Top Fan Theories About the Empyrean Series

Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean Series has taken the fantasy world by storm, captivating readers with its intense romance, dragon warfare, and high-stakes battles. With each book, new mysteries unfold, leaving fans speculating about what’s next for Violet Sorrengail and the world of Navarre. As the series grows in popularity, so do the countless fan theories attempting to predict the future of the characters, dragons, and the looming war with the venin.

From shocking revelations about Violet’s family lineage to wild speculations about Xaden’s fate, let’s dive into some of the most compelling and mind-blowing fan theories about Fourth Wing and Iron Flame—and what they could mean for the upcoming books.

1. Violet Sorrengail’s Second Signet Power

One of the biggest fan discussions revolves around whether Violet possesses a second signet power that has yet to be revealed. Many believe that her unique connection with Andarna and her ability to sense others’ emotions could hint at a latent power still waiting to manifest.

Some theories suggest that Violet might have the ability to mirror or absorb others' signets, allowing her to wield different powers temporarily. Others believe she may have a signet related to truth-seeing or resistance to venin corruption, which could explain why she has a natural resilience to their influence.

If Violet does develop a second signet, it could be a game-changer in the war against the venin—especially as Xaden’s own fate becomes more precarious.

2. The Truth About Violet’s Father

A growing theory among fans is that Violet’s father had ties to the venin and that his research may have directly impacted her physical condition. Unlike her siblings, Violet has always been fragile, suffering from weak bones and a smaller frame—traits that don’t align with her mother’s strong, warrior-like genetics.

Some speculate that Violet’s father experimented with venin magic or unknowingly altered her physiology, leaving her with unique traits that make her different from other riders. This could explain why she is more resistant to venin corruption and why she has such an unusual connection with dragons, particularly Andarna.

If true, this could mean Violet is more important to the war than anyone realizes—perhaps even a key to ending the venin threat for good.

3. Xaden Riorson’s Transformation into a Venin

By the end of Iron Flame, Xaden makes the shocking decision to partially transform into a venin to protect Violet. This has led to widespread speculation about what this means for his future—will he be able to fight off the venin influence, or will he become the very enemy he’s been fighting against?

Some fans believe that Violet will be the one to save Xaden from fully succumbing to venin corruption, potentially using her unknown second signet. Others fear that Xaden may become the series’ biggest villain, ultimately forcing Violet into an impossible choice—defeat the man she loves or risk losing everything to the venin’s growing power.

Whatever happens, Xaden’s storyline is sure to be one of the most heart-wrenching arcs in the upcoming books.

4. Andarna’s Mysterious Role in the War

Violet’s dragon, Andarna, has always been an anomaly. She grows at an accelerated rate, possesses rare abilities, and seems to have knowledge beyond her years. But what if Andarna isn’t just a unique dragon—what if she’s the last of a long-lost species?

Some fans theorize that Andarna may be a relic of an ancient dragon lineage, one that possesses powers even greater than those of traditional dragons. This could explain why her abilities are unlike any other and why she has a special bond with Violet.

Another theory suggests that Andarna’s growth is leading to a necessary sacrifice, meaning she may have to give up her life—or her power—for Violet to fulfill her destiny. If Andarna’s fate is tied to the war’s outcome, her role could be even more significant than we realize.

5. The Three Brothers’ Fable and Its Hidden Meaning

In Iron Flame, the tale of the Three Brothers is introduced, and fans believe it holds the key to understanding the venin and their origins. Many suspect that the story is a coded warning about the cycle of war and destruction Navarre is caught in.

Some theorists believe that the brothers represent Xaden, Violet, and a third unknown character—possibly someone who will betray them. Others think the story hints at a greater cosmic struggle between balance and corruption, one that will determine the fate of Navarre.

If this fable is truly a blueprint for what’s to come, then unraveling its meaning could be the key to understanding the Empyrean Series’ endgame.

6. Naolin’s Fate and His Potential Return

Naolin, the former wielder of Brennan’s signet, was thought to be dead after trying to heal Brennan. But what if Naolin isn’t actually gone?

One theory suggests that Naolin survived by tapping into an unknown power source, possibly something connected to the venin. This could mean that he is still alive but changed in ways no one expects. If Naolin returns, he could be a crucial ally—or a dangerous threat to Violet and Xaden.

His survival could also mean that Brennan’s revival wasn’t a fluke but part of something bigger—an undiscovered way to counteract venin magic.

7. Are the Dragons Connected to the Gods?

One of the most mind-blowing theories to come out of the Empyrean fandom is that dragons are actually connected to divine beings or gods.

Some fans have noticed patterns in the way dragons are categorized into “houses”, each with specific traits and elemental powers. This has led to speculation that the dragons may be manifestations of deities or celestial forces guiding the war from behind the scenes.

If true, this would mean that the war against the venin isn’t just a political or military conflict—it’s a divine war, and Violet and Xaden may be pawns in a much bigger cosmic battle.

The Empyrean Series is packed with mysteries, hidden clues, and tantalizing storylines that keep fans theorizing about what’s next. Whether it’s Violet’s possible second signet, Xaden’s struggle with his venin transformation, or the deeper meaning behind dragon lore, there’s no shortage of exciting possibilities for where the series could go.

With each book, Rebecca Yarros continues to drop breadcrumbs, fueling speculation and keeping readers on their toes. And with the series far from over, we can only imagine what new twists and revelations are still to come.

So, which of these theories do you think is most likely to come true? Or do you have your own wild speculation about what’s next for Violet, Xaden, and the dragons of Navarre? One thing’s for sure—the Empyrean Series is only getting more exciting from here!