This chapter reminds us that Violet can be an unreliable narrator occasionally. She has a plan briefly before the Gauntlet, but we don’t know what it is until she makes her final attempt. We’re also able to witness people’s mixed emotions towards Violet. She has enemies, but it also seems like some of her previous enemies are (very slowly) warming up to her. Imogen teases her for her height, but there’s a sense of tough love behind her approach. I remember hating her for most of Fourth Wing, because I was under the impression she was in love with Xaden. Now looking back, I realize she shows affection in unconventional ways, like teasing and degrading. She also didn’t like Xaden, which makes her less hateable the second time around. You can also see that Imogen has a tender side by her visceral reactions to hearing the names of her fellow fallen rebel children during death roll.
One interesting thing in this chapter is the true doubt Violet experiences for the first time. In the last chapter she hints at the fact that she might want to run away to the Scribe Quadrant, but in this chapter she seriously considers it. It’s hard to tell whether this doubt stems from herself or from Dain and her other doubtful peers. Regardless, she has a plan to complete the Gauntlet. What I admire about Violet is that even though she’s going through her own inner turmoil, she doesn’t fail to show kindness and encouragement to others. She’s a very selfless person, and people that originally hated her for her lineage are starting to warm up to her.
One thing that rubs me the wrong way in this chapter is Dain. Dain truly feels that he is about to watch Violet die, so to combat this uncomfortability he acts extremely childish and cold to her. He doesn’t seem to care that if she really is about to die, this is the last interaction they’ll have together. Why wouldn’t he swallow his pride and try to be comforting and encouraging? I think he struggles with his emotional maturity at times. When Violet completes the Gauntlet by using the rope and dagger, she proves that Professor Kaori was right, that not all strength is physical.
Okay, the last thing I want to talk about is this Amber Mavis bitch. First of all, where did she come from? This is the first we see of her jealousy towards Violet and Dain’s relationship. She turns into a total Karen and makes a big fuss about Violet’s tactics. The way that Violet, Garrick and Xaden shut her down is comical. You can just tell Xaden is on her side at this point, and although he claims he doesn’t condone calling his inferior a cheater, I think he has other reasons for siding with Violet. Amber is just another rider that Violet needs to watch out for.
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