The Empyrean Series (Fourth Wing) – Special Editions Roundup

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Empyrean Series: Special Editions Roundup

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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 Yarrosbrings 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.

Iron Flame, Book 2

I’ll do a full roundup of editions for the second volume in the series, Iron Flame, when the printing date gets closer and we know a bit more about who’s doing what. However, as some of these editions are already starting to sell out, I’ve started collating them for you here early.

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, preorder 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.

Note: these have been added to the website several times, but almost immediately sell out. It is anticipated there will be at least one more opportunity to order.


→ 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.


→ Buy from QBDBig W

(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.)

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.)

Book Clubs & Boxes

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)

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

Big Book Box Edition

Special edition. RRP ₹1799. July 2023.

Special features: Alternate cover design and stencilled page edges.


→ OOP. Check availability at The Big Book Box | eBay

Foreign Editions

AUS Standard Edition Paperback

Piatkus, 512p, 9780349436999. 23.2 x 15.2 x 3.8cm. Released May 9, 2023. 

Special features: None. (First English paperback edition.)


→ Buy from Amazon | Dymocks

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

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 stencilled page edges.


→ Buy from Lira

ARCs

US ARC

Distributed in a special influencer box with temporary tattoos, poster, postcard, etc.


→ Check availability at Abes | eBay

UK ARCs

Four different cover designs, one for each quadrant


→ Check availability at Abes | eBay

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!)

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

Inesa’s Art (UK)

Special features: UK edition with custom stencilled page edges.


→ Buy from Etsy

Perfectly Edged (UK)

Special features: UK edition with custom stencilled page edges.


→ Buy from Etsy

Peggy’s Pages (UK)

Special features: UK edition with hand painted page edges.


→ Buy from Etsy

Lilac Librarys (UK)

Design in progress.

Special features: UK edition with custom dust jacket and stencilled page edges.


→ Buy from Etsy (coming soon)

Bluely Boo (UK)

Special features: Officially licensed custom dust jacket.


→ Buy from Etsy (coming soon)

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


Daisy

I'm the founder and operator of the Beautiful Books website ツ

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