Maas
A Court of Mist and Fury
✦
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Sarah J. Maas - 5 books
The other giant of modern romantasy. Fae courts, slow-burn romance, escalating stakes. If you liked Fourth Wing's heat, ACOTAR delivers.
Series - Books in order
The Empyrean books in order
by Rebecca Yarros - 3 books - 2023-2025 - Updated June 2026
The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros follows Violet Sorrengail through dragon rider training at Basgiath War College. The reading order is straightforward: Fourth Wing first, then Iron Flame, then Onyx Storm. Each book picks up where the last left off, with escalating stakes and major cliffhangers. The series blends romantasy with military academy tension, and Yarros has confirmed five books total.
Yarros
Fourth Wing
✦
1
Yarros
Fourth Wing
✦
1
Start with this book
Most readers should start with Fourth Wing. It gives you the cleanest entry point before continuing through the full series order.Listen on Audible
Buy on Amazon3 books - read in publication order
Show orderPublication order
Contains affiliate links| # | Book | Published | Rating | Where to read |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fourth Wing Fourth WingStart | 2023 | 4.3 | |
| 2 | Iron Flame Iron Flame | 2023 | 4.0 | |
| 3 | Onyx Storm Onyx Storm | 2025 | 3.8 |
Our recommended reading order
publication
Yarros
Fourth Wing
✦
Best book to start with
Fourth Wing
Book #1, and still the best on-ramp. It sets up everything that makes this series work.
Catch up on the whole series
Box sets in print, or listen on Audible.
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From Blood and Ash
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Shannon
The Priory of the Orange Tree
✦
The Priory of the Orange Tree
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Frequently asked questions
Publication order: Fourth Wing (2023), Iron Flame (2023), Onyx Storm (2025). Two more books are planned.
Yes. Fourth Wing is the first book in The Empyrean series and the only starting point. It introduces Violet, the dragon bonding system, and the war that drives the plot.
Yes. Iron Flame ends on a major cliffhanger that sets up Onyx Storm. Skipping it would spoil key revelations and leave you lost.
Yes. The story is continuous with major twists at the end of each book. There is no standalone entry point.
Iron Flame is the direct sequel. If you want something similar while waiting for book four, try A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas or From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout.
Contains affiliate linksUpdated June 2026