Rebecca Yarros Is Already Working on Empyrean Book 4 — Here's What We Know
If you've been anxiously refreshing Rebecca Yarros's social media accounts waiting for news about the next installment in her massively popular Empyrean series, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The Fourth Wing author has confirmed that she is actively working on book four of the series, and she's already been dropping hints about what fans can expect from Violet Sorrengail's continuing story. Whether you're a longtime rider of the hype train or just discovering the series, here is everything we know so far about the fourth Empyrean novel.
A Quick Recap: Where the Empyrean Series Stands Right Now
For those who need a refresher, the Empyrean series began with Fourth Wing, the fantasy romance novel that took the bookish world by storm and became one of the most talked-about debuts in recent memory. It was followed by Iron Flame and then Onyx Storm, which was released in January 2025. All three books are published by Entangled's fantasy imprint, Red Tower, and together they follow Violet Sorrengail as she trains to become a dragon rider at Basgiath War College while navigating dark magic, political intrigue, and a swoony romance that has readers absolutely hooked.
The series is planned to run for five novels in total, meaning fans are now sitting squarely in the middle of the journey. Book four will be the penultimate installment, setting up what is sure to be an epic conclusion in book five. The stakes have never been higher, and readers who have already finished Onyx Storm know that Yarros left the story at an incredibly tense and emotionally charged place.
Rebecca Yarros Confirms She's Writing Book 4
More than a year after the release of Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros has officially confirmed that she is deep in the writing process for the fourth Empyrean novel. The author, who was recently seen attending the PEN America 2026 Spring Literary Gala, has been engaging with fans and offering tantalizing glimpses into what lies ahead for Violet and the rest of the Basgiath crew.
For fans who experienced the agonizing wait between Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, and then between Iron Flame and Onyx Storm, the news that Yarros is actively working on the next book will come as a major comfort. While no official release date has been announced at the time of writing, the fact that she has confirmed progress means the wait, however long it may be, has an end in sight.
What Has Rebecca Yarros Said About Book 4?
Yarros has always been careful about spoilers — and given the labyrinthine plotting and jaw-dropping twists that define the Empyrean series, that caution is entirely understandable. Still, she has offered hints and teasers about how Violet Sorrengail's story will continue after the events of Onyx Storm.
Without diving too deep into spoiler territory for those who haven't yet finished book three, it's safe to say that Onyx Storm ended with significant consequences for multiple beloved characters. The world of Basgiath has expanded enormously, the threat of dark magic has grown more complex, and the relationship dynamics between key characters have shifted in ways that will undoubtedly drive the emotional engine of book four. Yarros has acknowledged the weight of where she left readers and has hinted that the next chapter will not shy away from confronting those consequences head-on.
The author has also spoken about the challenge and the joy of writing in the middle of a five-book arc. Books four and five together need to carry the story toward a satisfying and earned conclusion, which means book four in particular carries enormous narrative responsibility. Yarros has indicated that she is aware of this pressure and is approaching the writing process with the same care and intentionality that made the earlier books so compelling.
Why the Empyrean Series Has Become a Cultural Phenomenon
It's worth pausing to appreciate just how remarkable the success of the Empyrean series has been. Fourth Wing spent an extraordinary amount of time on bestseller lists, spawned a passionate and dedicated fandom, and is even being adapted for television. The series has introduced countless readers to fantasy romance as a genre and has reignited conversations about what epic fantasy storytelling can look like when romance is woven directly into its heart rather than treated as a subplot.
Violet Sorrengail herself has become one of the most beloved protagonists in recent fiction. Her combination of intellectual sharpness, physical vulnerability, emotional resilience, and fierce loyalty has resonated deeply with readers across age groups and reading preferences. Watching her world grow increasingly dangerous and complex over three books has created exactly the kind of reader investment that makes news of book four feel like a genuine event.
What to Expect From the Fourth Empyrean Novel
While specific plot details remain under wraps, readers can reasonably expect book four to continue raising the stakes established across the first three novels. The dark magic threat that has been building since Fourth Wing is unlikely to wait patiently, key alliances will be tested, and Violet's personal journey — both as a dragon rider and as a young woman navigating love and loss — will continue to deepen.
Yarros has built a world rich enough to support five full novels, and she has consistently demonstrated that she is willing to make bold, sometimes heartbreaking narrative choices in service of the larger story. That track record gives fans every reason to trust that book four will deliver on both the emotional and action-packed fronts that the series is known for.
How to Stay Updated on Empyrean Book 4
The best ways to stay current on all things Empyrean are to follow Rebecca Yarros on her official social media channels and keep an eye on the Red Tower Books website and social accounts. Yarros is genuinely engaged with her readership and frequently shares updates, reading recommendations, and the occasional teaser that keeps the fandom buzzing between releases.
In the meantime, if you haven't yet read Onyx Storm or want to re-read the series from the beginning before book four arrives, now is the perfect time to revisit Basgiath War College and remind yourself why this series captured so many imaginations in the first place. The world of Fourth Wing rewards rereading, and with book four on the horizon, every detail in the earlier novels might just turn out to be a clue.