By Okay, so let’s talk Xaden Riorson. If you’ve read Fourth Wing (and if you haven’t, what are y’all even doing with your lives?), you know this dude is something else. A rebel with a capital R, a shadow in the sunlit world of dragons and war college drama.
But who really is Xaden? I mean, I tried to pin it down, but the more I read, the slipperier he got. Like trying to catch smoke with bare hands. So here’s what I dug up — messy, imperfect, and all.
Origins: The Mark of the Son
So, Xaden’s story kicks off with a bang… or rather, a scar.
His dad, Brennan Riorson, was a straight-up rebel leader executed for treason. Talk about family drama. Xaden grew up carrying that stigma everywhere—like a permanent tattoo. You can’t exactly show up at Basgiath War College and expect a warm welcome when your family’s on the “bad” list.
- Branded.
- Watched.
- Judged.
I swear, the dude’s childhood sounds like a mash-up of a dystopian novel and a soap opera.
Anyway, being the son of a traitor might break most folks. But Xaden? Nah. He turned that weight into something fierce. Like, the kind of fierce that makes you wanna high-five him through the pages.
Basgiath War College: Hell on Earth or Training Ground?
Xaden Riorson: Basgiath War College? Imagine boot camp times a thousand. Mud, blood, and dragons that smell like old socks. (Don’t ask me how I know.)
Xaden? He’s not just surviving. He’s thriving, in his own quiet, brooding way.
- Master of combat.
- Strategy king.
- Leader of the underdogs.
I picture him in that grim, stone courtyard, plotting like he’s got chess pieces on a dragon-sized board. And honestly, I’m here for it.
The Rebel with a Plan
Here’s the thing: Xaden’s no wild card. Nope. Every move’s got a reason. I bet he’s got this mental checklist of “Things To Outsmart The System.”
- Build alliances.
- Keep enemies guessing.
- Protect the overlooked.
I swear, the dude’s probably got a spreadsheet for this stuff.
The Real Deal on Rebellion
Xaden Riorson: Now, here’s where things get tricky. The “rebellion” that Xaden’s tied to? It’s not just some angry teenager vibe.
Nah, it’s deeper. Way deeper.
- The so-called “traitors” had dirt on the crown.
- The realm? Messier than a toddler’s craft table.
- Xaden’s fighting not for chaos but for truth.
If you ask me, they’re painting him the villain ‘cause the truth’s scary. And Xaden? He’s the uncomfortable reminder.
Violet and Xaden: Love or War?
Oh, the drama. Violet Sorrengail is basically the OG enemy-of-my-enemy, but with feelings.
Their relationship is like walking on a knife edge. One slip and it’s disaster. But also, sparks.
- Initially cold.
- Slowly warming.
- All the tension you didn’t know you needed.
Their chemistry? Like that weird feeling when you hate spinach but secretly love it in a smoothie.
Shadows and Dragons: Xaden’s Secret Sauce
Xaden Riorson: Xaden’s not just a fighter. He’s got this wicked shadow power. No joke.
- Bonded to Sgaeyl (yes, a dragon with a name like that).
- Controls shadows like they’re an extension of himself.
- Uses it to disappear, strike, and terrify.
Honestly, if I had shadows following me around like a personal fog, I’d probably scare my neighbors.
Leading the Lost: A Heavy Crown
Leading a rebel crew at a war college full of enemies? Sounds exhausting.
- Watch your back.
- Make impossible calls.
- Protect your crew.
I remember trying to organize a potluck once. That was hell. Imagine that x 1000 but with death threats.
Xaden carries all that without blinking. Or at least he tries not to.
Romance, Rebellion, and Risk
Here’s a pro tip: Never mix love and war. Unless you’re Xaden and Violet.
Their slow-burn romance? Total page-turner.
- Builds trust.
- Raises stakes.
- Makes everything way messier.
Honestly, their relationship is like that one time I tried to date and study for finals. Spoiler: both went sideways.
Fan Theories: Because We Can’t Help Ourselves
The fandom can’t stop talking about Xaden.
- Is he planning a second rebellion?
- How deep is his bond with Sgaeyl?
- Is he gonna make the ultimate sacrifice?
These theories are hotter than my burnt toast experiments. (My toaster hates me.)
The Moral Code of Xaden Riorson
No black-and-white heroes here. Xaden’s all about those grey zones.
- Loyalty above all.
- Truth no matter the cost.
- Quiet sacrifice.
I bet he’s the kind of guy who’d lend you his last coin, then disappear before you can say thanks.
Why We Can’t Get Enough of Xaden
Look, I’m no psychic, but this guy’s got it.
- Strong but vulnerable.
- Complex but relatable.
- Unpredictable but grounded.
He’s the reason I stayed up past midnight last week, pretending to “just check one more chapter.”
What’s Next for Our Brooding Hero?
The Empyrean series isn’t done with Xaden.
- More drama.
- Bigger battles.
- Harder choices.
I’ll be here, popcorn in hand, waiting for the next twist. You?
Wrapping It Up (Kinda)
So yeah, Xaden Riorson is a puzzle. A rebel. A dragon’s shadow. And a whole lotta feels.
I’m betting on him, flaws and all. Because honestly? Who doesn’t love a good underdog story?