Xaden Riorson

  • Age: 22-23 (Xaden is the oldest of the marked ones)
  • Height: 6′ 4″, maybe slightly taller
  • Eyes: Gold-flecked onyx, diagonal scar bisecting his left eyebrow and marking the corner of his cheek,
  • Hair: Windblown thick black hair
  • Species: Human
  • Other Physical Descriptions: Yarros has confirmed in interview that Xaden is a POC, warm tawny skin, muscular, dark brows, strong jawline, dark stubble on his face, diagonal scar bisecting his left eyebrow and marking the corner of his cheek, deep voice, he is known to flex his jaw when angry or upset, massive chest and shoulders. Violet describes his smell as mint, leather and an unidentifiable floral-citrus smell.
  • Skills: Combat, intelligence, leadership, public speaking,
  • Personality: Cold and logical, Xaden is a stereotypical morally gray character, he is intelligent, strong willed, dominant, admired, feared, determined, humble
  • Family Members: Fen Riorson (father), Bodhi (cousin)
  • Relationships: Xaden is friends with Garrick, Bodhi and Liam. He and Liam were fostered together after their parents were killed after the Tyrrish Rebellion.
  • Rank: Third-year rider, wingleader for Fourth Wing
  • Dragon Bonds: Sgaeyl. Can speak to Tairn through the bond between him and Sgaeyl.
  • Signet(s): Shadow wielding
  • Relics: Rebellion relic starting at the top of his left wrist dips and swirls up to his neck and stopping at his jawline,
  • Death:
  • Quotes:
    • “‘She should have killed you in the field, but she’s merciful. That’s now a flaw I possess’” (Yarros 224).
    • “‘I’m not going to baby you like Aetos does’” (Yarros 229).

Mira warns Violet to stay away from Xaden Riorson, since he has a personal vendetta against Violet’s family. Xaden’s father was the Great Betrayer who led the rebellion against Navarre.

In chapter 1 of Fourth Wing, Xaden noticed Violet has given Rhiannon one of her riding boots to help her cross the parapet. This is where (I feel) he begins to like her. “He looks down, noting our mismatched shoes, and arches a brow. His hands relax. ‘Interesting’” (Yarros 20).

In chapter 16 of Fourth Wing, Violet finds out that by bonding Tairn, she’s tethered to Xaden for the rest of their lives. Tairn and Sgaeyl are a mated pair, which means their riders are connected through their bonds as well.