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Quick answer: The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros is planned for five books. Three have been published so far: Fourth Wing (2023), Iron Flame (2023) and Onyx Storm (2025). Yarros started writing book four in March 2026, but no title or release date had been announced as of fall 2026. A short story collection, Threshing Day, came out on September 29, 2026; it is a companion, not book four. Book five is planned to conclude the series.
Quick facts
Planned total: five books
Published: Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, Onyx Storm
Book four: being written (started March 2026), no title or date yet
Companion: Threshing Day, short stories (Sept 29, 2026)
Series genre: romantasy with dragons
Check the author’s site for updates
Fans of dragon riders and Basgiath War College are eager for news about how many books the Empyrean series will have. Here is what is known, with a reminder to check official sources for updates, since release news changes.
Table of Contents
How Many Books Are Planned?
Rebecca Yarros originally planned a trilogy but expanded the series to five books. Reports say that the fifth book will be the finale. Because plans can change, it is best to confirm with the author’s official channels or the publisher, Red Tower Books.
Books Published So Far
| Order | Title | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fourth Wing | May 2023 |
| 2 | Iron Flame | November 2023 |
| 3 | Onyx Storm | January 2025 |
The books follow Violet Sorrengail, who enters a brutal war college for dragon riders, and the dangerous romance and conflict that follow.
What About Book Four?
As of fall 2026, book four had no confirmed title or release date. Yarros announced in March 2026 that she had started writing it, and fans have speculated about its content. Since publishing schedules are subject to change, check her website, social media and publisher announcements. Be cautious about fan sites that list dates without confirmation.
Companion Books and Extras
The main companion so far is Threshing Day (September 29, 2026), a collection of 13 short stories, each about a rider’s Threshing, the day a dragon chooses its rider. The stories revisit earlier moments rather than continuing Violet and Xaden’s story after Onyx Storm, and Yarros has said it won’t change the timeline for book four. Read it after Onyx Storm if you want to avoid surprises. Special editions with sprayed edges and extra scenes have been popular. Not every extra counts as a main installment, so check whether a new release is a numbered book. Our reading order guides can help.
Reading Order
Read the series in publication order: Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, Onyx Storm. If you see a standalone novella or a companion, check the listing for whether it should be read before or after a particular book. Avoid reading summaries that may include spoilers.
Content Notes
The series is an adult romantasy with violence, death and explicit scenes. It is not meant for younger teens. See our guide on spice ratings to understand heat levels. Parents should read reviews before allowing teens to read it.
Books to Read While You Wait
If you love the series, try From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout, The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent, A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas or Eragon by Christopher Paolini for dragons. You can find more in our romantasy recommendations or on Amazon.
How to Stay Updated
Sign up for the author’s newsletter, follow the publisher and check retailer pages for pre-orders. Release dates often appear first on the author’s social media. Reading communities on social media also share news, though you should confirm it.
Why the Empyrean Series Took Off
Fourth Wing launched in 2023 and spread through social media, with readers drawn to its mix of dragon riders, high-stakes training and a slow-burn romance. Special editions, fan art and merchandise followed. The series has sold millions of copies and helped bring romantasy into the mainstream. Its popularity is one reason fans watch closely for news on future books and possible screen adaptations.
Spoiler-Free Questions Fans Ask
Fans often ask whether the series ends happily, how many more books to expect and whether the story will wrap up in book five. The author has said the series is planned for five books, but she hasn’t revealed details. If you want to avoid spoilers, stay away from fan theory threads. You can enjoy the books without knowing the future by reading at your own pace and checking only official news.
Dragon Books Beyond the Empyrean
If you crave more dragons, try Eragon by Christopher Paolini, Temeraire by Naomi Novik, The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon or Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey. Each offers a different tone, from adventure to political intrigue. Sampling these keeps you busy while you wait for the next Yarros release.
Staying Spoiler-Free
Series with huge fandoms often have spoilers online. Mute keywords on social media, avoid reading the back of later books and ask friends not to share surprises. If you are behind, read the books in a quiet window before the next release. Many fans buy the books as soon as they come out to avoid hearing major twists.
Where to Check for Official News
Look at the author’s website and newsletter, the publisher’s page and verified social media accounts. Retailers also list pre-orders once dates are confirmed. If news seems too good to be true or lacks a source, wait for confirmation before planning.
Related: what romantasy is and what spice ratings mean.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many books will there be in the Empyrean series?
Five are planned.
What are the Empyrean books?
Fourth Wing, Iron Flame and Onyx Storm have been published.
When does book four come out?
No confirmed date was found in reports; check official sources.
Is Fourth Wing for teens?
It is an adult book with mature content.
What should I read while waiting?
Try From Blood and Ash or A Court of Thorns and Roses.