AfterOnyx Storm’s twisty and devastating ending, the nextFourth Wingbook is among the most highly anticipated romantasy sequels on the horizon — and it’s officially one step closer to being published. News about thenextEmpyrean Seriesnovelhas been sparse, as Rebecca Yarros made it clear that she’d be taking a break afterOnyx Storm’s January 2025 release. With that in mind, it could be a while before readers have any concrete updates on the nextFourth Wingbook, leaving everything from its release window to its title up in the air.
But based on Yarros' writing plans,it seems we’re officially one step closer to the nextEmpyrean Seriesnovel becoming a reality. The author posted an update on her latest project on Instagram, and while it might not immediately exciteFourth Wingfans, it’s actually good news for the series. There’s still a long wait before readers learn what becomes of Violet, Xaden, and their dragons. However, Yarros diving back into work is reason to celebrate, even ifOnyx Storm’s follow-up won’t be the first thing on her agenda.
Rebecca Yarros Is Writing A Contemporary Romance Book Before Onyx Storm’s Sequel
The Author Switches On And Off Between Romance & The Empyrean Series
When promotingOnyx Storm, Yarros was adamant that she wouldn’t rush to complete the next sequel inThe Empyrean Series.The author has been vocal about the physical toll that can accompany a strenuous writing schedule, tellingEntertainment Weeklythat the quick turnaround betweenFourth WingandIron Flame"was really hard on [her] body." She slowed down a bit when writingOnyx Storm, and the author has confirmed she’ll be doing so again when it comes to book four. She also notedshe’ll be writing another novel in betweenOnyx Stormand its sequel.
WhenVarietyasked if she’d be working on her usual contemporary romance book betweenEmpyreanbooks, she told the outlet yes, affirming she already has plans for this unrelated story. Yarros didn’t offer specifics, but she noted that having ideas for other narratives is always a good sign that she’s not grappling with burnout:
“I’m already excited. I think the idea came to me and I was like, yes, here we go. Which is always the sign that I’m not broken, that I’m healing from burnout, is when a new idea comes. I’m like, alright, I could have fun with that.”
Yarros also took a break betweenOnyx Stormand the upcoming contemporary romance book, but her latest update suggests that’s coming to an end.This is good news forEmpyrean Seriesfans, even if they’ll still be waiting a while for the next installment.
Rebecca Yarros' Instagram Update Means We’re A Step Closer To The Next Fourth Wing Book
The Author Is Back At Work (But Not On The Empyrean Series)
Yarros posted onInstagramon June 20, revealing that she’s “back from vacation” and “back at the desk,” meaningher work on her first project post-Onyx Stormhas officially begun. Yarros emphasized that she’s not yet starting the nextFourth Wingsequel, both because of contracts she has in place and because she prefers to alternate between genres. She seems excited about this upcoming story, which has been brewing in her mind since late 2024. She didn’t reveal much about it, but her enthusiasm was clear from her post alone:
“I’ve had this story in my head since October and I’m so. freaking. excited to finally plot it out and get it on the board! The plotting playlist vibes have been IMMACULATE.”
With Yarros' new contemporary book underway,we’re a bit closer to the start of her work on the fourthEmpyrean Seriesnovel. It’s great to know she’s making progress with her writing, even if she may take another break between this project and her newFourth Wingnovel. This update allows us to speculate somewhat on a potential release for book four, despite nothing being set in stone.
When The Next Empyrean Series Book Could Arrive
2027 Seems Like The Earliest Possible Timeline
With Yarros working on a contemporary romance book before even beginning the nextFourth Wingsequel, it will still be a bit before the latter hits shelves. Optimistically, Yarros could release the romance novel in late 2025 or early 2026, then turnOnyx Storm’s follow-up around for 2026. However, this seems like too speedy of a timeline, especially given the author’s commitment to taking things slower. Realistically, the fourthEmpyrean Seriesnovel probably won’t arrive until 2027 at the earliest — and it could be later, depending on how long Yarros' current novel takes.
Iron Flame (2023)
Onyx Storm
Violet Sorrengail faces new political intrigue and battles old enemies while uncovering the secrets of her second signet. As she strives to save Xaden from venin corruption, her relationships with allies and dragons are tested, leading to intense confrontations and unexpected revelations in a world of dragons and magic.
