History of Fourth Wing in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 29, 2025

Fourth Wing, a 2023 romantasy novel by Rebecca Yarros, is the first book in The Empyrean series. This New York Times bestseller gained significant popularity through the BookTok community on TikTok. The novel blends elements of high fantasy and romance, targeting a new adult audience. Its viral success highlights the influence of social media on book sales and popular culture.

May 2, 2023: Release of Fourth Wing

On May 2, 2023, "Fourth Wing", a new adult high fantasy romance novel by Rebecca Yarros, was released, marking the beginning of the Empyrean series and achieving significant popularity through TikTok's BookTok community, ultimately leading to its No. 1 spot on The New York Times bestseller list.

Fourth Wing (The Empyrean Book 1)

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October 2023: TV Show Adaptation Announced

In October 2023, it was reported by Variety that Amazon MGM Studios is developing a TV show adaptation of the Empyrean series, with Amazon and Outlier Society acquiring rights to all books, and Rebecca Yarros and Liz Pelletier serving as executive producers.

November 7, 2023: Release of Iron Flame

On November 7, 2023, Rebecca Yarros released "Iron Flame", the sequel to "Fourth Wing", continuing the Empyrean series.

Iron Flame (The Empyrean Book 2)

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2023: Critical Reception and Popularity in 2023

In 2023, "Fourth Wing" received positive critical reception, including a starred review from Publishers Weekly, which praised its worldbuilding and characters. Alana Joli Abbott of Paste favorably compared it to other fantasy series. The book was also one of the most borrowed titles in American public libraries during 2023.

2024: Continued Popularity in 2024

In 2024, "Fourth Wing" continued to be one of the most borrowed titles in American public libraries.

January 21, 2025: Release of Onyx Storm

On January 21, 2025, "Onyx Storm" the third book of the Empyrean series, was released.

Onyx Storm (Deluxe Limited Edition) (The Empyrean, 3)

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2025: Graphic Novel Adaptations Announced

In March of 2025, Rebecca Yarros announced graphic novel adaptations for all three books of The Empyrean series, including "Fourth Wing", "Iron Flame", and "Onyx Storm". Yarros is adapting the text herself with a team of comic creators, planning a total of six graphic novels in partnership with Ten Speed Graphic, Piatkus, and Entangled Publishing.

Fourth Wing (The Empyrean Book 1)

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