So, You Want to Read *The Empyrean* Series? Here's How to Tackle *Fourth Wing*, *Iron Flame*, and *Onyx Storm*

Rebecca Yarros's The Empyrean series? It absolutely shot to superstardom. Millions have fallen for its wild mix of high-stakes fantasy, scorching romance, and deadly dragon riders. What started with Fourth Wing blowing up has become a global sensation, sparking passionate fan communities, viral discussions on BookTok, and endless theories about Basgiath War College and its formidable inhabitants. If you're new and ready to jump into this brutal, captivating world, or even a veteran rider revisiting Violet Sorrengail's perilous journey, getting the reading order right is key. This guide will give you the rundown on the series so far, helping you navigate Navarre's treacherous skies and complicated politics without getting lost.

So, Why's Everyone Obsessed with The Empyrean Series?

The Empyrean series shot up the charts because of its great story and Yarros's incredible writing. The first book, Fourth Wing, dropped on May 2, 2023, and hit #1 on the New York Times bestseller list fast, selling over two million copies in just six months. Its viral success on BookTok really helped it blow up, leading to it winning The International Book of the Year 2024 at the annual TikTok Book Awards. People got pulled into a world where dragon riders face deadly trials, political intrigue hides everywhere, and the bonds formed are as fierce as dragon fire. Seriously. The series gets props for its fresh take on romantasy, mixing intense action with a passionate, enemies-to-lovers romance. Yarros got the idea from her fascination with dragons, her military experience, and her own struggles, influencing things like protagonist Violet Sorrengail's physical struggles with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Honestly, this mix of authenticity, adrenaline, and deep emotion has made The Empyrean a total must-read fantasy. No question.

Alright, What's the Official Reading Order?

Look, for a series with such a complex world and a story that just keeps unfolding, you absolutely have to read The Empyrean books in the order they came out. It's a straightforward progression. Each book builds right off of the events, character developments, and big revelations from the last one. Jump ahead, and you'll definitely be confused. Plus, it'll totally lessen the impact of those major plot twists and emotional arcs. Don't do it.

Here's how to read The Empyrean series:

1. Fourth Wing (Published: May 2, 2023)
2. Iron Flame (Published: November 7, 2023)
3. Onyx Storm (Published: January 21, 2025)

Rebecca Yarros has confirmed the series will be five books total. So, get ready for even more adventures in this captivating world.

Fourth Wing: The Book That Started It All

Release Date: May 2, 2023

Fourth Wing throws you right into the brutal, elite world of Basgiath War College, where dragon riders-to-be either graduate... or die. Pretty simple. The story introduces Violet Sorrengail, a physically frail twenty-year-old who'd always planned on a quiet life as a Scribe, surrounded by books and history. But her intimidating mother, General Lilith Sorrengail, forces her off that path to join the Riders Quadrant—a place famous for deadly trials and brutal training that weeds out the weak.

Violet's journey is an uphill battle from day one. She's smaller and more delicate than her peers, facing huge physical challenges and the constant threat of death, both from treacherous training exercises and from vengeful cadets. Like Xaden Riorson. He's a powerful third-year rider whose father Violet’s mother executed for leading a rebellion. Despite the animosity and danger, an undeniable tension simmers between Violet and Xaden. It's complicated by their dragons' unique bond, of course.

The book really nails its world-building, introducing Navarre, its protective wards, and the complex politics around the Riders Quadrant. Think: survival against all odds, unexpected alliances, finding inner strength, and uncovering long-held secrets. Violet's smarts and resourcefulness, sharpened by her Scribe training, turn out to be her biggest advantages. They help her survive the deadly college and eventually bond with not one, but two dragons: the ancient, formidable Tairn, and the rare, golden adolescent Andarna. Pretty wild. This dual bond is unheard of, and it ties her to Xaden in a way she can't escape, especially since his dragon Sgaeyl is mated with Tairn. As Violet progresses, she uncovers a terrible secret the leadership is hiding, hinting at a much bigger war brewing beyond Navarre’s borders. Fourth Wing just perfectly sets the stage for a sprawling epic. You'll be desperate for more, trust me.

Iron Flame: When Things Get Real

Release Date: November 7, 2023

Iron Flame starts right after that explosive Fourth Wing cliffhanger, throwing Violet Sorrengail into even more dangerous situations. The truth about the venin—those dangerous dark wielders—and Navarre's war efforts just shatters Violet's understanding of everything. She's also recovering at the rebellion headquarters in Aretia, grappling with the shocking truth: her brother, Brennan, long presumed dead, is actually alive and a key resistance figure against the venin. Wild.

The story really opens up in Iron Flame, moving past Basgiath War College. We get to see the wider political landscape and this continental war that's just getting worse. Violet and the other cadets who survived the Resson attack head back to Basgiath with a dangerous secret, forced to lie about gryphons attacking them. Second-year training brings new, even more brutal tests. Violet knows her venin knowledge makes her a huge target.

A big part of Iron Flame is watching relationships deepen and trust get challenged. Violet's relationship with Xaden gets tested by secrets, especially his own hidden powers and his part in the rebellion. She struggles with who to trust, stuck in a military academy that punishes the truth and a kingdom that's lied to its people for centuries. New characters, like Liam's younger sister Sloane and King Tauri's son Aaric (who goes by Aaric Graycastle), join Violet's squad. That adds fresh dynamics and challenges.

Big plot points? Violet's mission to learn how to power up a wardstone for Aretia's protection. Xaden trying to make venin-killing daggers. And Xaden's second, forbidden signet reveal: he's an inntinnsic, meaning he can read intentions. Crazy, right? The stakes just skyrocket. The venin threat feels way more immediate, the wards start failing, and you really see the true cost of power and sacrifice. Iron Flame is a journey of impossible choices, hard truths, and the massive burden of leadership. It cements the series' reputation for relentless action and deep emotion, for sure.

Onyx Storm: What's Next for Navarre?

Release Date: January 21, 2025

Onyx Storm, the super anticipated third book in The Empyrean series, dropped on January 21, 2025—a full year after Iron Flame. That long gap? Rebecca Yarros had health limitations, so she consciously chose to prioritize her well-being. Good for her. The book, already a bestseller from pre-orders, had its cover released on July 8, 2024, and its dark design totally hinted at an ominous turn for the series. Yarros herself teased it'd have "politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." Sounds about right.

The novel picks up right after that dramatic Iron Flame conclusion, with Navarre, Poromiel, and the Tyrrendor revolutionaries all trying to form this uneasy alliance to fight the invading venin army. Violet Sorrengail's main mission in Onyx Storm? A desperate quest to cure Xaden Riorson. He transformed into a venin at the end of Iron Flame but hasn't channeled his power yet. Big problem. She thinks the key lies with the seventh breed of dragons, like Andarna—the irids.

The plot digs deeper into venin mysteries, ancient magic, and the continent's real history. A lot to unpack there. Violet's journey takes her beyond the failing Aretian wards. She needs allies in unfamiliar lands. You'll see intense political negotiations, covert missions, and brutal battles against venin and wyvern. The book confirms a bunch of fan theories, by the way, including Violet's second signet as a dream walker. Plus, Onyx Storm brings in new character signets: Garrick's a distance wielder (teleportation!), and Aaric's got precognitive abilities. Wild stuff.

The ending of Onyx Storm? It's a massive cliffhanger. You'll be reeling and absolutely desperate for the next book. In a desperate move to save Sgaeyl and Tairn, Xaden fully embraces his venin transformation, unleashing an "onyx storm" of shadow. It annihilates enemies, but deepens his corruption. Ouch. Xaden leaves with Sgaeyl to enact an unknown plan. And here's the kicker: a major twist reveals another familiar character has also turned venin, described as Xaden's "new brother." Who is it?! Still undisclosed, of course. The book also features some significant character deaths, including Theophanie, that powerful silver-haired venin woman, and Trager, Cat's boyfriend. Rough. The future of Violet and Xaden's relationship, the war, and the search for a venin cure are all left hanging precariously. Talk about fueling endless fan theories and discussions!

Seriously, Don't Skip Around. Here's Why.

For The Empyrean series, sticking to the reading order isn't just a suggestion; it's totally necessary if you want a cohesive and impactful experience. The series is meticulously crafted. Each book builds right on the world-building, character arcs, and political alliances set up in the ones before it.

• Plot Continuity: It's linear, folks. Fourth Wing leads right into Iron Flame, and Iron Flame's ending directly sets up Onyx Storm. Read them out of order? You'll miss huge plot points, character motivations, and how the war against the venin really progresses.
• Character Development: Violet Sorrengail's journey from a fragile Scribe-in-training to a formidable dragon rider, plus the complex arcs of characters like Xaden Riorson and Dain Aetos, happens little by little. Their relationships, loyalties, and personal growth? They're deeply tied to what happens in each book. Skip ahead and you won't get their evolving personalities or the emotional punch of their choices.
• World-Building and Lore: Rebecca Yarros slowly peels back the layers of Navarre's intricate lore—the dragon breeds, venin history, and the complexities of magic (signets) and wards. Every book expands on the mythology, adding crucial depth. You won't grasp revelations about the "First Six" or the "irids" without that earlier knowledge.
• Emotional Impact: This series is famous for its emotional intensity and shocking plot twists. Those moments only hit hardest when you've followed the characters' journeys and are truly invested in their struggles. Major cliffhangers, betrayals, and sacrifices? Way more poignant when you experience them in order.

Look, The Empyrean is one big, unfolding epic. To truly get its scope, its characters, and its gripping narrative, following the chronological order is the only way to "fly or die" through Rebecca Yarros's incredible world. Trust me on this.

What's Next for The Empyrean Series? Beyond Onyx Storm

After fans eagerly devoured Onyx Storm, everyone immediately started looking ahead to the rest of The Empyrean series. Rebecca Yarros confirmed the series will be five books. That means at least two more installments are coming!

But unlike the fairly quick turnaround for Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, we're probably looking at a longer wait for book four. It's still untitled, by the way. Yarros has been open about her health struggles and needing to pace herself. She's taking a more measured approach to writing new books, which is understandable. After Onyx Storm came out, she took a break to focus on her health and family. She also worked on a contemporary novel and graphic novel adaptations. Busy woman.

As of March 2026, Rebecca Yarros confirmed she's actively writing and plotting the fourth Empyrean novel. Good news! She shared updates on Instagram, saying she was building a playlist and breaking out the index cards for plotting. A clear signal she's back in the Empyrean world. No official release date yet, but fan speculation (based on Yarros's past patterns and current pace) points to a mid-to-late 2027 window. Yarros herself shot down earlier rumors of a January 2026 release, calling it "impossible."

Book four will probably dig deeper into Onyx Storm's ending consequences, especially Xaden's venin transformation and Violet's ongoing hunt for a cure—likely involving those irids. Yarros also teased, "Someone you love won't make it in book four." So get ready for more emotional challenges and potentially devastating losses for these characters. Gulp. The dynamic between Navarre, Poromiel, and the revolutionaries will probably shift as they face that growing venin threat. Expect more magic, political maneuvering, and those unbreakable bonds that make the series so good.

Beyond the main novels, graphic novel adaptations for Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm are happening, too. Yarros is adapting the text herself with a team of comic creators. These adaptations will span six graphic novels across the three books, though we don't have release dates yet. Oh, and there's a Fourth Wing: The Official Coloring & Sticker Book coming out September 1, 2025. Another fun way for fans to hang out in Basgiath.

The Empyrean series, kicked off by the phenomenal Fourth Wing, has built a vibrant, passionate community of readers. We're all totally captivated by Rebecca Yarros's dragon-riding epic, aren't we? From Basgiath's deadly trials to the escalating venin war, Violet Sorrengail's journey is packed with resilience, discovery, and deep connection. Getting the reading order right—Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, then Onyx Storm—is truly essential. It's how you fully immerse yourself in this rich narrative and really appreciate all those intricate plot developments and character growth.

As the series keeps going, with Onyx Storm leaving us on a massive cliffhanger and two more books still to come, the excitement just keeps building. Sure, waiting for the next book will test even the most dedicated fans. But Rebecca Yarros's commitment to delivering a compelling, well-crafted story—all while prioritizing her health—means The Empyrean's future looks bright. And that's what matters. Keep an eye on 4wing.com for all the latest news, theories, and discussions as we all eagerly await the next chapter in this unforgettable saga. Navarre's skies are always changing. And the dragon riders' journey? It's definitely far from over.