A new Fourth Wing book is coming this fall, and while it's not the much-anticipated fourth novel in The Empyrean Series, it should mark an interesting return to Navarre. Threshing Day releases on September 29, and Rebecca Yarros' collection of stories will be comprised of 13 tales following "favorite characters" from the main series. As its title suggests, we'll get to see their Threshings firsthand — and thus, get a closer look at dragon-rider bonds we've previously only seen from Violet's POV.
In her Instagram post announcing the new Fourth Wing book, Yarros confirmed that Xaden's story will be among the 13. That's an exciting prospect, and probably to be expected. The remaining perspectives are a mystery, however, and there are numerous characters Yarros could choose from. Here's who we're hoping makes an appearance come September.
1. Ridoc Gamlyn
Like all of the Empyrean books, Threshing Day is going to need some comic relief. And who provides that better than Ridoc? Ridoc's friendship with Violet, and his connection to Aotrom, get a bit more depth in Onyx Storm. Threshing Day has the opportunity to build on that, showing how Aotrom and Ridoc found one another and became a bonded pair. Knowing that the duo regularly pranks each other, a short story centering them would be immensely fun. It's the pick-me-up we need, especially after Onyx Storm's gutting ending!
2. Sawyer Henrick
Following his injury at the end of Iron Flame, Sawyer gets a compelling subplot in Onyx Storm — one that sees him coming to terms with his disability as he learns to ride again. Sliseag is obviously a big part of that, and the brief interactions we get between the pair are incredibly sweet. It's enough to leave readers wanting more of their bond. Perhaps Yarros will elaborate on it in Threshing Day. Just like a Ridoc POV, it would add new layers to Onyx Storm's story. It would also further attach us to Violet's core friend group heading into book four...which is sure to throw them into danger yet again.
3. Rhiannon Matthias
We've already covered two of Fourth Wing's core four — and the entire series is obviously from Violet's POV — so we might as well admit we're hoping for the whole group. Rhiannon deserves time in the spotlight in Threshing Day as well, especially since we see less of her character in Onyx Storm. With her taking on squad leader responsibilities, and Violet off on her quest, their interactions are minimal throughout book three. We do get a Rhiannon POV chapter near the end, but it doesn't give us the same charming look at her bond with Feirge that we get from Ridoc's and Sawyer's stories. Rhiannon's dragon-rider connection deserves that level of depth, so hopefully, Threshing Day will deliver.
4. Liam Mairi
Liam remains one of the most devastating losses of Yarros' entire series, and as he dies in Fourth Wing, we don't get to spend nearly enough time with him. Most fans would love to reunite with the character somehow, and Threshing Day offers a chance to do so. With the dragons actively seeking out the "marked ones," it would be intriguing to get a Threshing narrative from that perspective. Liam's POV would have lore appeal in addition to being emotionally satisfying. It feels like it needs to happen for both reasons.
5. Dain Aetos
Dain is on the path to redemption in the main Empyrean books, and putting us in his head would go a long way toward endearing readers to him. Despite his misconceptions and poor choices in Fourth Wing, it's obvious now that Dain has good intentions at heart. He wants to do the right thing, and a chapter showing a more naive, first-year Dain would further prove that. If any character still needs layers to sell readers on them, it's Dain. Plus, we still know very little about Cath, which Threshing Day could rectify.
6. Imogen Cardulo
As much as we've come around to Imogen in recent books, she's still one of the more mysterious characters featured in The Empyrean — especially given her role in Onyx Storm's ending. All the questions surrounding the character make us curious and eager to jump into her POV, even if her Threshing won't give us insight into her signets. Still, she's another player who could offer a marked one's perspective on Threshing day. More than that, being in her head could give us a better idea of her own motives and intentions. She's also one of the more entertaining people at Basgiath, which makes her story more enticing.
7. Brennan Sorrengail
Threshing Day seems like a fun way to tide fans over until Onyx Storm's sequel arrives, but the story collection could still fuel the plot of the main series. Knowing Yarros, she'll include some hints at what's coming within its pages...at least, we're hoping she will. And one character whose POV could contain such nuggets of information is Brennan Sorrengail. The return of Violet's brother is a big deal, but there are many questions surrounding his survival and his relationship with Naolin. His Threshing Day would be too far back to answer them, but it could lay the groundwork for further exploration of his character in book four. (Bonus points if we get to see him writing in the Book of Brennan, too!)
8. Lilith Sorrengail
Another character it'd be fascinating — and useful plot-wise — to get a POV from is Violet's mother, Lilith. Lilith Sorrengail is a complicated character in the main series, as she makes dubious choices and keeps terrible secrets, seemingly to protect her children. We see a different side of her before her death in Iron Flame, but Threshing Day could further expand on that. Again, it would be too early in her life to answer some of the most pressing questions about her. But if anyone could use a flash of the past to set up future twists, it's Rebecca Yarros. Lilith feels like a great vehicle for that.
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