Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros | The Action Packed Third Installment of the Empyrean Series

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Previously on the Empyrean Series

In Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing, we meet Violet Sorrengail, a tiny girl who faces her disability with grit and determination. Against all odds, she triumphs at Basgiath, the prestigious Navarren war college, bolstered by her formidable companion Tairn, a Black Morningstartail dragon, along with her Gold Feathertail dragon Andarna. Added to this mix is the enigmatic and brooding bad boy, Xaden, and her loyal protector Liam, whose presence brings both levity and heartbreak.

In Iron Flame, Violet grapples with the revelation that her brother Brennan is alive and leading the rebellion, while also dealing with the loss of Liam and the complicated emotions surrounding Xaden. She and the other riders return to Basgiath for a new year of training, confronting a ruthless new vice commandant and a secret about the school that could endanger all of Navarre. Violet must navigate these challenges, her relationships, and the growing threat of the venin, ultimately facing a choice that could determine the fate of Navarre.

About Onyx Storm

Return to the hallowed halls of Basgiath in Rebecca Yarros’ third installment of the Empyrean Series, Onyx Storm. Violet must race against time to find the lost seventh breed in a desperate effort to defeat the venin. She must step up and lead a Quest Squad while also grappling with the emotional turmoil of watching Xaden slowly transform into their worst enemy. As she navigates the complex dynamics of loyalty, power, and destiny, the stakes have never been higher, and her journey promises to be both exhilarating and heart-wrenching. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as secrets unravel and alliances are tested in a world where everything hangs in the balance.

Who Should Read Onyx Storm

✅ Read if:

• You need closure after Iron Flame’s cliffhanger
• You enjoy action-packed romantasies
• You are drawn to fast-paced and unputdownable stories
• You want to learn more about the world of the Empyrean

❌ Don’t Read if:

• You don’t like main characters who never follow the rules
• You have trouble keeping up with a multitude of side characters (We’re talking Game of Thrones level)
• You get frustrated by meandering storylines with little to no payoff
• You don’t like a series that ends every book in a huge cliffhanger

✏️ Similar Authors:

• Sarah J. Maas
• Lauren Roberts
• Sarah A. Parker

My Review – 3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up to 4 ⭐️)

• 0.5 ⭐️ Plot & Pacing
  • The book is lengthy and can be overwhelming at times. There is a lot of repetition that doesn’t seem to contribute to the storyline. I didn’t re-read Iron Flame before starting Onyx Storm, and at times, it was difficult to keep up because I had forgotten large portions of the previous book. Yarros concludes the story with a shocking revelation that leaves readers eager for the next installment in the Empyrean series.
• 1.0 ⭐️ Characters
  • Violet – Violet shows unwavering strength and determination in the face of adversity, especially after the loss of her dragon bond and during her battle against Theophanie.
  • Xaden – Xaden’s continued deterioration as a venin forces him to confront the reality that he can no longer protect Violet or his people. He understands that he must leave to ensure their safety.
  • Brennon – It seems like Brennon has been sidelined in this book. I hope to see more of him in the future, as he is a strong leader and a good person for Violet to rely on.
  • Mira – As of now, Mira is my favorite character. She acts as the voice of the audience, expressing disbelief when her sister makes questionable decisions. I want to see more of Mira!
  • Dain – Onyx Storm serves as Dain’s redemption arc, as he learns that the right thing to do is not always clear-cut.
  • Overall, I feel we are gaining more insight into the other characters, but they still come across as somewhat one-dimensional.
• 1.0 ⭐️ Prose & Style
  • Onyx Storm is fast-paced and action-packed, blending high-stakes fantasy with emotional arcs, and builds tension that keeps readers engaged.
• 0.5 ⭐️ Emotional Impact
  • Onyx Storm evokes a wide range of emotions throughout the story. The characters deal with heartbreak and grief, as-well-as, moments of hope and catharsis. This emotional journey is particularly evident through the struggles of characters like Xaden, Sawyer, and Violet, culminating in a bittersweet and impactful ending.
• 0.5 ⭐️ Intellectual Stimulation
  • Yarros tends to lean excessively on cliffhangers at the end of each installment, which diminishes the overall depth and continuity of the series. While these suspenseful hooks can create excitement and anticipation, their overuse ultimately undermines the plot’s development and character arcs, making it challenging for the series to maintain a coherent and engaging narrative.

Final Thoughts

Some of the reviews on Goodreads are brutal! I felt that Onyx Storm was better than Iron Flame.

I will read the next installment in the series as I have to know:

what happened to Xaden. I also want to see how Violet deals with becoming the Duchess of Tyrrendor

• What happens to Xaden
• How Violet deals with being Duchess of Tyrrendor
• What memories Violet is missing
• What happened to Garrick, Bodhi, Aaric, and Dain
• If the irids will help defeat the venin
• More about the riders signets

Free Printable

As a special thank you, I am sharing a free printable of the bookmarks I created for this series. Please feel free to drop me a note if you have any questions or issues. Happy Reading!