Fourth Wing
Also available on: Kindle, Audible
Synopsis
“Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros (2023) is the explosive first book in the Empyrean series, a “romantasy” (romantic fantasy) phenomenon that took the world by storm. It blends the high-stakes environment of a brutal military academy with dragon-riding and a steamy, forbidden romance.
The Plot: Fly or Die
The story follows Violet Sorrengail, who has spent her life training to be a Scribe—a quiet life of books and history. However, her mother, the ruthless General Sorrengail, orders her to join the Riders Quadrant at Basgiath War College. In this world, becoming a dragon rider is the only way to power, but the training is lethal: candidates are more likely to be incinerated or fall to their deaths than to graduate.
Violet is physically fragile due to a chronic condition (often identified by fans as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), making her a prime target for classmates who want to weed out the weak. Her biggest threat is Xaden Riorson, a powerful and shadowed third-year wingleader whose father was executed by Violet’s mother. Despite being “enemies” by blood, Violet and Xaden find themselves increasingly drawn to one another as they navigate a war that isn’t as simple as they were taught.
Key Appeal Notes
- The “Enemies-to-Lovers” Trope: The chemistry between Violet and Xaden is legendary in the genre, characterized by sharp banter and high-tension moments.
- The Dragons: These aren’t just pets; they are sentient, telepathic, and often funnier than the humans. Violet’s bond with her dragons, Tairn and Andarna, is the heart of the book.
- Disability Representation: Violet’s struggle with her physical limitations—and her brilliant ways of compensating for them—has made her a hero for many readers.
- The Twist Ending: Without spoilers, the final chapters of Fourth Wing completely upend the world-building, turning a “school story” into a “rebellion story.”
Series Status in 2026
As of January 2026, the Empyrean series has expanded significantly:
- Book 3 (Onyx Storm): Released in early 2025, continuing the massive momentum of the series.
- Book 4 Status: Rebecca Yarros recently confirmed in January 2026 that she is actively plotting Book 4. She has been building character playlists and storyboards, though she is wrapping up a contemporary romance first. Fans currently anticipate a release in mid-to-late 2027.
- Television Series: Amazon MGM Studios is currently in development of a Fourth Wing TV series, with Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society producing.