Thirteen Stories from One Legendary Day

Published in September 2026, Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros returns readers to the world of The Empyrean through thirteen interconnected stories. Set at Basgiath War College, the collection explores the dangerous ritual in which aspiring dragon riders attempt to bond with a dragon, a defining moment that can determine their futures or cost them their lives.

Each story revisits this pivotal experience through a different character’s perspective, revealing previously unseen moments from the lives of familiar riders. The collection offers additional context for the events and relationships established throughout the bestselling fantasy series.

Thirteen Riders Tell Their Stories

The collection gives individual perspectives to thirteen familiar characters, including Xaden Riorson, Rhiannon Matthias, Liam Mairi, Dain Aetos, and Violet Sorrengail’s siblings, Brennan and Mira. Each account reveals the personal circumstances, fears, and ambitions surrounding the character’s first encounter with their dragon.

These intimate glimpses provide additional insight into relationships and motivations that influence the main novels. Established characters receive new emotional depth, with small revelations and previously unseen interactions adding meaning to their roles throughout the series.

The Dangerous Ritual of Threshing

Threshing is among the most dangerous traditions at Basgiath War College, requiring first-year cadets to enter dragon territory and attempt to secure a lifelong bond. Dragons choose their riders according to their own judgment, and unsuccessful encounters can end in injury or death. Competition between cadets adds another layer of danger to the ritual.

Yarros expands the mythology surrounding these bonds, exploring the personalities of individual dragons and the circumstances that influence their selections. The collection also provides additional context for the magical abilities, known as signets, that eventually emerge from these relationships.

Expanding the Empyrean Between Novels

Threshing Day serves as a companion to Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm, revisiting established events through additional viewpoints. Although the collection is sometimes designated Book 3.5, it does not advance the central storyline beyond Onyx Storm. Readers familiar with the earlier novels will recognize connections and details that enrich the broader narrative.

The book also celebrates the visual world of The Empyrean through illustrations by Joe Requeza, with sixteen full-color pieces featured in the deluxe first edition. Yarros has described the collection as an opportunity to revisit Basgiath while work continues on the fourth main novel.