Series Guide
The Empyrean Books in Order
By Rebecca Yarros · The Empyrean · 3 published novels · 5 planned · Ongoing
Use this The Empyrean books in order guide to start with Fourth Wing, keep the five-book main series in order, and separate Threshing Day from the main count.
Start with: Fourth Wing
About this series
This The Empyrean books in order guide helps you read Rebecca Yarros's The Empyrean series in the clearest order.
Quick Answer
Read Fourth Wing first, followed by Iron Flame and Onyx Storm. The Empyrean main series is ongoing, with three of five planned novels published. Threshing Day is a published companion collection, not Book 4; because it contains spoilers, the publisher recommends reading it after Onyx Storm.
If you are new to The Empyrean, start with Fourth Wing, then continue with Iron Flame and Onyx Storm. The main series is planned as five novels. Threshing Day, published on September 29, 2026, is a separate companion collection of thirteen stories rather than the fourth main novel.
3 published novels · 5 planned main books · Ongoing
Publication order is the safest first-time path because the story is tightly sequential, and the companion collection is separate from the main five-book count.
Read more about this series
If you are new to The Empyrean, start with Fourth Wing, then continue with Iron Flame and Onyx Storm. The main series is planned as five novels. Threshing Day, published on September 29, 2026, is a separate companion collection of thirteen stories rather than the fourth main novel.
3 published novels · 5 planned main books · Ongoing
Publication order is the safest first-time path because the story is tightly sequential, and the companion collection is separate from the main five-book count.
The Empyrean Reading Order
- 1
Fourth Wing
2023
Book 1 and the natural first entry point.
- 2
Iron Flame
2023
Direct sequel. Do not skip on a first read.
- 3
Onyx Storm
2025
Current book 3 in the main arc.
- 4
Untitled Empyrean Book 4
TBA
Planned main novel. Title not yet announced.
- 5
Untitled Empyrean Book 5
TBA
Planned main novel. Title not yet announced.
Series Status
Three novels are published now. The main Empyrean series is planned as five books, so the story is ongoing rather than complete.
Threshing Day was published on September 29, 2026. It contains thirteen companion stories and is separate from the five planned main novels. Its publication does not mean the central Empyrean story is complete.
If you want to binge a finished arc, you may prefer to wait for more of the main series. If you want the story now, start with Fourth Wing and read publication order, but expect unresolved threads after Onyx Storm because the series is still ongoing.
Book-by-Book Notes
Fourth Wing
Book 1 and the natural starting point for new readers.
Iron Flame
Direct sequel to Fourth Wing. Do not skip it on a first read.
Onyx Storm
Current book 3 in the main arc and the latest published novel.
Untitled Empyrean Book 4
Planned main novel. The title has not been announced yet, so it should be treated as an upcoming main entry.
Untitled Empyrean Book 5
Planned main novel. The final book in the current five-book plan is still untitled.
Threshing Day Companion Collection
Threshing Day
Companion collection · September 29, 2026 · 13 stories
Published companion collection featuring thirteen character stories. Best read after Onyx Storm to avoid spoilers; not Book 4.
Reading Order Notes
These The Empyrean reading order notes help first-time readers avoid the most common mistakes: starting in the wrong place, treating Threshing Day like Book 4, or assuming the series is finished.
Why publication order works
For most readers, publication order is the best The Empyrean reading order because each novel builds directly on the last, and the companion collection is optional rather than part of the main five-book plan.
What comes after Onyx Storm?
The next main-series installment is the planned Empyrean Book 4. Its title and release date have not been officially announced, so this guide does not invent a title or date. Onyx Storm remains the latest numbered main novel.
What is Threshing Day?
Threshing Day is a collection of thirteen stories about characters and their dragons in The Empyrean world. It was published on September 29, 2026. It is companion material, not the continuation of Violet and Xaden's story after Onyx Storm, and it does not count as one of the five planned main novels.
When Should You Read Threshing Day?
Read Threshing Day after Onyx Storm if you want to avoid spoilers. The publisher specifically recommends finishing the three published main novels first, even though the companion collection can also be approached as an introduction to the series.
You can read Threshing Day before Onyx Storm, but doing so carries a spoiler risk. If preserving the main novels' reveals matters to you, follow Fourth Wing → Iron Flame → Onyx Storm → Threshing Day.
Threshing Day is optional companion reading. It explores additional character perspectives and is not the fourth main novel or a continuation of the central story after Onyx Storm.
Safest path
For the most spoiler-conscious reading order, read Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm first. Then read Threshing Day if you want the companion stories. Continue with the next main novel when it is published. The companion is a separate reading step, not Book 4.
New to this series? Start here
Fourth Wing
Best first entry point for The Empyrean. Start with Fourth Wing, then continue through the main books in publication order. Threshing Day is companion material and should be read separately.
Buy first book on BookshopSeries at a glance
3
Published main novels
5
Planned main books
Ongoing
Series status
13
Threshing Day stories
Start with: Fourth Wing
Companion collection: Threshing Day · Published September 29, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct The Empyrean reading order?
The correct reading order is Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm for the published novels so far. The planned main series continues with two untitled books, and publication order is still the best first-time path because it keeps the reveals, emotional development, and worldbuilding progression intact.
Is The Empyrean series complete?
No. The Empyrean is not complete yet. The series is still ongoing, the main series is planned as five books, and Onyx Storm currently serves as book three.
Should I start Rebecca Yarros with The Empyrean?
Yes, if you want to start with her biggest romantasy series. Fourth Wing is the natural entry point because it introduces the world, the central cast, and the series stakes from the beginning.
Can I skip Iron Flame?
No, not if you want the main story to make sense. Iron Flame is a direct continuation of Fourth Wing and sets up Onyx Storm, so skipping it would mean missing key plot turns and relationship development.
What is Threshing Day?
Threshing Day is a published collection of thirteen companion stories set in The Empyrean world. It came out on September 29, 2026. It is not the fourth main novel and is best read after Onyx Storm because it contains spoilers.
Is Threshing Day Book 4?
No. Threshing Day is a separate companion collection, not Book 4 of The Empyrean.
Can I wait for Threshing Day before starting The Empyrean?
Threshing Day is already published, so there is no need to wait for its release. For the recommended reading order, start with Fourth Wing, continue through Iron Flame and Onyx Storm, and then read the companion collection if you want the additional stories.
Can I read Threshing Day before Onyx Storm?
Yes, but the publisher recommends reading it after Onyx Storm because the collection contains spoilers. If you want to preserve the main novels' reveals, finish Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm first.
Is Threshing Day required reading?
No. Threshing Day is companion material rather than the fourth main novel. It adds character perspectives, but readers following the numbered main series should not confuse it with the next continuation of Violet and Xaden's story.