The Fantasy Series Everyone Is Reading On Kindle Right Now
BookTok and Bookstagram have sparked an insatiable appetite for exciting adult fantasy novels — and Rebecca Yarros' "Empyrean" series is here to break you out of your reading rut. "Empyrean" is one of the latest fantasy romance books BookTok has gone crazy over, and it currently sits at the top of the pedestal on Amazon. For instance, the first installment in the "Empyrean" series, "Fourth Wing," boasts over 1.7 billion views on BookTok and has claimed the top spot on Amazon's Top 20 list. The second installment, "Iron Flame," follows closely behind in second place.
The "Empyrean" series follows the story of 20-year-old dragon rider Violet Sorrengail as she is forced to survive the dangers of joining the Riders Quadrant while struggling with her ill health and a dangerous attraction to ruthless wingleader Xaden Riorson. The series also features crowd-pleasing book tropes, including enemies to lovers, morally grey male characters, and found family.
In terms of popularity, the ratings on both Amazon and Goodreads tell you everything you need to know. On Goodreads alone, "Fourth Wing" has amassed over one million — yes, million — ratings and a total of 4.6 stars. And if that isn't impressive enough, "Fourth Wing" was also voted the winner of "Best Romantasy" in the 2023 Goodreads Choice Awards. Find out why BookTok is obsessed with the "Empyrean" series and decide if you've found your next read.
What BookTok is saying about Fourth Wing
Book lovers everywhere rave about "Empyrean," and it's quickly becoming a must-read in the fantasy-romance genre. But what makes it so popular? BookTok reviewers like @theshamelessbookclub liken the series to the classic young-adult dystopian novel "Divergent," as it contains similar components — namely adventure, romance, and a strong storyline.
Another BookToker (@alinaisreading) also made a comparison to the "Divergent" series and explained how "Fourth Wing" is reminiscent of other books she grew up reading, such as "The Hunger Games" and "A Court of Thorns and Roses" (ACOTAR). While she can't say the story elements were especially unique, Alina confirmed that she "loved every bit of it" and the book kept her "on the edge of the seat."
What's more, readers love how the books reel you in from the very beginning, which can be a game-changer for those who struggle to fall into more elaborate or lore-heavy fantasy novels, according to a video shared by TikTok user Abbie (@_abbiekae).
Is this series for you?
Despite the predictable BookTok tropes, the "Empyrean" series appears to delight all kinds of readers. However, it may appeal to some groups more than others. For instance, this fantasy series is geared toward post-adolescent audiences as it rates high on the spice scale, if the reviews are anything to go by. TikToker Abbie emphatically describes it as having "incredible spice."
"Empyrean" also makes the perfect entry read to the fantasy genre as it ticks all the boxes for a solid fantasy series. The combination of adventure, drama, and romance is bound to have you hooked. Supporters of strong female leads will also find this series impossible to resist, as the main character is both intelligent and morally sound. One reviewer on Goodreads commented: "I liked how balanced her character and personality was, never over the top." On top of being consistently written, the main character also experiences the fantasy equivalent of a physical disability, which individuals with chronic illnesses will find refreshing. If any of these points sound intriguing, it's time to bump up the "Empyrean" series in your TBR (to be read) list and catch up before the release of the next installment.