Fourth Wing Series Order: Your Unbearable 2025 Guide

Let’s be honest. We’re all here because of that feeling. The one where you’re so deep in a book it feels like the story is physically rearranging your DNA. For me, it was Chapter 15 of Fourth Wing. Xaden pinning Violet against the wall, that feral intensity… I was screaming into my pillow, hating him, hating myself for absolutely needing him to ruin me.

This series isn’t a story; it’s a fever you don’t want to break, full of dragons, high-stakes drama, and spice that leaves you breathless. But with cliffhangers that feel like a physical blow, you need a plan. You need a guide to navigate the emotional wreckage. This is it—your complete guide to the Fourth Wing series order and how to survive it.

The Foundation: Fourth Wing Series Order

The Fourth Wing series by Rebecca Yarros has taken the romantasy world by storm, blending dragons, romance, and academy drama into an addictive saga. If you want to read all of Rebecca Yarros’ books in order within this saga, this guide has you covered. It’s the only map you’ll need to survive Basgiath War College. Below is the Empyrean series book list so far.

Fourth Wing

⚡ 🏆 NYT Best Seller | ⭐ 4.6 (2.1M) | 🌶️ 3/5 | 👀 Dual POV

Violet Sorrengail’s journey into the brutal, life-or-death world of dragon riders will have you hooked from the very first page. You feel her fear in your own throat, her defiance in your bones, and that spark of something feral she doesn’t even know she has? It feels like it’s yours. It’s a feeling that sinks its claws into you and refuses to let go.

Forced into the Riders Quadrant by her mother, the commanding general, Violet is smaller and more fragile than her peers. Everyone expects her to die. To survive, she must bond with a dragon—and navigate the lethal attention of Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wing leader in the quadrant, whose father her mother executed. The tension is unbearable in the best way.

This book is the perfect entry point for anyone who craves that unbearable, addictive enemies-to-lovers tension set against a backdrop of high-stakes fantasy. If you live for academy settings where failure means death, this is your new obsession.

Iron Flame

⚡ 🏆 NYT Best Seller | ⭐ 4.4 (1.2M) | 🌶️ 3/5 | 📚 Book 2 of 5+

There is no catching your breath. Iron Flame throws you right back into the fire. The stakes are impossibly higher, the betrayals cut deeper, and the love between Violet and Xaden is tested in ways that will leave you emotionally wrecked. My heart was in my throat for the entire book.

Picking up immediately after the devastating cliffhanger of Fourth Wing, this sequel expands the world and the war. Violet returns to Basgiath facing a new vice commandant with a personal vendetta, all while harboring a deadly secret that could get her and everyone she loves killed. The dragons, the battles, and the romance are all dialed up to eleven.

If you survived the first book, you don’t have a choice—this is your next fix. It’s for readers who are deeply invested in Violet and Xaden’s story and are ready for the plot to explode into full-scale war, political intrigue, and even more delicious tension.

💬 Reader Quote: “The dragon politics and Violet’s fiery chemistry with Xaden kept me up all night. I need the next book ASAP!”

The Next Chapter: Upcoming Books in the Empyrean Series

With the first two books setting the stage, fans are eagerly awaiting the next installments. The wait is agonizing, but here’s what we know about the upcoming books in the Empyrean series that will absolutely destroy us.

Onyx Storm

⚡ 🔥 Hot New Release | ⭐ 4.3 (150k) | 🌶️ 3/5 | ⏱️ 28 hrs audio

The cliffhanger at the end of Iron Flame isn’t a plot twist, it’s a personal attack. It will leave you breathless, staring at the wall, and desperately counting down the days until the Onyx Storm release date. This book promises to be an emotional gauntlet, and I am ready to be hurt again.

The war is escalating, and as Violet’s powers continue to grow, so do the dangers she and her loved ones face. This action-packed continuation is set to deliver jaw-dropping twists that will redefine everything we thought we knew about Navarre, the dragons, and the true enemy.

This is for the readers who aren’t just living for the pain of a good cliffhanger—they need it. They crave the thrill of magic, epic battles, and earth-shattering plot twists that leave them ruined. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Empyrean (Novella Collection)

⚡ ⭐ Top Rated | ⭐ 4.5 (45k) | 🌶️ 2/5 | 📚 Book 3.5 of 5+

If you’re as obsessed with the side characters as I am, this book is a gift. This collection promises to let us dive into the backstories of the characters we’ve grown to love and fear, adding layers of depth to an already rich world.

This novella collection is designed to bridge the gap between Iron Flame and Onyx Storm, offering critical world-building and character perspectives that will be essential for the main story. It’s a chance to see the world through different eyes and understand the bonds that hold this found family together.

This is an absolute must-read for anyone who craves deeper lore and character development. If you want to understand the why behind the war, this is where you’ll find your answers.

If you’re desperate for more books to fill the void while you wait, check out these other Addictive fantasy romances.

The Collector’s Edition: A Fourth Wing Special Edition Guide

For die-hard fans and collectors, the Fourth Wing Special Edition offers an enhanced experience with exclusive content. It’s a way to hold the magic in your hands and relive it all over again, but with a little something extra.

Fourth Wing (Special Edition)

⚡ 🔥 Hot New Release | ⭐ 4.7 (20k) | 🌶️ 3/5 | 📖 512 pages

This isn’t just a reread; it’s an upgrade. Reliving the magic of Violet’s first year at Basgiath with added depth and exclusive content is an experience every fan deserves. The new sprayed edges alone are worth it.

This collector’s edition features the original story that we all fell for, but it’s elevated with bonus material that enriches the narrative. It’s the perfect excuse to dive back into the world that started our obsession.

Whether you’re a new reader wanting to start with the most beautiful edition or a long-time fan looking to enhance your collection, this book is a must-have. It’s a trophy for surviving the emotional rollercoaster.

And if you love navigating complex fantasy series, you should check out our guide to the ACOTAR reading order.

Thematic Breakdown: Tropes That Define the Empyrean Series

The Fourth Wing series has captivated readers with its masterful use of beloved fantasy tropes. It’s not just that these themes are present; it’s how Yarros executes them with such raw, emotional intensity that makes them resonate so deeply.

• Enemies-to-Lovers: The fiery, antagonistic chemistry between Violet and Xaden is a masterclass in romantic tension. Their journey from mutual hatred to a desperate, all-consuming love is the beating heart of this series.
• Dragon-Bond: This is more than just having cool dragon sidekicks. The unique, telepathic connection between riders and their dragons—especially the bond between Violet, Tairn, and Andarna—adds incredible emotional depth and life-or-death stakes.
• Found-Family: In a world designed to kill her, Violet’s journey is as much about building trust and alliances as it is about survival. The bonds she forges with her squad are a shield against the brutality of their world.

💡 Quick Recap:

• Enemies-to-Lovers
• Dragon-Bond
• Found-Family

Safety First: Spice Levels & Trigger Warnings

Forget an “enjoyable” reading experience. Let’s talk about survival. This series is dark, and it doesn’t pull its punches. Here’s what you need to know about the Fourth Wing series spice level and other trigger warnings. Go in prepared.

⚠️ Note on Triggers: This series contains graphic violence and emotional themes. Reader discretion is advised.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the order of the Fourth Wing series?

The correct reading order is Fourth Wing, followed by its direct sequel Iron Flame. The upcoming books are Onyx Storm (Book 3) and additional books in the planned five-book series.

How many books will be in the Empyrean series?

Rebecca Yarros has confirmed that the Empyrean series is planned to have five books total. Three full-length novels have been released so far: Fourth Wing (2023), Iron Flame (2023), and Onyx Storm (2025).

Is the Fourth Wing series spicy?

Yes, the series features romantic content and mature themes that are integral to character development and plot. The books are classified as romantasy, blending fantasy world-building with romantic storylines.

Do you have to read the Fourth Wing series in order?

Absolutely. The Empyrean series is a continuous saga with major plot points and character arcs that build directly on previous events. Reading the Fourth Wing series in order is essential to understanding the betrayals, political intrigue, and the evolution of Violet and Xaden’s relationship.

What is the Fourth Wing series spice level?

The spice level is generally considered a 3 out of 5 (🌶️🌶️🌶️). The books contain several explicit scenes that are central to the romance but don’t overshadow the fantasy plot. It’s a key part of the “romantasy” genre, blending high-stakes action with passionate character-driven moments.

Your Next Obsession Awaits

The Fourth Wing series is a must-read for any romantasy fan who isn’t afraid of a little (or a lot of) emotional damage. Whether you’re here for the magnificent dragons, the feral romance, or the high-stakes political drama that will keep you guessing, this guide to the Fourth Wing series order ensures you won’t miss a single beat of this epic saga. Ready to dive in and let it consume you? Start your journey today. You won’t regret it.