Julia is a professional nerd who can be spotted in the wild lounging with books in the park in Brooklyn, NY. She has a BA in International Studies from the University of Chicago and an MA in Media Studies from Pratt Institute. She loves fandom, theater, cheese, and Edith Piaf. Find her at juliarittenberg.com.
The best fantasy book series have strong world-building. I firmly believe that the biggest fandoms coalesce around book series with strong visual sensibilities. As a reader, I need something to grab onto. I love to feel immersed in the world, and a writer with a strong sense of visualization in prose helps me there. Rebecca Yarros as a writer really wants you to understand what you’re looking at. The Empyrean series (with a fandom that kicked off due to the popularity of the first installment, Fourth Wing) creates an interesting, powerful world that you might want to visit.
Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm all heavily focus on the kingdom of Navarre, the dragons, and the relationship between Violet and Xaden. When characters bond with their dragons, it’s totally cheer-worthy, especially when Violet bonds with two (Tairn and Andarna). The books reminded me of the joys of the How to Train Your Dragon Series, as well as my childhood love of horses.
The explosion of the fandom has also led to an explosion of fantastic fan art on Etsy. You can get tons of prints as digital downloads, but today’s list highlights the fun physical items you can wear or use to decorate your bookish enclave.
Clothing
Vintage 90’s George Basic Patina Brown Leather Harrington A2 Bomber Jacket
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For a fun, rider-inspired look, you can look for a vintage leather flight jacket. I imagined a bomber style when reading the book, and this Etsy shop has a big selection of flight leathers for regular wear or cosplay. $34
Image from DreasCurves on EtsyIf you imagined a moto-style zipper, this can be your Basgiath look. Pair it with an all-black outfit and flight goggles, naturally. $106
Wingleader Riorson Custom Colors Tee
It’s no secret that a major part of the appeal of the books is Xaden Riorson as a main love interest. Show off your connection to everyone’s favorite Shadow Daddy with this wingleader t-shirt. $29
One of the most arresting images painted in the book is the castle, especially when Violet is walking across the parapet. This is perfect for a fan of the whole world of Navarre. $98
Like many fans of the Empyrean series, the dragons are my favorite. Display your favorite characters with this t-shirt. $26
Embroidered Fourth Wing Sweatshirt or T-Shirt
This shirt features an embroidery of Andara and Tairn from Fourth Wing. It’s also bound to be a hit with those who want to show off their book-loving feelings. $34
Mind Of A Scribe Heart Of A Rider Comfort Color T-Shirt
Violet’s specialness comes from her being schooled as a scribe before becoming a rider. Her difference is part of her strength, which drives the plot of the books. $11
Embroidered Basgiath War College Sweatshirt
Even if the war college is kind of evil, it’s still a cool place for higher education. Show off your school pride with this collegiate sweatshirt. $30
Comfort Colors Violet Sorrengail Apothecary T-Shirt
Get ready for poison! Violet’s most effective early fighting method is on display in this cozy t-shirt. $21
Pins and Accessories
‘Mind of Scribe Heart of a Rider’ Enamel Pin
Another way to wear the classic Violet description. Pin it to your flight jacket before jumping on your dragon. $18
A huge part of the appeal is the relationship—Violet and Xaden. Get this pin of the two lovers for the romantic fan. This one also includes their beloved ragons, Tairn and Sgaeyl. $68
And another major part of the appeal is the friendship, especially between the quest squad of Onyx Storm. You know this friend group would always have your back. $10
Wall Décor
Fourth Wing/Iron Flame/Onyx Storm Map
Every day at college during Battle Brief in Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm, the riders look at a map together to understand what is going on with the continent. But get ready for the map to get even bigger! $38
Temporary Tattoos
Violet Sorrengail Dragon Relic Temporary Tattoo
One of the other cooler aspects of the books is that all the dragon riders get tattoos in the form of relics. You can get Violet’s relic in a temporary form for fun or a more accurate cosplay look. $19
Painted Edges
Fourth Wing Book Edge Painting
Though there are special editions you can get in stores, you can also fill out your library with a highly decorative painted edge. The practice of stenciled and painted edges of books started with fans, so get one from a fan! $113
Whether your fan favorites are the dragons or the characters, you’re bound to find something fun to show how much you love the Empyrean series. As Rebecca Yarros wrote in her dedication in Onyx Storm, “Get your leathers. We have dragons to ride.”
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