The latest addition to Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series, the novella Threshing Day, has officially confirmed a long-standing fan theory concerning Brennan Sorrengail, the older brother of protagonists Violet and Xaden. The first chapter of the collection, released September 29, delves into Brennan's past and explicitly details his romantic connection with a male rider named Flynn Ennis, confirming his queer identity.
Brennan, who was believed to have died during the Threshing years prior, survived and took on an alias. His survival was revealed at the end of the first book, Fourth Wing, and further explored in Iron Flame. A conversation in Iron Flame between Violet and Brennan about his survival and his relationship with Naolin, Tairn's previous rider, had previously sparked fan speculation that Brennan and Naolin were more than close comrades.
Naolin, who possessed a siphon signet allowing him to redistribute energy, sacrificed himself to save Brennan. This act of sacrifice, common in the series when characters share a strong bond, further fueled theories about a deeper connection between the two. The confirmation of Brennan's romantic life in Threshing Day strengthens the possibility that his relationship with Naolin was indeed romantic, recontextualizing Naolin's ultimate sacrifice.
Beyond confirming fan theories, Threshing Day's first chapter also offers a closer look at the Sorrengail family dynamics. It features an interaction between Brennan and his father, Asher Sorrengail, who is depicted as a mysterious figure. Conversations with Asher reveal a softer side to him, particularly in how he discusses Brennan's mother.
The narrative possibilities for the Empyrean universe are vast, with Threshing Day potentially paving the way for future stories exploring the complex histories of its characters, including a possible prequel focusing on the Sorrengail parents or further development of Brennan and Naolin's relationship.