Reading order
Empyrean Reading Order
The Empyrean is a direct-sequel series. Read the main novels in publication order, then treat Threshing Day as companion material rather than Book 4.
Last checked: October 13, 2026.
Quick answer
Read Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm in order. Threshing Day is an official Empyrean companion collection released September 29, 2026, but it is not Book 4.
Main reading order
- Fourth Wing recap
- Iron Flame recap ending explained
- Onyx Storm recap
- Threshing Day companion collection, released Sept. 29, 2026
- Untitled Empyrean Book 4 main novel, date TBA
- Untitled Empyrean Book 5 main novel, date TBA
Best path by reader type
| Reader type | Best path | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time reader | Main novels first | The cliffhangers and reveals depend on publication order. |
| Returning between books | Use the recap for the last book you finished | The series relies on bonds, signets, rebellion politics, and wards. |
| Companion-material reader | Read Threshing Day after the published main novels | It is companion material, not the next main installment. |
| Cliffhanger-sensitive reader | Consider waiting | The five-book main series is still ongoing. |
Recaps and explainers
Empyrean recaps cover Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm, plus Iron Flame Ending Explained for Xaden, Andarna, the wards, and the finale.
Series notes
- Rebecca Yarros's site lists Threshing Day as an Empyrean secret project with thirteen stories; it released September 29, 2026.
- Threshing Day should not be counted as Book 4.
- The main Empyrean series is planned as five books, with two main novels still to come after Onyx Storm.
- If you only need the book-two cliffhanger refreshed, use the Iron Flame ending explainer before rereading the full book.
- If you are deciding whether to continue now or wait, remember that Onyx Storm is not the series finale and the next two main books do not yet have final public release dates.
- Use recaps between releases because the wards, signets, dragons, venin, and rebellion threads build quickly over multiple cliffhangers.
- Use Books Like Fourth Wing if you are waiting for the next main novel.
Reader FAQ
What order should I read The Empyrean books in?
Read Fourth Wing, then Iron Flame, then Onyx Storm. Treat Threshing Day as companion material, not Book 4.
Is Threshing Day Book 4?
No. It is a companion collection in the Empyrean world that released September 29, 2026.
Is The Empyrean complete?
No. The main series is planned for five novels, and only the first three main novels are currently out.
Where should I go for spoilers?
Use the Fourth Wing recap, Iron Flame recap, and Onyx Storm recap after reading each book. The Iron Flame ending explained page covers the book-two finale.
What to read next
Use Empyrean Series Hub, Books Like Fourth Wing, or Best Romantasy Audiobooks.