Read Rebecca Yarros’s three numbered Empyrean novels in order: Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, then Onyx Storm. The author’s official series page identifies them as books one, two, and three, and describes Onyx Storm as the follow-up to the first two. If you need a refresher, the spoiler-light guide below covers the setup without revealing plot resolutions.
What order should I read The Empyrean series?
- Fourth Wing — book one.
- Iron Flame — book two.
- Onyx Storm — book three.
This is the official numbered order. The first two books establish the characters, dangers, and concealed secret that lead into Onyx Storm; its official page presents it as their follow-up.
What happened in Fourth Wing and Iron Flame before Onyx Storm?
Fourth Wing: Violet enters the Riders Quadrant
Violet Sorrengail expects to study books and history in the Scribe Quadrant, but her mother—a commanding general—orders her to compete to become a dragon rider at Basgiath War College. The Riders Quadrant is lethal: Violet is physically more vulnerable than many candidates, and dragons may kill humans they deem unsuitable. Cadets are dangerous rivals, and Xaden Riorson’s hostility is tied to Violet’s family.
Beyond the college, the war grows deadlier. Navarre’s protective wards are failing, and Violet suspects the leadership is concealing a major secret. These pressures provide the central setup for the next book; this recap does not give away their resolutions. Read the official Fourth Wing description.
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Iron Flame: the next year raises the stakes
Violet survives her first year, but the following year brings grueling, deliberately brutal training and a new vice commandant who makes her situation personal. He pressures her to betray the man she loves. Violet knows the secret hidden at Basgiath, and the official synopsis signals that simply surviving may not be enough. It also emphasizes the riders’ agency: “Dragon riders make their own rules.” Read the official Iron Flame description.
Do I need to read anything else before Onyx Storm?
The author’s site numbers the three novels as the main series sequence, so they are the clear preparation: Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, then Onyx Storm. Rebecca Yarros’s homepage also promotes Threshing Day as Empyrean material following the three novels, but the information there does not establish its exact chronology or whether it is necessary before Onyx Storm. Treat it as additional series material rather than a required catch-up step unless its dedicated book information clarifies otherwise. Rebecca Yarros’s official homepage.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What content should readers be prepared for?
The official book pages flag material including war, battle and hand-to-hand combat, peril, blood, intense violence, brutal injuries, death, poisoning, graphic language, and sexual activity shown on the page. These categories are series-level cautions; they do not mean every element appears equally in every installment. Check the individual official book pages if you want the warnings for a specific volume.
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