Series hub
The Empyrean Series
The Empyrean is the Fourth Wing series: dragon riders, war college survival, high-stakes secrets, and a romance that sits inside the larger fantasy conflict. Rebecca Yarros officially frames it as fantasy romance set in the brutal world of Basgiath War College, where Violet Sorrengail is forced from the Scribe Quadrant into the Rider Quadrant and has to survive dragons, politics, enemies, and leadership secrets.
Author: Rebecca Yarros | Last checked: August 21, 2026.
Why readers come here
Readers usually want Fourth Wing energy: danger, momentum, dragons, a training structure, and a romance that keeps tension high. This is the high-adrenaline path for readers who like cliffhangers, secrets, battle training, disability-aware heroine framing, and a story that feels built for theorizing between books.
What readers tend to notice
The big draw is immediacy: short chapters, constant danger, dragons with personalities, a heroine using strategy against physical disadvantage, and a romance under pressure. The common caution is that the series is very much ongoing. Readers who hate cliffhangers or theory-heavy waiting periods may want completed dragon or academy paths first, while readers who enjoy live-fandom speculation will probably want the recaps and reading-order page close by.
Books in the series
| Order | Book |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fourth Wing recap |
| 2 | Iron Flame recap |
| 3 | Onyx Storm |
| Companion | Threshing Day coming Sept. 29, 2026 |
Use the dedicated Empyrean reading order for a simpler reader-facing version. Threshing Day is an official Empyrean story collection / secret project coming September 29, 2026; it is not the fourth main novel.
What to read next
Official links
Audiobook format
| Edition | Format | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard audiobook | Dual narration | Listeners who want the main audiobook edition and a cleaner background listen. |
| GraphicAudio / Audible dramatized adaptation | Full cast / dramatized | Dragon battles, war-college pressure, rereads, and readers who want Fourth Wing to feel more cinematic. |
Check the listing carefully: “Fourth Wing” and “Fourth Wing (Dramatized Adaptation)” are different audio experiences.
Where to buy or listen
Check current editions for The Empyrean Series. Series availability can vary by format, country, and retailer.
Some links may be affiliate links. Always check the retailer page for the exact edition, price, narrator, and availability before buying.
Reader FAQ
What order should I read The Empyrean books in?
Read Fourth Wing first, then Iron Flame, then Onyx Storm. The books build directly on each other, so publication order is the cleanest path.
What should I remember before the next Empyrean book?
Use Fourth Wing Recap and Iron Flame Recap before continuing. The series relies on secrets, alliances, and escalating fallout, so a quick recap is useful even for readers who remember the main romance.
Is The Empyrean only for readers who want dragon books?
No. The dragon bond is a huge draw, but many readers stay for the academy pressure, military danger, reveals, and the romance under stress.
What books feel like Fourth Wing?
Start with Books Like Fourth Wing. Good next paths include dragon romantasy, warrior-training books, and fast-paced fantasy romance with major external stakes.
Is The Empyrean complete?
No. It is an ongoing series. Threshing Day is dated for September 29, 2026 as a companion story collection, but the fourth main Empyrean novel does not yet have an official title or release date.