What Year Is Xaden In Fourth Wing

Alright, let's dive into the super cool world of Fourth Wing and figure out where our favorite brooding dragon rider, Xaden Riorson, is chilling in terms of his school year. It's a question that pops up more often than a dragon deciding to take an unscheduled nap on the battlements.

So, is Xaden a fresh-faced first-year, tripping over his own feet and trying not to get eaten by a griffin? Nope, that's definitely not our Xaden. He's way past that stage. He's got the kind of confidence that comes from knowing exactly how to wield a sword and charm (or terrify) everyone around him.

Think about it. When we first meet Violet Sorrengail, she's the newbie, the one who's terrified of everything and everyone. And then there's Xaden. He's already established, he's a leader, he's got a reputation that precedes him like a thunderclap. You don't get that kind of swagger in your first year.

He's also got a whole lot of baggage, right? We're talking about a history with the rebellion, with his family, and with the entire political landscape of Navarre. That kind of deep-seated drama? It doesn't happen overnight. It takes time and, let's be honest, a few epic battles and probably a dramatic academy incident or two.

So, What Year Is He Really In?

Here's the big reveal, the answer that makes everything in Fourth Wing click into place. Xaden Riorson is a Third-Year cadet at Basgiath War College.

Yep, you heard that right. He's not a scaredy-cat first-year, and he's not yet graduated. He's in that prime middle ground, where you've seen enough to know what you're doing, but you've still got plenty of challenges ahead. It's the perfect spot for maximum drama and intense training!

Being a third-year explains so much about his behavior. He's got the skills, he's got the authority, and he's got the experience that comes with surviving two full years of brutal training. He's seen classmates fail, he's faced down real threats, and he's probably had to make some incredibly tough choices already.

Why Third Year Makes Perfect Sense

Let's break down why this makes so much sense for Xaden. For starters, he's already got his dragon, Sgaeyl. Getting a dragon is a massive deal, and it usually happens towards the end of the first year or in the second year. So, he's had time to bond with her, to learn her ways, and to become the formidable rider we know and love (or fear).

Plus, he's already got a squad. Think about his friends, the people he rolls with. They're not fresh out of dragon-hatching kindergarten. They've got their own dragons and their own experiences. This all points to them being further along in their college careers.

And let's not forget the whole "he's secretly training the rebellion" angle. That's not something a first-year could pull off. It requires connections, influence, and a deep understanding of how the college and the military systems work. A third-year would have that kind of insight.

Imagine the pressure on a third-year. They're not just worried about passing their exams anymore. They're thinking about what comes next. Graduation is looming, and the stakes get exponentially higher. They're the ones who are supposed to be ready to go out there and fight.

It also explains his relationship with Violet. He sees her as this tiny, vulnerable thing, and part of him wants to protect her. But he also sees her fire, her determination. He's experienced enough to recognize those qualities and to be intrigued by them, even if he tries his best to deny it.

"He's not a newbie anymore. He's a veteran in training, with all the scars and wisdom that come with it."

Think about the challenges Violet faces in her first year. She's trying to survive, to prove herself. Xaden is already established, facing his own set of deeply personal and dangerous challenges. He's a step ahead, which makes their dynamic so incredibly compelling.

His leadership skills are also a dead giveaway. He's the one people look to. He's the one who can rally others. That kind of natural authority doesn't just appear. It's forged through years of experience and proving oneself.

And let's not forget the romantic tension! A third-year rider is probably more focused on survival and his own mission, making his unexpected fascination with Violet all the more potent. It's not just a crush; it's him being pulled out of his carefully constructed world.

So, when you're reading Fourth Wing and you see Xaden being all mysterious and powerful, remember that he's a seasoned cadet. He's got a couple of years of intense training, dragon bonding, and probably a few near-death experiences under his belt.

It's what makes him such a captivating character. He's not just some random guy; he's a third-year cadet who's already been through the wringer and is ready for whatever comes next. And that, my friends, is what makes the ride so exhilarating!

Next time you're diving into the pages of Fourth Wing, picture Xaden not as a beginner, but as a skilled, battle-hardened cadet. It really adds a whole new layer to his already awesome personality. You get to appreciate his struggles and his strengths on a whole new level!