The anticipation for the next installment in Rebecca Yarros’s viral Empyrean series is reaching a fever pitch, but as of today, December 15, 2025, there is no official release date or title for Fourth Wing Book 4. While fans are eagerly awaiting the continuation of Violet Sorrengail's journey after the events of *Onyx Storm*, the author has provided a crucial timeline update that gives us a clear window for when we can expect the fourth novel to begin taking shape. This article breaks down the confirmed schedule, the likely title announcement window, and the major plot points that will drive the narrative of the next book.
The explosive success of *Fourth Wing* and *Iron Flame* has established a rapid-fire release schedule for the first half of the series, but the author, Rebecca Yarros, has been vocal about the intense pressure and the need to prioritize her well-being. This has resulted in a necessary, and highly anticipated, slowdown for the fourth book, which will be the penultimate novel in the planned five-book saga.
The Official Empyrean Series Release Timeline (Books 1-5)
The Empyrean series, which follows the perilous lives of the dragon riders at Basgiath War College, is confirmed to be a five-book series. The first three books have established a pattern of high-stakes fantasy romance, with each installment ending on a dramatic cliffhanger that leaves readers desperate for more. Understanding the official timeline for the previous books is essential for projecting a realistic release window for the untitled Book 4.
- Book 1: Fourth Wing
- Release Date: May 2, 2023
- Protagonist: Violet Sorrengail
- Key Events: Entering the Riders Quadrant, bonding with Tairn and Andarna, discovering the truth about the *venin*.
- Book 2: Iron Flame
- Release Date: November 7, 2023
- Protagonist: Violet Sorrengail
- Key Events: The Battle of Basgiath, Xaden Riorson's transformation, the retreat to the Aretian rebellion.
- Book 3: Onyx Storm
- Release Date: January 21, 2025
- Protagonist: Violet Sorrengail
- Key Events: The fight to save Xaden, the search for the seventh breed of dragons, and the political fallout of the rebellion.
- Book 4: Untitled (The Empyrean Series, Book 4)
- Release Date: To Be Determined (TBD)
- Author’s Timeline: Rebecca Yarros plans to begin plotting in late 2025 (September/October).
- Book 5: Untitled (The Empyrean Series, Book 5)
- Release Date: TBD (Likely after Book 4)
The gap between *Fourth Wing* and *Iron Flame* was a mere six months, a feat of writing that is almost unprecedented for a major fantasy series. The gap between *Iron Flame* and *Onyx Storm* is longer, at over a year, and the delay for Book 4 is expected to be even more significant, giving the author the time needed for a comprehensive and well-paced story.
Speculating the Fourth Wing Book 4 Release Date
Based on the author's publicly stated timeline and previous writing pace, we can construct a speculative, yet realistic, timeframe for the release of the fourth book.
The Author's Confirmed Timeline
Rebecca Yarros confirmed that she intends to start the plotting and drafting process for Book 4 in September or October of 2025. This is a critical piece of information because it sets the absolute earliest start date for the novel's creation. Given that *Onyx Storm* is scheduled for release in January 2025, this timeline suggests the author will take a much-needed break and promotional period before diving back into the world of Navarre and the *venin* war.
The Realistic Release Window
Even for a fast writer, the full process of drafting, editing, copyediting, proofreading, and production typically takes a minimum of 12 to 18 months for a novel of this scale. Since the plotting is scheduled to start in late 2025, a realistic projection for the Book 4 release date is:
- Earliest Possible Release: Late 2026 (e.g., November/December 2026)
- Most Likely Release Window: Spring 2027 (e.g., March–May 2027)
This timeline allows for a more sustainable writing pace and ensures the quality of the narrative remains high, a concern shared by many fans who want a satisfying conclusion to the story of Violet and Xaden.
Potential Plot Points and Theories for the Untitled Novel
Book 4 will pick up immediately following the inevitable cliffhanger of *Onyx Storm*. The third novel is expected to deepen the conflict with the *venin* and explore the desperate measures Violet will take to protect Xaden Riorson after his transformation in *Iron Flame*. The stakes are monumental, and several key plot threads are expected to carry over into the untitled novel.
The Search for the Cure and the Seventh Dragon Breed
A central plot point in *Onyx Storm* is Violet’s determination to find a cure for Xaden's condition. This quest will likely involve a perilous journey outside the established walls of Basgiath, potentially leading her and the rebels to seek out the mythical seventh breed of dragons and other potential allies in the war against the dark side. Book 4 will likely continue this search, forcing Violet to confront the ultimate cost of love and loyalty.
The Deceiving Dragon and the Signet Power
Rebecca Yarros has teased one major detail about Book 4: a dragon is lying about its name. This is a massive revelation given the sacred nature of the bond between a rider and their dragon. Theories abound, focusing on the two dragons bonded to Violet: the formidable Tairn or the newly matured Andarna. This lie will undoubtedly have catastrophic consequences, potentially affecting Violet's powerful signet (her ability to wield lightning) and the entire foundation of the Empyrean.
The Fate of Key Characters
The political and military landscape of Navarre is fractured. Book 4 will need to address the roles of other pivotal characters, including Dain Aetos, Rhiannon Matthias, and General Lilith Sorrengail (if she survived the events of *Onyx Storm*). The rebel forces, now led by Violet and Xaden, will be on the run, likely operating in the shadows and forging dangerous new alliances to fight the *venin* and the corrupt leadership of the War College.
The untitled fourth book is poised to be the darkest and most challenging chapter yet, pushing the boundaries of the New Adult fantasy genre and setting the stage for the grand finale in Book 5. While the wait is long, fans can rest assured that the explosive conclusion to Violet Sorrengail's story is being carefully crafted by Rebecca Yarros.
Detail Author:
- Name : Dr. Sidney Little Sr.
- Username : nziemann
- Email : koch.whitney@brekke.biz
- Birthdate : 1993-12-06
- Address : 51056 Grady Dam O'Keefeberg, SD 42140
- Phone : (872) 777-5347
- Company : Kihn Ltd
- Job : Molding and Casting Worker
- Bio : Ut voluptatem ratione dignissimos perspiciatis quod. Enim consequatur dolore nihil. Dolorem ea dolore sed fuga deleniti dolores cumque.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@wilton_goodwin
- username : wilton_goodwin
- bio : Corporis eaque fuga quas neque molestias in.
- followers : 4363
- following : 227
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/wilton_dev
- username : wilton_dev
- bio : Est ea rerum iure sed et.
- followers : 385
- following : 1979
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/wiltongoodwin
- username : wiltongoodwin
- bio : Eveniet qui culpa sed corrupti quae. Qui asperiores consequuntur autem sed et incidunt voluptatem.
- followers : 4436
- following : 837
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/goodwinw
- username : goodwinw
- bio : Suscipit adipisci officia quo ut et animi. Eos magnam aut non voluptas sunt illo amet. Consequatur maxime dolore amet eveniet totam eos laborum.
- followers : 6956
- following : 2437