Fourth Wing

Fourth Wing (2023): A Fiery Beginning to a Bestselling Romantasy Saga

Fourth Wing is the first book in the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros, released in May 2023. This high-stakes romantic fantasy (or “romantasy”) captivated readers around the world with its fierce dragons, brutal training, emotional vulnerability, and enemies-to-lovers romance—all set within a militarized fantasy academy.

At the heart of the story is Violet Sorrengail, a fragile yet intelligent young woman who is forced by her war-hardened mother to join the Riders Quadrant at Basgiath War College—a brutal training ground for elite dragon riders. Though Violet’s body isn’t built for combat, her wit, determination, and scholarly mind help her navigate a deadly environment where cadets regularly die in training.

Violet’s entrance into the Riders Quadrant puts her in constant danger, especially since many cadets want her dead due to her family name. Against all odds, she survives the deadly selection process known as Threshing and shocks everyone by forming a bond with not one, but two dragons: the powerful and grumpy Tairn, and the rare, mysterious feathertail, Andarna. This double-bond gives her a unique magical advantage, but also paints a larger target on her back.

As Violet navigates life at the war college, she becomes entangled with Xaden Riorson, a brooding and dangerous upperclassman. Xaden is the son of a rebel who was executed during a civil conflict, and his initial animosity toward Violet—whose mother led the purge—evolves into a tense and passionate connection. Their relationship forms the emotional core of the book, built on layers of trauma, distrust, and eventually, mutual respect.

The story intensifies as Violet uncovers secrets that challenge everything she’s been taught. She learns about the existence of the Venin, dark magical beings once believed to be myth. As the truth unravels, Violet realizes that the so-called enemies of her kingdom may not be the true threat. The book ends with a shocking betrayal, a brutal battle, and the reappearance of her long-lost brother—thought to be dead—who is now part of a secret rebellion.

Fourth Wing was a publishing phenomenon in 2023. It became a viral sensation on TikTok’s BookTok community, drove millions of copies in sales, and climbed to the top of bestseller lists across the world. Its blend of romance, action, and female empowerment—along with the inclusion of disability representation, as Violet’s physical challenges mirror Yarros’s own experience with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome—resonated deeply with readers.

The success of Fourth Wing launched a larger saga. It was followed by Iron Flame in November 2023 and will continue with Onyx Storm, scheduled for release in 2025. A television adaptation is also in development by Amazon MGM, drawing comparisons to other fantasy franchises like A Court of Thorns and Roses and Game of Thrones.