'Fourth Wing' Theories: What Happens Next In Empyrean Series

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros has taken BookTok by storm! Since its debut in May 2023, the Empyrean series has become a TikTok sensation, propelling its first novel to the summit of the New York Times Bestseller list. As fans eagerly await the release of the third book in the series, Onyx Storm — set to be released in January 2025 — we’ve got some theories on what to expect in the romantasy series.

Keep reading for all of our theories on what we think may happen next — and warning, spoilers ahead (duh).

ICYMI, Fourth Wing follows a 20-year-old woman named Violet Sorrengail, who has no choice but to enter Basgiath War College’s unforgiving world: where the rule is simple — graduate or die. Once anticipating a quiet life with books, Violet faces a new mandate from her formidable mother, the commanding general: join the ranks vying to become Navarre’s elite dragon riders. Amidst fire-breathing dragons and rival candidates, danger lurks at every turn — and so does Xaden Riorson, Violet’s sworn enemy … or is he?

With the second book, Iron Flame, dropping in November 2023, Rebecca quickly announced the title and release date of the third book via Good Morning America in March 2024!

“Good Morning America! I’m excited to finally announce that the third book in The Empyrean series will be released January 21, 2025,” she said in a statement. “I can’t tell you much yet, but I can tell you the title: Onyx Storm.”

“There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons,” she added. “I can’t wait to share more details with you later.”

Fast forward to June 2024, and the author officially finished the first draft of the book, which she announced on her personal Instagram account. “And BOOM. The first draft of Onyx Storm is off to my editor!” she wrote as the caption.

Iron Flame left on *quite* the cliffhanger so fans are pretty desperate to get their hands on Onyx Storm. There’s still so many unanswered questions — did Xaden actually turn venin? Is there a cure? What is Violet’s second signet — and why, for the love of dragons, why is her hair silver?!

Scroll through our gallery to uncover all of our theories for Onyx Storm.

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Violet Finds the Cure for Xaden

In the third book, Xaden’s transformation into a venin might be reversible! ICYMI, he took on this form to protect Violet while she restored Basigath’s ward in Iron Flame. As Violet searches for a cure despite Jack Barlowe’s claim that there isn’t one, she may find hope for Xaden’s recovery by the end of book 3 — or possibly, later on in the 5-book series.

Violet’s Second Signet

There are several fan theories on what Violet’s second signet could be, as the author revealed that the protagonist used the skill within Iron Flame.

The most popular fan theory is that Violet can speak with the dead, since she communicated with Liam while being tortured in Iron Flame. However, other potential abilities for Violet include being an amplifier or a distance wielder. The presence of other signets seems to amplify in her proximity, and being a distance wielder would align well with Andarna’s original abilities.

Violet’s Real Dad?

Some fans are convinced that Violet’s dad may not actually be her real one — with one popular theory pointing out he could potentially be Malek, the god of the dead. It would make sense, as she constantly references the god of death and Xaden constantly saying Violet will be the death of him. Also, one explanation as to why her hair is silver and why her mother had such a difficult birth.

Naolin Could Be Venin

A popular theory suggests Naolin, Tairn’s former rider, could still be alive as a venin. Despite sacrificing himself as a siphon to save Brennan, fans speculate that Naolin may have survived in venin form. Brennan’s statement in Iron Flame that he didn’t fail but it “cost him everything” adds to this theory, with some believing Naolin may have become venin out of love for Brennan or by choice after Tairn warned him of the venin’s dangers.

Andarna Dies

Andarna’s name and rapid growth suggest she may sacrifice herself at the end of The Empyrean Series. As the last of her kind, her den has dwindled with the decline of the venin. Andarna’s delayed hatching after 600 years and her swift development, coupled with her past ability to stop time, hint to fans that she may possess foreknowledge and must fulfill a specific purpose.

Her sacrifice could eliminate the venin threat and potentially save Violet and Tairn. Unlike Tairn, who shares a bond with Violet, Andarna remains distant, symbolized by her placement in Violet’s mental archives and inability to carry her as a rider. This suggests Andarna may sacrifice herself to spare Tairn, achieving a final, poignant victory over the venin.

Spoilers AheadWhat We Need to See Happen in the Third ‘Fourth Wing’ Book, ‘Onyx Storm’

Violet Finds the Cure for Xaden

Violet’s Second Signet

Violet’s Real Dad?

Naolin Could Be Venin

Andarna Dies