel — which isn’t an easy feat to accomplish in one book alone.Quicksilveris just as entertaining, but when compared directly toFourth Wingit, in my opinion, takes second place.
Quicksilveris just as entertaining, but when compared directly toFourth Wingit, in my opinion, takes second place.
However, speculative fiction as a whole is subjective, and this may not necessarily ring true for other readers. Where my analysis is based on literary roles and functions, others may findQuicksilverto be the superior of the two series based on emotional impact or overall enjoyment alone. The two fantasy romance book series have become some of themost popular books on BookTokfor a reason, and bothFourth WingandQuicksilverdeserve to be recognized for their extreme success.
