Experience the BookTok Phenomena and Read the Fourth Wing Series in Order
These days, it’s impossible to exist in the online book-loving community without someone inevitably suggesting you read the Fourth Wing series. If you’re a fan of dragon-riders and romance, then it’s high time you try out The Empyrean series from Rebecca Yarros for yourself. With three books out and two on the way, you have plenty of time to catch up and see what all the fuss is about!
What is the Fourth Wing Series About?
The Fourth Wing series, also known as The Empyrean series, introduces readers to a brutal war college where young cadets learn strategy, fighting techniques, and most importantly, how to bond with a dragon, in order to join the esteemed ranks of Navarre’s military. Our main character, Violet Sorrengail, must navigate deadly challenges, dodge attempts on her life, avoid a growing attraction to a supposed enemy, and defeat all odds to make it out alive. We don’t want to give too much away—we’d rather you read The Empyrean series to experience all the twists and turns for yourself!
Meet Rebecca Yarros: the Woman Behind the Fourth Wing Series
There’s no doubt about it: Rebecca Yarros is the queen bee of BookTok! But how much do we really know about the mastermind behind The Empyrean series?
Apart from being a #1 New York Times bestselling author for her world-renowned fantasy series, Yarros is a mother of six, a military wife, and a hockey lover. She has experience in other book genres, having written numerous contemporary romance and new adult fiction novels, including:
What Genre is the Fourth Wing Series?
Fourth Wing is a perfect example of the increasingly popular romantasy genre, a term that combines the elements of fantasy and romance. Set against classic fantasy settings, the plot and narrative in a romantasy series are driven mainly by the romance between the main characters. These romance subgenre titles tend to feature popular tropes, such as forced proximity, miscommunication, and enemies-to-lovers.
What Age Range is The Empyrean Series Good For?
Fourth Wing, while often advertised to a YA audience, is more of an adult romantasy series than you’d assume. With violent battles and open discussions of sex and nudity, the publishers have categorized The Empyrean series as “new adult,” targeting readers aged 18 to 25.
What is the Level of Spice for the Fourth Wing Series?
Across the board, fans of this romantasy series rank this a 3 to 4 out of 5 chili peppers. This means that while acts may be described with milder language, the sex scenes themselves are semi-explicit and happen “on screen.” Be warned: as the Fourth Wing series goes on, the spice ramps up!
Spice by Chapter in the Fourth Wing Series
If you’re wondering what kind of spicy content is present in this romantasy series, find out for yourself with this helpful spicy chapter list:
Fourth Wing:
- Chapter 22
- Chapter 30
- Chapter 32
Iron Flame:
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 20
- Chapter 27
- Chapter 37
- Chapter 48
- Chapter 60
Onyx Storm:
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 18
- Chapter 25
- Chapter 48
- Chapter 49
Read The Empyrean Series in the Correct Order
If swoon-worthy romance and death-defying dragon fights sound up your alley, then it’s time to give Rebecca Yarros’ romantasy series a try. Get a quick glimpse at each book before you start the Fourth Wing series:
Book #1: Fourth Wing
In Fourth Wing, 20-year-old Violet Sorrengail is ready to enter the Scribe Quadrant and live a quiet life amongst the books. But when her mother, the commanding general, orders her to join the hundreds of candidates set on becoming dragon riders, her plans go astray. Small, brittle, and just plain fragile, Violet has little hope of crossing the parapet, much less bonding with a dragon!
Determined to survive (or at least make it to see the next sunrise), Violet must navigate the deadly challenges and even more deadly peers at Basgiath War College. With a gaggle of friends at her side and a growing attraction to the powerful and ruthless wingleader of the Riders Quadrant, Xaden Riorson, Violet knows there are only two ways out—graduate or die.
Book #2: Iron Flame
In the sequel to the best-selling romantasy series, Iron Flame, the real battle begins. After surviving the Threshing, Violet and her peers must go through grueling and malicious exercises designed to ready the dragon riders for the upcoming war. But with a new Vice Commandant in place, who seems hellbent on teaching Violet exactly how powerless she is, there’s no easy day at Basgiath War College—especially when she’s separated from the man she loves.
With secrets forcing her and Xaden Riorson farther apart and a rebellion growing on the outskirts of Navarre, Violet will have to confront her own insecurities and overcome all odds to save the people she cares about. Even if that means destroying life as she knows it.
Book #3: Onyx Storm
The third book, Onyx Storm, is the latest installment of the renowned romantasy series. After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there are no more lessons to be learned. The battle has begun, and with enemies closing in from inside and outside their walls, there’s no telling who to trust.
Determined to save her dragons, her family, her home, and him, Violet must journey beyond the wards to seek aid from unfamiliar lands. In search of an army, power, magic, and most importantly, the truth, there’s no time to waste. There’s a storm coming in The Empyrean series—but will everyone be able to survive?
Are There More Books Coming Out in The Empyrean Series?
With three books out, the Fourth Wing series is currently incomplete. Rebecca Yarros has confirmed there are a total of five books planned. Though #4 and #5 do not yet have titles or publication dates, with the cliffhanger ending of Onyx Storm, we can only hope there’ll be updates on our favorite romantasy series soon!
Is The Empyrean Series Good on Audiobook?
If you prefer listening to your romantasy series over reading them the traditional way, you’re in luck. The audiobook format is well-reviewed, with listeners praising the narrators for bringing the thrilling fantasy world and flawed characters to life. Grab Fourth Wing and start the series on your favorite audiobook service today!
As one of the most popular romantasy series of the last five years, it’s hard not to be curious about what spicy scenes and fantastical settings lie between those pages. Grab the first book from Novel, escape to Navarre, and experience the Fourth Wing series for yourself today!