The Empyrean Series (Fourth Wing) – Special Editions Roundup
Jump to: Collector’s Notes & FAQ | Review | Onyx Storm (Book 3) | Iron Flame (Book 2) | Fourth Wing (Book 1)
Types of Iron Flame Editions: Standard Editions | Foreign Editions
Types of Fourth Wing Editions: Standard Editions | Book Clubs and Boxes | ARCs | Foreign Editions | Custom Designs
I had a request from a reader to put together a collector’s guide to all of the editions of The Fourth Wing, along with sharing my thoughts on the book. So here you go Annelise! I hope it helps you and maybe some other random readers out there in Internet-land!
Daisy x
Collector’s Notes & FAQ
Why are people so excited about this book?
The hype around the first book in the Empyrean series, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, brings to mind the global phenomenon that was the Harry Potter series, with first edition books selling out the whole print run in record time, scalpers getting crazy high prices on resale, and a whole host of love in the review sphere.
However, unlike the first Harry Potter book, which had a tiny print run and built its initial popularity through word of mouth, Fourth Wing benefited from a huge marketing campaign. As this book was the first release from Entangled’s new imprint Red Tower Books, this included major TikTok outreach with custom ARCs, influencer swag and final hard-copy distribution, bookstore galley mailings with Indie Next campaign, author appearances at conferences and conventions, a robust print and digital ad campaign, direct library marketing, and sprayed page edges for the first print of the US edition.
It’s also a fun read that cuts across all sorts of genres – including fantasy, dragons, school days, military heroes, and romance. I really enjoyed it, I’ve recommended it to others, and I’ve included a short review below if you’re interested.
What are the other books in the series?
It’s anticipated this will be a four-book series. The second title is Iron Flame, releasing November 2023. Future titles have not yet been made available.
Are all the editions the same size?
No, editions from different countries are usually different sizes, so if you want to mix and match you’ll have to be comfortable with different heights in your shelf. Where possible, I’ve included dimensions to help you decide what you want.
Has Rebecca Yarros written anything else?
Rebecca is actually quite a seasoned author with plenty of other titles under her belt if you’re interested in checking them out. Here’s a link to the author’s website, where you can find out about her many other series and stand-alone books.
Is this a complete list of Fourth Wing special editions?
It’s pretty close to complete – but if you’re aware of any other special editions I should include here (particularly upcoming foreign special editions and where to find them), please drop a comment or let me know!
Review – Fourth Wing
The plot of this new adult novel revolves mainly around Violet Sorrengail, a 20-year-old resident of the fictional kingdom of Navarre. Originally destined for the Scribe Quadrant at Basgiath War College, Violet’s plans take a dramatic turn when her mother, the Commanding General, demands she join the dangerous and deadly Riders Quadrant instead. Her goal is to survive and eventually graduate, a feat accomplished by only a fraction of the cadets. Violet faces additional challenges due to her Ehlers-Danlos syndrome—a connective tissue disorder that causes chronic pain (a condition also suffered by the author, so it is sensitively and authoritatively handled).
Alongside new friends and her loyal companion Dain, Violet navigates treacherous obstacles and dangerous rivalries within the college, including her strained relationship with Wingleader Xaden Riorson, whose father played a role in her brother’s death. Without revealing too much, Violet and Xaden’s journey takes them through deadly physical challenges, tactical training, and a growing bond that evolves from enemies to lovers. The romance unfolds gradually, and is grounded in the complexities of shared loss and unexpected circumstances.
Amidst an entertaining blend of fantasy, romance, intrigue, and life-or-death suspense, the novel also explores themes of the true nature of power and manipulation of history, adding depth for literary-minded readers. There are a couple of ‘spicy’ chapters (shifting it from what I would otherwise have categorised as a young adult writing style to new adult content), and although the novel reaches a satisfying conclusion, it does culminate in a cliff-hanger that leaves readers anxious to read the next volume. I’ve recommended it across ages and genders and all have enjoyed it, so hopefully you will too.
Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links for which I may be compensated (this does not affect my reviews nor cost you any money). I deeply appreciate your support of my site hosting costs if you use these links, but warmly encourage you to buy from your local Indie bookshop if you have the opportunity.
Onyx Storm, Book 3
First Editions
US Deluxe Limited Edition Hardback
Entangled Publishing (Red Tower Books), 9781649374189. 22.9 x 15.2 x 2.5cm. Released Jan 21, 2025.
Special features: All US edition first printings will have sprayed page edges with stenciled artwork, and other design features TBC.
→ First printings (with sprayed edges, preorders before mid-November should be fine but check if buying later) from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
US Standard Hardback
Entangled Publishing (Red Tower Books), 9781649377159. 22.9 x 15.2 x 2.5cm. Released Jan 21, 2025.
No special features recorded.
→ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
UK Standard Hardback
Piatkus, 9780349437064. 640p. 24 x 15.6 x 2.2cm. Released Jan 21, 2025.
No special features recorded.
→ Buy from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
UK Waterstones Exclusive
Little, Brown Book Group, 9780349443836. 640p. 24 x 15.6 x 2.2cm. Released Jan 21, 2025.
Sprayed page edges, design TBC.
→ Buy from Waterstones
Foreign Editions
German Deluxe Hardback: Onyx Storm, Flammengeküsst
dtv, 960p, 978 3423284493. Released Jan 21, 2025. Translated by Michelle Gyo & Julia Schwenk. RRP €32.
Special features: First printings have sprayed page edges and other features TBC.
→ First printings (check availability). Buy from Amazon | Blackwells
Spanish Edition: Alas de Ónix
Planeta, 896p, 9786073916257. 23 x 15 x 5cm. Released January 22, 2025. RRP USD$29.95.
Special features: First printings have red and gold stencilled page edges.
→ Buy while stocks last from Amazon
Iron Flame, Book 2
First Editions
US Standard Edition Hardback
Entangled Publishing (Red Tower Books), 640p, 9781649374172. 22.9 x 15.2 x 2.5cm. Released Nov 7, 2023.
Special features: All US edition first printings will have solid black sprayed page edges and mapped endpapers.
→ First printings (with sprayed edges, preorders before mid-October should be fine but check if buying later) from Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Blackwells
UK Standard Edition Hardback
Piatkus, 512p, 9780349437026. 24 x 15.6 x 2.2cm. Released November 7, 2023.
Special features: None (TBC).
→ Buy from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
Waterstones Special Edition
Entangled Publishing (Red Tower Books), 512p, 9780349440187. 24 x 15.6 x 2.2cm. Released Nov 7, 2023. RRP GBP£22
Special features: UK edition with stencilled page edges.
→ Check availability at Waterstones
Australian Special Edition Hardback
Hachette, 512p, 9780349440262. 23.4 x 15.3 x 2cm (note that the publisher has said these will be the same size as UK editions, but retailers list a different size). Released December 12, 2023. RRP AUD$49.99
Special features: Stencilled page edges and mapped endpapers.
(Limited online availability, you may be able to place orders in-store.)
Fairyloot Special Edition
Fairyloot exclusive edition (Piatkus), 512p. Will ship Feb/Mar 2024. RRP GBP£24 / USD$33
Special features: Signed by the author, foil design on the boards by @no0nedesigns, stencilled page edges, reversible dust jacket with artwork by @giannyfili, exclusive bonus content (TBC).
→ Check availability at Fairyloot (Early access Oct 19, 2023.)
Book Clubs, Boxes & Special Editions
Lilac Librarys (UK)
Officially licensed custom dust jacket for US and UK editions.
→ Buy from Etsy (coming soon)
Big Book Box Edition – Bakerstreet (India)
Special edition.
Special features: Alternate cover design and stencilled page edges.
→ OOP. Check availability at The Big Book Box | eBay
Bookish Box Edition
Luxe Edition. December 2023.
Special features: Hard case illustration, stencilled page edges and illustrated endpapers by @vera.drmanovski. Four page overlays by @dianadworak. Metal corner protectors. Signed by the author.
→ OOP. Check availability at Bookish Box | eBay
Foreign Editions
German Standard Hardback: Flammengeküsst
dtv, 960p, 9783423283939. Released Dec 1, 2023. Translated by Michaela Kolodziejcok, illustrated by Melanie Korte. RRP €28.
Special features: First printings have hard case illustration under the dust jacket and mapped endpapers.
→ First printings (check availability). Buy from Amazon | Blackwells
German Deluxe Hardback: Iron Flame, Flammengeküsst
dtv, 960p, 9783423283830. Released Dec 1, 2023. Translated by Michaela Kolodziejcok, illustrated by Melanie Korte. RRP €32.
Special features: First printings have hard case illustration under the dust jacket and coloured maps and ribbon bookmark.
→ First printings (check availability). Buy from Amazon | Blackwells
German bücherBüchse Hardback: Iron Flame, Flammengeküsst
Translated by Michaela Kolodziejcok, illustrated by Melanie Korte. RRP €32.
Special features: Digitally stencilled page edges, matching bookmarks
→ Buy from bücherBüchse
Dutch Limited Edition Hardback: Een ijzeren vlam
Z&K, 800p, 9789020554083. Released Feb 28, 2024. RRP €25.
Special features: ?
→ Buy from Amazon
European Limited Edition: Iron Flame [English]
Piatkus, 9780349440262. RRP GBP£25. Anticipated Nov 2023.
Special features: Rebecca had noted this was a rejected prototype design, but several stores listed it for sale. It has been shipped as part of a book box, but my direct preorder was cancelled – I’m still unclear if it’s available retail.
→ Buy from Amazon Germany
Turkish Edition: Demir Alev
Olimpos Yayınları, 944p, 9786256029101. Translated by Elif Dinçer. Released May 30, 2024.
Special features: First printings have red and gold stencilled page edges.
→ Buy while stocks last from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
French Edition: Iron Flame
Hugo Roman, 600p, 9782755671483. 23 x 15 x 5cm. Released June 5, 2024. RRP EUR€29.95.
Special features: First printings have stencilled page edges.
→ Buy while stocks last from Amazon
Bulgarian Edition: Железен пламък
Ciela, 896p, 9789542847304. Translated by Mariana Hristova. Released September 10, 2024.
Special features: First printings have red and gold stencilled page edges.
→ Buy while stocks last from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Spanish Edition: Alas de Hierro
Planeta, 896p, 9786073916257. 23 x 15 x 5cm. Released November 13, 2024. RRP USD$29.95.
Special features: First printings have red and gold stencilled page edges.
→ Buy while stocks last from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Catalan Edition: Ales de Ferro
Planeta, 896p, 9788466432573. Translated by
Núria Parés Sellarès. Released November 13, 2024.
Special features: First printings have red and gold stencilled page edges.
→ Buy while stocks last from Amazon
Fourth Wing, Book 1
First Editions
US Standard Edition Hardback
Entangled Publishing (Red Tower Books), 528p, 9781649374042. 22.9 x 15.2 x 2.5cm. Released May 2, 2023.
Special features: All US edition first printings featured dragons stencilled on black sprayed page edges. (Later editions have plain white page edges.)
→ First printings (with sprayed edges) OOP. Buy from Abes | eBay
→ Standard edition (no sprayed edges). Buy from Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Blackwells
UK Standard Edition Hardback
Piatkus (Little, Brown), 498p, 9780349436999. 23.6 x 16.4 x 4.8cm. 512p. Released May 2, 2023.
Special features: None. (Gold cover design.)
→ Buy from Amazon | Waterstones | Blackwells
→ Signed edition at Forbidden Planet (while stocks last)
Australian Special Edition Hardback
Hachette, 512p, 9780349440194. 23.4 x 15.3 x 2cm (note that the publisher has said these will be the same size as UK editions, but retailers list a different size). Released November 8, 2023. RRP AUD$49.99.
Special features: Stencilled page edges, with black & white mapped endpapers.
→ Check availability from QBD | Big W
(Limited online availability, you may be able to place orders in-store.)
US/Canada First Printings Paperback
Entangled/Red Tower, 554p, 9781649377371. 22.9 x 15.2 x 3.3cm. Released September 17, 2024. RRP USD$20.99.
Special features: Stencilled page edges, with 2 bonus chapters and an extra scene.
→ Buy while stocks last from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Book Clubs, Boxes & Special Editions
Waterstones Exclusive A
9781649376169. RRP GBP£20. Jan 2024.
Special features: US hardback, with revamped cover design, new endpapers, black sprayed page edges and two bonus chapters from Xaden’s point of view.
→ Buy from Waterstones
Waterstones Exclusive B
9780349440316. RRP GBP£20. Nov 2023.
Special features: UK hardback, with revamped cover design (red colourway), new endpapers, and two bonus chapters from Xaden’s point of view.
→ Buy from Waterstones
US Special ‘Holiday’ Edition
9781649376169. RRP USD$33. Nov 2023.
Special features: US hardback, with revamped cover design (red colorway), new endpapers, black sprayed page edges and two bonus chapters from Xaden’s point of view.
→ Buy from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
FairyLoot Edition
Fairyloot exclusive edition. Will ship September/October 2023. RRP GBP£22 / USD$30
Special features: Signed by the author, foil design on the boards by @no0nedesigns, stencilled page edges, reversible dust jacket with artwork by @giannyfili.
→ Check availability at Fairyloot (or, after release date, eBay)
Iridescent Fairy Tale Edition
Officially licensed dust jacket. USD$22. July 2023.
Special features: Gold foiled dust jacket (does not include the book).
→ Check availability at Iridescent Fairy Tale
Big Book Box Edition – Bakerstreet (India)
Special edition. RRP ₹1799. July 2023 (delivered May 2024).
Special features: Alternate cover design and stencilled page edges.
→ OOP. Check availability at The Big Book Box | eBay
Probably Smut Edition
Monthly subscription box June 2023. RRP USD$25.
Special features: Exclusive cover design, cover printed onto boards under the dust jacket, signed bookplate.
→ OOP. Check availability at Probably Smut | Abes | eBay
Bookish Box Edition
Tipping the Scales subscription box June 2023.
Special features: Hard case illustration, stencilled page edges and illustrated endpapers by @vera.drmanovski. Four page overlays by @dianaworak. Metal corner protectors. Signed by the author.
→ OOP. Check availability at Bookish Box | eBay
Dreamerwhale Edition
Exclusive edition Oct 2023.
Special features: New double-sided cover design, full hardcover foiled design, full sprayed page edges, and 4 exclusive bookmarks.
→ OOP. Check availability at Dreamerwhale | eBay
Foreign Editions
German Standard Hardback: Flammengeküsst
dtv, 768p, 9783423283403. Released June 15, 2023. Translated by Michaela Kolodziejcok, illustrated by Melanie Korte. RRP €24.
Special features: First printings have sprayed page edges, hard case illustration under the dust jacket and mapped endpapers.
→ First printings (with sprayed edges) OOP. Buy from Amazon | Blackwells
→ Deluxe edition (reprint with sprayed edges). 9783423284127.
Released Dec 1, 2023. Buy from Amazon
German bücherBüchse Hardback: Fourth Wing, Flammengeküsst
Translated by Michaela Kolodziejcok, illustrated by Melanie Korte. RRP €24.
Special features: Digitally stencilled page edges, matching bookmakrs
→ Buy from bücherBüchse
Dutch Limited Edition Hardback: In Steen Gebrand
Z&K, 644p, 9789020554045. Released October 25, 2023. RRP €25.
Special features: First printings have stencilled page edges, illustrated endpapers and two maps.
→ Buy from So Many Pages
Hungarian Standard Paperback: Negyedik Szárny
Rainy Days, 9789635802623. Released November 27, 2023. RRP 5592 Ft.
Special features: First printings have flying dragon stencilled page edges.
→ Buy from Lira
Russian Hardback: Четвёртое крыло
Rosman, 9785353104797. Released 2023.
Special features: First printings have dragon scale stencilled page edges, hard case illustration under the dust jacket and mapped endpapers.
→ Buy from Kniga
Greek Hardback: Τέταρτη Πτέρυγα
Dioptra, 9786182204771. Released Nov 2023. Translated by Noela Eliasa
Special features: First printings have flying dragons stencilled on the page edges and mapped endpapers.
→ Buy from Dioptra
Spanish Hardback: Alas de sangre
Editorial Planeta, 9788408279990. Released Nov 2023. Translated by Graciela Romero Saldaña.
Special features: First printings have flying dragons stencilled on the page edges.
→ Buy from Planeta de Libros
Turkish Hardback: Dördüncü Kanat
Olimpos Yayınlar, 672p, 9786256411616. Released Nov 2, 2023. Translated by Elif Dinçer.
Special features: First printings have dragons and flames stencilled on black page edges.
→ Buy from Amazon
French Collector’s Edition: Fourth Wing
Hugo Roman, 617p, 9782755671476. Translated by Karine Forestier. Released February 7, 2024.
Special features: First printings have black and gold stencilled page edges.
→ Buy while stocks last from Amazon
Czech Collector’s Edition: Čtvrté křídlo
Fragment, 9788025366882. Released October 10, 2024.
Special features: First printings with black dragons stencilled page edges.
→ Buy while stocks last from Luxor
Spanish Collector’s Edition: Alas de Sangre
Editorial Planeta, 760p, 9788408294290. Translated by Graciela Romero Saldaña. 23 x 15 x 3.6cm. Released November 13, 2024. RRP USD$29.95.
Special features: First printings have purple and gold stencilled page edges.
→ Buy while stocks last from Amazon | B&N | Blackwells
Catalan Collector’s Edition: Ales de Sang
Columna CAT, 752p, 9788466432566. Translated by
Sabina Galí.
Released November 13, 2024.
Special features: First printings have purple and gold stencilled page edges.
→ Buy while stocks last from Amazon
Slovenian Collector’s Edition: Četrto Krilo
Hiša knjig, 704p, 9789617220414. Translated by Maša Zupančič. 21.4 x 14 cm. Released 2024.
Special features: First printings black or fire dragon stencilled page edges.
→ Buy while stocks last from Galarna
ARCs
Custom Sprayed Edges
As this is a pretty popular title, many artists have created custom editions with stencilled or hand-painted page edges and these may well be cheaper than the first editions being scalped at crazy prices. The list below is not exhaustive, but represents a collection of pretty and professional options from reputable sellers across a range of prices. (If you’d like to submit another edition for consideration here, feel free to contact me!)
Custom sprayed page edges
Kathy’s Sprayed Edges (Germany)
Special features: US edition with stencilled page edges and stamped boards.
→ Buy from Etsy
Literary Dreamer (US)
Special features: US edition with all three page edges hand painted.
→ Buy from Etsy
The Library of Eden (UK)
Special features: UK edition with all three page edges hand painted.
→ Buy from Etsy
Custom Sprayed Edges/bib.leo.phile (India)
Special features: US edition with stencilled page edges.
→ OOP. Check availability at Custom Sprayed Edges
Simply Painted Pages (UK)
Special features: Stencilled page edges (2 options)
→ OOP. Check availability at Simply Painted Pages
Custom dust jackets
Iridescent Fairy Tale (US)
Officially licensed dust jacket.
→ Check availability at Iridescent Fairy Tale
Kiley Freshwater
Dragon rider dust jacket with soft touch lamination and gold foil details.
→ Buy from Kiley Freshwater
21 Comments
Tanja · 27 November 2024 at 6:44 pm
The Fourth Wing Edition of Dreamerwhale is missing 🤗
Daisy · 10 December 2024 at 10:58 am
Thanks for that! I’ve added it in now ❤️
Sarah · 27 September 2024 at 10:53 am
Does anyone know why a French special edition for Onyx Storm is not yet listed anywhere for pre-order? They have the other nations listed for pre-order on Amazon.
Daisy · 6 October 2024 at 9:49 am
It has historically been announced a little bit later than other editions, so I’m sure it’s coming soon!
Leslie · 4 February 2024 at 3:20 am
There is also a beautiful French edition of fourth wing on Amazon Germany https://www.amazon.de/Rebecca-Yarros/dp/2755671475/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=1COAL63SH7LJM&keywords=fourth+wing+french+edition&qid=1706976972&sprefix=fourth+wing+fre%2Caps%2C402&sr=8-1
Also a Iron flame in Dutch available for preorder here with pictures of the edition
https://somanypages.nl/young-adult-boeken/een-ijzeren-vlam-iron-flame-nl-limited-edition/
Naomi · 1 March 2024 at 2:18 am
I have both the Aussie, French and the German sprayed edges editions of fourth wing and the best is definitely the French One. IT has all the features you’d expect from a fairyloot special edition, including portrait end papers and reverse dust jacket art, beautiful foiled hardcover case and the sprayed edges. Though i like the hardcover art and edges on the German copy the French one is GORGEOUS
Nici · 20 September 2024 at 3:56 am
I only have the english version, and I’ve been so curious to know: What’s Violet’s nickname in german? It’s violence in the original version and I have no clue what they would have translated that as… Would you mind to tell me?
Daisy · 20 September 2024 at 7:05 am
They kept the English translation, “Violence”.
Nici · 20 September 2024 at 8:03 pm
I should have guessed… We are always so creative with the translations 😂
Nikkole · 16 December 2023 at 11:39 pm
I have an edge not listed here but I’m not sure if it was a custom or not.
Daisy · 18 December 2023 at 5:12 pm
Hi, thanks for sharing! You might be able to tell if it was custom by the ISBN (e.g. a lot of smaller custom places buy standard hardbacks and then paint the edge on that). What’s the design?
Nikkole · 24 February 2024 at 1:37 am
I found the edge I have. It is a custom edge from little library mouse on etsy
Ju · 30 November 2023 at 1:49 am
Here in Spain we have a special edition too https://www.planetadelibros.com/libro-alas-de-sangre-empireo-1/384147
Daisy · 9 December 2023 at 1:33 pm
Thanks for the heads up, I have added it to the list!
Anne · 10 November 2023 at 5:31 am
Thanks for putting this together!!
My ANZ special edition arrived, but it has a different ISBN to the one listed here, any idea why that may be?
Daisy · 10 November 2023 at 8:43 am
Oh, that’s interesting. I don’t know why but will do some investigating (my preordered copy arrived damaged at the store so they sent it back, argh!).
Anne · 12 November 2023 at 4:58 pm
Thanks! Would be interested if you find any answers.
The isbn on mine is 9780349436999.
Ekaterina · 19 April 2024 at 10:48 pm
There is also a beautiful Bulgarian edition of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame which I sell on my eBay shop. If you are interested you can check it out! 🥰
Ronahi · 16 October 2023 at 5:19 am
When I was srolling trough your very informative website( Thanks for listing all the Fourth Wing editions. It helped me very much, picking out which edition I was going to buy) I saw, that you hadn´t listed the german special edition of the Bücherbüchse,( Even tough it is sold out, there will be a restock) so I just wanted to link them here, so that you can also put them on the list if you want. 🙂
https://buecherbuechse.de/produkt/iron-flame-exklusivausgabe/
https://buecherbuechse.de/produkt/fourth-wing-exklusivausgabe/
Daisy · 16 October 2023 at 6:45 am
Thank you ❤️
Ronahi · 16 October 2023 at 3:17 pm
No problem😁