The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros has stormed the world of fantasy romance, creating a phenomenon rarely seen in publishing. With its blend of dragon riders, magical politics, and epic romance, this romantasy saga has captivated millions of readers worldwide. But with multiple books released and more planned, many fans ask: What is the correct Fourth Wing series order?
This guide breaks down every book in the series — from Fourth Wing to the upcoming finale — with key release dates, summaries, and must-know details. Whether you’re a new reader curious about Violet Sorrengail’s journey at the Basgiath War College or a dedicated fan eagerly awaiting Onyx Storm, this article gives you everything you need to read the series in the right order.
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Introduction to the Empyrean Series
Rebecca Yarros, best known for her emotional contemporary novels, entered the fantasy space in 2023 with Fourth Wing. Few could predict how fast it would become a cultural milestone. Marketed as a fantasy romance novel — or more precisely a romantasy — it combined elements of dark academia fantasy with high-stakes war college drama.
At its core, the story follows Violet Sorrengail, a fragile but fiercely intelligent young woman who is forced into the brutal dragon riders war college at Basgiath. The academy setting, rife with enemies-to-lovers tension, dragon bonds, betrayals, and alliances, has resonated with readers who enjoy immersive world-building tied to deeply human emotions.
The series is planned as five books total, published by Red Tower Books, an imprint of Entangled Publishing. Each volume builds on the last, with no standalone entries. That means reading them in publication order is crucial.
Fourth Wing (Book 1)
- Release date: May 2, 2023
- Publisher: Red Tower Books (Entangled Publishing)
- Format availability: Hardcover, paperback, e-book, audiobook
- Main character: Violet Sorrengail
The first book, Fourth Wing, introduced readers to Violet and the ruthless world of Basgiath. Violet was originally destined for a quiet scholarly life, but her general mother forces her into the Rider’s Quadrant of the dragon riders war college. Survival rates at Basgiath are terrifyingly low — dragons only bond with the worthy, and most cadets don’t survive training.
Why Fourth Wing Took Off
Several factors catapulted Fourth Wing to fame:
- TikTok virality: BookTok influencers made the novel explode in popularity.
- Unique blend of tropes: It merged the fantasy war academy setup with epic romance, appealing to both fantasy and romance readers.
- Dark academia fantasy elements: The competitive, cutthroat environment resembled a magical military college with life-or-death exams.
- Character depth: Violet’s physical fragility (due to a chronic illness) contrasted with her wit and resilience, making her relatable and inspiring.
The book dominated bestseller lists, with some special editions (like sprayed-edge hardcovers) selling out within hours.
“Dragons don’t bond to the weak.” This iconic line has become shorthand among fans for the novel’s core theme: strength is more than physical power.
Iron Flame (Book 2)
- Release date: November 7, 2023
- Publisher: Red Tower Books
- Format availability: Hardcover, paperback, e-book, audiobook
Iron Flame picked up immediately after the events of Fourth Wing. Violet, now bonded with her dragons, faces even deadlier trials during her second year at Basgiath. Secrets about the war and the kingdom’s politics unravel, pushing her into moral dilemmas.
Key Themes in Iron Flame
- Enemies to lovers: Violet’s relationship with Xaden Riorson deepens but is strained by distrust and secrets.
- Magical politics: The cracks in Navarre’s leadership and war strategies reveal deeper conspiracies.
- Higher stakes: The brutal training escalates, testing not only cadets’ combat skills but also their loyalty.
This sequel broke pre-order records for the publisher, with fans lining up for midnight releases. Within days, it topped The New York Times bestseller list and cemented the Empyrean series as a leader in the romantasy genre.
Onyx Storm (Book 3)
- Release date: January 21, 2025
- Publisher: Red Tower Books
- Status: Available for pre-order
The highly anticipated third book, Onyx Storm, is set to release in early 2025. While Yarros has kept major plot points under wraps, official descriptions hint at escalating war, shifting alliances, and Violet’s growing role as both warrior and leader.
What We Know So Far
- The title suggests themes of shadow, chaos, and rising storms — both literal and metaphorical.
- Fan speculation revolves around whether Violet and her dragons can unite fractured factions in the face of greater threats.
- Pre-orders are open at major retailers like Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Everand.
This installment is expected to deepen the series’ exploration of betrayal, loyalty, and dragon bonds, while building toward the eventual series climax.
Book 4 (Untitled)
- Release date: TBA
- Status: Confirmed as part of Yarros’ five-book contract
- Publisher: Red Tower Books
Though details remain scarce, Book 4 is guaranteed to continue Violet’s story. Fans expect revelations about the Basgiath War College, the rebellion, and Violet’s ultimate role in the conflict.
Rebecca Yarros has confirmed in interviews that each book will escalate both the romance and the stakes of the ongoing war. Readers should expect more heartbreak, epic battles, and politically charged intrigue.
Book 5 (Finale)
- Release date: TBA
- Status: Confirmed series finale
- Planned closure: Wrap-up of the rebellion arc, Violet’s fate, and the destiny of the dragon riders
Book 5 will serve as the epic conclusion of the Empyrean series. It will answer burning questions about Violet’s survival, the outcome of the rebellion, and the long-term legacy of the dragon rider tradition.
The fandom is already buzzing with theories: will Violet and Xaden survive together, or will tragedy mark the end of this epic romance?
Recommended Reading Order
To experience the series in its intended flow, read in publication order.
| Book Title | Release Date | Status | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fourth Wing | May 2, 2023 | Released | Red Tower Books |
| Iron Flame | Nov 7, 2023 | Released | Red Tower Books |
| Onyx Storm | Jan 21, 2025 | Upcoming | Red Tower Books |
| Book 4 (TBA) | TBA | Planned | Red Tower Books |
| Book 5 (TBA) | TBA | Planned | Red Tower Books |
Reading out of order will spoil major plot twists, especially because the books pick up directly after each other.
Where to Read and Buy
You can find the Empyrean series on major platforms:
- Digital/e-books: Kindle, Kobo, Everand
- Audiobooks: Audible, Libro.fm
- Collector’s editions: Sprayed edges, signed hardcovers, and Waterstones exclusives for fans and collectors
Tip: Collector’s editions often sell out within hours, so keep an eye on official announcements from Red Tower Books.
Why the Fourth Wing Series Resonates
The success of the Empyrean series isn’t just about dragons or romance. It’s about how Yarros combines tropes and themes in fresh ways:
- Enemies to lovers woven into a military academy setting.
- A heroine who challenges the notion of strength, proving resilience can be as powerful as brute force.
- Layered magical politics and betrayals that mirror real-world struggles for power.
- A balance between dark academia fantasy atmosphere and epic romance payoff.
This unique mix has created a new wave of fantasy readers who may not have engaged with the genre before. It also fueled conversations about disability representation in fantasy, since Violet’s physical limitations are central to her character arc.
Conclusion
The Fourth Wing series order is clear: start with Fourth Wing (2023), continue with Iron Flame (2023), prepare for Onyx Storm (2025), and stay tuned for the final two books. Rebecca Yarros has already confirmed that the Empyrean saga will span five volumes, meaning readers can look forward to years of intrigue, battles, and romance.
With its immersive setting at the Basgiath War College, unforgettable characters like Violet Sorrengail, and a mix of dragon bond magic with romantasy tropes, the series has earned its place as a modern fantasy classic. If you haven’t started yet, there’s no better time to dive into this whirlwind of dragons, secrets, and epic love.
Tina Grey is an experienced blogger with a passion for uncovering the best in film. With years of writing and a keen eye for detail, Tina brings insightful reviews and engaging content to Parentzia. Her deep love for movies, combined with her expertise, helps readers discover must-watch films across genres. When she’s not reviewing, Tina enjoys exploring new cinematic trends and sharing her love of film with her audience.
