Is Fourth Wing Spicy? A Complete Guide To The '3/5 Pepper' Spice Level And Explicit Chapters

The question on every new reader's mind is simple: Is *Fourth Wing* actually spicy, and if so, how spicy? Since its release, Rebecca Yarros's viral romantasy novel has dominated the bestseller charts, and its blend of high-stakes military fantasy with a passionate romance has sparked countless discussions across social media. As of today, December 12, 2025, the book is widely classified as having a moderate-to-high spice level—specifically, a 3 out of 5 on the typical romance scale—meaning it contains several detailed, "open-door" explicit scenes that are central to the main characters' development.

This article will break down exactly what that 3/5 spice rating entails, detailing the nature of the romantic content, why it's considered "steamy" but not "smutty," and how the intimate moments between Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson actually serve to advance the larger plot of the Empyrean series. Whether you are a reader who prefers to skip the explicit parts or one who seeks out a deeply passionate storyline, understanding the context of the spice will enhance your reading experience.

Rebecca Yarros: The Author Behind the Empyrean Series

The success of *Fourth Wing* and its sequel, *Iron Flame*, has propelled author Rebecca Yarros into the global spotlight, cementing her status as a leading voice in the romantasy genre. Before penning the dragon-rider phenomenon, Yarros was already a prolific author known for her contemporary and military-focused romance novels.

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• Full Name: Rebecca Yarros
• Born: April 13, 1981, in Washington, D.C., U.S.
• Education: Attended Troy University, where she studied European history and English.
• Career Highlights: #1 *New York Times*, *USA Today*, and *Wall Street Journal* bestselling author. She has written over twenty novels across various romance subgenres.
• Personal Life: She is a military spouse and mother of six, including a child adopted through the foster system. She began writing while her husband was deployed in Afghanistan.
• Notable Series: The Empyrean series (*Fourth Wing*, *Iron Flame*) and the Flight & Glory series.
• Current Project: The Empyrean series is currently being adapted for a television show.

Yarros's background as a military spouse often influences her writing, lending a sense of urgency, high stakes, and deep emotional connection to her characters, which is evident in the perilous environment of Basgiath War College in *Fourth Wing*.

The Official Fourth Wing Spice Level: 3 Out of 5 Peppers

When readers ask, "Is *Fourth Wing* spicy?", the most accurate answer is a solid three out of five on the popular "pepper scale." This rating places it firmly in the "steamy" category—a book that features explicit, "open-door" romance scenes but is not solely focused on sexual content, which would be a higher 4 or 5 rating (often referred to as "smutty").

What the 3/5 Spice Rating Means:

• Explicit Scenes: Yes, *Fourth Wing* contains scenes of a sexual nature that are explicitly detailed.
• Quantity: The book features two main, fully "open-door" romance scenes. The rest of the book contains significant flirting, tension, and passionate kissing/making out.
• Focus: The primary focus of the novel remains the fantasy plot, the dragon riding, the military training, and the political intrigue. The romance is a strong subplot, but the explicit scenes are interspersed with hundreds of pages of action.
• Character-Driven: Crucially, the intimate scenes are not gratuitous. They are used to deepen the relationship between Violet and Xaden, explore their vulnerability, and advance the emotional stakes of the story.

The balance between the high-fantasy world-building and the intense, passionate romance is what defines *Fourth Wing* as a successful "romantasy." Readers who enjoy the romantic elements of fantasy novels like *A Court of Thorns and Roses* or *From Blood and Ash* will find that *Fourth Wing* aligns well with that level of heat.

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Identifying the Spicy Chapters in Fourth Wing (Spoiler Warning)

For readers who prefer to skip or prepare for the explicit content, knowing which chapters contain the "open-door" scenes is highly useful. While the entire book builds romantic tension—from the early rivalry between Violet and Xaden to their forced proximity—the most explicit scenes occur later in the novel once the characters' relationship has reached a boiling point.

The two primary explicit chapters are generally cited by the reading community as:

1. Chapter 28: This chapter marks the first true "open-door" scene between the main couple. It is a highly anticipated moment that follows a significant emotional turning point in their relationship, driven by the intense pressures of their environment at Basgiath War College.
2. Chapter 33: The second major explicit scene occurs shortly after the first, further solidifying the bond between Violet and Xaden. This scene is often noted for being more intense and emotionally charged, reflecting the heightened stakes they face.

Beyond these two chapters, there are numerous other moments of intense kissing, physical affection, and steamy dialogue that contribute to the overall spicy atmosphere of the book. These scenes are essential for showing the characters' commitment to each other in a world where their loyalty is constantly tested.

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Why the Spice is Essential for the Plot and Topical Authority

In the world of romantasy, the romance is rarely just an add-on; it is a critical engine for the plot. In *Fourth Wing*, the explicit, open-door romance scenes are not simply for titillation; they are a vital component of the narrative, giving the book a strong topical authority in the genre.

1. Highlighting Vulnerability and Trust

Violet Sorrengail is physically disadvantaged compared to her fellow dragon riders, and her survival hinges on her intelligence and finding allies. Her intimate relationship with Xaden Riorson—a man she initially believes is her enemy—is the ultimate act of trust and vulnerability. The explicit scenes emphasize the depth of her commitment and the risk she takes in lowering her guard, especially given the political tension between their families.

2. Character Development and Emotional Stakes

The romance acts as a crucible for both main characters. Xaden is burdened by the legacy of his father's rebellion and the responsibility of protecting his people. The explicit scenes provide a rare sanctuary where he can shed his emotional armor. The passion they share is a direct reflection of the intense, life-or-death environment they live in, making their connection feel urgent and necessary. This deep emotional investment is what keeps readers turning pages, not just the dragon battles.

3. Setting the Tone for the Empyrean Series

By establishing a strong, passionate, and explicit romantic foundation in *Fourth Wing*, Rebecca Yarros signals to readers that the Empyrean series will continue to feature this level of heat. The sequel, *Iron Flame*, maintains a similar spice level, ensuring that the romantic tension remains a core element alongside the escalating war and political conflict.

In conclusion, *Fourth Wing* is indeed spicy, rating at a satisfying 3 out of 5 peppers. It offers a perfect blend for readers who crave high-stakes fantasy paired with a passionate, character-driven, and explicit romance. The book's popularity confirms that this blend of dragon-riding action and open-door romance is exactly what the modern romantasy audience is looking for.