Essential Rebecca Yarros Novels to Explore After Onyx Storm

Author Rebecca Yarros has made a remarkable transition from contemporary romance to the fantastical realms of romantasy, garnering widespread acclaim with her blockbuster title, Fourth Wing. This success paved the way for her latest release, Onyx Storm, which has rapidly become a bestseller. While Yarros has always expressed her passion for writing across genres, her extensive body of work demonstrates her exceptional ability to craft engaging romantic plots. This expertise is one key reason why the romance within Fourth Wing resonates so deeply with readers. As she shared in an interview with Variety, she plans to revisit her contemporary roots before continuing with the Empyrean Series.

This announcement may signal a longer wait for the next installment in the series, yet it also opens up ample opportunity for fans to dive into Yarros’ extensive catalogue. Among her recent contemporary works is Variation, which was released just prior to Onyx Storm. Readers will find fascinating parallels between Yarros’ fantasy and contemporary novels, with common themes of loss, war, and emotional upheaval woven throughout. Fans who appreciate the character arcs and relationships in Fourth Wing will certainly want to explore her previous books.

7 The Last Letter

Published In 2019

The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros book cover beach background

The Last Letter stands out as one of Yarros’ most poignant romance novels. The emotional depth is palpable, characterized by the intense connections between the protagonists, Beckett and Ella. The story follows Beckett, who, after losing his best friend Ryan in combat, receives a letter from him with a heartfelt request to care for his sister, Ella. Their developing bond, initially fostered through years of correspondence, adds layers of complexity to the narrative.

Set against a backdrop of heartache, The Last Letter is rich with unexpected twists that take readers on a powerful emotional journey. Beckett arrives in Telluride under false pretenses, concealing his identity from Ella, who is unaware of their shared past. This unraveling of connections makes The Last Letter an excellent choice for those who cherish the themes of friendship and makeshift families found in Fourth Wing.

6 The Things We Leave Unfinished

Published In 2021

The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros book cover

The Things We Leave Unfinished continues Yarros’ exploration of wartime romance, this time intertwining narratives from World War II with modern-day themes. The story follows Georgia, who returns home after a tumultuous divorce, only to encounter Noah, a romance author. His fascination with her late great-grandmother Scarlett’s unpublished work leads them on a journey to honor Scarlett’s legacy—only to discover the manuscript reflects her own romantic life.

This novel artfully shifts between Georgia’s contemporary story and Scarlett’s historical romance, revealing why Scarlett never shared her own love story. The romantic intricacies and character development are quintessentially Yarros, culminating in a dramatic twist that recontextualizes the entire narrative.The Things We Leave Unfinished is indeed a notable addition to her oeuvre and a must-read for romance aficionados.

5 In The Likely Event

Published In 2023

In The Likely Event by Rebecca Yarros book cover sunset background

Released between Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, In The Likely Event quickly gained traction on platforms like BookTok, paralleling the popularity of the Empyrean Series. The story kicks off with palpable tension as Izzy and Nathaniel reunite under dramatic circumstances in Afghanistan after three years apart. Their unexpected meeting recalls a pivotal moment—a plane crash that altered their lives a decade earlier.

While some readers may find the miscommunication trope frustrating, Yarros expertly navigates this element to unveil her characters’ complexities and foster believable conflict. This dual-perspective narrative allows insights into Nathaniel’s and Izzy’s intertwined pasts, deepening the emotional stakes.

4 Variation

Published In 2024

Variation by Rebecca Yarros on pink heart background — Custom image by Kiersten Hall

Set to release in November 2024, Variation is a timely contemporary romance eagerly awaited by readers following Onyx Storm. This novel features a second-chance romance between elite ballet dancer Allie Rousseau and Coast Guard rescue swimmer Hudson Ellis, who find themselves caught in an unexpected fake-dating scenario after a decade apart.

“Messy is good, love. Messy is where the best parts of life happen.”

― Rebecca Yarros, Variation

3 Great And Precious Things

Published In 2020

Great And Precious Things by Rebecca Yarros book cover

Great and Precious Things remains one of Rebecca Yarros’ lesser-known gems, released prior to Fourth Wing. This poignant story follows Camden, a war veteran who returns home laden with grief over his brother’s death. The small town of Alba, Colorado, holds him accountable for his brother’s demise, compelling him to confront lingering family tensions when he visits his ailing father.

Exploring themes of familial estrangement, grief, and redemptive love, Great and Precious Things also beautifully captures a friends-to-lovers narrative through Camden and Willow’s relationship, which has evolved dramatically since childhood. This heartfelt tale is a definitive read for fans of Yarros’ work.

2 Full Measures (Flight And Glory Series)

Published In 2014

Full Measures by Rebecca Yarros book cover

Full Measures marks Rebecca Yarros’ debut and the first chapter in the Flight and Glory Series. The story follows Ember, a young woman grappling with her family’s unraveling after her father’s death in active service. As she strives to maintain her family’s equilibrium, she forms a connection with Josh Walker, her charming neighbor and hockey star.

This touching narrative addresses the impact of war on families while weaving a love story that balances lighthearted moments with deep emotional themes. This inaugural work captures the essence of Yarros’ storytelling and introduces readers to the intricate world she crafts in her military-themed romances.Full Measures is the beginning of a five-book series, each tale intricately linked and exploring various facets of romantic relationships within a military context.

1 Wilder (The Renegades Series)

Published In 2016

Wilder serves as the introductory novel in The Renegades series, chronicling the adventures of students on a unique cruise ship study program worldwide. The plot centers on the chemistry between Pax Wilder, the charismatic leader of the Renegades, and Leah, a diligent student and his designated tutor. Their relationship exemplifies the classic “opposites attract” trope, wherein common interests blur the lines of their initial differences.

Each installment in The Renegades series focuses on a different character’s romantic journey, creating a cohesive narrative that resonates on multiple levels. While the books can be enjoyed independently, they yield greater emotional impact when read in sequence, offering readers a richly woven tapestry of steamy romances and electrifying moments reminiscent of the beloved Empyrean Series, including Onyx Storm.

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