Reading guide
Fourth Wing Series Order: How to Read the Empyrean Books
Three novels out, one story collection, and two more books still to come. Here is the Fourth Wing series order (the Empyrean series, to use its official name), with one spoiler-free line per book.
The reading order at a glance
- Fourth Wing Book 1, May 2, 2023
- Iron Flame Book 2, November 7, 2023
- Onyx Storm Book 3, January 21, 2025
- Threshing Day Companion collection (book 3.5), September 29, 2026
- Book 4 Not yet announced
- Book 5 Not yet announced
Read them in publication order. There is no reason to skip ahead, and the first three build on each other directly.
Each book, without spoilers
1. Fourth Wing
Violet Sorrengail was meant to be a scribe. Instead she is sent to the riders' quadrant at Basgiath War College, where cadets train to bond dragons and most do not survive the first year. Start here. Everything else assumes you know this book.
2. Iron Flame
Second year at Basgiath, and the rules change. The story widens from the college to the war outside it, and the cost of what Violet learned in book one comes due.
3. Onyx Storm
The hunt for answers leaves Navarre entirely. Book three is the biggest in scope so far and ends on a note that makes the wait for book four hard.
3.5. Threshing Day
Not book four. Threshing Day is a collection of thirteen stories, each told by a different character on the day a dragon chose them, including Xaden, Mira, Dain, Rhiannon, Ridoc, Liam and others. Read it after Onyx Storm: it is written for readers who already know these people, and the author positions it as a companion collection rather than the next chapter of the main story. Curious how you would fare on that day? Try our Threshing Day quiz.
Books 4 and 5
Rebecca Yarros has said the Empyrean series will run to five main novels. Titles and dates for the last two have not been announced. We will update this page when they are.
Where to start if you only have a weekend
Fourth Wing on its own works as a complete story with an open ending. If you finish it and want more, Iron Flame picks up right where it leaves off.
Questions
Is Threshing Day book 4?
No. It is a companion collection, often listed as book 3.5. Book 4 continues the main story and has not been released.
Can I read Threshing Day first?
You can, but it is not the best way in. The stories lean on characters you meet in the first three books. Start with Fourth Wing.
Is the Empyrean series the same thing as the Fourth Wing series?
Yes. The Empyrean is the official series name; most readers call it the Fourth Wing series after the first book.
Done reading? Find your dragon
Which dragon would bond with you? See every dragon in the series
Dragon Rider HQ is an unofficial fan site. Dates are publication dates in the United States. We are not affiliated with Rebecca Yarros or Entangled Publishing.