Has your partner been raving about Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, or eagerly counting down the days to Onyx Storm, the next installment in Rebecca Yarros’s The Empyrean series?

Are words like signet, Venin, and quadrants leaving you scratching your head? Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!

Let’s break it all down together!

From action-packed plot and steamy romances to dragons and the magic system, this guide will help you keep up with the excitement. By the end, you’ll know exactly what has that person in your life so hooked—and maybe even impress them with your new knowledge (since you won’t just read the books). Let’s dive in!

The Basics

The Fourth Wing series is a fantasy saga filled with dragons, magic, military training, political intrigue, and a sizzling romance. It’s set in a world where aspiring dragon riders compete for survival while uncovering dangerous secrets about their kingdom.

The Kingdom of Navarre

Navarre is the primary setting of the series. It is is a military centric kingdom built on the backs of its dragon riders, whose duty is to protect it from external and internal threats.

Beneath its surface, however, lies a web of political factions, rebellions past and present, and a society structured around strength and loyalty to the crown.

Navarre faces constant threats from external enemies, including the Venin (Humans who corrupted their souls by pulling magic from the source without a dragon- more on that later!) Survival hinges on its dragon riders, who are considered the elite defenders of the kingdom.

About Navarre:

  • Basgiath War College: An elite training ground for dragon riders, scribes, healers, and infantry. It’s a place of both prestige and peril, particularly for Rider’s Quadrant cadets.
  • The Assembly of Aretia: A secretive group working to uncover and counter the kingdom’s hidden threats, including the Venin.
  • The Ward Stones: Magical barriers protecting Navarre from outside invasions, maintained through ward weavers like Mira (don’t worry, we’ll get there).

Basgiath War College

Basgiath is more than just a college and training ground—it’s the beating heart of Navarre’s military elite!

The college divides students into four quadrants: Riders, Scribes, Healers, and Infantry. Among these, the Rider’s Quadrant stands as the most prestigious and dangerous, where aspiring dragon riders face deadly trials to bond with dragons and train for war.

Basgiath also reflects the kingdom’s rigid hierarchy and unrelenting demand for excellence. Only the strongest, smartest, or most cunning survive. Its cadets are taught to revere the military above all else and adhere to its structure and rules at all times.

The Quadrants at Basgiath War College

Basgiath War College is where the action takes place, and it’s divided into four quadrants, each with a distinct role:

  1. Rider’s Quadrant – The most dangerous and prestigious. This is where candidates train to bond with dragons and become dragon riders. Survival here is far from guaranteed, and only the strongest—or the smartest—succeed.
  2. Scribe Quadrant – Focused on academics and research. This is where Violet, the main character, originally planned to go before being forced into the Rider’s Quadrant. It’s considered safer but lacks the thrill and prestige of riding dragons.
  3. Healer’s Quadrant – Dedicated to medical training and healing magic. This group plays a critical support role for the kingdom’s warriors.
  4. Infantry Quadrant – For soldiers who fight on the ground without dragons. They are essential to the kingdom’s military but often overshadowed by the Rider’s Quadrant.

The Wards

Wards are magical barriers that protect Navarre from external invasions. Maintained by ward weavers like Mira Sorrengail, these barriers are essential for the kingdom’s survival. However, their reliance on magical energy, drawn through dragon bonds, makes them a finite resource.

If the stones falter, Navarre would be vulnerable to Venin attacks and other external threats, amplifying the kingdom’s internal fear and paranoia.

Political Factions in Navarre

Navarre’s political landscape is fractured, with factions vying for power or pursuing different visions for the kingdom:

  1. The Loyalists: These are the staunch supporters of the crown, upholding the kingdom’s militaristic and centralized rule. For the loyalists, questioning leaders is the same as treason and emphasize the need for order and unity against external threats.
  2. The Rebels (Old and New): The old rebels opposed the crown’s authoritarian rule and sought more regional autonomy. Their children, now grown, navigate a complex path between rebellion and survival within the kingdom. Their goal is not outright chaos but reform, revealing hidden truths about Navarre’s leadership.
  3. The Dragon Riders: While technically loyal to the crown, the dragon riders form a semi-autonomous group whose true allegiance often lies with their bonded dragons and each other. They are pragmatic and prioritize the survival of Navarre over blind loyalty to its rulers.
  4. The Assembly of Aretia: The Assembly is a group of seven individuals who serve as the unofficial leadership of the Second Rebellion. Their primary mission is to arm their own forces and gryphon fliers with weaponry capable of defending against the Venin.
  5. The Venin and their Allies: Though not officially part of Navarre’s political structure, the Venin represent an existential threat. Their corruption and power-hungry nature make them the antithesis of the dragon riders, and they exploit Navarre’s divisions for their own gain.

The Rebellions Past and Present

The history of rebellion in Navarre is a central theme in The Fourth Wing. Roughly two decades before the series begins, a large-scale rebellion was staged by those who opposed the crown’s rule.

This rebellion was crushed, and the children of the rebels were spared only under strict conditions: they would be raised as wards of the state and sent to Basgiath War College to prove their loyalty in the Riders Quadrant where few survive to graduation.

Xaden Riorson, the son of the rebel leader, represents the lasting impact of this rebellion. Though loyal to his fellow riders and protective of his bonded dragon, Xaden is deeply mistrustful of Navarre’s leadership, harboring resentment for the execution of his parents and the treatment of the rebellion’s descendants.

The current rebellion (led secretly by Xaden and other rebel children) is more covert. They work to expose the corruption and lies perpetuated by the kingdom, particularly concerning the true nature of the Venin and the sacrifices demanded by the Ward Stones.

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The Dragons

In The Fourth Wing, dragons are more than majestic creatures—they are partners, protectors, and power sources.

The Dragons in this series are not mere beasts—they are intelligent, self-aware, and deeply connected to their riders. They communicate telepathically, often showcasing distinct personalities ranging from wise and patient to sarcastic and brash. They have their own culture, hierarchy, and traditions!

Dragon Bonding

The bond between a dragon and a rider is sacred and forms the cornerstone of the series.

  • How Bonding Works: A dragon chooses its rider based on the individual’s potential, courage, and compatibility. The process is entirely up to the dragon, and unworthy candidates are often killed during the selection.
  • The Significance of the Bond: This bond is both emotional and magical. It allows the rider to access unique abilities (signets) channeled through the dragon’s power. Dragons are fiercely loyal to their chosen rider and will defend them to the death.

What Do Dragon Colors Represent in Fourth Wing?

In The Fourth Wing series, dragons come in a variety of colors, each signifying their elemental alignment, power, and personality traits. These colors also influence the magical abilities (signets) granted to their bonded riders. Here’s a closer look:

  • Black Dragons: The rarest and most powerful, black dragons embody destruction and command respect. Their abilities often involve lightning and raw, uncontrollable power, making them a force to be reckoned with.
  • Red Dragons: Known for their mastery of fire, red dragons are fierce, aggressive, and unrelenting. They symbolize passion, intensity, and loyalty, often leading their riders into devastating battles.
  • Blue Dragons: Aligned with water, blue dragons are calm, logical, and strategic. They bring adaptability and focus, making them invaluable allies in combat.
  • Green Dragons: Connected to the earth, green dragons are grounded and resourceful. They often symbolize stability and a close relationship with nature, providing a different type of strength to their riders.
  • Gold Dragons: Radiating nobility and pride, gold dragons represent raw, untamed energy. They often possess a mix of abilities, making them unpredictable and highly coveted.
  • Silver Dragons: Rare and enigmatic, silver dragons are versatile and often have unique or mysterious powers. Their presence adds an air of intrigue to any rider-dragon bond.
  • White Dragons: Associated with healing and purity, white dragons are graceful but powerful defenders. They symbolize protection, renewal, and balance.

Each dragon’s color not only shapes their abilities but also reflects their personality and the dynamics of their bond with their rider. Choosing—or being chosen by—a dragon is more than a survival mechanism; it’s a defining moment in a rider’s journey.

What is a Signet?

A signet is a unique magical ability granted to a rider upon bonding with their dragon. When a dragon bonds with a human and feels they are ready, dragons channel magic into their rider through their dragon relic. This creates a unique signet power that the rider can wield. Signet powers are based on who the rider is at their core and what they need most. The signet that manifests says more about the rider than the dragon.

Uniqueness is correlated to the power of the dragon and the strength of their bond. However, overusing signet power can lead to “burnout,” which may result in death. Additionally, riders gain lesser magic from their dragon, such as; locking and unlocking doors, moving objects and, shielding the mind.

If a dragon bonds an indirect descendant of a previously bonded rider, the rider’s abilities will be stronger. If a dragon bonds a direct descendant, the rider may gain two signets or go mad.

Types of Signets

Signets vary greatly, but here are some notable types seen in the series so far:

  1. Elemental Control – Abilities like summoning lightning, manipulating fire, or controlling water. These are often among the most visually impressive and powerful.
  2. Telekinesis – The ability to move objects (or people) with the mind. This is a versatile and strategic signet.
  3. Enhanced Senses – Heightened perception, such as improved sight or hearing, which can give a tactical edge in battle.
  4. Shielding – Creating protective barriers to block attacks, crucial for defense.
  5. Healing – The ability to rapidly heal wounds, either for oneself or others.
  6. Mind Reading or Manipulation – Involves understanding or influencing the thoughts of others, a highly dangerous and mistrusted signet (we mean you Dain)
  7. Illusions – Creating false images or distractions to confuse enemies.
  8. Battle Outcome Foresight – The ability to see possible outcomes of battles, as demonstrated by General Melgren.
  9. Intrinsic, a rare signet, is an immediate death sentence for its rider. Mental shields (a lesser magic) can guard against mind-based signets, but a rider cannot use their own mind signet when shields are raised.

Each rider’s signet is unique, and the bonding process with their dragon plays a significant role in unlocking their full potential.

Non Dragon Creatures of Fourth Wing

  1. Wyverns – Similar to dragons but with two legs instead of four. Created by Venin, they are dependent on their creators. Killing a Venin destroys all wyverns they created.
  2. Venin – Humans who corrupt their souls by pulling magic from the source without a dragon. They have ranks such as Initiate, Asim, Sage, and Maven, and can drain life from others, enhance their abilities, and are immune to dragon fire.

Main Characters

  1. Violet Sorrengail – “Violence”- The relucant heroine of the story. A book-smart young woman with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a connective tissue disorder that makes her joints prone to dislocation and her bones fragile. She is thrust into the deadly Rider’s Quadrant, where candidates bond with dragons and train for war. Violet starts as the underdog but proves she has her strengths with her cleverness, determination, and a bit of cunning!
  2. Xaden Riorson – “Shadow Daddy”- The brooding, powerful, and morally complex love interest. He’s the son of a rebel leader executed by the kingdom, and he has a score to settle. Especially with Violet. Despite his cold exterior, he quickly develops a reluctant soft spot for Violet.
  3. Dain Aetos – “Little Bitch”- Violet’s childhood best friend and fellow trainee. He thinks he is protecting Violet but ends up doing it in the cringiest way, often clashing with Xaden due to their differing opinion on Violet’s capabilities and Violet’s growing connection with Xaden.
  4. Tairn – Violet’s bonded dragon. Tairn is an ancient, powerful dragon who is a bonded mate to Xaden’s dragon Seagyl! Because of this Xaden and Violet can communicate telepathically with each other in addition to their dragons.
  5. Andarna – Violet’s second bonded dragon. After waiting 650 years to hatch, Andarna hatches to bond with Violet as a 2 year old hatchling, an incredibly rare occurrence that shocks even the dragon community.
  6. Brennan Sorrengail – Violet’s older brother, thought to be dead but revealed to be alive and working with Xaden’s secret rebellion group. (Yes, Xaden knows he is alive and does not tell her!) A skilled mender and member of the Assembly of Aretia. He’s bonded to Marbh.
  7. Mira Sorrengail – Violet’s older sister, a captain in the kingdom’s military. She is bonded to Teine and is a skilled ward weaver.
  8. General A. Melgren – The general of the Navarre military, bonded to Codagh, the eldest of the black dragon den. Known for his battle outcome foresight.
  9. Rhiannon Matthias – Violet’s best friend and squad leader. She is a summoner bonded to Fierge.
  10. Liam Mairi – Xaden’s loyal second-in-command and a fan favorite. He acts as Violet’s protector and confidant during many pivotal moments. His death in Fourth Wing is a gut-wrenching moment, made all the more heart-breaking by his final words to Violet: “It’s been my honor.” This line encapsulates his unwavering loyalty and bravery, cementing his legacy in the series. If you bring him up be prepared for tears!

Violet and Xaden’s Relationship

Violet and Xaden’s relationship is complicated from the start, thanks to their parents’ messy history. Violet’s mom, General Lillith Sorrengail, was the one who crushed the rebellion led by Xaden’s dad, getting him—and a lot of other rebels—killed in the process. So, Xaden has every reason to hate Violet, since she represents everything he’s been forced to endure as the son of a rebel leader.

Their dynamic kicks off with plenty of distrust and tension, especially with Violet worrying Xaden is a threat to her survival at the Rider’s Quadrant. But as they’re thrown into dangerous situations together and start uncovering the kingdom’s darker secrets animosity turns into mutual respect, and then something deeper.

Violet and Xaden are bonded to Tairn and Sgaeyl, two mate dragons, which creates a unique connection between the riders. Through their dragons’ bond, Violet and Xaden can communicate telepathically!

The Plot So Far

The series begins with Violet’s unexpected entry into the Rider’s Quadrant, where cadets train to bond with dragons. This process is deadly—most trainees don’t survive the brutal trials or win a dragon’s approval. Violet, though physically weaker than most, uses her intelligence and wit to outmaneuver her stronger opponents.

As she navigates this perilous environment, she bonds with two dragons (a rare feat) and uncovers conspiracies within the kingdom. The government has hidden truths about their enemies and the real purpose of the war they’re fighting. Violet’s growing feelings for Xaden complicate things further, as his rebel ties make him both a potential ally and a threat.

In Iron Flame, tensions escalate as Violet uncovers even more startling truths. The Venin threat grows more imminent, and the kingdom’s leadership faces fractures. Violet must navigate betrayal, shifting alliances, and her growing powers while defending against external and internal threats. The stakes are higher than ever as Navarre’s very survival hangs in the balance.

The series balances intense action, strategic battles, and steamy romance with larger themes of trust, loyalty, and challenging authority. The first book, Fourth Wing, ends with a shocking twist that leaves readers desperate for more.

Why Everyone’s Excited for Onyx Storm

Fans are eager to see how Violet’s story unfolds, particularly her evolving relationship with Xaden, the manifestation of her second signet, and the deeper truths about their world. The dragons, battles, and political intrigue are expected to escalate, delivering more of the action and drama that hooked readers in the first place.

Pro Tips

  • Ask your partner which dragon they’d want to bond with—it’s a fun way to engage without needing to know every plot detail!
  • Discuss what signet you each would have and why.
  • Be ready for your partner to be glued to the book when Onyx Storm drops. Make sure they have a copy secured in whatever format they prefer! Physical Book, E-book, or Audiobook!
  • For bonus points check out my binge reading essentials list and make sure they have everything they need!

There you go—a quick primer on The Fourth Wing series. Who knows? You might just find yourself curious enough to pick it up too!