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The Empyrean #1-3
The Empyrean Series 3 Book Set
Fourth Wing
Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros.
Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general―also known as her tough-as-talons mother―has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of dragon riders.
Iron Flame
“The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity.” ―Xaden Riorson.
Violet's survived her first year at Basgiath War College for dragon riders…but the danger’s just beginning in the electrifying, pulse-pounding follow-up to the Fourth Wing.
Onyx Storm
[...]
Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros.
Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general―also known as her tough-as-talons mother―has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of dragon riders.
Iron Flame
“The first year is when some of us lose our lives. The second year is when the rest of us lose our humanity.” ―Xaden Riorson.
Violet's survived her first year at Basgiath War College for dragon riders…but the danger’s just beginning in the electrifying, pulse-pounding follow-up to the Fourth Wing.
Onyx Storm
[...]
1168 pages, Hardcover
Published August 1, 2024
67 people are currently reading
1142 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Yarros
69 books198k followersRebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and coffee addict. She is the New York Times bestselling author of over twenty novels, including Fourth Wing, The Last Letter and The Things We Leave Unfinished. She’s also the recipient of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence for Eyes Turned Skyward. Rebecca loves military heroes and has been blissfully married to hers for over twenty years. A mother of six, she is currently surviving the teenage years with all four of her hockey-playing sons.
Want to know about Rebecca’s next release? Check her out online at www.rebeccayarros.com.
Want to know about Rebecca’s next release? Check her out online at www.rebeccayarros.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 3, 2025
this was... an interesting read.
i liked how the events of the first book played out. the romance wasn't forced and there was chemistry between the characters. i liked violet too, she was a very strong fmc and i liked how she would think outside of the box to keep herself alive. i liked xaden too, but he seemed a little stereotypical and he so easily fit into the cookie cutter enemies to lover love interest. but he soon became more interesting as a character, and i ended up really liking him.
however, in the second and third books, i felt like the story was not properly explored and the chapters were rather confusing. it wasn't as smooth a read as the first book and the characters started feeling more like words on paper than real people. one thing rebecca did well though, was incite anger towards catriona in the reader. i was gritting my teeth through some scenes, i could not stand this girl.
the story could have ended as a trilogy, however. rebecca, you are trying way too hard to milk these books. take your money and go.
i liked how the events of the first book played out. the romance wasn't forced and there was chemistry between the characters. i liked violet too, she was a very strong fmc and i liked how she would think outside of the box to keep herself alive. i liked xaden too, but he seemed a little stereotypical and he so easily fit into the cookie cutter enemies to lover love interest. but he soon became more interesting as a character, and i ended up really liking him.
however, in the second and third books, i felt like the story was not properly explored and the chapters were rather confusing. it wasn't as smooth a read as the first book and the characters started feeling more like words on paper than real people. one thing rebecca did well though, was incite anger towards catriona in the reader. i was gritting my teeth through some scenes, i could not stand this girl.
the story could have ended as a trilogy, however. rebecca, you are trying way too hard to milk these books. take your money and go.
Read
August 14, 20251: besser als acotar? aber mehr basic
October 19, 2025
I've wrestled a lot whether to provide a review for these books and finally decided to raise my voice. In compiling my review I want to be very careful not to create an ad hominem attack on the author, who writes well and is inventive--but not, to my mind, well enough or with sufficient invention.
My disappointment in the series stems from three points that will not trouble other readers. First is the requirement to suspend disbelief in a positively ridiculous, unsustainable social setting. There is no society which can strengthen its ranks by killing off its potential members--particularly a society or force which claims to be engaged in a conflict with an implacable, growing enemy. It sound dramatically romantic, but killing off everyone works only in an imaginary world. To a social historian (my day job), that premise is simply not even marginally realistic. Like any conflict between corrupt warlords, this sort of competition favors not the brave or the strong, but rather those who won't take risks or will undercut the competition, exactly the opposite of the characters the author wants us to believe. In the process the author fails to note that attrition, while inevitable, occurs chiefly from accident and happenstance, which is not the same as being unsuitable. Even she realizes this point; note the change as the griffon selection is introduced into the story. Especially in Fourth Wing I found my eyes rolling so much they got tired.
Second, the constant use of coarse vulgarity sustained neither the story nor the characters at all. I don't care how common it may be on subways or among casual conversation in some groups. In my world (and my classroom) profanity is discouraged as I encourage people to think and react genuinely and effectively. Doing so prevents no one from communicating nor expressing their thoughts, but they do learn to think and shape arguments before they talk. Characters in this book evidently do not. Profanity is so common through the pages as to be wearying. The constant, gratuitous, and useless insertion of coarse language reminds me of something I learned as a young writer: "vulgarity is the sign of a weak writer trying to find forceful expression." I lost respect for the books as technical examples of storytelling while plodding through the profanity, and never really regained it.
Third, I found the choice of ceaseless promiscuity and verbal pornography to be useless distractions. It offered the reader no help toward understanding characters, served no useful or even practical plot exposition. Worst, as a literary device the descriptions of passionate abandon are utterly unlike any real-life sexual experience that is not wholly faked. Young readers looking for a thrill will find it, but those hoping for a mirror for real relationships will be sadly deceived. "If a thing can go without saying, let it," my grandfather said repeatedly. That should have been the guiding principle in these three books. In lived experience, promiscuity does not ever foster the sort of stable, committed interpersonal relationships that is supposed to be created by the central characters. Quite the opposite. Readers who want a love story won't find it tucked into the hormonal adolescent passion written here. I'm not advocating prudishness, just better narrative ability than resorting to this type of gratuitous distraction.
As one with previous professional experience in commercial publishing (albeit, a quarter century ago), it occurs to me that these flaws are not merely the faults of the writer but also reflect poor advice from both agent and editor. Doubtless both are competent, committed professionals. They should know better. For me, the stories' interesting and well-crafted qualities are offset fatally by these choices. Each of the books could have been written without these elements. They would have lost nothing as works of literature, and would have been both better storytelling and have given the works wider appeal. Other readers will think differently, asserting that they are fantasy or provide a touch of realism, but I see nothing either realistic or encouraging in this, however popular the books might be. I wish the author would have chosen differently and been a bit more careful employing the writing skill that she obviously has. Like a bowl of ice cream with only a few cockroaches mixed in with the nuts and caramel, these narrative choices provide the reasons I will not recommend the books to anyone.
My disappointment in the series stems from three points that will not trouble other readers. First is the requirement to suspend disbelief in a positively ridiculous, unsustainable social setting. There is no society which can strengthen its ranks by killing off its potential members--particularly a society or force which claims to be engaged in a conflict with an implacable, growing enemy. It sound dramatically romantic, but killing off everyone works only in an imaginary world. To a social historian (my day job), that premise is simply not even marginally realistic. Like any conflict between corrupt warlords, this sort of competition favors not the brave or the strong, but rather those who won't take risks or will undercut the competition, exactly the opposite of the characters the author wants us to believe. In the process the author fails to note that attrition, while inevitable, occurs chiefly from accident and happenstance, which is not the same as being unsuitable. Even she realizes this point; note the change as the griffon selection is introduced into the story. Especially in Fourth Wing I found my eyes rolling so much they got tired.
Second, the constant use of coarse vulgarity sustained neither the story nor the characters at all. I don't care how common it may be on subways or among casual conversation in some groups. In my world (and my classroom) profanity is discouraged as I encourage people to think and react genuinely and effectively. Doing so prevents no one from communicating nor expressing their thoughts, but they do learn to think and shape arguments before they talk. Characters in this book evidently do not. Profanity is so common through the pages as to be wearying. The constant, gratuitous, and useless insertion of coarse language reminds me of something I learned as a young writer: "vulgarity is the sign of a weak writer trying to find forceful expression." I lost respect for the books as technical examples of storytelling while plodding through the profanity, and never really regained it.
Third, I found the choice of ceaseless promiscuity and verbal pornography to be useless distractions. It offered the reader no help toward understanding characters, served no useful or even practical plot exposition. Worst, as a literary device the descriptions of passionate abandon are utterly unlike any real-life sexual experience that is not wholly faked. Young readers looking for a thrill will find it, but those hoping for a mirror for real relationships will be sadly deceived. "If a thing can go without saying, let it," my grandfather said repeatedly. That should have been the guiding principle in these three books. In lived experience, promiscuity does not ever foster the sort of stable, committed interpersonal relationships that is supposed to be created by the central characters. Quite the opposite. Readers who want a love story won't find it tucked into the hormonal adolescent passion written here. I'm not advocating prudishness, just better narrative ability than resorting to this type of gratuitous distraction.
As one with previous professional experience in commercial publishing (albeit, a quarter century ago), it occurs to me that these flaws are not merely the faults of the writer but also reflect poor advice from both agent and editor. Doubtless both are competent, committed professionals. They should know better. For me, the stories' interesting and well-crafted qualities are offset fatally by these choices. Each of the books could have been written without these elements. They would have lost nothing as works of literature, and would have been both better storytelling and have given the works wider appeal. Other readers will think differently, asserting that they are fantasy or provide a touch of realism, but I see nothing either realistic or encouraging in this, however popular the books might be. I wish the author would have chosen differently and been a bit more careful employing the writing skill that she obviously has. Like a bowl of ice cream with only a few cockroaches mixed in with the nuts and caramel, these narrative choices provide the reasons I will not recommend the books to anyone.
September 5, 2024
Giving this series five stars because I know it will be amazing
July 14, 2025
Good slow burn but not many spicy scenes. 3rd book starts to dissolve the romantic relationship buildup.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2025
While not aspiring to literary greatness, this series delivers thoroughly enjoyable escapism. The worldbuilding creates a vivid, immersive setting complete with dragons and a well-developed magic system. The romantic storyline features genuine tension and chemistry, with intimate scenes that are both passionate and thoughtfully crafted to center the female experience. The protagonist stands out as both intellectually sharp and emotionally resilient, offering a refreshing departure from weaker fantasy heroines. The monogamous romance develops naturally amid thrilling dragon-riding adventures.
February 10, 2025
Rebecca what the heck was this the cliffhanger the lack of basic plot the whole book was concerning. with trying to find a cure for xaden and finding andarnas kind and why did she get her fathers books just to use them once. She should have just stopped at the first book. As it is the best, also how can you milk two more books from this series it’s not possible with out it being absolutely butt just wrap it up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2025
Very well written and draws you in right away. Wonderful character building and story building. Liam destroyed me. I loved him 😢 Xaden is 🔥 and just love their love story he better not break my heart. Happy there's more books to come but not happy that they aren't out already 😁. Violet and Xaden were a little whiny in the second book but there was so much other stuff going on that it was easy to get over that annoyance. Highly, highly recommend.
March 19, 2025
I’m just so gutted I loved the other two books this book took me agesssss to get into. When I got about half way through it picked up again. But just nothing really happened. And then the ending I mean I will read the next book but I just feel like I didn’t buzz off it like the first two. Just took ages for anything to happen and me really enjoy it. I just felt like what happened in the whole book could have been in two chapters.
January 28, 2025
Rebecca instantly grabs your attention and holds it as tightly as Tairn does Vi. She knows how to rip your heart out, then finds a way to put it back and make it beat again. I love her writing. I'm not a personal fan of on the page spice, but that's just me. Other than that, this is one of the best series I've read in awhile.
January 30, 2025
She has once again left us in a state of awe. The story is amazing. The journey we travel is beyond words. I don't want to leave spoilers here. To say this as everyone knows she leaves us on a very unsatisfied ending. I think about this series alot. All I can say is sign me up for 4 and 5 never thought I'd be so wanting.
March 30, 2025
.....how dare Rebecca Yarros leave us on THAT cliffhanger.
I loved the character development and emotional trauma that this book put me through. That is all I can say. I feel like if I give ANY amount of details, I might spoil something for potential readers. If you enjoyed the first 2 books, you will enjoy this one, too!!
I loved the character development and emotional trauma that this book put me through. That is all I can say. I feel like if I give ANY amount of details, I might spoil something for potential readers. If you enjoyed the first 2 books, you will enjoy this one, too!!
August 13, 2025
Fourth wing had me hooked from the start I couldn’t put it down, I like how Violet wasn’t a strong character to begin with. The character development through the series is captivating. Iron flame took me a while to read, it dragged on a while but I pushed through.. onyx Storm held a grip on me especially with that ending I NEED MORE
December 4, 2025
These books pulled me in so much that I read each of these in the matter of a couple days. The first book is 800 something pages and read it in a couple days. I am known to take breaks and forget to read but not with these. There were always things happening that made you want to keep going. Definitely recommend to others often.
January 26, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
I’ve just finished this book! It’s was my most anticipated read since finishing Iron Flame, unfortunately I don’t love it!
I feel like this book was more filler and the ending felt predictable 🤷♀️
I’ve just finished this book! It’s was my most anticipated read since finishing Iron Flame, unfortunately I don’t love it!
I feel like this book was more filler and the ending felt predictable 🤷♀️
January 28, 2025
This book was a masterpiece by Rebecca Yarros. The way she invokes such real feelings and attachments to her characters is astounding. I am shattered by the ending and those we lost along the way! I cannot wait for the next one when she gets around to it
December 1, 2025
Cool book, good carry on after the first two. Don’t recall it being too groundbreaking but I do enjoy the graphic audio and the world building. Perhaps too many cringe spicy scenes. Just chill. Not everyone is 🥵🔥🥵🔥 24/7.
January 24, 2025
Read the first two, starting the 3rd today. Its been a long time since I so anxiously waited the release of a new book. I'm so excited!
February 26, 2025
Waiting on book 4
February 27, 2025
Broke my heart but made the top 5 best series I've read list. Now we patiently wait an unknown amount of time for book 4
March 12, 2025
The only fantasy book series where I have liked both main male and female characters equal amount.
March 13, 2025
This series was so exciting! I was constantly invested and thrilled for each new twist and turn. I can't wait for book four!!!
March 23, 2025
yes rachel give me 15 of these
March 27, 2025
Listened to the audio. Enjoyed
June 5, 2025
choke hold. most of it I couldn't stop reading.
June 5, 2025
I loved this series! Great, dynamic characters, spicy romance, and exhilarating writing
Read
July 25, 2025DNF too many characters
August 8, 2025
It's been15 years since I last read a fantasy novel! Decided to try this for the hype! My God !! I was mind blown by the writing and all the sneaky cliff hangers ! loved it !
August 12, 2025
Holy crap balls this series is good, leaving on an epic cliff hanger. I cannot wait for the next book. Amazing!
August 28, 2025
Such a cool series! It reminded me of the brutality of Hunger games, but with the fantasy aspect of dragons! I loved it and cannot wait for the next book!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews