Wondering where to start with Rebecca Yarros’s captivating novels? As a #1 New York Times bestselling author, Rebecca Yarros has enchanted millions with her emotionally charged romance and thrilling fantasy tales. From the dragon-filled world of the Empyrean series to heartfelt contemporary and military romances, her books offer something for every reader. This comprehensive guide to Rebecca Yarros books in order will help you navigate her extensive catalog, ensuring you experience her stories the way they were meant to be read. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her work, this guide covers her series, standalone novels, publication dates, and tips for diving into her mesmerizing worlds.
About Rebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros is a literary powerhouse, celebrated for her ability to weave heart-pounding romance, intricate world-building, and emotional depth into every story. Born on April 14, 1981, in Washington, D.C., Yarros graduated from Troy University with degrees in English and European history, which inform her richly detailed narratives. As a military wife and mother of six, her personal experiences add authenticity to her military romance series like Flight & Glory. Her leap into fantasy with the Empyrean series, particularly Fourth Wing, skyrocketed her to global fame, earning her a spot as a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
Yarros’s writing spans romantasy, contemporary romance, and military romance, appealing to readers who crave strong female protagonists, intense relationships, and high-stakes adventures. Her novel Eyes Turned Skyward won the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, and Fourth Wing became a viral sensation on BookTok, cementing her as a must-read author. Fans love her ability to balance action, emotion, and steamy romance, making her one of the best Rebecca Yarros books a perfect starting point for new readers.
Complete List of Rebecca Yarros Books in Order
Rebecca Yarros has authored over 20 novels across multiple genres, including series and standalone works. Below, we’ve organized her books by series and standalone novels in publication order, with brief descriptions, genres, key themes, and notable accolades.
Flight & Glory Series
This military romance series follows couples connected to the military, blending emotional depth, grief, and passionate love stories.
- Full Measures (February 10, 2014)
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Military Romance
Ember Howard’s life unravels after her father’s death in Afghanistan, forcing her to become her family’s rock. Rekindling a connection with her high school crush, Josh Walker, offers hope, but secrets threaten their bond. Themes include loss, resilience, and second chances.
Reader Reception: Praised for its “exceptional writing and beautiful storyline” (Reader Review). - Eyes Turned Skyward (September 14, 2014)
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Military Romance
Paisley Donovan, battling a life-threatening heart condition, falls for Jagger Bateman, a reckless pilot. Their forbidden romance unfolds amidst danger and sacrifice. This novel won the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence.
Award: Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence. - Beyond What is Given (January 25, 2015)
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Military Romance
Lieutenant Grayson Masters, focused on piloting Apache helicopters, is distracted by his new roommate, Sam Fitzgerald. Their chemistry is undeniable, but both harbor secrets that could derail their romance. Themes explore trust and vulnerability. - Hallowed Ground (January 25, 2016)
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Military Romance
Josh Walker and Ember Howard return, facing new challenges as Josh’s military deployment tests their relationship. This emotional conclusion to their story delves into love, sacrifice, and healing. - The Reality of Everything (August 24, 2020)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Morgan Bartley, grieving her fiancé’s death, moves to the Outer Banks, where she meets Jackson Montgomery, a single father. Their slow-burn romance helps her heal, with themes of grief and second chances.
The Renegades Series
This series focuses on extreme sports, adventure, and steamy romance, centered around a group of thrill-seeking friends.
- Wilder (September 19, 2016)
Genre: New Adult Romance, Adventure
Leah Baxter joins a study-abroad cruise to tutor Paxton Wilder, a daredevil stunt performer. Their fiery chemistry and high-stakes adventures spark a passionate romance. Themes include trust and personal growth. - Nova (February 20, 2017)
Genre: New Adult Romance, Adventure
Rachel Dawson and Landon Rhodes, former lovers, reunite on a cruise filled with extreme sports. Past betrayals complicate their rekindled romance in this adrenaline-fueled story. - Rebel (May 29, 2017)
Genre: New Adult Romance, Adventure
Penelope Carstairs, a fearless stuntwoman, falls for Cruz Delgado, her instructor. Their forbidden romance unfolds amidst dangerous stunts and personal risks, exploring themes of courage and love.
Empyrean Series
The Empyrean series, a romantasy phenomenon, follows Violet Sorrengail at Basgiath War College, where she trains to become a dragon rider. The series is planned for five books.
- Fourth Wing (May 2, 2023)
Genre: Fantasy Romance, New Adult
Violet Sorrengail, forced into the brutal Riders Quadrant by her mother, faces deadly challenges and a complex enemies-to-lovers romance with Xaden Riorson. This BookTok sensation is lauded for its world-building and steamy romance.
Awards: Amazon Best Books of the Year #4, Barnes & Noble Best Fantasy Book of 2023, Goodreads Choice Award Winner.
Reader Reception: “A fantasy like you’ve never read before” — Jennifer L. Armentrout. - Iron Flame (November 7, 2023)
Genre: Fantasy Romance, New Adult
Violet continues her training amidst escalating wars and dark secrets, with her relationship with Xaden deepening. Packed with action and romance, it’s a thrilling sequel.
Awards: Barnes & Noble Best Fantasy Book of 2023. - Onyx Storm (January 21, 2025)
Genre: Fantasy Romance, New Adult
Violet faces her toughest battles yet, with political intrigue, missing dragon eggs, and a cliffhanger ending involving her marriage to Xaden. Fans are buzzing about its fast-paced action.
Reader Reception: Fastest-selling adult novel in 20 years (The New York Times).
Standalone Novels and Collaborations
- Point of Origin (June 13, 2016)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
A novella about a woman rebuilding her life after tragedy, finding love in unexpected places. Themes focus on healing and new beginnings. - Girl in Luv (October 15, 2019, co-written with Jay Crownover)
Genre: New Adult Romance
Part of the In Luv duet, this novella follows a fake relationship that turns real amidst a wedding weekend. It’s a fun, steamy read. - Boy in Luv (October 15, 2019, co-written with Jay Crownover)
Genre: New Adult Romance
The conclusion to the In Luv duet, this novella deepens the romance with emotional stakes and heartfelt moments. - Muses & Melodies (October 6, 2020, part of Hush Note trilogy with Sarina Bowen and Devney Perry)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
A rockstar romance about a musician finding redemption and love. Themes include trust and self-discovery. - The Things We Leave Unfinished (February 23, 2021)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Georgia Stanton, betrayed by love, works with a writer to finish her grandmother’s novel, sparking an unexpected romance. This fan-favorite tear-jerker explores love and legacy. - A Little Too Close (October 11, 2022, part of Madigan Mountain trilogy with Sarina Bowen and Devney Perry)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
A single mother and a grumpy pilot find love in a small mountain town. Themes include family and second chances. - In the Likely Event (February 14, 2023)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
A chance encounter on a turbulent flight leads to a decade-long, on-again-off-again romance between Izzy and Nate. Currently being adapted into a Netflix film. - Ignite (October 15, 2024)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
A free novella in the Legacy world, this friends-to-lovers story is available via newsletter subscription. It’s a quick, steamy read.
Recommended Reading Order
For the best experience, read Rebecca Yarros books in order by series and publication date, as her series often build on character arcs and world-building. Start with the Empyrean series (Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, Onyx Storm) in order, as each book continues Violet Sorrengail’s story and ends on cliffhangers. The Flight & Glory and Renegades series should also be read in order due to recurring characters and emotional arcs, though each book can stand alone. Standalone novels like The Things We Leave Unfinished or In the Likely Event are great entry points for new readers who prefer a single, immersive story without committing to a series.
If you’re wondering how to read Rebecca Yarros books, prioritize the Empyrean series for its popularity and ongoing story. For contemporary romance fans, The Things We Leave Unfinished or In the Likely Event are excellent starting points. Check publication dates to follow her evolving style, but feel free to jump into standalone novels for a quick, emotional read.
Why Readers Love Rebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros’s novels stand out for their compelling characters, vivid world-building, and emotional depth. Her Empyrean series captivates with strong female protagonists like Violet Sorrengail, who balance vulnerability and resilience, and intricate fantasy worlds filled with dragons and political intrigue. Her romance novels, like Full Measures and The Things We Leave Unfinished, tug at heartstrings with themes of love, loss, and healing. Readers praise her ability to craft “addictive” stories that blend action, steamy romance, and heartfelt moments.
“Fourth Wing will have your heart pounding from beginning to end,” says Booklist in a starred review. Fans on BookTok have fueled the Empyrean series’ viral success, with hashtags like #FourthWing amassing over a billion views. Her military romances resonate with authenticity, drawing from her experiences as a military wife, while her Rebecca Yarros romance books and fantasy novels appeal to a broad audience craving emotional and thrilling escapes.
Conclusion
Exploring Rebecca Yarros books in order unlocks a world of heart-wrenching romance, thrilling fantasy, and unforgettable characters. From the dragon-riding intensity of the Empyrean series to the emotional depth of her standalone novels, Yarros offers a story for every reader. Start with Fourth Wing to join the BookTok craze or dive into The Things We Leave Unfinished for a standalone tear-jerker. Whichever path you choose, this guide ensures you experience her novels in the best order. Which Rebecca Yarros book series or novel is your favorite? Share in the comments below and let us know! Don’t forget to share this guide on X or Pinterest to help other fans discover their next great read. Check out our The old guard books in order for more thrilling reads
FAQ
What is the best Rebecca Yarros book to start with?
Fourth Wing is the ideal starting point for its gripping romantasy blend and massive popularity. For contemporary romance, try The Things We Leave Unfinished.
Are Rebecca Yarros books connected?
Books within series like Empyrean or Flight & Glory are connected, with recurring characters and story arcs. Standalone novels like In the Likely Event are independent.
How many books are in the Empyrean series?
The Empyrean series is planned for five books, with three released as of 2025: Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm.
Where can I find Rebecca Yarros books?
Her books are available at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local bookstores, as well as in audiobook form on platforms like Audible.
