Latest Updates - July 16, 2026
Among “romantasy” fans, few books have caused as much of a stir as Fourth Wing and, more broadly, Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean Saga. With its breathtaking dragon battles, steamy “enemies-to-lovers” romances, and edge-of-your-seat plots set in a military academy, the series has established itself as a BookTok favorite. Today, following the explosive events of Onyx Storm, fans are eagerly awaiting Book 4, wondering what will happen next in this saga blending romance, dragons, and secrets.
In this article, we’ll review everything we know so far about the next book, summarize fan theories, and explore what makes this romantasy universe so captivating.
Want to know how to dive into the Empyrean saga? Click here
A saga that keeps expanding: from a trilogy to a five-book epic
Originally conceived as a trilogy, the The Empyrean series has been officially expanded to five books, according to author Rebecca Yarros. This decision follows the resounding success of the first two novels (Fourth Wing and Iron Flame), as well as the viral craze on TikTok and Bookstagram, where hashtags such as #EmpyreanSaga and #RomantasyDragons regularly top the trends.
While Onyx Storm wrapped up several major story arcs, it also raised new questions—about Xaden’s fate, Violet’s powers, and the truth behind the magical protections and Venin’s corruption. These additional volumes will allow Rebecca Yarros to delve deeper into world-building, dragon mythology, and the complex political tensions within the Basgiath War School.
A new Empyrean book has been officially announced!
Rumors had been circulating for several weeks about a mysterious book tentatively titled “Untitled Empyrean (Not Book Four)”.
On July 15, 2026, Rebecca Yarros finally lifted the veil:
Official title: Threshing Day
It is a collection of short stories set in the Empyrean universe. Threshing Day is the brand-new book announced by Rebecca Yarros in the The Empyrean universe, but it is not the highly anticipated Book Four. Scheduled for release on September 29, 2026, this book will be a collection of 13 short stories set during Threshing Day, the day when dragons choose their riders in Basgiath. Each story will follow a different character—along with their dragon—offering readers a fresh perspective on some of the saga’s most memorable heroes. Rebecca Yarros clarified that this book will have no impact on the release schedule for Volume 4, which she is currently still writing, and that it was conceived as a gift for fans to delve deeper into the world of Empyrean by exploring events previously only hinted at in the novels. The author also revealed that the collector’s edition will feature illustrations by Joe Requeza, and that a story dedicated to Xaden Riorson will also be available on her official website following the book’s release.
The graphic novels are still in the works
More good news for fans of the Empyrean universe: the planned graphic novel adaptations are still in the works.
Although Rebecca Yarros and her publishers have remained relatively quiet about the project in recent months, there is no indication that the graphic novels have been canceled or postponed indefinitely.
What We Know So Far About Volume 4 of “Fourth Wing”
Volume 4 of “Fourth Wing” is officially in the works
Rebecca Yarros has confirmed that she is actively working on the next installment of the “Empyrean” series. Although no official release date has been announced, the author has stated on several occasions that she wants to ensure the story receives the time and attention it deserves.
Unlike the rapid-fire releases of the first three books, Book 4 does not have a set release date. Rebecca Yarros has mentioned in interviews and Q&A sessions with fans that she is taking more time with this upcoming book. Between the growing depth of the universe and her involvement in the upcoming TV adaptation, fans should expect a slower release schedule, likely sometime between the middle and end of 2026.
As of this writing, the fourth book does not yet have a title. Fans have suggested titles such as Obsidian War, Silver Flame, or Dark Ascent, based on naming conventions and recurring themes. However, Rebecca Yarros has not confirmed anything, and this suspense only fuels the excitement on BookTok, where creators post prediction videos and run polls to guess the title.
Fan theories about Book 4: dragons, betrayal, and memory loss?
What happened to Xaden?
After the breathtaking final chapters of Onyx Storm, fans are divided: Is Xaden lost, corrupted, or simply on the run? Some speculate that the Venin’s influence might have corrupted him, while others believe he made a personal sacrifice to protect Violet and their dragons. This debate dominates theory videos on TikTok, where creators dissect quotes and body language in search of clues.
Want to know more? I invite you to read my article entirely dedicated to the theories surrounding Xaden by clicking here
Will Violet remember everything?
Another major theory revolves around Violet’s possible memory loss. Subtle hints throughout Onyx Storm—as well as certain spell-like effects—suggest that her mind may have been altered. Fans speculate that this could serve as a romantic obstacle in the “enemies-to-lovers” narrative arc, offering us more anxiety, mounting tension, and emotional payoff.
Want to learn more? I invite you to read my article entirely dedicated to the theories surrounding Violet by clicking here
The Mystery of the Connection to Dragons
Dragons are at the heart of this “romantasy” series, and readers are particularly curious about the missing dragon eggs, the new unbound dragons, and the implications of a disruption in the magical bonds. There’s even talk of the possibility that Violet might bond with a third dragon or that Andarna plays a secret role in the magical ecosystem.
Want to discover more fan theories? Click here
Prime Video Officially Gives the Green Light to the Fourth Wing Adaptation
Since June 15, 2026, there have been some significant developments regarding the Prime Video adaptation of Fourth Wing.
The biggest news is that casting is now underway. Casting calls began circulating in late June, with code names for the main characters to maintain secrecy. Everything indicates that the teams are actively seeking actors to play Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson, marking a new stage in production.
The Adaptation Is Finally Coming to Life
After years of speculation, Prime Video has officially confirmed that *Fourth Wing* has been ordered for a full season.
This announcement was made during Amazon’s 2026 “Upfront” presentation, where Rebecca Yarros appeared alongside executive producer Michael B. Jordan, showrunner Meredith Averill, and director Lisa Joy.
This is one of the most significant developments in the franchise’s history. A full-season order means the project has moved beyond the development stage and is actively moving toward production.
Who’s working on the series?
The creative team behind the adaptation has put many fans’ minds at ease.
The project is still led by Meredith Averill (The Haunting of Hill House, Locke & Key), who has taken over as showrunner following Moira Walley-Beckett’s departure. Rebecca Yarros is also involved as an executive producer, which should help preserve the spirit of the novels in their adaptation.
For her part, Lisa Joy, co-creator of *Westworld* and executive producer of *Fallout*, will direct the pilot episode. Michael B. Jordan’s company, Outlier Society, remains involved in the project as a major production partner.
Rebecca Yarros herself has publicly expressed her confidence in the team, stating that she is convinced they will deliver a faithful adaptation of the story.
No official cast has been announced
The biggest mystery surrounding this adaptation is undoubtedly the cast.
To date, Prime Video has not revealed who will play Violet Sorrengail, Xaden Riorson, Rhiannon, Dain Aetos, or the other iconic characters from the Basgiath War College.
That hasn’t stopped fans from offering countless casting suggestions on social media.
The debate over Xaden rages on
One topic remains particularly sensitive among readers: the choice of actor to play Xaden Riorson.
Rebecca Yarros has already emphasized the importance of staying true to the character descriptions established in the books and has expressed concerns about inaccurate portrayals.
This stance has been widely praised by the fan community, which hopes the adaptation will remain faithful to the diversity found in the novels.
Until official announcements are made, however, any rumors regarding the cast should be taken with a grain of salt.
Will Prime Video succeed in bringing Tairn and Andarna to life?
The adaptation of *Fourth Wing* isn’t just about casting.
The biggest challenge may well be bringing Tairn, Andarna, Sgaeyl, and the other dragons to life.
Fans are expecting visual effects on par with *House of the Dragon* and *The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power*. Given Amazon’s substantial investments in fantasy projects, many believe the streaming giant has the resources needed to achieve this goal.
The franchise extends beyond the books—it’s making a
The official *Fourth Wing* Monopoly game is coming
Among the standout new releases in the Fourth Wing universe, Hasbro launched an official Monopoly game on July 15, 2026, entirely inspired by Rebecca Yarros’s The Empyrean saga. This special edition reimagines the famous board game by immersing players in the heart of the Basgiath War College. Traditional streets give way to iconic locations such as The Parapet, The Gauntlet, and Aretia, while players take on the roles of cadets from the Riders Quadrant accompanied by iconic dragons such as Tairn and Andarna. The edition also includes exclusive cards and mechanics inspired by the novels, as well as a collector’s box set and a foreword written by Rebecca Yarros. This release confirms the franchise’s commitment to expanding the Empyrean universe far beyond the books, ahead of the Prime Video series and the highly anticipated fourth book.
This development underscores the franchise’s growing commercial strength. What began as a best-selling “romantasy” novel has evolved into a multimedia phenomenon encompassing collectibles, merchandise, special editions, and now board games.
A New Official “Basgiath War College” Collection
The official licensed partner The Bean Workshop has expanded its Fourth Wing collection with several new products inspired by the Basgiath universe. Among the new items are embroidered Riders Quadrant sweatshirts, varsity jackets, embroidered patches, mugs, temporary tattoos featuring Violet’s relic, as well as new apparel dedicated to Andarna, Xaden Riorson, and the Basgiath War College. The store has also launched several designs inspired by iconic quotes from the saga, aimed at readers and the BookTok community.
The Rise of “Romantasy” and Dragons on BookTok
It’s impossible to talk about Fourth Wing without acknowledging its immense appeal on BookTok. TikTok creators have turned the Empyrean saga into a global phenomenon, thanks to:
- “Read Along” vlogs,
- fan art depicting dragon riders and battle scenes,
- sketches showcasing the dynamic between Violet and Xaden,
- “Spice” ratings and reviews like “How steamy is this?”,
- spectacular cosplays, and aesthetic mood boards using hashtags such as #RomantasyDragons, #XadenRiorson, and #EmpyreanReacts.
This craze has resulted in hundreds of thousands of copies sold, collector’s edition box sets, and a very passionate online fan community.
What draws “romantasy” fans to books about dragons? Click here
What the “romantasy” genre owes to *Fourth Wing*
*Fourth Wing* has helped redefine modern “romantasy.” Combining the raw edge of ACOTAR with the structured world-building of The Hunger Games, as well as the sizzling tension of From Blood and Ash, the Yarros saga offers the perfect blend of:
- Fantasy adventure
- “Found family” tropes
- Forbidden love and betrayal
- Powerful heroines and complex antiheroes
- And, of course, dragons
This trend has inspired a wave of dragon-centric romantasy novels and indie titles flooding TikTok’s shelves.
What’s next for “romantasy” fans?
While waiting for Book 4, “romantasy” fans can dive into:
fanfiction inspired by Violet and Xaden, in-depth videos on dragon mythology and the corruption of the Venin, upcoming “romantasy” releases such as The Ashfire King or The Shadow Curse, and, of course, get ready for the TV adaptation of Empyrean, currently in pre-production, which promises high-fantasy-worthy visual effects and even more discussions within the fan community.
Fanfiction inspired by Violet and Xaden,
in-depth videos on dragon mythology and the corruption of the Venin,
upcoming “romantasy” releases such as The Ashfire King and The Shadow Curse,
and, of course, getting ready for the TV adaptation of Empyrean, currently in pre-production, which promises visual effects worthy of high fantasy and even more discussions among fans.
The world of romantasy and dragons is expanding faster than ever—and Fourth Wing remains at its epicenter.
11 min read
All the latest news about “FourthWing 2026” | Book, TV series, Rebecca Yarros
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