- Threshing Day paperback is a short story collection set in Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean universe
- Twelve stories retell the Threshing Days of Brennan, Mira, Xaden, Garrick, Dain, and more
- Collector's design features sprayed edges and interior artwork fans describe as gorgeous
- Not required reading for the main Fourth Wing series, but a rewarding companion
- Best timing: read after Onyx Storm to avoid major spoilers
What Is the Threshing Day Paperback?
The Threshing Day paperback collects twelve short stories from Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series, each retelling the dragon-bonding day of a different Basgiath War College rider. Rather than jumping between timelines, every story centers on the same pivotal ritual: the moment a cadet faces the dragons and is chosen—or dies trying.
The physical edition itself is a major draw. Early readers have praised the sprayed edges and interior illustrations, calling it one of the prettier books in their Empyrean collections. It is the kind of release designed for display as much as reading.
Video Highlights:
- Full spoiler review covering all twelve Threshing Day stories
- Breakdown of Brennan's first meeting with Sgaeyl's father
- Xaden's story revealing how and why he killed Aaric's brother
- Discussion of which dragons stood out, including Imogen's sassy bond
- Honest ranking of the strongest and weakest entries
Every story in this collection references major events from Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm—including character deaths and reveals. Read the main trilogy first.
Every Story in the Collection
Each story focuses on one rider's Threshing Day, expanding backstories only hinted at in the main novels.
| Rider | Story Focus | Standout Element |
|---|---|---|
| Brennan | Violet's "dead" brother's bond day | Meeting Sgaeyl's kind, level-headed father |
| Mira | Middle-child insecurities | Family dynamics and feeling overlooked |
| Xaden | Why he killed Aaric's brother Alec | His bond with Sgaeyl and buried rage |
| Garrick | Loss of rebel parents, love for Imogen | Considered the least memorable entry |
| Dain | Choosing between two dragons | Father's expectations vs. his own instincts |
| Bodhi | Living in Xaden's shadow | Desire to be his own person, not just a cousin |
| Imogen | Surprising romance depth | Her dragon is revealed as her grandmother's dragon |
| Rhiannon | Protecting her pregnant sister | Hints at her potential as wing leader |
| Sawyer | Why he wasn't chosen the first time | His dragon was still waiting for another rider to fall |
| Ridoc | Comedic relief after heavy stories | A young dragon that perfectly matches his energy |
| Liam | A peaceful bond before tragedy | Carving a figurine of Deigh while waiting |
| Sloane | Rage over Liam's death | Dain saves her, sparking a possible pairing |
Liam's story lands hardest because readers already know his fate. Pace it between lighter entries like Ridoc's to keep the emotional weight manageable.
Story Rankings: Strongest to Weakest
Based on reader reception, the stories vary widely in emotional impact and character development.
| Tier | Stories | Why They Stand Out |
|---|---|---|
| Top Tier | Xaden, Bodhi, Brennan | Deepest lore, major reveals, strong emotional arcs |
| Strong | Liam, Sloane, Dain, Imogen | Tragic resonance or meaningful character growth |
| Middle | Ridoc, Sawyer | Fun or satisfying but lighter in stakes |
| Weakest | Mira, Garrick, Rhiannon, Aaric | Functional but fail to pop compared to the rest |
Best Reveal
- Xaden's story
- Shows how he killed Alec
- Sgaeyl's ruthless side on full display
Most Emotional
- Liam's story
- Calm whittling while others panic
- Devastating in hindsight
Biggest Surprise
- Imogen's story
- Her dragon belonged to her grandmother
- Possibly a forbidden bond—fans still debating
Liam's and Sloane's red daggertails are described as unusually calm, contradicting the "temperamental" reputation of the breed in scribe records—either the scholarship is wrong, or these siblings got exceptionally chill dragons.
How to Read the Paperback in Order
Finish the Main Trilogy
Read Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm first. The collection spoils key deaths, reveals, and the end of Onyx Storm, including Xaden and Violet's marriage.
Read Chronologically
The stories work best in printed order. Brennan and Mira come first, followed by Xaden, establishing family and rebellion context before the younger riders.
Pair Tragic and Light Stories
Balance Liam's and Sloane's heavy entries with Ridoc's comedic story to avoid emotional fatigue.
Track the Dragons
Note each bond: Sgaeyl's father, Imogen's inherited dragon, and Sawyer's patiently waiting dragon all add lore layers worth revisiting.
Revisit Before Book Four
With the next Empyrean novel on the horizon, this collection is an ideal refresher on the supporting cast.
Collector's Checklist:
- Verify sprayed edges and interior artwork on your edition
- Read after Onyx Storm to avoid spoilers
- Track all twelve dragon bonds as you go
- Revisit Sloane and Dain's encounter for future shipping potential
- Reread Xaden's story before starting book four
You can skip this collection without losing main plot threads—it is a companion, not required reading. But for fans missing Basgiath during the wait for book four, it is a welcome return.
FAQ
Q: Is the Threshing Day paperback required reading for the Empyrean series?
No. Readers widely agree the collection is a fun companion rather than essential reading. It expands backstories—like Xaden killing Alec and Brennan meeting Sgaeyl's father—but the main trilogy plot stands on its own.
Q: What makes the Threshing Day paperback edition special?
The physical edition features sprayed edges and interior illustrations that collectors have praised as gorgeous. It is designed as a display-worthy addition to an Empyrean bookshelf.
Q: Which story in Threshing Day is the best?
Xaden's story is the most memorable, revealing how and why he killed Aaric's brother Alec and showcasing Sgaeyl's ruthlessness. Bodhi's and Brennan's stories are also frequently cited as top-tier entries.
Q: Does Threshing Day spoil the main Empyrean books?
Yes, extensively. The collection references major events from Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm, including character deaths and the ending of Onyx Storm. Read the trilogy first.