Book Review: The Empyrean Series

Hello besties, 

Quote of the day: (A Court of Wings and Ruins Sarah J. Mass) 

Only you can decide what breaks you. 

I love this quote from the book, because it is true something only breaks you if you truly let it, feel the hurt from things but do not let them break you. 

This week is book week. I know it always feels so long the break from one book week to the other, I love writing them, you love reading them, we love talking about books. 

This week we are going to be doing an in-depth book review of Rebecca Yarros The Empyrean Series starting with the first one shall we dive straight in?

(If you have not read this series and are planning to please skip this week as it will include spoilers!)

The Empyrean Series was actually the first fantasy book I picked up, and it started a rabbit role into the fantasy world eventually making fantasy my favourite book genre. I found the series on TikTok, and the hype surrounding it was scary because in my opinion overhyping something can actually ruin it. “Romantasy” especially can lean one way or the other very much like a love/hate genre, it either has weak world building or epic fantasy that forgets emotional depth. 

Fourth Wing:

Rating: 4.8/5

Review: Fourth Wing is the first of three in the series and felt electric from page one, when you read fantasy, you have seen everything so making a book feel new and exciting is hard, but Rebecca Yarros makes this series feel like you are reading fantasy for the very first time whether it is or isn’t the first fantasy you pick up.  Basgiath War College is everything you could dream it to be, brutal, unforgiving, and immediately immersive. The parapet scene alone is one of the strongest opening scenes and trials I have read within a modern romantasy. What makes it gripping is not just the danger itself, but the fact survival is not guaranteed and the characters know it. Yarros does not flinch from reality whether it is the narrator or the characters themselves.  

One of the reasons the book hit so hard was Violet Sorrengail, she is not your typically strong female hero, she is fragile, breakable, and chronically in pain. But yet her mind is lethal. She is the true heart of the books. She is underestimated as a person and definitely as a rider, yet her mind overpowers any physical challenge. In a genre that typically equates strength with combat and physical abilities, Violet's mental resilience is refreshing especially to anyone without the physical abilities, it shows you that no matter your body, your mind will always overpower anything. Watching her survive countless brutal forces purely through calculation and brains is truly inspiring. 

Then there are the dragons, not only there for decoration but each dragon having its own mind and personality. Tairn is commanding and ancient, very much the “Dad.” Andarna is mysterious and quietly powerful, and very much the “teenager.” They are not props, they are real characters with true feelings and personalities that add to the books. Their bond with Violet, elevates the entire narrative from a standard academy fantasy to something mythic, and something that leaves a mark. 

Of course we must mention Xaden Riorson. The tension between Xaden and Violet is something out of this world, something we as readers can feel from head to toe. It is built from mistrust and ideological conflict first. Their chemistry is undeniable, but it is layered with lies and secrets and opposing loyalty. Their affection and connection feels earned instead of just given to them. 

The ending of Fourth Wing reframes everything. The reveal about the venin threat, and about Navarre’s corruption, transforms the book from a simple survival fantasy to a rebellion epic. 

Iron Flame:

Rating: 4.9/5

Review: 

If you think Fourth Wing was ignition then Iron Flame is expansion.  The world grows dramatically, and political corruption deepens. The venin threat becomes undeniable.

Violet’s evolution is the emotional core of this book. She is no longer only fighting to survive, she is questioning everything, authority, demanding truth, and struggling to figure out what loyalty means to her. The conflict she faces internally feels more layered and adult. She is stronger not only physically but mentally.  Xaden’s secrecy brings more tension for the narrator and frustration for the readers. His and Violet's relationship becomes more stormy. Miscommunication between them and withheld information creates friction we do not know how to handle. If you take away the powers and dragons their relationship is realistic. Trust in real life is not simple yet alone during a rebellion, and by all means can be emotionally draining for the characters and sometimes the reader.

The whole book deepens, ward-stones, runes, dragon politics, rebellion strategy. As a fantasy reader I truly appreciate the complexity. However sometimes the pacing dips because of it, there are some stretches that feel dense before the actions erupt again. 

Even so when the action hits it HITS. Aerial combat scenes are cinematic. Emotional stakes are devastating. The ending leaves you unsettled in the best way. 

Onyx Storm:

Rating: 4.5/5 

Review:

When it comes to Onyx Storm the series shifts into full-fantasy territory. Making it no longer a school story. It is a continental war, moral compromise, and identity under siege. The world building is at its most expansion with this book. New lands, deeper venin, and evolving storm magic. Violet's journey becomes introspective and psychological. Questions of memory, sacrifice, and agency dominate her arc. She is no longer simply fighting her enemies, but fighting who she might become. 

Xaden’s darker transformation adds emotional gravity. His choices blur moral lines further than ever. But it is undeniable how much he loves Violet. Their romance is heavier, less spark and more crucible. It is compelling, gripping, but not light.  At the start of Onyx Storm, the pacing is slower, and the density of lore takes more patience; some side arcs do not receive as much emotional payoff as they deserve. But this book is about power, corruption, identity, and the cost of love take centre stage. 

Overall series review:

Across all books the story evolves from an academy survival to a sweeping political rebellion. Emotional intensity is the strongest element throughout. Yarros understands stakes, not just physical danger but relational and moral consequences. Violet’s arc from underestimated cadet to morally burdened leader is inspiring and compelling. The dragons elevate everything. They add mythology, humour, gravity, and unpredictability. Tairn especially anchors the series with ancient presence and biting wit.

Romance remains central. Some readers adore the stormy evolution of Violet and Xaden; others may find the repeated tension exhausting. But it is never shallow. It always matters. I personally adore everything about it. The biggest strength of the series is momentum. Each book expands scale and consequence. Each ending shifts the narrative foundation.

Where it falters occasionally: Pacing inconsistencies in later books, Dense exposition at times, Side characters who deserve more spotlight. But as a fantasy lover? This series delivers dragons, rebellion, morally grey love, political intrigue, and emotional devastation in equal measure. It is addictive. It is dramatic. It is imperfect but powerful.

My favourite characters: 

Xaden

Violet 

Liam (do not talk to me about him breaks my heart if you know you know)

Rhiannon (we loveeeeee)

RIDOC!!! 

Imogen 

Tairn

Andarna 

Sgaeyl

Do we enjoy the reviews? If so, I will do them every so often.

As always, my darlings, speaking with you has been a pleasure, tune in next week where we are going to be taking a little turn and insight into Autism Vs. Shows and TV. How does TV play a factor into showing autism as a whole? What do I think of the representation of autism on our screens? How is it watching a new show for an autistic? Do we really rewatch shows over and over? Tune in to find out all the answers next week.

Love, 

Your autistic bestie.

Book of the week: (Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë)