Reading Guides · September 29, 2026

The Empyrean Series in Order: Fourth Wing, Iron Flame and Onyx Storm

Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series in reading order, which edition to buy, and what to read while you wait for the next book.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros book cover

Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series follows Violet Sorrengail, who was meant to be a scribe but is forced into Basgiath War College, where dragon riders either bond with a dragon or die trying. It's one of the biggest romantasy hits of recent years, and it's easy to see why: deadly training, dragons with big personalities, and an enemies-to-lovers romance with Xaden Riorson. Here's the reading order and what to know before you start.

Titles with a link are currently on our shelves as new or condition-graded pre-loved copies. See everything in stock on our Empyrean series page.

The Empyrean series in order

  1. Fourth Wing (2023). Violet enters the Riders Quadrant, where she's physically weaker than almost everyone around her and surrounded by people who want her dead.
  2. Iron Flame (2023). Violet's second year, and the truth about the war starts to come out.
  3. Onyx Storm (2025). The story leaves Basgiath and the stakes get much bigger.

The series is planned as five books, so there is more to come after Onyx Storm. Read them in publication order. Each book picks up right after the last one ends, often with a cliffhanger.

Hardcover, paperback or special edition?

Fourth Wing has been printed in several formats, including the original hardcover, special editions with sprayed or painted edges, and paperback editions. The text is the same, so it comes down to looks and price. We have Fourth Wing in hardcover and paperback, and Iron Flame in hardcover and paperback. Every listing shows the cover and ISBN of the edition you'll receive.

Is Fourth Wing young adult?

No. It's published as adult fantasy romance. The main characters are in their early twenties, and the books include violence and explicit romantic scenes.

More by Rebecca Yarros

Before Fourth Wing, Yarros wrote contemporary romance, much of it about military families. If you like her writing and want something without dragons, try The Things We Leave Unfinished or The Last Letter. Browse all Rebecca Yarros books.

Waiting for the next book? Our list of books like Fourth Wing has plenty to read in the meantime. Free US shipping on orders $35+.