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Cover of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Book 1 in The Empyrean

Fourth Wing

by Rebecca Yarros

576 pages

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Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is a high-stakes fantasy where dragon riders are forged through brutal trials, deadly competition, and forbidden attraction at an elite military academy.

The Empyrean series tropes

Tagged on the series as a whole, so not every book will feature each one.

About the book

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is a bestselling fantasy novel that blends epic world-building, intense romance, and life-or-death competition. Set within the brutal Basgiath War College, the story follows Violet Sorrengail, a young woman expected to join the Scribes - until she is forced into the Riders Quadrant, where only the strongest survive and dragons choose their riders with deadly consequences.

Violet enters a world where physical weakness can mean instant death, and every cadet is both a rival and a potential killer. Survival depends on intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to form alliances in an environment designed to break the unprepared. As Violet trains among elite warriors and dragon riders, she must navigate ruthless leadership, shifting power dynamics, and a system that rewards strength above all else.

At the heart of the novel is a volatile blend of military fantasy, dragon lore, and Enemies to Lovers–style romantic tension. The relationships formed within the Riders Quadrant are charged with mistrust, loyalty, and attraction, making every interaction feel dangerous. Dragons themselves are powerful, sentient beings, adding another layer of intrigue as bonds between rider and dragon shape both personal fate and the future of the realm.

Fourth Wing explores themes of resilience, identity, and defiance of expectation, positioning Violet as a compelling protagonist whose strength lies in strategy rather than brute force. The story also weaves in Political Intrigue, hinting at deeper conspiracies beneath the academy’s rigid structure and the kingdom it serves.

Fast-paced, emotionally charged, and unapologetically intense, Fourth Wing is ideal for readers who love Epic Fantasy, Academy Settings, Dragons, and romantic tension under extreme stakes. It launches a series that combines spectacle with character-driven storytelling, making it a standout entry in modern fantasy fiction.

The Empyrean reading order

Full reading order
  1. 1 Fourth Wing You are here
  2. 2 Iron Flame
  3. 3 Onyx Storm

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About Fourth Wing

Who wrote Fourth Wing?
Fourth Wing was written by Rebecca Yarros.
Is Fourth Wing part of a series?
Yes. Fourth Wing is book 1 in the The Empyrean series, and it is the best place to start reading the series.
How many pages is Fourth Wing?
Fourth Wing is 576 pages long.
What books are similar to Fourth Wing?
If you enjoyed Fourth Wing, readers also recommend Spark of the Everflame, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Crucible of Gold and A Game of Thrones.

About Rebecca Yarros

Rebecca Yarros is a bestselling author of contemporary romance and women’s fiction, known for emotionally powerful stories, compelling characters, and heart-stirring tales of love, family, and resilience.

Books, series and tropes by Rebecca Yarros

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