By Ahaqir Ishaq
Spoiler note: This guide does not reveal major plot twists.
No, you do not need to read Threshing Day before Fourth Wing Book 4. Rebecca Yarros has confirmed that the companion collection is optional.
For fans deciding what to read next, that answer removes some pressure. You can enjoy more of the world of dragons and riders if you want to, but buying another book is not a requirement for following the next novel.
What Rebecca Yarros Said About Reading Threshing Day
At her October 1 launch event, Yarros said: “everything that you’re told in here, I’m going to work into book four,” according to PEOPLE’s report.
That assurance gives readers a useful distinction: extra context now does not mean compulsory homework before the sequel.
What Is Threshing Day?
Rebecca Yarros’s official book page describes a collection of thirteen stories centered on Threshing and dragon bonding. It offers another way to explore the Empyrean world through the relationships between riders and dragons.
The collection was published on September 29, 2026. It is available now, so readers should disregard older descriptions calling it an upcoming release.
For the broader overview, read our guide to Threshing Day and where it fits in the Empyrean series.
Is Threshing Day Fourth Wing Book 4?
No. Threshing Day is a companion collection, while Book 4 is the next main Empyrean novel after Onyx Storm.
This distinction can be confusing when a listing describes Threshing Day as a new Empyrean book. A book can belong to the same fictional universe without being the next numbered installment.
If your priority is continuing the central storyline, keep your attention on the main novels. A companion collection gives you an additional reading option; it does not change which novel comes after Onyx Storm.
For confirmed sequel announcements, bookmark our Fourth Wing Book 4 release-date and updates guide. As of October 6, 2026, Book 4 has no announced official title or release date.
Where Should Threshing Day Fit in Your Reading Order?
Our recommendation is to finish the three published main novels before reading the companion collection:
| Reading position | Book | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fourth Wing | Start the main storyline here. |
| 2 | Iron Flame | Continue after Fourth Wing. |
| 3 | Onyx Storm | Read the third main novel next. |
| Optional companion | Threshing Day | Read here if you want additional Empyrean stories. |
| Next main novel | Untitled Empyrean Book 4 | Continue when it is published. |
Placing Threshing Day after Onyx Storm is our editorial recommendation, rather than a mandatory reading rule from Yarros.
Publication order is a practical choice for readers who want to encounter the main story before exploring companion material. Even when a collection looks backward, reading it later lets you approach familiar characters with the context you have already gained.
If you are only partway through Fourth Wing or Iron Flame, there is no reason to interrupt your reading. Finish the novel in front of you, continue the series, and decide about the collection afterward.
Who Should Read Threshing Day Before Book 4?
The collection may appeal to readers who enjoy spending more time in a fantasy world between major installments.
If your favorite part of Fourth Wing is discovering how the world works, an additional set of stories gives you another opportunity to explore it. Readers interested in dragon bonds and supporting characters may find the companion format especially appealing.
It also makes sense for fans who prefer shorter individual reading sessions. A story collection offers natural stopping points, although whether that format suits you is a matter of taste.
My recommendation is to choose it because the premise interests you. The best reason to read extra stories is wanting those stories, not feeling anxious that the next novel will leave you behind.
Can You Skip Threshing Day?
Yes. Readers who prefer to concentrate on the main novels can leave the collection for later.
That is also a reasonable choice if your reading list is crowded or you are being selective about book purchases. You can revisit the decision when you have more time, or borrow a copy if your library carries it.
There is no need to turn enthusiasm for a series into a completion checklist. Some readers love every companion release; others want the central storyline. Both approaches leave room to enjoy the books.
How Should You Prepare for Fourth Wing Book 4?
If your goal is remembering the main story, start with the novels you have already read.
A reread of Onyx Storm, or a review of your own notes, may be more useful to you than adding another title. Focus on the characters, unresolved questions and relationships you want to remember.
Keep your notes in two columns: what the books establish, and what you suspect might happen next. This makes theorizing more enjoyable while helping you avoid treating a prediction as a confirmed development.
You can also wait until the next novel has an announced release date before planning a reread. That lets you refresh your memory closer to the point when you will actually need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Threshing Day required reading?
No. It is optional companion reading for Empyrean fans.
Should I read Threshing Day after Onyx Storm?
That is our recommended placement. Read the three main novels first, then decide whether you want the additional stories.
Does Threshing Day replace Book 4?
No. It is a separate companion collection.
Can I read Book 4 without buying Threshing Day?
Yes. You do not need to purchase the collection to follow the next main novel.
Our Recommendation
Read Threshing Day if you want another visit to the Empyrean world while waiting for the main story to continue. Skip it, borrow it or save it for later if you would rather focus on the novels.
For anyone asking whether it belongs on a required reading list, the answer is clear: it is an optional addition.
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