So you've finished Rebecca Yarros' The Empyrean series (or at least what's available so far), and now you're staring at your bookshelf like it personally betrayed you. We've all been there — that hollow, post-book feeling where nothing seems good enough. But hey, good news: there's a whole world of incredible stories waiting to fill that dragon-shaped void in your heart.
If You're Craving More Dragons and Romance
First stop? Try Fourth Wing vibes at an even wilder level with Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey. This classic kicks off the Pern series, and honestly? It pioneered the whole dragonrider-goes-to-school idea decades before anyone else did. The world-building is rich, the pew-pew of impression bonds is addictive, and you'll wonder why nobody told you sooner.
Another gem is This Vicious Grace by Emily Thiede. It's got that same enemies-to-lovers energy you loved, plus a blessing-gone-wrong premise that keeps you guessing. Think political intrigue meets chaotic mage who accidentally gets engaged to three guys at once. Yes, you read that right.
Must Read
If the Dragons Weren't the Hook — the Strategy Was
Loved the war academy, exams, and brutal rankings? Swing on over to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Maybe you've read it before, but rereading it after Empyrean hits different — you'll catch tactical parallels everywhere. Katniss and Violet would absolutely work as a squad.
Also, don't sleep on Legendborn by Tracy Deonn. It's modern folklore meets competitive trials with a main character who's got more grit than she gives herself credit for. You'll get that same "edge of my seat" rush while also learning a few cool Arthurian legends along the way. Bonus knowledge, anyone?
What to Read After ACOTAR and Empyrean (w/ Lauren from Book Huddle
For the Pure Fantasy World-Builders Out There
If the magic systems and political factions floored you, grab The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon. It's a hefty one — think epic in every sense — but with factions, prophecies, and creatures that feel plausibly dangerous. You'll need a snack and a cozy blanket, but your travel costs to another realm will be zero.
And hey, why not revisit A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas? You may have already met Feyre, but the Fae courts deliver that same morally-grey romance with high stakes. It pairs beautifully with Empyrean like two genres becoming best friends.
10 Books Like Onyx Storm To Read While You Wait For The Next Empyrean
The One That Sneaks Up on You
Ready for something completely different? Try Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson. It's lighter, it's charming, and it's got sentient books — which, let's be real, is the dream. Sometimes after an intense series, a breath of fresh air does wonders.
And if you want to bookmark your next binge, make it Vesper Flights or even The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. Both prove that storytelling itself is the real magic here.
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
Here's the beautiful truth: finishing one amazing series isn't an ending — it's a door opening. Every book you pick up teaches you something new about stories, people, and yourself. So go fill that shelf, follow your curiosity, and remember: the next great adventure is already waiting for you to crack open its cover.
