If you’ve already devoured Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and most recently Onyx Storm, chances are you’re counting the days until Rebecca Yarros drops Fourth Wing Book 4 in The Empyrean series.
We’ve been piecing together every clue from interviews, tours, TikTok Q&As, and fandom theories — and let’s just say, there’s plenty to obsess over. So grab a snack, settle in, and let’s talk through what’s confirmed, what’s speculation, and what Book 4 might hold for Violet, Xaden, and the dragons of Basgiath.
Whats the release date for Fourth Wing Book Four? The Painful Truth
Let’s get this out of the way first: there is no release date for Book 4 yet.
Yes, Goodreads and a few retailer listings teased “January 2026.” But Yarros herself took to Instagram to crush our hopes: “That release date is impossible.”
Why? After the whirlwind of the first three books, Yarros said she’s taking a break. She plans to write a contemporary romance novel first, spend time with family, and pace herself for the back half of the series.
Translation: we probably won’t see Book 4 before late 2026, and 2027 may be more realistic. It stings, but considering the quality and size of the books so far, the wait is understandable.
A Quick Refresher: The Empyrean Roadmap
The series is planned as five books total.
- Fourth Wing (May 2023)
- Iron Flame (Nov 2023)
- Onyx Storm (Jan 2025)
- Book 4 (TBA)
- Book 5 (TBA, finale)
So we’re officially in the home stretch. The stakes are higher, the cliffhangers sharper, and every choice from here on out is laying the groundwork for the finale.
Why This Wait Feels Different: Release History Context
Let’s talk about the release schedule for a second. Fourth Wing came out in May 2023, and then just six months later, Iron Flame landed in November. Readers barely had time to breathe before getting wrecked again.
That lightning-fast turnaround fueled the phenomenon. TikTok was in a constant state of chaos, theories were coming faster than Yarros could confirm or deny them, and the fandom doubled in size practically overnight.
By the time Onyx Storm dropped in early 2025, Yarros had delivered three hefty, emotionally devastating books in under two years. That’s an incredible pace — and also unsustainable.
Other fantasy giants like Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black, and Leigh Bardugo often space their books 1–2 years apart. Yarros sprinted through three in record time. So now that she’s slowing down? Honestly, it’s normal. Painful for us, sure, but healthy for her and probably better for the story.
What Yarros Has Actually Teased about Book 4?
Rebecca Yarros has a habit of giving us just enough to spiral without confirming anything. Here are the major things she’s admitted about Book 4:
- “Someone you love won’t make it.” (yes, we’re screaming)
- “Pay attention to who’s missing at the end of Onyx Storm.”
- “Pay attention to someone who feels like what they’ve given isn’t enough — that’s always how you turn venin.”
- Violet’s signet power is only at 10%.
- Xaden’s is only at 50%.
- The Isles map was withheld from Onyx Storm because it was “too spoilery.”
Oh, and she dropped a Book 4 playlist featuring songs from Taylor Swift’s Tortured Poets Department. Which basically screams: heartbreak, betrayal, and messy emotions incoming.
Dragon Lore That Could Change Everything
One of the most mind-blowing reveals: dragon names.
After Threshing, the rider announces the dragon’s name to the Scribes. But the dragons themselves? They never confirm it.
Which means:
- Some names might be wrong.
- Some dragons could be lying.
- Riders may not even know their dragon’s true name.
That’s a huge deal when so much magic and identity is tied to dragons. Imagine the fallout if a bond is based on a false name.
Add in the missing dragon eggs from Onyx Storm and the still-mysterious Isles, and we’re clearly heading toward massive dragon-lore revelations in Book 4.
Character Spotlights: Where Could They Go Next?
Violet Sorrengail
Her signet is only 10% tapped, which means we’ve barely scratched the surface. Dream-walking already lets her slip into memories — imagine the chaos if she gains control over entire dreamscapes. The question isn’t just how powerful she’ll become, but how much it will cost her.
Xaden Riorson
At 50% power, Xaden is already terrifying. When he hits 100%? We might see entirely new abilities, or a level of control that makes him unrecognizable. But his venin-touched condition adds layers of danger — power growth could come with corruption.
Dain Aetos
Once one of the fandom’s least-loved characters, Dain’s redemption arc is gaining traction. Yarros has confirmed he’ll get POV chapters, which means we’re about to see his inner conflict up close.
Ridoc
Finally stepping into the spotlight. Yarros has said Ridoc’s humor is a mask for pain. Expect a much heavier, emotional storyline that adds depth beyond the class clown vibes.
Sloane Mairi
Yarros confirmed Dain & Sloane are endgame — which means her arc is far from a side story. She’ll likely play a bigger role in the political and emotional stakes of Book 4.
POVs: Who Gets the Mic?
Multiple POVs are officially here to stay. Yarros has confirmed:
- Violet
- Xaden
- Dain
- Ridoc
And possibly more — she’s said you “can’t witness character development without POV.” So don’t be surprised if others sneak in.
The Venin Question
Yarros warned: “Pay attention to someone who feels like what they’ve given isn’t enough — that’s how venin are born.”
That line has fandoms speculating non-stop. Who’s vulnerable?
- A sidelined rider desperate to prove themselves?
- Someone who’s lost too much?
- Or a major character we’d never expect?
If Book 4 delivers another character turning venin, it could fracture trust inside the rider ranks completely.
Themes We’re Bracing Ourselves For
Based on the clues, here are the big themes to expect:
- Power growth → Violet and Xaden’s signets leveling up.
- Sacrifice → we’re losing someone beloved.
- Corruption → venin temptation front and center.
- Secrets → dragon names, missing maps, hidden motives.
Love under fire → Violet and Xaden’s relationship is heading into stormy territory.
Fan Theory Spiral
Let’s be real: half the fun is theorizing wildly. Current top theories include:
- Xaden at full power. What if he surpasses the dragons themselves?
- The Isles = massive twist. Some fans believe the missing map hides an entirely new civilization.
- Which dragon is lying about their name? And what happens when the truth comes out?
- Who turns venin next? The fandom is divided, but almost everyone has a suspect.
- Relationship chaos. Between Dain & Sloane being endgame and Xaden’s condition, Violet’s love life might be in for brutal choices.
Beyond the Books: Adaptations and More
While we wait, Yarros isn’t leaving the Empyrean world behind. She’s:
- Executive producing the Amazon MGM TV adaptation. No cast yet, but the project is in development.
- Co-adapting graphic novels for the first three books.
Both projects keep the fandom buzzing while we wait for the next book.
FAQ: Quickfire Answers
Does Fourth Wing Book 4 have a release date?
No official date. Expect late 2026 or 2027.
What’s the title of Book 4?
Not announced.
How many POVs will Fourth Wing Book 4 have?
At least four: Violet, Xaden, Dain, Ridoc.
Will someone die in Fourth Wing Book 4?
Yes. Yarros has said “someone you love won’t make it.”
Will Violet and Xaden stay together?
Unknown — but the playlist hints at messy, complicated love ahead.
Will Book 4 include a map of the Isles?
Highly likely, since Yarros admitted it was withheld from Onyx Storm to avoid spoilers.
Is Dain getting redeemed?
He’s getting POV chapters — so we’ll find out.
Final Thoughts
Book 4 of Fourth Wing is going to be devastating, electrifying, and absolutely worth the wait.
Rebecca Yarros has been planting seeds since Book 1 — dragons hiding their true names, signets only partly unlocked, venin temptation simmering — and in Book 4, those threads are going to explode.
We don’t know the title, we don’t know the release date, but we do know this: when it arrives, it’s going to shatter us. And we’ll love every second of it.
Until then? We’ll be overanalyzing playlists, building theories, and rereading the series with suspicious eyes.