Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.
We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.
We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?
I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?
Amazon
I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.
Did she announce the name of book no. 3?
YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.
Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.
Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.
And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.
There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.
When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?
Rebecca Yarros/Instagram
On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.
She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.
When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?
Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.
She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.
As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.
However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.
Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.
I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!
Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?
Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing
Onyx Storm
Yes!
TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.
Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"
Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!
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This post has been updated.
You love your furry friend, but sometimes doing the best for them disrupts your home space. Those dog beds or cat scratcher posts that throw off the color palette are a thing of the past, though, thanks to the abundance of cute pet furniture on the market. Find pet-friendly yet functional pieces here, from sleek kibble feeders to aesthetically pleasing beds that will always keep your pet pals cozy!
Happy & Polly Flower Design Cat Tree ($80)
Liven up your home space and your cat's attitude with this adorable flower-themed tree. There's multiple levels for your kitty to laze upon, plus plenty of scratch-friendly surfaces to keep them busy.
Night Silk Pet Bed ($200)
Your little furry freeloader has never been more comfortable than in this silky pet bed that'll compliment any room. The dark gray hue gives shedded fur a place to hide, plus, the color is an easy compliment with any interior palette.
@houndsyofficial Modern Dog Feeder. Houndsy.com #midcenturymodern#dogfeeder#storage#interiordesign#houndsy♬ original sound - houndsy
Houndsy Kibble Dispenser ($395)
Mid-century-loving, dog-having friends, you need to take a peek at this. The Houndsy food dispenser simplifies your canine's mealtime routine, all while being an aesthetically-pleasing wooden piece that can fit anywhere at home.
Pottery Barn Sherpa Faux Fur 3-in-1 Pet Bed ($149+)
Give your beloved pet the ultimate dog resort treatment with this plush sherpa bed. It's so soft, they'll keep coming back to it. The neutral materials match virtually any space, plus you can customize the bed with your cat or dog's name for an added touch of luxury.
House Dogge Square Mellow Mat ($75)
This one's for the big dogs. Give your pet the gift of a gentle mat to lay on for naptime or to hang around on for lazy Sundays.
Funny Fuzzy Vintage Leisure Diamond Dog & Cat Sofa Bed ($70)
Pamper your dog or cat with a sofa of their own. That way, your sofa can be strictly for humans, eliminating the bouts of shedded fur you've been sitting on. This design comes in a handful of sizes and vintage-inspired patterns, so you can find the best piece for your home.
Michupet XL Castle 2-in-1 Front Entry Cat Litter Box with Scratch Basic & Scoop Included ($169)
Cat cleanup just got lightyears easier with this expertly designed 2-in-1 litter box and scratching post. The muted lilac color is a good fit for home spaces that crave a pop of color, but more importantly, provides a lively area for your kitty to do their thing, if you know what we mean.
Fable Crate ($395)
A dog crate and side table all in one, this pet furniture design is a real winner. By implementing this dual-purpose piece, you'll discover a less-crowded space that still perfectly accommodates your fluffy feline or dozing dog.
Casper The Dog Bed ($139)
Your pet will appreciate the Casper mattress treatment during downtime because it's made of plush, yet durable materials, just like a human mattress. Pick from three neutral-forward colors to decorate you and your pet's home.
Lovely Caves Garden Mushroom Cat Scratcher ($43)
Your cat will scratch, scratch, scratch away all day with this adorable fungi-filled post. The pet furniture design adds a playful, whimsical vibe to your home space while keeping your feline occupied.
Mau Pets Cento ($289)
This sizable cat tree is delivering on all the minimalist Scandiaesthetics. If you're looking for a hangout spot for your kitties that's equal parts appealing and practical, this piece of pet furniture by Mau is the way to go.
Pendleton National Park Pet Bed ($129)
Play with some color that your space and dog will adore. This pet bed from Pendleton is the perfect lay-out surface for your dog or cat, plus it withstands wear easily with a cotton-canvas cover.
Sign up for our newsletter for more pet content + easy home decor DIYs!
Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.
Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.
Marvel Studios/YouTube
Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!
We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.
Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios
And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”
What is the plot of Thunderbolts?
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney
Thunderbolts* Plot
Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.
Thunderbolts* Release Date
Jesse Grant/Disney
Thunderbolts* Release Date
Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.
Who's on the Thunderbolts team?
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney
Thunderbolts* Cast
Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.
This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"
Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”
Jesse Grant/Disney
The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”
“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”
Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.
Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney
This post has been updated.