Romantasy on fire

So I joined the Empyrean series late, and the only thing I’m disappointed in is myself for not reading or listening to these books sooner – especially since the recent release of the fourth book in the series – Threshing Day.

I absolutely devoured this series, and it is officially my favourite romantasy to date.

If you haven’t read the Empyrean series yet, imagine dragons, a deadly war college divided into four quadrants: Riders, Scribes, Healers and Infantry. Add enemies, romance, betrayal, found family and enough plot twists to keep you questioning everything. 

You’re thrown into a world where becoming a dragon rider is anything but guaranteed, and surviving the training is only the beginning. There’s war, political intrigue, secrets that slowly unravel, friendships you’ll become ridiculously attached to and a romance that will have you absolutely screaming at the pages. Add in powerful dragons with big personalities, high-stakes battles and characters you’ll either love, hate or desperately want to protect, and you’ve got a series that will completely consume you.

I love how this third book, Onyx Storm, expands beyond Basgiath War College and dives deeper into the world, its history and the mysteries that have been building throughout the series.

Violet continues to prove why she’s my favourite character. Her strength isn’t just in her power – it’s in her resilience, intelligence and determination to keep fighting when everything seems impossible.

Tairn and Andarna completely stole my heart, and their bonds with Violet add so much humour, emotion and depth to the story. And Xaden? He had me emotionally wrecked. The tension, devotion and unwavering connection between him and Violet was everything. 

The twists and turns had me hooked and left me gasping. And that final stretch? Pure chaos. Just when I thought I had answers, I somehow had 10 more questions.

And that ending? Yeah, it ended me too. I have absolutely no idea how I’m supposed to wait for the next book, but I’ll be over here spiralling until then.

If you love romantasy, dragons and dragon riders, ‘touch her and die’ energy, found family and emotional damage, and are looking for your next read, start with the first book in the series, Fourth Wing, and become obsessed like the rest of us.

Here’s just a taste of Onyx Storm: “Yes, love, I’m jealous. I’m jealous of the armor that holds you when I can’t, the sheets on your bed that caress your skin every night, and the blades that feel your hands.”