The Fourthwing series, written by Rebecca Yarros, has become one of the biggest phenomena in modern romantic fantasy. Blending dragons, a military academy, and intense romance, the Empyrean series has quickly won over millions of readers around the world. Since the release of the first book in 2023, the series’ popularity has continued to grow, thanks in large part to TikTok and BookTok.
But a question often comes up among new readers: in what order should you read the Fourthwing series? How many books are in the Empyrean saga, and what does each book cover? In this article, we offer a comprehensive guide to the order of the Fourthwing books, along with a summary of the first three volumes.
Let's start with the essentials... A bookmark inspired by the wise Fourthwing! Feel free to check out the collection by clicking here.
Check out my hand-drawn and 3D-printed bookmarks, inspired by the dragons Tairn, Andarma, and Sgayel!
How many books are in the Empyrean series?
The Empyrean series, whose first book is Fourth Wing, is scheduled to have five books in total, according to Rebecca Yarros.
So far, three books have been published or announced:
- Fourth Wing (2023)
- Iron Flame (2023)
- Onyx Storm (2025)
- Volume 4 (no official release date)
- Volume 5 (no official release date)
These books should be read in chronological order, as the story directly follows the evolution of the heroine Violet Sorrengail and the political and military events of the world of Navarre.
Each volume delves deeper into the intrigues surrounding dragons, magical powers known as signets, and the war threatening the kingdom.
Each volume picks up exactly where the previous one left off and gradually develops the relationships between the characters, the mysteries of the world, and the political conflicts.
Fourth Wing Summary
The first book in the series, Fourth Wing, introduces readers to Violet Sorrengail, a young woman destined to become a scribe at the military academy of Basgiath. However, her mother—a formidable general—forces her to join the Dragon Rider Quadrant, an extremely dangerous training program where only the strongest survive.
Despite her frail build and fragile health, Violet must face deadly trials to prove her worth. In this brutal environment where students can die at any moment, she meets Xaden Riorson, a mysterious squad leader whose family was involved in a rebellion against the kingdom.
As the novel unfolds, Violet discovers that the world she lives in is full of secrets. Dragons play a central role in the balance of power, and political alliances hide truths far more dangerous than she ever imagined. The book blends military training, political intrigue, and intense romance, which explains its immense success among readers of romantic fantasy.
Summary of Iron Flame
Iron Flame, the second volume of the Fourthwing saga, picks up immediately after the dramatic events of the first book.
Violet begins her second year at the Basgiath Academy, but the rules have changed. Enemies are growing more powerful, alliances more fragile, and the war threatening the kingdom is drawing dangerously close.
This volume delves deeper into the mysteries of the Empyrean series’ world, particularly the true threats looming over Navarre. Violet must learn to master her powers while facing revelations that call into question everything she thought she knew about her country.
The relationship between Violet and Xaden also becomes more complex, blending trust, secrets, and loyalty in a context where every mistake could be fatal.
Summary of Onyx Storm
The third volume, Onyx Storm, marks a new phase in the saga.
As the war against the Venom—users of corrupted magic—intensifies, Violet and her allies must face even more terrifying threats. The battles grow larger, the sacrifices heavier, and revelations about dragons and magical powers transform our understanding of the world.
This book also explores the political tensions between the various factions and sets the stage for the upcoming volumes of the Empyrean series.
With a darker plot and higher stakes, Onyx Storm pushes the characters to their limits and leaves readers with a cliffhanger that promises an explosive sequel.
Should you read the Fourthwing books in order?
Yes, absolutely. Unlike some fantasy series where volumes can be read independently, the Empyrean saga follows a continuous story.
The relationships between characters, revelations about dragons, and political mysteries are built up gradually. Reading the books out of order could spoil several major plot twists.
To fully enjoy the universe imagined by Rebecca Yarros, it is therefore recommended to follow the official publication order.
Why the Fourthwing Saga Has Become a Phenomenon
The Fourthwing series has established itself as one of the biggest recent hits in romantic fantasy. The universe combines several elements that appeal to readers:
- powerful and intelligent dragons
- a complex and vulnerable heroine
- an intense romance
- a political world full of secrets
This blend of action, emotion, and mystery has allowed the Empyrean saga to win over a massive audience, particularly on social media where fans share theories and analyses about the upcoming volumes.
With two more books planned, the story of Violet Sorrengail and her dragons is far from over.
If you’d like to start the Fourthwing saga, the reading order is simple: Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, then Onyx Storm. This already-published trilogy constitutes the first part of a larger series that is expected to include five books in total.
Between dragons, romance, and political intrigue, the Empyrean series promises many more surprises in the upcoming volumes.
What We Know About Volumes 4 and 5 of the Empyrean Series
While the first three books of the Empyrean saga are already available, readers are now eagerly awaiting the continuation of the story. Rebecca Yarros has confirmed that the series is expected to consist of five volumes in total, meaning two books are still to be released. For now, the author has not announced an official title or release date for Volume 4, but she has provided some insight into her writing process. In early 2026, Rebecca Yarros explained on her social media that she was beginning to work on the preparation phase for the next book, specifically by developing the plot and narrative arcs. This means that the writing of the fourth book is in the works, even if the manuscript is likely not yet finalized. Based on the publication schedule of the previous books and the time required to write, edit, and produce such an ambitious fantasy novel, many observers estimate that the fourth book in the Fourthwing series could be released between late 2026 and 2027. As for Volume 5, it is expected to conclude the Empyrean saga and provide answers to the major questions left unresolved in the previous books: the fate of Violet Sorrengail, the evolution of the conflict with the Venins, as well as the still-unknown secrets surrounding the dragons and their powers. Although little official information is available at this time, Rebecca Yarros has hinted that the saga’s continuation will continue to expand the universe and develop the political and magical stakes of the world of Navarre.