“Lies are comforting. Truth is painful.”
If you’ve fallen in love with Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean series and want to dive into the world of dragon riders, you may be wondering what the correct Empyrean reading order is. From Fourth Wing to Onyx Storm and at least two more books on the horizon, it can be tricky to know how to read the Empyrean books in order. Whether you’re a newcomer to the series or looking to refresh before the next instalment, we here at What We Reading have you covered. This guide breaks down the Empyrean series in order so you can enjoy the story exactly as the author intended. We’ll cover Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean series order, what books are out so far, and what’s coming next. So, if you’re asking yourself, “Do I need to read the Empyrean book series in order?” or “How many Empyrean books will there be?” – you’ve come to the right place.
Empyrean Series In Order (Quick List)
If you’re looking for the Empyrean series order, here’s the full list of the Empyrean books in order of publication. This is the best way to enjoy the story as it unfolds:
- Fourth Wing (The Empyrean #1) – Published May 2, 2023
- Iron Flame (The Empyrean #2) – Published November 7, 2023
- Onyx Storm (The Empyrean #3) – Published January 21, 2025
- Book 4 (Empyrean Book 4 – Title TBA) – Release date TBA
- Book 5 (Empyrean Book 5 – Title TBA) – Release date TBA
Following the Empyrean series in order ensures that you don’t miss out on any key moments in Violet’s journey, especially as each book builds on the events of the last.
The Empyrean Books
Fourth Wing (2023)
Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now the commanding general – also known as her tough-as-talons mother – has ordered Violet to join hundreds of candidates hoping to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders. But when your body is smaller than everyone else’s and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away. Dragons don’t bond with “fragile” humans; they incinerate them.
With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their odds of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter – like Xaden Riorsen, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant. Yet, with each day that passes, the war outside grows deadlier; the kingdom’s protective wards are failing; and the death continues to rise. Even worse, Violet starts to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.
Check Out The Best Books Like Fourth Wing
Iron Flame (2023)
Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College – including Violet herself. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak. Now the real training begins, and Violet’s wondering how she’ll get through it. It’s not just that it’s gruelling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the rider’s capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is – unless she betrays the man she loves.
Although Violet’s body is weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she has her wits – and a will of iron. But determination alone won’t be enough this year, because Violet knows the secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College – and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.
Check Out The Best Books Like Iron Flame
Onyx Storm (2025)
After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons. No more time for uncertainty. Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and from within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who you can trust.
Now, Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every ounce of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves – her dragons, her family, her home, and him. Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it may destroy everything. They need an army. And they need the one thing only Violet can find – the truth. But a storm is coming, and not everyone can survive its wrath.
Do You Have To Read The Empyrean Books In Order?
A common question fans ask is: do you have to read the Empyrean series in order? The answer is definitely yes. Rebecca Yarros has crafted the Empyrean books as one continuous story, with each instalment building directly on the events of the last.
Beginning with Fourth Wing and moving through to Onyx Storm (and the upcoming releases) ensures that you follow Violet’s journey, the world-building, and the twists exactly as intended. Skipping around or reading out of order would spoil major plot points and character arcs.
How Many Empyrean Books Will There Be?
Another big question readers have is: how many Empyrean books are there? Rebecca Yarros has confirmed that the Empyrean series will consist of five books in total. At the moment, three of those books have been published, with the latest entry being 2025’s Onyx Storm.
That means fans still have at least two more epic instalments to look forward to, continuing the story of Basgiath War College, Violet, and her dragons.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
