Following the twist-filled and heart-wrenching ending of Onyx Storm, the next installment in the Fourth Wing series has become one of the most eagerly awaited romantasy sequels on the horizon — and it just moved one step closer to publication. Details about the upcoming Empyrean Series novel have been scarce, especially since author Rebecca Yarros announced she’d be taking a break after Onyx Storm’s January 2025 release. As a result, fans may have to wait a while for concrete updates, with everything from the release date to the title still very much up in the air.
Thanks to Rebecca Yarros’ latest writing update, we’re officially one step closer to the next Empyrean Series novel becoming a reality. In a recent Instagram post, the author shared details about her current project — and while it may not be Fourth Wing-related just yet, it’s still a promising sign for the series’ future. Fans will have to wait a bit longer to find out what’s next for Violet, Xaden, and their dragons. But the fact that Yarros is back at the keyboard is reason enough to celebrate, even if the Onyx Storm sequel isn’t at the top of her writing queue just yet.
Before the Next Empyrean Book, Rebecca Yarros Has Another Love Story in the Works
While promoting Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros made it clear she wouldn’t rush into writing the next installment of The Empyrean Series. The author has been open about the physical demands of a fast-paced writing schedule, telling Entertainment Weekly that the quick turnaround between Fourth Wing and Iron Flame “was really hard on [her] body.” She took a slower approach while working on Onyx Storm and has confirmed she plans to do the same for book four. In fact, Yarros shared that she’ll be writing another novel — a contemporary romance — before diving into the sequel.
When Variety asked whether she’d be returning to her usual contemporary romance writing between Empyrean installments, Rebecca Yarros confirmed that she would — and that plans for the unrelated project are already in motion. While she didn’t reveal any specific details, Yarros explained that having ideas for other stories is a reassuring sign she’s staying creatively energized and not dealing with burnout.
Yarros also took a short break after finishing Onyx Storm before turning her attention to the upcoming contemporary romance novel — but her latest update suggests that break is officially over. While Empyrean Series fans will still have to wait for the next installment, the good news is that Yarros is back to writing, keeping the momentum alive.
Rebecca Yarros Just Dropped an Instagram Update — And It’s Good News for Fourth Wing Fans
On June 20, Rebecca Yarros took to Instagram to share that she’s “back from vacation” and “back at the desk,” officially kicking off work on her first project since completing Onyx Storm. While she clarified that she hasn’t started writing the next Fourth Wing sequel just yet — citing both contractual obligations and her preference for alternating between genres — Yarros expressed clear excitement about this new story. Though she didn’t give away many details, she revealed that the idea has been simmering in her mind since late 2024, and her enthusiasm was evident in the post.
With Yarros now working on her new contemporary romance, we’re inching closer to the moment she begins writing the fourth Empyrean Series novel. While she may take another break between projects, it’s encouraging to see steady progress in her writing journey. This latest update gives fans a reason to speculate about a potential release window for book four — even if nothing has been officially confirmed yet.
So, When Is the Next Empyrean Series Book Coming?
Since Yarros is focusing on a contemporary romance before starting the next Fourth Wing sequel, fans will have to wait a while longer for book four. In an optimistic scenario, the romance novel could arrive by late 2025 or early 2026, potentially paving the way for the next Empyrean Series installment later that same year. But that timeline feels ambitious, especially considering Yarros’ intention to slow down her writing pace. Realistically, the fourth Empyrean book likely won’t hit shelves until 2027 at the earliest — and possibly later, depending on how long her current project takes to complete.
