Fourth Wing fans, the wait is finally over. Rebecca Yarros has dropped the latest book in her blockbuster ‘romantasy’ series, Threshing Day. The book, published by Piatkus, is currently half price on Amazon, reduced from £22 to £11.
Like millions of others, I found Fourth Wing to be a gateway to romantasy. The TikTok-viral genre is a literary phenomenon, pushing established authors off global bestseller lists and reigniting a childhood love of reading for many. Be it Sarah J Maas’s (A Court of Thorns and Roses) world of shapeshifting werewolves, fairies, and folklore, or Yarros’ Empyrean universe of sentient dragons and magical abilities, all the best romantasy books are united in themes of found family, enemies-to-lovers storylines and, most famously, smut.
What to Expect from Threshing Day
Onyx Storm, the third Fourth Wing title released last year, became the fastest-selling adult novel in two decades. But with all the hype and speculation surrounding Threshing Day – particularly given Onyx Storm’s cliffhanger ending – Yarros looks to break her own record.
Structured differently from Yarros’ other books, Threshing Day reveals 13 “unforgettable stories” that build tension toward “one legendary day”. According to Yarros, these multiple POV’s – continued from the end of Onyx Storm – will create extra character development.
The book cover concludes with: “The bond that changes everything”. This refers to the “legendary day” on which cadet Riders at Basgiath War College bond with their dragon. The deluxe limited edition book boasts silver-gilded edges and 16 original full-colour illustrations, making it a great entry point to the Empyrean world or a gift for fans.
Answers and Backstories
Said to be additional material, rather than picking up the Onyx Storm timeline, will Threshing Day answer Yarros’ readers’ burning questions? Yarros has previously said that Xaden will be entering his “villain era” in later instalments. She’s also told fans that Violet will realise the true reason why Xaden married her.
Onyx Storm left us with more questions than answers – the disappearance of Xaden and the other missing riders, the location of the missing eggs, and what the dragon Andarna learned from her time with the irids – but fans will likely need to wait until early next year for the fifth novel.
Instead, Threshing Day is a companion anthology with plenty of world-building. Readers are treated to the backstories of characters including Xaden, Brennan, Dain Aetos, and Sloane, plus previously unseen bonding moments and drama. Each of the 13 stories takes place across different years rather than a single unified day, revisiting past events to expand The Empyrean universe.
Read the Fourth Wing Series in Order
Fourth Wing introduces us to Violet, who long-hoped to live a quiet life as a scribe among books. Instead, her mother – a commander general in the army – urged her to become a dragon rider, studying at the elite, brutal Basgiath War College. It’s not an easy path; a condition makes her more fragile than other students, while her peers would happily betray her to improve their own chances of survival. She must use her wits to succeed. Fans liken it to Harry Potter, Divergent and The Hunger Games, with slow-burn romance, magic and dragons keeping you hooked. It is available for £5.48 on Amazon.co.uk.
Iron Flame, the second title in Yarros’s series, sees Violet returning to Basgiath War College for her second year – where the real training begins. Not only is the pressure on at school, but a powerful new enemy is threatening everything she cares about, including her new lover. As the risk of war looms, Violet must negotiate her loyalty to the college with her growing involvement with the growing rebellion. It is priced at £5.50 on Amazon.co.uk.
Onyx Storm, the third instalment in the Empyrean series, begins back in Basgiath War College, but follows Violet as she ventures beyond its protective walls to seek allies to join the revolution. But enemies are everywhere – including in her own ranks, making it impossible to know who to trust. Certainly the most action-packed book in the Fourth Wing series, the cliffhanger is an emotional sucker punch – and will see you rushing to pick up Threshing Day for any clues. It costs £6 on Amazon.co.uk.
