I fell in love with Fourth Wing the first time I read it, and that love hasn’t faded — but there’s still one distracting detail in Rebecca Yarros’ book that pulls me out of the story every time I revisit it. Even though Onyx Storm was released back in January 2025, The Empyrean series remains a hot topic in book circles. Fourth Wing theories continue to flood BookTok, with fans analyzing even the tiniest details in anticipation of book four. Naturally, readers — myself included — are diving back into the beginning, hoping to uncover new clues about what Yarros might have in store.
Fourth Wing is a fantastic read, but the use of modern language constantly pulls me out of the world.
The story and characters in Fourth Wing are still incredibly compelling, but I have to admit — the use of modern language pulls me out of the narrative every time. Like many romantasy novels, Fourth Wing is set in a quasi-medieval world, with Rebecca Yarros’ worldbuilding centered around sword-based combat, elemental magic, and an absence of modern technology. So when Violet and her friends casually drop modern phrases that feel straight out of the 21st century, it’s jarring. For me, it creates a dissonance that clashes with the immersive fantasy setting.
The conversation around Fourth Wing’s use of modern language has continued since its release, with platforms like Reddit providing a space for readers to freely share their thoughts on Yarros’ word choices. For some, the contemporary dialogue feels comforting and approachable — especially for those new to the fantasy genre. Others, however, find certain phrases jarring or even cringeworthy, momentarily pulling them out of the story. Both perspectives are valid, particularly as this stylistic choice becomes more common in the romantasy genre. It underscores both the advantages and drawbacks that modern language and slang can bring to a fantasy narrative.
Modern Language and Slang Are Becoming Increasingly Common in Fantasy and Romantasy Fiction
Since the release of Fourth Wing, the use of modern language in romantasy novels has become increasingly common, bringing with it both advantages and drawbacks. As the genre continues to gain popularity in book communities, many new romantasy titles seem to recognize that not every reader is a seasoned fantasy fan. By incorporating contemporary language, these stories become more accessible to newer audiences, making them easier to follow. Additionally, modern dialogue can make characters feel more relatable, helping readers connect with them quickly and absorb the narrative’s nuances with greater ease.
That said, just as in Fourth Wing, this technique of using modern language to connect with readers can backfire when overused. Most romantasy stories are set in entirely separate worlds with their own rules, histories, and cultures — worlds that wouldn’t naturally include 21st-century slang. When modern phrases are inserted without clear purpose or contextual grounding, it can feel forced and disrupt immersion. In Fourth Wing, the story is at its strongest when it leans into its character-driven narrative rather than relying on contemporary expressions. Letting the emotional depth and personal stakes take center stage is what truly makes Yarros’ work resonate.
Fourth Wing Works Best When It Doesn’t Lean Too Hard on Modern Slang
The characters in Fourth Wing remain relatable and compelling throughout the story, even without relying on modern phrases. One of the things I truly admire about Rebecca Yarros’ writing is her ability to create complex, emotionally resonant characters who feel easy to connect with, despite the unique challenges they face. As a first-time romantasy author, Yarros crafted a gripping narrative filled with tension and heart, making nearly every moment leading up to the book’s climax feel powerful — even if the journey had a few bumps along the way.
Still, the modern language in the first book of The Empyrean series does occasionally feel overdone, at times making the characters seem slightly out of place in their own world. However, those moments are relatively rare. As the story unfolds, each character’s arc develops in ways that are both emotionally gripping and easy to understand. It’s this strong sense of characterization and emotional depth that truly makes Fourth Wing such a standout novel — even as the characters’ journeys grow more complex throughout the series.
