Untitled Empyrean (Fourth Wing Series Continuation) Review

TL;DR

The Empyrean series continuation (the next book after Onyx Storm) is the right purchase for readers invested in Rebecca Yarros's Fourth Wing-launched romantasy phenomenon. The Empyrean series — Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, Onyx Storm, and continuing — is one of the most-popular contemporary fantasy-romance series of recent years. Dragon-rider academy setting, complex magic system, and the slow-burn romance that BookTok has championed. For fans who finished the prior books, this is the next entry; for new readers, start with Fourth Wing first.

Why It Matters

Rebecca Yarros's Fourth Wing (2023) launched a publishing phenomenon — selling millions, dominating BookTok, and reshaping contemporary romantasy expectations. The Empyrean series became the foundational text for the post-Fourth Wing romantasy boom. Each book continues the dragon-rider Violet Sorrengail's arc through the academy and beyond. Reading the series in order is the right approach.

Key Specs

• Series: Empyrean (Fourth Wing universe)
• Genre: romantasy, fantasy, dragon-rider academia
• Format: hardcover, paperback, audiobook
• Audiobook narrators: dual narration (Rebecca Soler and Teddy Hamilton)
• Pre-order or just-released — verify status
• Series order: Fourth Wing → Iron Flame → Onyx Storm → this continuation
• Audience: BookTok-aligned, YA/adult crossover

Pros

• Continuation of one of the most-popular contemporary romantasy series
• Dragon-rider academy setting is the BookTok phenomenon
• Slow-burn romance arc continues development
• Audiobook dual narration adds production value
• Right for invested fans of the prior books
• Cultural relevance for engaging with the romantasy boom

Cons

• Don't read out of order — start with Fourth Wing
• Some readers find the romance pacing slow across multi-book commitment
• Dragon-academy setting may not appeal to non-fantasy readers
• Heavy thematic content (war, violence, moral complexity) for some readers
• Pre-order timing requires patience for fans

Who It's For

Fans who finished Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm. BookTok-aligned readers. Romantasy enthusiasts. Skip it if you haven't read the prior books (start with Fourth Wing first), if you don't enjoy fantasy-romance hybrids, or if dragon-academy settings don't appeal.

How to Use It

Read in series order: Fourth Wing → Iron Flame → Onyx Storm → this continuation. Don't read out of order — character arcs and world-building build sequentially. The audiobook dual narration handles the dragon-rider perspectives well. Discuss with BookTok community for full cultural context.

How It Compares

Vs. Fourth Wing alone: this is continuation, not entry point. Vs. Iron Flame: comparable Empyrean continuation. Vs. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas: Maas is comparable romantasy tier. Vs. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black: Black is YA fantasy with romance. Vs. Throne of Glass by Maas: comparable extended-series romantasy.

Bottom Line

The right Empyrean continuation for invested Fourth Wing fans. Buy it for the next entry. Skip it without reading the prior books or for non-romantasy readers.

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