Which Rebecca Yarros Books Should I Read, and in What Order?

I’ve always found that sometimes diving into an author’s world in publication order offers the most satisfying journey, catching evolving styles, deepening worlds, and growing characters. That said, Rebecca Yarros has such a rich and diverse catalog, spanning fantasy, military romance, standalone gems, and more, that it’s also fun to explore by series.

So here’s how I’d lay it out in a casual, true-to-Yarros style:

Order to Read Rebecca Yarros Books

1. Flight & Glory series (true-to-publication):

Start with Full Measures (2014), then Eyes Turned Skyward (2014), Beyond What Is Given (2015), Hallowed Ground (2016), wrapped up with The Reality of Everything (2020). A heartfelt, emotionally rich journey through couples tied by military life and deep love.

2. Legacy series (brother-sister firefighter duo):

These are Point of Origin (2016), Ignite (2016), and Reason to Believe (2022), full of small-town bonds, bravery, and family.

3. Renegades trilogy (high-octane romance/adventure):

Follow with Wilder (2016), Nova (2017), and Rebel (2017), expect adrenaline, chemistry, and tight-knit friendships.

4. In Luv duet (with Jay Crownover):

Take a lighter romantic detour with Girl in Luv (2019) and Boy in Luv (2019), playful, witty, and full of heart.

5. Standalone novels (romantic, introspective, varied):

The Last Letter (2019), Great and Precious Things (2020), The Things We Leave Unfinished (2021), In the Likely Event (2023), and Variation (2024). Each has its own flavor, from grief and healing to friendship and self-discovery.

6. Empyrean (Fourth Wing) series (romantasy fantasy):

Finally, enter the epic dragon-rider world with Fourth Wing (2023), Iron Flame (2023), and Onyx Storm (2025). Transporting, sweeping, and gripping, could be the highlight of your Yarros adventure.

About the Author, in Casual Chat

I love that Rebecca Yarros isn’t just a storyteller, she brings real life into her narratives. She’s a second-generation army brat, a military wife, and a mother of six. She co-founded OneOctober, a nonprofit supporting foster care adoption. Her life experience, especially as a military spouse, gives her romance a grounded foundation, authenticity, and soul.

She’s also bravely transparent about living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a condition she shares with some of her children. That personal reality even inspired parts of Violet’s physical fragility in Fourth Wing.

Why the Empyrean Series Is a Big Deal (and Why You’ll Love It)

• Instant phenomenon: Fourth Wing broke into mainstream fame, BookTok, bestseller charts, viral fan art, and fierce fandom.
• Epic expansion: Iron Flame followed in 2023, selling out launch events and hitting bestseller status too.
• Sky-high stakes: Onyx Storm dropped in January 2025 with record-setting sales, 2.7 million copies in its first week. That’s the fastest adult novel in 20 years.
• Going screenbound: Amazon is adapting the series, Yarros is on board as executive producer, and the project already has a powerhouse showrunner.

Verdict

If you’re craving emotional connection with a realistic backdrop, I’d begin with Flight & Glory, then flow through Legacy, Renegades, and In Luv for uplifting, human stories. Savor the standalone novels for moments of quiet depth. And when you’re ready to get swept off your feet, dive into the Empyrean series.

There’s something here for every mood, from heartbeat romance grounded in real life, to soaring fantasy filled with dragons and destiny. Yarros writes with empathy, fire, and heart, and whatever route you take, you’re in for a ride.

💡 When you buy through our Amazon links, I may earn an affiliate commission.