Last updates - 15/06/2026
Among romantasy lovers, few books have caused such a storm as Fourth Wing and the broader Empyrean Saga by Rebecca Yarros. With breathtaking dragon battles, sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance, and high-stakes war college drama, the series has cemented its place as a BookTok darling. Now, after the explosive events of Onyx Storm, fans are eagerly waiting for Book 4, wondering what comes next in this saga of romance, dragons, and secrets.
In this post, we break down everything we know so far about the upcoming installment, summarize fan theories, and explore what makes this romantasy universe so addictive.
Want to know how to read Empyrean saga books? Click here
A saga that keeps growing: from trilogy to five-book epic
Originally imagined as a trilogy, The Empyrean series has been officially expanded to five books, according to author Rebecca Yarros. This decision followed the overwhelming success of the first two novels (Fourth Wing and Iron Flame), as well as the viral response on TikTok and Bookstagram, where hashtags like #EmpyreanSaga and #RomantasyDragons regularly trend.
While Onyx Storm closed several major arcs, it also raised new questions—about Xaden’s fate, Violet’s powers, and the truth behind the wards and Venin corruption. The additional books will allow Yarros to dig deeper into worldbuilding, dragon lore, and the complex political tensions at Basgiath War College.
A new Empyrean book will be released on September 29, 2026
One of the biggest surprises announced by Rebecca Yarros in 2026 is the arrival of an entirely new Empyrean book scheduled for September 29, 2026. However, readers should note one important detail: this release is not Fourth Wing book 4. Rebecca Yarros herself clarified that this mysterious project does not alter the development timeline of the fourth main novel.
The graphic novels are still coming
Another piece of good news for fans of the Empyrean universe is that the planned graphic novel adaptations are still moving forward.
Although Rebecca Yarros and her publishers have remained relatively quiet about the project in recent months, there has been no indication that the graphic novels have been cancelled or postponed indefinitely.
What we know about Book 4 so far
The Fourth Wing book 4 is officially in development
Rebecca Yarros has confirmed that she is actively working on the next installment of the Empyrean series. While no official release date has been announced, the author has repeatedly stated that she wants to ensure the story receives the time and attention it deserves.
No release date (yet), but signs point to 2026
Unlike the rapid-fire releases of the first three books, Book 4 doesn’t have a set release date. Rebecca Yarros has mentioned in interviews and fan Q&As that she’s taking more time for this next installment. Between the growing depth of the world and her involvement in the upcoming TV adaptation, fans should expect a slower publishing timeline, possibly mid to late 2026.
The title is still a mystery
At the time of writing, the fourth book is untitled. Fans have speculated names like Obsidian War, Silver Flame, or Dark Ascent, based on naming patterns and themes. However, Yarros has not confirmed anything, and the suspense only fuels the hype on BookTok, where creators are making prediction reels and title guess polls.
Fan theories on Book 4: dragons, betrayal, and memory loss?
What happened to Xaden?
After the mind-blowing final chapters of Onyx Storm, fans are split on whether Xaden is lost, corrupted, or simply in hiding. Some theorize that the Venin's influence may have warped him, while others believe he made a personal sacrifice to protect Violet and their dragons. This debate dominates TikTok theory videos, with creators dissecting quotes and body language for clues.
Will Violet remember everything?
Another major theory revolves around Violet’s possible memory loss. Subtle foreshadowing throughout Onyx Storm—along with certain spell-like effects—hint that her mind might have been tampered with. Fans speculate this could serve as a romantic obstacle in the enemies-to-lovers arc, giving us more angst, slow burns, and emotional payoff.
The dragon bond mystery
Dragons are at the heart of this romantasy series, and readers are particularly curious about missing dragon eggs, new unbonded dragons, and the implications of magical bonds being tampered with. There’s even talk that Violet might bond with a third dragon or that Andarna holds a secret role in the magical ecosystem.
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Prime Video officially greenlights the Fourth Wing adaptation
The adaptation is finally happening
After years of speculation, Prime Video officially confirmed that Fourth Wing has received a full series order.
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 important developments in the history of the franchise. A full series order means the project has moved beyond the development stage and is actively progressing toward production.
Who is working on the series?
The creative team behind the adaptation has reassured many fans.
Meredith Averill, known for her work on The Haunting of Hill House, Locke & Key and Wednesday, will serve as showrunner.
Meanwhile, Lisa Joy, co-creator of Westworld and executive producer of Fallout, will direct the pilot episode. Michael B. Jordan's Outlier Society remains attached as a major production partner.
Rebecca Yarros herself has publicly expressed confidence in the team, stating that she trusts them to deliver a faithful adaptation of the story.
No official cast has been announced
Perhaps the biggest mystery surrounding the adaptation is the cast.
As of today, Prime Video has not revealed who will portray Violet Sorrengail, Xaden Riorson, Rhiannon, Dain Aetos, or the other beloved characters from Basgiath War College.
This has not stopped fans from creating countless fancasts across social media platforms.
The Xaden debate continues
One topic remains particularly sensitive among readers: the casting of Xaden Riorson.
Rebecca Yarros has previously emphasized the importance of respecting the character descriptions established in the books and has expressed concerns about inaccurate portrayals. This position has been widely praised by the fandom, which hopes the adaptation will remain faithful to the diversity present within the novels.
Until official announcements arrive, however, every casting rumor should be treated with caution.
Can Prime Video deliver Tairn and Andarna?
Adapting Fourth Wing is not simply a matter of casting actors.
The greatest challenge may be bringing Tairn, Andarna, Sgaeyl and the other dragons to life.
Fans expect visual effects on the level of House of the Dragon and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Given Amazon's significant investment in fantasy projects, many believe the streaming giant has the resources necessary to achieve that goal.
The official Fourth Wing Monopoly game is coming
The franchise expands beyond books
One of the more unexpected announcements concerns the arrival of an official Monopoly: Fourth Wing edition.
The game is expected to incorporate locations, characters and references from the Empyrean universe, allowing fans to experience the world of Navarre in a completely different way.
This development highlights the growing commercial power of the franchise. What began as a bestselling romantasy novel has evolved into a multimedia phenomenon with collectibles, merchandise, special editions, and now board games.
The rise of romantasy/dragons on BookTok
It’s impossible to talk about Fourth Wing without acknowledging its massive BookTok appeal. TikTok creators have turned the Empyrean Saga into a global phenomenon, with:
- “Read with me” vlogs,
- Fanart of dragon riders and battle scenes,
- Skits acting out Violet and Xaden’s dynamic,
- Spice ratings and “How steamy is it?” reviews,
- Dramatic cosplay and moodboard aesthetics using hashtags like #RomantasyDragons, #XadenRiorson, and #EmpyreanReacts.
This attention has led to hundreds of thousands of copies sold, book box collector editions, and a fervent online fandom.
What draws romantasy lovers into dragon books? Click here
What the romantasy genre owes to Fourth Wing
Fourth Wing has helped redefine modern romantasy. Combining the grit of ACOTAR with the structured worldbuilding of The Hunger Games, and the steamy tension of From Blood and Ash, Yarros’s saga offers the perfect blend of:
- Fantasy adventure
- Found family tropes
- Forbidden love and betrayal
- Powerful female leads and complex antiheroes
- And, of course, dragons
This trend has inspired a wave of dragon-centric romantasy novels and indie titles hitting TikTok shelves.
What’s next for romantasy lovers?
While we wait for Book 4, romantasy fans can dive into:
Fanfiction based on Violet and Xaden, Deep-dive videos about dragon lore and Venin corruption, Upcoming romantasy releases like The Ashfire King or The Shadow Curse,And, of course, preparing for the Empyrean TV adaptation, now in pre-production, promising high fantasy visuals and even more fandom discourse.
Fanfiction based on Violet and Xaden,
Deep-dive videos about dragon lore and Venin corruption,
Upcoming romantasy releases like The Ashfire King or The Shadow Curse,
And, of course, preparing for the Empyrean TV adaptation, now in pre-production, promising high fantasy visuals and even more fandom discourse.
The world of romantasy/dragons is expanding faster than ever—and Fourth Wing remains at its epicenter.