The Empyrian Series in Order: From Fourth Wing to Onyx Storm

EverandJuly 24, 2025

Nothing hits quite like a dragon-infested, death-camp-turned-college-fantasy novel with a snarky heroine whose love interest is a trust issue on two legs. You’d think one book would be enough to scratch that itch. But thanks to Rebecca Yarros, we get an entire series.Fourth Wing lit the fuse on the Empyrean series. This genre-defying fantasy novel turns elite cadets and slow-burn romance into the lovechild of The Hunger Games and A Court of Thorns and Roses.The phenomenon that is Fourth Wing crashed bestseller lists and inspired a tidal wave of fan art (plus a still-to-come TV adaptation). With three published books and the next installment looming like a storm, you’ve got plenty of ways to get your Empyrean fix.In this guide to the Empyrean books in order, from Fourth Wing to Onyx Storm, you’ll discover what makes this series a fantasy escape readers can’t shut up about.

What’s the Empyrean series about?

The Empyrean series drops you straight into the war-torn kingdom of Navarre, where cadets bond with dragons (or die trying). It’s got all the makings of your next obsession: a deadly military academy, cutthroat rivalries, romance, and one heck of a power climb.This series is Rebecca Yarros doing what she does best — mixing high-stakes action with messy, magnetic relationships. In the Empyrean world, survival means more than just staying alive. It means choosing who you are, what you fight for, and who you’re willing to die for.If you’re into fantasy novels with claws, you’re in the right quadrant. These romantasy books lean into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and rebellion, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. And thanks to #BookTok, this thing didn’t just catch fire — it ignited. From Fourth Wing to Iron Flame and beyond, the Empyrean series keeps getting hotter and hotter.

How many books are in the Empyrean series?

As of January 2025, the Empyrean series includes three books:

Fourth Wing, released on April 5, 2023
Iron Flame, released on November 7, 2023
Onyx Storm, released on January 21, 2025

The good news? Rebecca Yarros has two more Empyrean titles in the works, which means you still have almost half of the series to look forward to. The chemistry between dragon rider Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson was intense in the first three novels, but we can only imagine what Yarros has in store.

The Empyrean series order: Fourth Wing and beyond

Ready to tackle the Empyrean series in order? Whether you’re a first-time reader or prepping for a re-read before the next release date, this essential guide to Rebecca Yarros’ novels is exactly what you need.

1. Fourth Wing

In the book that started it all, Yarros introduces us to 20-year-old Violet Sorrengail, who’s forced by her military father to join the rider quadrant at Basgiath War College. But Violet isn’t like the other cadets — she’s training to be a scribe, not a soldier. The odds are stacked against her from the jump, but she becomes a lightning rod for attention and danger when she forms a rare bond with two mighty dragons.As Violet navigates deadly challenges and Navarre’s deeply buried political secrets, she catches the eye of wing leader Xaden Riorson, who has more to hide than just his past. Their dynamic simmers with trust issues and bodyguard-level protectiveness. And as if that weren’t all enough, Violet is also forced to duck assassination attempts from jealous rivals like Jack Barlowe, honing her lightning-wielding signet during life-or-death trials.Packed with action, sharp banter, and chaotic chemistry, this fantasy romance novel launched Rebecca Yarros into the bestseller stratosphere. It also sets the stage for the Venin threat and the brewing rebellion that dominates the rest of the Empyrean saga.

2. Iron Flame

Iron Flame picks up immediately after the events of Fourth Wing, and let’s just say Violet barely gets a minute to breathe. Her reputation as a powerful dragon rider is growing, but so are the risks. The Venin, once thought to be things of legend, are real. And they’re attacking the wards that protect the continent.Meanwhile, Basgiath’s command structure is growing more hostile, forcing Violet to question who she can trust and what her bonded dragons are truly capable of. Her relationship with Xaden is more complicated (hello, secrets), and her long-lost brother Brennan returns with deep connections to a full-blown rebellion.A true punch-to-the-gut fantasy book, Iron Flame explores themes of resistance and survival, reintroducing characters like Brennan and Barlowe, both presumed dead at the end of Fourth Wing. The stakes are high, with brutal training regimens and the escalating threat of war beyond the college’s borders.

3. Onyx Storm

The third Empyrean series novel follows Violet, Xaden, and their allies, who face the full force of the Venin as fractures form in the fragile coalition protecting Navarre.Violet is pulled deeper into the mysteries of her father’s legacy and the wards’ history, discovering hidden truths that could shift the balance of power in a time of war. Her growing command of magic makes her a target, too — especially when it comes to the ancient enemy lurking in the shadows.Meanwhile, Xaden Riorson struggles with the cost of his own power and the sacrifices he’s willing to make for Violet. We’re introduced to the storm-ravaged Poromiel while revisiting familiar foes, including rogue fliers and gryphon riders with shifting allegiances.Thanks to massive battles with soul-shattering consequences, Onyx Storm is the most high-stakes entry in the Empyrean series — proof that Rebecca Yarros really knows how to twist the knife.

Find the Fourth Wing book and more on Everand

The Empyrean series isn’t just riding the fantasy romance wave; it’s leading the charge (with dragons). Rebecca Yarros delivers tension, addictive romance, and world-shaking stakes, turning a lightning-wielding underdog into a genre-defining icon. Whether you’re here for the battles, the bonded beats, or the emotionally complicated wing leaders, this series proves that magic and morally gray choices never go out of style.If you haven’t yet gotten acquainted with the Basgiath cadets — or if you just need a refresher before the next book scorches your soul — now’s the perfect time to dive into the Empyrean ebooks and audiobooks on Everand. Start your free trial today.

FAQs

Is the Empyrean series finished?

Not yet! Rebecca Yarros has confirmed the series will include five books, but as of 2025, only the first three are available.

What genre is Fourth Wing?

Fourth Wing mixes fantasy, romance, and a bit of dark academia-style military training. It falls under the popular romantasy subgenre and has major crossover appeal for fans of other fantasy series, like Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Do I need to read the books in order?

Yes, the Empyrean series has a continuous storyline, so keeping up with the character arcs and plot twists requires reading the books in order.

Is there a Fourth Wing TV show?

A TV adaptation of the Fourth Wing book is in the works with Amazon MGM Studios. Rebecca Yarros is set to executive produce the series, which will likely air on Amazon Prime. Casting and release dates have yet to be announced, but it’s safe to say the hype is real.About the Author: Everand EditorsThe Everand editorial team is hard at work helping you find what to read next, whether you’re looking for books that will help you unwind or titles that will teach you something new.

Everand