Onyx Storm Series: 5 Feral Reads for the Obsessed

Let’s be honest. Some books are just an experience, a feral, all-consuming obsession that leaves you breathless. The Empyrean series is one of them. I’m talking about the kind of story that sinks its claws into you and doesn’t let go.

I’m still processing the night I finished the latest installment. I gripped my Kindle so hard at 3 am during Onyx Storm’s knife scene it cracked, my primal scream disrupting the quiet night. This isn’t just a series; it’s a storm, and if you’re here, you’re probably hooked on the Onyx Storm series and ready to ride it.

Stormy & Addictive: The Onyx Storm Series and Its Predecessors

The Onyx Storm series is the crown jewel of Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean saga, a romantasy masterpiece that blends dragon lore, forbidden romance, and stormy high-stakes drama. But where does it fit in the series? Let’s break down The Empyrean series book order.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

⚡ 🏆 NYT Best Seller | ⭐ 4.6 (1.2M) | 🌶️ 3/5 | 👀 Dual POV

This is the book that started the obsession. Fourth Wing is a raw, gritty, and dangerously steamy introduction to a world where weakness means death. It’s the kind of book that grabs you by the throat from page one and refuses to let go.

The story follows Violet Sorrengail, a woman destined for a quiet life among books, who is forced by her ruthless mother into the brutal Basgiath War College. Here, riders either bond with a dragon or die. It’s a brutal, high-stakes fight for survival, made even more complicated by the lethally gorgeous and infuriating Xaden Riorson.

Fourth Wing sets the foundation for the entire series with its perfect storm of life-or-death stakes, forbidden romance, and the kind of dragon lore that feels both ancient and terrifyingly real. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

⚡ 🏆 NYT Best Seller | ⭐ 4.4 (800k) | 🌶️ 3/5 | 📚 Book 2 of 4

If you thought Fourth Wing was intense, Iron Flame is the gut punch you don’t see coming. The stakes are higher, the betrayals cut deeper, and the tension—both on the battlefield and in the bedroom—is turned up to an eleven. My heart was in my throat for the entire ride.

Violet survived her first year, but the real war is just beginning. With new secrets unraveling and the lines between friend and foe blurring, she must navigate a world where every truth she held dear is a lie. The romance between her and Xaden burns hotter than dragon fire, but it’s also more fragile than ever.

This book doesn’t bridge you to Onyx Storm; it shoves you, bleeding, toward it. It masterfully escalates the political intrigue, the emotional turmoil, and the world-ending threats, leaving you on a cliffhanger that will have you screaming for more.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

⚡ 🔥 Hot New Release | ⭐ 4.3 (50k) | 🌶️ 3/5 | 📚 Book 3 of 4

The storm has finally arrived, and it’s everything we craved and more. Onyx Storm is an electrifying, gut-wrenching continuation that delivers on every promise. This is where the magic, the romance, and the danger collide in a gorgeous, ruinous cataclysm.

Violet’s journey reaches a fever pitch as she grapples with devastating revelations and the true scale of the war. Her bond with Xaden is tested by impossible choices, and the storm magic at the heart of the conflict threatens to consume everything they love.

This book is the culmination of everything fans adore about the Empyrean series. It’s high-stakes, deeply romantic, and utterly addictive. It solidifies the series as a true titan of the romantasy genre.

💬 Reader Quote: “I gripped my Kindle so hard at 3 am during Onyx Storm’s knife scene it cracked, my primal scream disrupting the quiet night.”

Epic & Elemental: Books Like Onyx Storm

If you’re craving more stormy, high-stakes romantasy, these books deliver epic battles, elemental magic, and unforgettable characters. These are the stories that will fill the void while you wait for the next Empyrean book.

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

⚡ 🏆 Genre Classic | ⭐ 4.6 (500k) | 🌶️ 2/5 | 📚 Book 3 of 7

This is a fiery, soul-searing tale of magic, trauma, and resilience that every fantasy reader needs to experience. Heir of Fire is where the Throne of Glass series truly finds its epic heart, and it will leave a permanent mark on your soul.

Consumed by grief, Celaena Sardothien travels to a new land to confront her past and master the blistering magic that lies dormant within her. It’s a slow-burn journey of self-discovery, healing, and the forging of new, unbreakable bonds.

As a genre classic, Heir of Fire perfectly captures the stormy, elemental themes and fierce heroine energy that Onyx Storm fans will devour. It’s a masterclass in character development and world-building.

Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson

⚡ 🔥 Hot New Release | ⭐ 4.7 (20k) | 🌶️ 1/5 | ⏱️ 50 hrs audio

Don’t just read this book—let this sprawling, soul-drowning epic of storm magic, political intrigue, and profound moral dilemmas consume you. Sanderson is a legend for a reason, and Wind and Truth is a testament to his genius. The scope is just massive.

In a world constantly ravaged by magical highstorms, a storm-wielding knight must navigate a complex web of alliances and betrayals to uncover a truth that could save—or shatter—civilization. The magic system is intricate, and the characters are deeply flawed and compelling.

This book is a fresh, complex take on storm magic that offers the same sense of epic scale and elemental power found in the Empyrean series, backed by Sanderson’s signature world-building depth.

🔗 Internal Link: If you’re looking for more, check out these Books that capture the same magic as Fourth Wing.

Forbidden & Fiery: Dragon Rider Romance Tropes

The heart of the Empyrean series beats with tropes we just can’t get enough of. It’s the forbidden connections, the life-or-death stakes of bonding with a dragon, and the searing tension of enemies forced to rely on each other that makes these books so utterly addictive. Let’s break down why these tropes work so well in this world.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

⚡ 🏆 NYT Best Seller | ⭐ 4.6 (1.2M) | 🌶️ 3/5 | 👀 Dual POV

This book is a masterclass in the Enemies-to-Lovers trope. The animosity between Violet and Xaden isn’t just personal; it’s political. He’s the son of a traitor, the leader of the rebellion’s marked children, and she’s the daughter of the general who crushed that rebellion. Every interaction is crackling with a deadly, forbidden energy.

The plot forces them together in the high-stakes environment of the Riders Quadrant. They have to train together, fly together, and ultimately, trust each other to survive. That forced proximity, combined with the very real threat of death, transforms their hatred into a desperate, all-consuming passion.

It’s the ultimate version of the trope because their love is not just forbidden by society—it’s a direct threat to their lives and the political stability of their world.

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

⚡ 🏆 NYT Best Seller | ⭐ 4.4 (800k) | 🌶️ 3/5 | 📚 Book 2 of 4

Iron Flame takes the Dragon Rider trope and injects it with pure adrenaline and emotional weight. The bond between a rider and their dragon isn’t just a magical convenience; it’s a soul-deep connection that defines who they are. We see this with Violet’s bond with the formidable Andarna and the terrifyingly powerful Tairn.

The story explores the immense power and vulnerability that comes with this bond. A dragon’s strength becomes the rider’s, but so does their pain. The telepathic communication and fierce loyalty create relationships that are often more profound and stable than any human connection in the series.

This book elevates the trope beyond just “cool magical creatures.” The dragons are characters in their own right—wise, ancient, and utterly lethal. Their choices and sacrifices are central to the plot, making the bond a core emotional driver of the story.

🔗 Internal Link: For more reads that hit all the right notes, explore these Addictive romantasy reads you can’t miss.

Why We Love Dragon Riders and Forbidden Romance

Let’s be real: the combination of dragon riders and forbidden love isn’t just a trope; it’s a beautiful, brutal addiction we can’t resist. Why? Because it taps into something primal. The Dragon Rider trope gives us ultimate power and freedom—the fantasy of soaring through the skies on the back of a mythical beast who is bonded to your very soul. It’s a connection that transcends simple friendship; it’s a partnership of equals, one forged in fire and loyalty.

Then, you add the Forbidden Romance. This isn’t just about sneaking around; it’s about a love that defies laws, families, and entire kingdoms. It raises the stakes to an unbearable level. Every touch is a risk, every whispered word a rebellion. When the world is trying to tear two people apart, their connection becomes an epic battle cry, and we can’t help but root for them with every fiber of our being.

💡 The Irresistible Formula The magic of the Empyrean series lies in its perfect blend of three core tropes:

• Enemies-to-Lovers: The ultimate slow-burn tension, where hatred and passion are two sides of the same coin.
• Dragon Riders: A bond of power, loyalty, and soul-deep connection that gives characters immense strength and vulnerability.
• Forbidden Romance: Love that defies the rules, raising the emotional stakes and making every moment feel earned and precious.

Safety First: Trigger Warnings & Spice Levels

This series is a dark, intense ride, and it’s important to go in prepared. Rebecca Yarros doesn’t shy away from the brutalities of war or the darkness of her world. Before you dive in, make sure you’re in the right headspace for a story that is as harrowing as it is romantic.

⚠️ A Note on Reader Safety Go in with your eyes open. We list trigger warnings and spice levels to help you make informed choices about the books you read. These stories deal with heavy themes, and it’s okay to prioritize your mental health. Always check content warnings if you’re sensitive to certain topics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the book order for the Empyrean series?

The correct reading order for the Empyrean series, which includes Onyx Storm, is Fourth Wing (Book 1), then Iron Flame (Book 2), and Onyx Storm (Book 3). Two more books are planned to complete the five-book series.

What is the spice level of Onyx Storm?

Like its predecessors, the Onyx Storm spice level is a solid 3/5. It features explicit, plot-relevant scenes that build on the central romance. It’s a key part of the romantasy experience in this series.

What comes after Onyx Storm?

The next book after Onyx Storm will be the fourth installment in the planned five-book Empyrean series. Rebecca Yarros has confirmed it’s coming, but the title and release date have not yet been announced. We’re all waiting on the edge of our seats!

What are the main tropes in the Fourth Wing series?

The series is built on a foundation of beloved tropes, including enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, forbidden romance, and dragon rider romance tropes. It also features a “one bed” scene and a heroine with a chronic illness.

When is the Empyrean series book 4 release date?

Rebecca Yarros has confirmed the series will have five books, but as of now, the Empyrean series book 4 release date has not been officially announced. Fans are eagerly awaiting news on the title and publication timeline, so be sure to follow the author for the latest updates!

Are You Ready for the Storm?

The Empyrean saga is more than just a book series; it’s a phenomenon. It’s a gut-wrenching, addictive, and fiercely romantic journey that will leave you utterly obsessed. From the brutal halls of Basgiath in Fourth Wing to the earth-shattering revelations in Onyx Storm, this is a story that demands to be devoured.

So, grab your copy, brace yourself for the emotional damage, and welcome to the Riders Quadrant. The Onyx Storm series delivers one hell of a ride.