Xaden Riorson is the dark and mysterious love interest of Rebecca Yarros’Fourth Wing, and it’s easy to see why the book’s heroine — and many of the readers — appreciate this character so much. When Violet Sorrengail first meets Xaden, the two have every reason to hate one another. However, they don’t stay enemies long, andXaden quickly becomes one ofThe Empyrean Series’best characters. From his powerful signet to the way he protects the people he cares about, there’s a lot to love about Xaden.
Fourth Wingfan artcaptures Xaden’s personality well, highlighting some of his key moments and relationships from Yarros' romantasy books. It’s a testament to his popularity that he’s inspired so much artwork, and much of it serves as a reminder of his best qualities fromThe Empyrean Series.Just asfan art of Violet Sorrengailmakes us love her more,fan art of Xaden Riorson drives home what a great character he really is.
10Xaden Makes An Impression In This Fourth Wing Fan Art
It Captures How Intimidating The Wingleader Can Be
Part of Xaden’s charm is that he comes off as intimidating and lethalat the beginning ofFourth Wing,and this fan art from@carraertshows him looking fierce and serious in his flight leathers. Although we learn that Xaden has a kinder side asThe Empyrean Seriescontinues, this piece explains why Violet is initially so intimidated by him. The stars on his leathers showcase his rank, further emphasizing what an effective fighter, rider, and leader Xaden is.
It highlights why Xaden stands out from the rest ofFourth Wing’scharacters, serving as a reminder of why the other riders respect him so much.
Xaden makes a strong impression from his first scene inFourth Wing,and this fan art has the same effect. It highlights why Xaden stands out from the rest ofFourth Wing’scharacters, serving as a reminder of why the other riders respect him so much. The dragons in the background are a nice touch, too, especially since this fan art plays up his role at Basgiath.
9Xaden’s Bond With Sgaeyl Is A Highlight Of The Empyrean Series
This Fan Art Shows What An Impressive Team They Are
A rider’s bond with their dragon is extremely important inThe Empyrean Series,and although they aren’t as entertaining as Violet and Tairn,Xaden and Sgaeyl are one of the best duos from Yarros' books. This fan art from@ksenita_artdepicts them together, reminding us what a great team they make. Xaden and Sgaeyl look at ease standing side by side, and it’s clear Sgaeyl views him as a worthy equal — even though she’s one of the more fearsome dragons introduced inFourth Wing.
It’s fitting that this angle of the characters shows off Xaden’s eyebrow scar, too, as Sgaeyl’s the one who gives it to him. The fact that he survives such an encounter with his dragon proves that he’s worthy of being her rider. This entire piece is a testament to what a great dynamic they have, and it doesn’t even show them riding into battle — something that can also be seen in a lot ofFourth Wingfan art.
8This Fourth Wing Art Shows Xaden & Sgaeyl Flying Together
They Make A Fearsome Duo In Battle
We see Xaden and Sgaeyl riding into battle multiple times in the first twoEmpyrean Seriesbooks, and@nyastellar’sfan art offers an idea of what that would look like. It shows Xaden on his dragon’s back, and he’s using his shadow signet while they fly. There’s a black blur behind him, so we can assume Violet and Tairn aren’t far off. This feels right, as the two of them often fly and fight together, and their dragons don’t like to be apart for long.
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Xaden looks at ease on Sgaeyl’s back, emphasizing how much they trust one another — and what a capable rider he is. This competence is what makes Xaden’s character one ofThe Empyrean Series’most powerful players, and it’s why people follow him. Hopefully, his riding abilities and other skills don’t become a problem afterIron Flame’s shocking ending.
7Xaden’s Shadow Signet Makes Him One Of Fourth Wing’s Most Powerful Characters
This Artwork Shows Off His Ability
There’s a reason Xaden’s shadow signet makes an appearance in mostFourth Wingfan art of him, and it’s because it’s one of themost powerful abilities in Yarros' series. Although Violet’s lightning signet takes the cake, Xaden’s shadow-wielding proves a capable weapon. He protects Violet with it numerous times, and he also rises through the ranks at Basgiath thanks to his impressive power. This fan art from@indigowildcardsees him using his signet while his dragon flies in the background.
This art highlights what a fearsome warrior Xaden is, and the two swords on his back really drive that point home. Of course, the shadows are his greatest weapon.
This art highlights what a fearsome warrior Xaden is, and the two swords on his back really drive that point home. Of course, the shadows are his greatest weapon. And they suit his dark, broody personality well — so much so thatit’s difficult to imagine Xaden without shadows curling around him.
6Xaden Is Always Looking Out For Violet
This Fan Art Shows The First Time They Meet
Xaden is always looking out for Violet, andIron Flamereveals the real reason for this: because he made a deal with General Sorrengail to keep her daughter alive. And although Xaden gets further invested in Violet’s safety and well-being later on, he’s actually watching out for her from the moment they meet. This fan art by@wickedfaeartcaptures that scene, depicting Violet and Xaden speaking to each other before she crosses the parapet.
Xaden and Violet’s relationshipis one of the biggest strengths ofThe Empyrean Series, and it’s nice to see key moments between them brought to life.Xaden does a solid job of playing it cool when he first encounters her, and this piece captures that. It’s also a great reminder that he was always in her corner, even when he didn’t know her.
5Xaden’s Rebellion Relic Is A Reminder Of What A Great Leader He Is
He Takes Responsibility For The Marked Ones
ThisFourth Wingfan art from@cc.book.chroniclesshows Xaden shirtless, highlighting the rebellion relic on his arm.The mark is a reminder that he’s a child of a Tyrrish Rebellion leader, and it also symbolizes the fact that he’s a great leader himself. Xaden isn’t ashamed of bearing the rebellion relic, and he actually uses the mark to his advantage. He does whatever he can to help the other Marked Ones at Basgiath, starting a revolution of his own.
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This winding symbol makes an appearance in many pieces ofFourth Wingfan art dedicated to Xaden, but it’s especially prominent here. This piece does a great job of capturing the mark and connecting Xaden to the Tyrrish Rebellion. The only artwork that drives home his dedication to his fellow Marked Ones more shows the scars on his back as well.
4Xaden’s Scars Can Be Seen In This Harrowing Fourth Wing Artwork
They Represent The 107 Children He Takes Responsibility For
There’s no better symbol of Xaden’s leadership than the 107 scars on his back,which were given to him by Violet’s mother. These represent each of the rebellion children he claims responsibility for, highlighting his commitment to protecting the people he cares about.Fourth Wingand its sequels reveal how far Xaden will go to help the other Marked Ones survive Basgiath and become riders, and that journey begins when he receives his scars.
It’s easy to respect Xaden after learning about the sacrifices he makes for his people.
This harrowing fan art from@cc.book.chroniclesshows Xaden’s scars, serving as a reminder of what he goes through beforeFourth Wingeven begins. It’s easy to respect Xaden after learning about the sacrifices he makes for his people. Basgiath may harden him, but he still tries his best to help them.
3This Fourth Wing Fan Art Captures Xaden & Violet Sparring
He Treats Her Like A Capable Equal (Unlike Dain)
Xaden may look out for Violet throughoutThe Empyrean Series, but he doesn’t treat her as weak or fragile. As her wingleader inFourth Wing,Xaden tries to give her the tools to defend herself against those who would harm her. ThisFourth Wingfan art of the duo sparring together emphasizes that, but@ajn_artalso captures the tenderness between the characters. Xaden has no problem wrestling Violet to help her improve, but he’ll also pick her up after he’s made his point.
This is precisely what makes Xaden a good teacher and leader, and it’s why he’s leagues ahead of Dain.
This is precisely what makes Xaden a good teacher and leader, and it’s why he’s leagues ahead of Dain. Dain doubts Violet’s abilities throughoutFourth Wing,butXaden acknowledges her as a fighter and an equal. This is why she falls for him, and she’s not the only one who appreciates this quality.
2Xaden Is The Ideal Brooding Antihero In This Fourth Wing Fan Art
It’s Why He’s So Popular Among Romantasy Readers
Fantasy romance books tend to have mysterious, brooding heroes, andXaden perfectly fits that description in this fan art by@booknuts_. The artist captures the scene at the end ofFourth Wingthat finds Xaden hiding from his feelings on the parapet. Violet crosses it to show how much she cares, and it takes some convincing to get Xaden to open up to her.
One might think an emotionally closed-off man isn’t appealing, but they tend to make fiction way more interesting. This side of Xaden is what makes him appeal to romantasy readers, andit’s so satisfying to see his walls come down inFourth WingandIron Flame.They may go back up whenOnyx Stormdebuts. However, as this scene shows, Violet won’t let him off the hook that easily.
1This Artwork Showcases Violet & Xaden’s Chemistry
There’s A Reason Readers Love Fourth Wing’s Romance
Xaden is a great character on his own, buthis chemistry with Violet Sorrengail takes his popularity to another level inThe Empyrean Series.There’s a reason readers loveFourth Wing’s central romance so much, and this fan art by@jacqueillustrateshighlights it well. Violet and Xaden aren’t even kissing in this illustration, but their attraction is palpable. It’s easy to see how much they care for one another (and how eager they are to show it).
There are so many great details in @jacqueillustrates' artwork, from Violet’s armor to Xaden’s two swords. And the fact that both of them are so interested in each other, even when they’re clearly prepared for battle, feels extremely accurate. After all, Violet and Xaden are always hanging off one another in Yarros’Empyrean Series.It doesn’t seem to matter what threatsFourth Wingand its sequels throw at them; they’ll always find a way into each other’s arms.
Onyx Storm
Violet Sorrengail faces new political intrigue and battles old enemies while uncovering the secrets of her second signet. As she strives to save Xaden from venin corruption, her relationships with allies and dragons are tested, leading to intense confrontations and unexpected revelations in a world of dragons and magic.
