Though it is likely a long way off, Rebecca Yarros’ novel Iron Flame sets up the perfect possible spinoff for The Empyrean Series. The series’ focus on history is a main component of the plot as Violet, the daughter of a scribe and dragon rider, discovers secrets within both Basigath War College and the larger world of Navarre. Those secrets have successfully hidden the threat of the venin from the general populace, despite the fact that the venin invasion is imminent, as seen in Iron Flame’s ending.

The theme of hidden and rewritten history also pertains to the magic of the world and its practitioners. As more updates for Onyx Storm arrive, audiences can likely expect the true history and the answers within to come swiftly as Violet unlocks more secrets to save her loved ones. However, some details that could enrich the worldbuilding in the main Empyrean Series books may get lost in the shuffle. This is where a possible spinoff could come in, adding to some of the details Iron Flame and other books have mentioned.

Iron Flame Sets Up The Perfect Empyrean Series Spinoff With The First Six

The First Six Were Established 600 Years Before Fourth Wing

Iron Flame’s inclusion of the First Six could work as the perfect setup for an Empyrean Series spinoff, adding to the established lore. Iron Flame’s story only mentions the First Six in minimal detail, establishing them as the first dragon riders and their dragons as the first Empyrean. They fought in The Great War, which resulted in the Unification of Navarre and the creation of The Barrens, the venin’s section of the continent. They also wove the first wards around Navarre, which is why Violet was so interested in them.

Two of their company, Lyra and Warrick, kept journals that detailed this process, which Violet tried to steal to save Aretia. Unfortunately, this resulted in her becoming Varrish’s prisoner, though she did get both journals later. Violet then discovered that Warrick’s journal contained false instructions while Lyra’s held the true answer. While their motivations are touched on in Iron Flame, they are not fully explored. Audiences may get more details in later Empyrean Series books, but Yarros could also showcase these motivations in a prequel, adding to the First Six’s story and the larger history of Navarre.

Why A First Six Prequel Would Be A Great Way To Continue The Empyrean Series

It Can Add To The Worldbuilding And Answer Some Fan Theories

Through a prequel, The Empyrean Series could organically add to its worldbuilding and answer a few possible fan theories from the original books. The First Six’s story largely revolves around The Great War, which not only established the borders of riders and fliers but also the rise of the venin. Exploring that story in a spinoff would bring clarity to The Empyrean Series’ storyline without pausing too long on exposition, slowing the plot. It would also give audiences more insight into the motivations of the First Six, such as Warrick’s desire to hide how to make wards from other kingdoms.

A prequel could also answer some fan theories surrounding The Empyrean Series books, especially regarding Andarna. Andarna’s breed seemingly died around the time of The Great War, as Andarna told Violet she waited 650 years to hatch for her. A First Six prequel could showcase more of Andarna’s breed’s power and how they were possibly wiped out to stop the venin. Though this prequel idea is a fun one, it is also one that will probably not happen anytime soon as Yarros continues The Empyrean Series.

A Fourth Wing Spinoff Series Probably Won’t Happen Any Time Soon

Yarros Confirmed The Empyrean Series Will Be Five Books In June 2023

Despite their relevance in Iron Flame and possible details to come, a spinoff on the First Six will likely not happen soon. Yarros confirmed in 2023 that The Empyrean Series would be five books long. During an exclusive interview with Today, Yarros explained that the story has been plotted out for a five-book series that covers the overarching theme of history. This likely means that any spinoff books will not be announced until the series’ conclusion. That being said, waiting until after the series may prove to be beneficial for a prequel about the First Six.

Yarros’ story has not finished, so writing a prequel before that would back her into a corner story-wise. Any detail or unresolved plot point mentioned in the prequel would likely appear in and shape the main series, so waiting could give her somewhere to start. By having the prequel come afterward, Yarros can explore that story with a proper framework and avoid any continuity errors. Not only that, but Yarros can also keep the audience’s anticipation high, allowing the popularity of The Empyrean Series to continue even after book 5.