Rebecca Yarros Teases Future of ‘Empyrean’ Series After ‘Onyx Storm’

Rebecca Yarros has left fans eagerly awaiting the next installment in her popular *Empyrean* series following the release of *Onyx Storm* in January 2025. The third book in the series concluded with significant cliffhangers, prompting readers to speculate on the fate of key characters and the trajectory of the story.

The *Empyrean* series, which also includes *Fourth Wing* and *Iron Flame*, chronicles the journey of Violet Sorrengail as she aspires to become a dragon rider while confronting dark magical forces at Basgiath War College. With a total of five novels planned, Yarros has not yet begun writing the fourth installment, but she has provided tantalizing hints regarding its content.

Fans have been particularly anxious since *Onyx Storm* ended with several unresolved plot points. Violet’s marriage to Xaden, alongside a mysterious memory loss, leaves many questions unanswered. The final line of the book hints at deeper intrigue when Violet awakens with a wedding ring and no recollection of the previous twelve hours, suggesting significant developments occurred without her knowledge.

Yarros, who has been open about her health challenges with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and POTS, indicated that she would take a break after the intense writing schedule that produced the first three novels in under two years. Speaking at an event in Philadelphia on January 25, she emphasized the importance of mental and physical well-being and chose to focus on writing a contemporary novel first.

In the months following the release of *Onyx Storm*, Yarros shared moments from her family vacations on social media, showing her commitment to taking time off. In June, she revealed that she had begun drafting her new contemporary book while providing glimpses of her creative workspace, complete with a portrait referencing *Fourth Wing*.

The anticipation for the fourth *Empyrean* book is heightened by the dramatic events of *Onyx Storm*. Key elements include Xaden’s increasing venin power, the return of Andarna, and the disappearance of dragon eggs and riders. Readers are eager for clarity on these cliffhangers, including Violet’s new responsibilities as Xaden’s wife and the Duchess of Tyrrendor.

Yarros has been actively engaging with fans through a promotional tour for *Onyx Storm*, offering insights about the unfolding narrative. At an event in Los Angeles on January 21, she hinted that “someone you love won’t make it in book four,” a statement that resonated with fans familiar with the series’ history of character losses.

Further clues emerged during her tour, including comments about the unexplored isles introduced in *Onyx Storm*. At a St. Louis event on January 31, she explained that the absence of a map was a deliberate choice to avoid revealing too much, indicating that Violet’s understanding of the isles is still developing.

As the tour progressed, Yarros also discussed potential new characters and plot dynamics. In Denver on February 2, she advised fans to pay attention to character motivations, particularly concerning Xaden’s new venin brother, suggesting that the narrative would delve deeper into the complexities of character relationships.

In an appearance at the Los Angeles Festival of Books in April 2025, Yarros revealed that she has already selected a title for the fourth novel, though she has kept it under wraps. Fans are encouraged to remain engaged while waiting for the next installment, as Yarros has promised that major revelations will occur.

While the next *Empyrean* book’s publication date remains uncertain, Yarros’ hints and the rich narrative landscape she has created continue to fuel excitement. Readers can look forward to exploring Violet’s evolving abilities and her new role in the world of *Empyrean*, all while navigating a web of political intrigue and personal challenges.