Rebecca Yarros’ Onyx Storm is a masterful continuation of her acclaimed Empyrean series, bringing even more intensity and emotional depth to a world already teeming with high-stakes dragon-riding, political intrigue, and personal conflict. As the third book in the series, Onyx Storm takes the foundation laid by Fourth Wing and Iron Flame and propels the story into a new stratosphere of suspense, action, and passion. Through this review, we explore the many layers that make this novel an unforgettable entry in the fantasy-romance genre.
The Storm Approaches: Plot Overview and Setting
In Onyx Storm, we return to Basgiath War College, where Violet Sorrengail, now a seasoned dragon rider, has become even more entangled in the realm’s deadly political and military machinations. As with the previous installments, the war college serves as more than just a training ground for elite dragon riders; it is a crucible where alliances, rivalries, and loyalties are forged and tested.
At the outset, Violet is confronted with new challenges that threaten her life and the stability of the war college itself. Weaknesses in the once-impregnable wards surrounding Basgiath suggest that external enemies are growing stronger and more cunning. The increasing complexities of her relationships further erode Violet’s sense of safety. As the title suggests, the storm of chaos, both internal and external, is about to break.
The political intrigue of the story is magnified in Onyx Storm, as Yarros deftly weaves together the intricate web of rivalries and power struggles that define the world of the Empyrean. The moral ambiguity that has characterized much of the series thus far becomes even more pronounced as Violet and her fellow riders are forced to confront the uncomfortable reality that not everyone is who they seem to be. The sense of looming disaster is palpable throughout the novel as the characters inch ever closer to a confrontation that could spell the end of their world as they know it.
Violet Sorrengail: A Heroine Transformed
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Onyx Storm is Violet’s transformation from a relatively untested protagonist to a hardened leader determined to achieve her goals, regardless of the cost. In the first novel, Fourth Wing, we are introduced to Violet as a young woman struggling to find her place in the competitive world of dragon riders. By the time we reach Onyx Storm, Violet has become a force to be reckoned with, shaped by the trials and losses she has endured.
A newfound ruthlessness marks her evolution. Violet is no longer simply trying to survive; she is determined to succeed, even if it means making difficult and morally ambiguous choices. This shift in her character is one of the most interesting developments in the series, as it raises questions about what it means to be a leader and what one is willing to sacrifice for the greater good.
Violet’s powers, too, have grown significantly since the first book. Onyx Storm finally reveals the full extent of her second signet, a plot point eagerly anticipated by fans since Iron Flame. This reveal adds another layer of complexity to Violet’s character and deepens the lore surrounding the dragon riders and their mystical abilities. Her growing command of her powers mirrors her increasing confidence as a leader but also comes with challenges and consequences.
Moreover, the mystery surrounding Violet’s father’s research—a subplot that has been subtly teased throughout the series—becomes more central in Onyx Storm. This adds another layer of intrigue to the story as Violet begins to uncover the truth about her father’s work and its potential implications for the realm’s future.
Dragons and Destiny: A Deeper Dive into the Lore
Dragons have always been a central element of the Empyrean series, and in Onyx Storm, their role becomes even more significant. While dragons in this universe are undeniably powerful creatures, they are also sentient beings with motivations, desires, and relationships with their riders. The bond between the rider and the dragon is one of the key elements that set the Empyrean series apart from other fantasy novels. Yarros continues to explore this bond in fascinating ways.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this installment is the deeper dive into the lore of the dragons, particularly Andarna, Violet’s dragon. In earlier books, it was revealed that Andarna chose to hatch specifically for Violet, but the reasons behind this decision are explored in greater depth in Onyx Storm. Andarna’s significance in the story goes far beyond being Violet’s companion; she is a key player in the larger narrative, and her choices and actions have far-reaching consequences for both Violet and the realm.
The relationship between Violet and Andarna also serves as a metaphor for the themes of trust, loyalty, and sacrifice throughout the novel. Just as Violet must learn to trust her dragon and rely on her in times of crisis, so must she learn to navigate the increasingly treacherous waters of politics and war.
Passion and Power: Violet and Xaden’s Complicated Romance
The relationship between Violet and Xaden, which has been a driving force throughout the series, takes center stage once again in Onyx Storm. What began as an enemies-to-lovers romance has evolved into something far more complicated, as both characters grapple with their feelings for each other while facing the harsh realities of their world.
At the heart of their relationship is the tension between duty and desire. Xaden is no longer simply Violet’s enemy or even her lover; he is now someone she must save, literally and figuratively. The tagline for the book—“First he was her enemy, then her lover, now she must save his soul”—encapsulates the high stakes of their relationship. This dynamic is further complicated by the fact that Violet and Xaden are leaders in their own right, with responsibilities that often conflict with their desires.
Yarros excels at writing intense, passionate romances that are fraught with tension. The chemistry between Violet and Xaden is electric, but their relationship is challenging. In Onyx Storm, the stakes for their relationship are higher than ever, as both characters must confront the possibility that their love for each other may come at the cost of their mission—and possibly their lives.
This romantic tension is not just an emotional subplot but integral to the larger narrative. The choices that Violet and Xaden make, individually and as a couple, have far-reaching consequences for the outcome of the war and the fate of the realm. In this way, Yarros skillfully blends the personal and the political, making the romance between Violet and Xaden a key plot driver.
War, Politics, and the Cost of Leadership
While the romance between Violet and Xaden is central to the story’s emotional heart, Onyx Storm also delves deeply into the political and military conflicts that have been building throughout the series. The war between rival factions escalates, and Violet is caught in a complex web of alliances and betrayals.
As the political intrigue intensifies, Violet must navigate the dangerous waters of leadership. The question of what it means to be a leader—and what one is willing to sacrifice for the greater good—becomes a central theme of the novel. This theme is explored through Violet’s journey and the actions and decisions of the other characters, many of whom are grappling with their moral dilemmas.
Yarros does an excellent job of balancing the personal and the political, making Onyx Storm a novel that is as much about power and politics as it is about love and loyalty. The world-building in this series has always been rich and detailed, and in this installment, Yarros expands the scope even further, introducing new regions, characters, and factions that add depth to the story.
The War College as a Character in Its Own Right
The setting of Basgiath War College has always been a key element of the Empyrean series, and in Onyx Storm, the war college takes on an even more prominent role. Basgiath is not just a backdrop for the action; it is a living, breathing entity in its own right, with its own rules, traditions, and dangers.
Yarros has a gift for world-building, and her attention to detail in creating the war college is evident on every page. The intricate political and military systems that govern Basgiath are carefully crafted, and the sense of danger and tension that pervades the war college is palpable. As Violet navigates the complex world of Basgiath, the reader is drawn into a world where every decision can mean the difference between life and death.
The war college also serves as a microcosm of the larger world, reflecting the political and military conflicts playing out on a grander scale. As Violet and her fellow riders struggle to survive and thrive within the walls of Basgiath, they are also preparing for the larger battles that await them beyond its borders.
Conclusion: A Storm Worth Braving
Onyx Storm is a tour de force in the fantasy-romance genre. It combines high-stakes action, intricate political intrigue, and emotionally charged relationships to create a novel that is as gripping as it is thought-provoking. Rebecca Yarros has crafted a world that is both immersive and dangerous, filled with richly developed characters and complex relationships that keep the reader hooked from start to finish.
Violet’s journey in Onyx Storm is one of personal and political transformation as she grows into her role as a leader and confronts the difficult choices that come with power. The relationship between Violet and Xaden adds an emotional depth to the action, grounding the more fantastical elements of the story in deeply human emotions and choices. Onyx Storm escalates the stakes with every page, leaving readers breathless and eager for more.
In this third installment, Yarros masterfully balances plot, character development, and world-building, creating a story that feels epic in scope but intimate in its emotional depth. For fans of the Empyrean series, Onyx Storm is a satisfying and thrilling continuation that sets the stage for what is sure to be a climactic and unforgettable conclusion in the forthcoming books.
Yarros proves once again that she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of fantasy romance, offering a story that is as rich in emotional stakes as it is in action and intrigue. As Violet and her companions prepare to face even greater challenges, readers will be left counting down the days until the next book in this extraordinary series.
