Blog 7: Critical Review of the Dramatised Adaptation of Fourth Wing (Part 2 of 2) by Rebecca Yarros

I next chose to critically review the most popular GraphicAudio on Audible, Fourth Wing (Part 2 of 2) by Rebecca Yarros. Another epic fantasy story. In this review, as with the previous audiobook, I will critically examine the strengths and weaknesses of this adaptation. Focusing on how the elements I collected, by listening, to construct a cue list of the first five minutes of the audiobook contributes to its immersive quality, I will also be considering listener feedback from Audible reviews.

Cue	Type	Description	Time
1	Intro 1 V. O.	“This is audible.” Male voice over.	1 sec
2	Sound Logo	Cinematic opening sound effect followed by a short, tense melody comprised of three notes in minor tone.	13 secs
3	Intro 2 V. O.	Slogan: “Graphic audio, a movie in your mind.” Reverb. Low, dramatic male voice.	7 secs
4	Underscore	Orchestral strings. Upbeat. Battle-like.	17 secs
5	Intro 3 V. O.	“Graphic audio presents The Empyrean, Book 1, the Fourth Wing. Part 2 of 2. By Rebecca Yarros…”	13 secs
6	Underscore	Orchestral drums. Quick tempo. Battle-like.	41 secs
7	Male V. O. 1	Old. “Wise” voice like. Reverb. Reading an extract from a history book from the Empyrean world.	35 secs
8	SFX	Magical explosion.	8 secs
9	Narrator	Young female. Quick paced. Tense.	18 secs
10	Underscore	Simple repetitve tension buidling beat.	2 mins
11	SFX	Single drop of blood.	less than 1 sec
12	Narrator	Young female. Quick paced. Tense.	7 secs
13	Female V. O. 1	Child like female voice over. Reverb to reflect telepathic communication.	4 secs
14	Narrator	Young female. Quick paced. Tense.	1 min 6 secs
15	SFX	Footsetps against hard wood floor.	3 secs
16	SFX	Clothes shuffling and footsetps against hard wood floor.	3 secs
17	SFX	Footsetps against hard wood floor.	3 secs
18	Female V. O. 1	Child like female voice over gasp. Reverb to reflect telepathic communication.	less than 1 sec
19	Narrator	Young female. Quick paced. Tense.	4 secs
20	Male V. O. 2	Male voice with a deep, low baritone. Reverb to reflect telepathic communication.	less than 2 secs
21	Narrator	Young female. Quick paced. Tense.	17 secs
22	SFX	Footsetps against hard wood floor.	less than 5 secs
23	SFX	Magical sound that sounds like whispering. Unnerving.	less than 5 secs
24	SFX	Single finger click.	less than 1 sec
25	Male V. O. 3	Male voice with a mid, deep baritone. Tense/angered.	2 secs
26	Underscore	Low, dark drones reflecting the tension in the scene.	1 min 8 secs
27	Narrator	Young female. Quick paced. Tense.	less than 4 secs
28	Male V. O. 4	Higher pitched with fright/shock.	less than 1 sec
29	SFX	Dagger clanging to the floor.	1 sec
30	Narrator	Young female. Quick paced. Tense.	2 secs
31	Male V. O. 3	Male voice with a mid, deep baritone. Tense/angered.	7 secs
32	Male V. O. 4	Higher pitched. Confrontational.	7 secs
33	Male V. O. 3	Male voice with a mid, deep baritone. Tense/angered.	2 secs
34	SFX	Magical sound that sounds like whispering. Unnerving.	17 secs
35	Narrator	Young female. Quick paced. Tense.	30 secs
36	SFX	Sounds of multiple people choking as they’re being strangled.	9 secs
37	SFX	Sounds of multiple people falling down onto their knees then collapsing onto the floor.	5 secs
38	SFX	Slow footsetps against hard wood floor.	5 secs
39	SFX	Sound of metal scraping hard surface as a dagger is lifted from the floor.	less than 1 sec
40	Male V. O. 4	Higher pitched with fright.	less than 1 sec
41	Male V. O. 3	Male voice with a mid, deep baritone. Tense/angered.	3 secs
42	Underscore	Orchestral. Tense. Thriller like.	37 secs
43	Narrator	Young female. Quick paced. Tense.	less than 2 secs
44	Male V. O. 3	Male voice with a mid, deep baritone. Tense/angered.	10 secs
45	SFX	Sound of leather-gloved hands tightening around a hilt.	1 sec
46	SFX	Sound of dagger slitting someone’s throat.	2 secs
47	Narrator	Young female. Quick paced. Tense.	23 secs
48	SFX	Blood gushing from a throat wound.	16 secs
49	SFX	Someone choking on their own blood.	less than 9 secs
50	SFX	Someone falling down onto their knees then collapsing onto the floor.	5 secs
51	Male V. O. 4	Male voice with a mid, deep baritone. Sarcastic in tone.	1 min 30 secs
52	Narrator	Young female. Quick paced. Tense.	3 secs
53	SFX	Footsetps against hard wood floor.	4 secs
54	SFX	A sword being sheathed.	2 secs

Cue List

Strengths of the Adaptation

Immersive Sound Design
A major strength of Fourth Wing’s dramatised adaptation is its sound design, which complements the high-stakes action of the narrative. From the very first moments, the audience is thrust into a tense world, underscored by cinematic sound effects like magical explosions (Cue 8), footsteps on hardwood floors (Cues 15, 17, 22, 38, 53), and the chilling sound of metal scraping against a hard surface (Cue 39). These sounds are not merely decorative; they enhance the pacing and urgency of the scene. The inclusion of magical whispers (Cues 34) and the unnerving sound of choking (Cues 36, 49) for instance, pulls the listener into the visceral experience of danger and conflict. The effectiveness of the sound design is reflected in the length and complexity of the cue list, which is almost double that of A Court of Frost and Starlight. This increased length is justified by the constant shifts in tone, mood, and action within the scenes. The quick cuts between dialogue, sound effects, and music create a dynamic flow that mirrors the tension in the plot, particularly in the opening sequences.
The Role of Music and Underscoring
The music in Fourth Wing is more refined compared to that in A Court of Frost and Starlight, where the music at times detracted from the narrative. The orchestral underscoring in Fourth Wing serves as a subtle but powerful tool to amplify the drama. For example, the use of battle-like orchestral drums during the historical introduction of the world of Fourth Wing adds intensity without overshadowing the dialogue. The music enhances the emotional stakes of the scenes, creating a balance that allows the listener to feel fully immersed in the world of the Empyrean. It does not distract or overwhelm but adds depth to the overall experience.
Voice Over Performances
The voice acting in Fourth Wing plays a critical role in shaping the narrative’s tone. Multiple voice actors bring the characters to life, with distinct vocal qualities assigned to each one. For instance, the contrast between the youthful, tense narration of the protagonist and the gravelly, low baritone of the male voices adds texture and diversity to the storytelling. The use of reverb and specific vocal tones to reflect telepathic communication also enhances the otherworldly feel of the story. Additionally, the voiceover acting has been praised in several listener reviews for its emotional range and ability to convey tension.
Cinematic Quality
As the reviews suggest, many listeners feel that this adaptation “is like a movie in your mind.” The combination of high-quality sound effects, well-timed voiceovers, and immersive music creates a vivid auditory experience that closely mimics the feel of a visual film. The dynamic nature of the soundscape—combined with the dramatic, action-packed sequences—draws the listener into a sensory experience that feels both immediate and engaging.

Weaknesses of the Adaptation

Over-Acting and Character Portrayal
One of the primary criticisms that emerged from listener reviews is the over-the-top nature of some of the performances. Many found the voice acting, particularly the portrayals of certain characters, to be overly dramatic and steeped in the “teenagery” tone. This can be off-putting for listeners who prefer a more restrained, nuanced approach to characterisation. While the heightened drama may work in certain climactic moments, it risks undermining the subtler aspects of the narrative, where more reserved, emotionally complex performances might have been more effective. The over-acting may distract from the plot, making it harder for some listeners to engage with the characters on a deeper level.
Narrow Appeal
While many listeners praised the dramatisation for its “movie-like” quality, this style may not appeal to all audiobook fans. Some may prefer the more straightforward, solo-narrated versions, where the emphasis is solely on the story and the narrator’s interpretation of it. The dramatised format, with its multiple voices and extensive sound effects, might overwhelm listeners who are seeking a quieter, more introspective experience. A couple reviewers mentioned they preferred the original audiobook by Rebecca Soler over this dratamised adaptation.

Conclusion

The dramatised adaptation of Fourth Wing (Part 2 of 2) by Rebecca Yarros succeeds in creating an immersive, dynamic, and engaging auditory experience. The rich sound design, effective underscoring, and varied vocal performances contribute to a production that feels cinematic in its execution. However, the adaptation is not without its flaws. Overacting and an occasionally excessive reliance on sound effects may detract from the storytelling for some listeners, particularly those who prefer a more subtle or restrained approach.

Overall, the success of this adaptation depends on personal preference. For those who enjoy a sensory-rich, action-packed audiobook experience, the dramatised adaptation of Fourth Wing offers just that. For others, the dramatisation’s intense style might prove distracting, making it more challenging to connect with the characters and narrative on a deeper level.

Bibliography

Audible. “Fourth Wing (Part 2 of 2) (Dramatized Adaptation).” Audible, Graphic Audio LLC, 9 Feb. 2024, www.audible.co.uk/pd/Fourth-Wing-Part-2-of-2-Dramatized-Adaptation-Audiobook/B0CQPY2P84?qid=1732867486&sr=1-2&ref_pageloadid=ofL0WjyhdqiJIPsP&pf_rd_p=c6e316b8-14da-418d-8f91-b3cad83c5183&pf_rd_r=JAJGCTMS8DRKJF0HCBX7&plink=RRGeoFqwSlBkOMcW&pageLoadId=QOSaHSHdUQ7bBrYP&creativeId=41e85e98-10b8-40e2-907d-6b663f04a42d&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_2. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Yarros, Rebecca. Fourth Wing. Entangled: Red Tower Books, 2 May 2023.