Violet's story
Begin with Fourth Wing, then read Iron Flame and Onyx Storm in order.
Book Series · 3 Books
The Empyrean Books
In order from Fourth Wing to Onyx Storm.
An adult romantic-fantasy series about Violet Sorrengail surviving a brutal dragon-rider war college while uncovering secrets that threaten her kingdom.
Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated
Reading order
How to Read the Empyrean Books
Read the published novels in order: Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, then Onyx Storm. The plot, romance, and political revelations continue directly across the books.
The series is ongoing. This page includes only books published as of August 12, 2026; announced future installments are not counted until publication.
Sources: Rebecca Yarros's official Empyrean series page, Rebecca Yarros's official Fourth Wing page and content notes.
For parents
What Parents Should Know
Although it is sometimes shelved near YA fantasy, the Empyrean is an adult romantic-fantasy series. It contains on-page sex, frequent strong language, war and combat, blood and gore, brutal injuries, deaths, poisoning, torture, and sustained peril. The author's official content notes also flag anxiety, chronic illness, and the death of a parent.
Where to start
Where Should a New Reader Start?
Where the story begins
First Book in the Series
Sale price
$2849
Book #1 · Chapter Book · 2023
Fourth Wing
In a deadly war college, Violet must survive dragons and rivals to uncover a hidden truth.
517 pages· 184,178 words
$29.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Violet Sorrengail, thrust into the perilous world of dragon riders, faces a brutal test at Basgiath War College. With her fragile body and powerful enemies, survival is uncertain. As the kingdom's defenses crumble and secrets emerge, Violet must navigate a web of alliances and betrayals. Can she outwit her foes and uncover the truth before it's too late? In this high-stakes environment, the only options are to graduate or die.
In reading order
The Empyrean Series
3 books · Published 2023–2025
#1
Sale price
$2849
Fourth Wing
Chapter Book · 2023
In a deadly war college, Violet must survive dragons and rivals to uncover a hidden truth.
#2
Iron Flame
Chapter Book · 2023
Violet faces brutal trials and a dangerous secret at Basgiath War College. Will she survive without losing her humanity?
#3
Onyx Storm
Chapter Book · 2025
Violet must uncover the truth to save her world as enemies close in from all sides.
Good to know
Common Questions
How many books are in the Empyrean series?
There are 3 books in the Empyrean series. It began with Fourth Wing in 2023, and the newest book, Onyx Storm, was published in 2025.
What order should you read the Empyrean books in?
Start with Fourth Wing and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #3.
Which Empyrean book is the longest?
Iron Flame (Book #2) is the longest book in the series at 249,886 words (623 pages).
Which Empyrean book is the shortest?
Fourth Wing (Book #1) is the shortest at 184,178 words (517 pages).
The people
The Creative Behind the Books
The people who bring The Empyrean to life.
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