Onyx Storm – Empyrean No.3
Unveiling the Mysteries of The Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros: A Journey into Fantasy and Adventure
Rebecca Yarros, the acclaimed author known for her emotionally charged storytelling and vivid world-building, has once again captivated readers with her latest release, The Onyx Storm. This spellbinding novel, a standout in the fantasy genre, takes readers on an epic journey filled with magic, intrigue, and heart-pounding action. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Yarros or new to her work, The Onyx Storm is a must-read that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
What is The Onyx Storm About?
The Onyx Storm is the third installment in Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean series, continuing the journey of Violet Sorrengail, a dragon rider navigating the treacherous landscape of Basgiath War College. After nearly eighteen months at the college, Violet realizes that the time for lessons and uncertainty has passed, as the battle has truly begun. With enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust. goodreads.com
In this installment, Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him. goodreads.com
The novel delves deeper into Violet’s relationships, particularly with Xaden Riorson, whose transformation into a venin to save his dragon adds complexity to their bond. The narrative is rich with themes of loyalty, love, and the moral dilemmas faced in times of war. thecut.com
The Onyx Storm has been lauded for its intricate plot and character development, solidifying Rebecca Yarros’s reputation in the romantasy genre. The book’s blend of fantasy, romance, and action offers readers a captivating continuation of Violet’s saga.
Fun Facts About The Onyx Storm
Inspiration from Mythology: Yarros drew inspiration from various mythologies, including Norse and Celtic legends, to create the magical system and lore in The Onyx Storm. The onyx stone itself symbolizes protection and strength, reflecting the core themes of the story.
Hidden Easter Eggs: Sharp-eyed readers will notice subtle nods to Yarros’ previous works, including references to characters and locations from her other series. These connections add an extra layer of depth for fans who have followed her career.
A Playlist for the Book: Yarros often creates playlists to accompany her novels, and The Onyx Storm is no exception. The playlist features hauntingly beautiful tracks that mirror the emotional highs and lows of the story, making it the perfect backdrop for your reading experience.
A Cover with Meaning: The stunning cover art, featuring a stormy sky and a glowing onyx gem, was designed to reflect the duality of the story—light and dark, hope and despair. The intricate details are a visual treat for readers.
Chart-Topping Success: Upon its release, The Onyx Storm soared to the top of bestseller lists, reflecting its widespread acclaim and the anticipation surrounding its launch.
Musical Inspiration: Yarros curated a Spotify playlist to accompany the reading experience, featuring tracks from artists like Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and Imagine Dragons, enhancing the novel’s atmospheric depth.
Plot Summary
The Onyx Storm opens immediately after the climax of Iron Flame. Violet Sorrengail is determined to find a cure for Xaden Riorson, who has turned venin (dark magic-wielder) but has not channeled his power since. Violet’s desperation leads her to seek help from Imogen to erase the memories of the venin Jack Barlowe, who warned that Xaden would eventually lose control and drain her.
The Task Force and Treason
The kingdom of Navarre is in crisis due to relentless venin attacks and continuous storms following General Sorrengail’s death. Violet is given a task force to find the seventh dragon breed (Andarna’s kin) as a potential solution. To strengthen the war effort, Violet and her allies commit treason by modifying the wardstone to allow gryphon fliers from Poromiel to use their lesser magics within Navarre’s wards, leading to a crucial alliance.
Xaden is reinstated as Duke and reassigned to the Eastern Wing, physically separating him from Violet. During a mission to save a nearby town, Violet encounters a powerful silver-haired venin woman named Theophanie, who wields storms. After the mission results in the death of her original captain, Violet selects a new, high-stakes squad, including Xaden, her brother Mira, and her former rival Dain.
The Quest for Knowledge
Violet’s task force embarks on a dangerous mission across various isles to find the seventh dragon breed and retrieve her father’s hidden research, which points to a merchant named Narelle Anselm on the isle of Deverelli. Narelle gifts Violet with crucial books left by her father. During the mission, Xaden is forced to channel and use his venin shadows to protect their squad from King Courtlyn’s guards, forcing Violet to send him back to Aretia to recover.
Their journey continues through hostile territories, where they lose a flier, Trager, in a brutal card game on the Isle of Zehyllna but gain a vital army of 40,000. When they finally meet Andarna’s kin, the irids, they are disappointed: the irids are dragons of peace and offer no cure for venin or aid for the war. Violet, heartbroken, returns home and reveals Xaden’s affliction to her friends, solidifying their commitment to finding a cure.
Final Battle and Memory Loss
When Aretia is attacked, a venin, Leothan, arrives and recharges the wards but asks Andarna to return home for her education. Andarna breaks her bond with Violet and leaves. Soon after, Violet’s sister, Mira, is taken hostage by Theophanie. During the confrontation, Theophanie fails to kill Jack Barlowe, who is brought back to Navarre. Xaden channels his venin power again, releasing his shadows to save Violet’s life and kill the venin. Violet, aided by Aaric (whose signet is revealed to be pre-cognition) and his dagger, kills Theophanie.
The novel ends with a massive cliffhanger: Violet returns to Riorson House with no memory of the last 12 hours. She has a wedding ring and a legal marriage certificate, making her the Duchess of Tyrrendor. She realizes Imogen erased her memories, who claims it was at Violet’s request. A final entry from Xaden’s perspective reveals that someone he trusted has also turned venin.
A Drink to Pair with The Onyx Storm
To enhance your reading experience, why not pair The Onyx Storm with a custom cocktail? Try the “Onyx Tempest”, a drink as mysterious and enchanting as the book itself:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz black vodka (for the stormy darkness)
- 0.5 oz blue curaçao (for a touch of magic)
- 1 oz pineapple juice (for a hint of sweetness)
- A splash of lime juice (for balance)
- Edible glitter or black sugar for rimming the glass (for that extra sparkle)
Instructions:
- Rim a glass with edible glitter or black sugar.
- Fill a shaker with ice and add all the ingredients.
- Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a slice of lime or a blackberry for a dramatic finish.
Sip on this bewitching concoction as you dive into the world of The Onyx Storm—it’s the perfect companion for a night of reading.
Other drinks
Dragon’s Breath Elixir: A smoky bourbon cocktail infused with a hint of cinnamon, capturing the fiery essence of dragon lore
Stormy Nightcap: A dark rum and ginger beer concoction, echoing the tempestuous themes of the novel.
Onyx Latte:
A charcoal-infused latte, representing the enigmatic and dark undertones of the story.
Signets of Each Rider and Corresponding Themed Drinks
In the Empyrean series, riders possess unique magical abilities known as signets. Here’s a breakdown of some notable signets and drinks inspired by them:
Lightning Wielding (Violet Sorrengail):
Description: The ability to harness and project lightning.
Drink: Electric Spark – A zesty lemon cocktail with a dash of electric blue curaçao, embodying the vibrant energy of lightning.
Shadow Wielding (Xaden Riorson):
Description: Manipulation of shadows to conceal or attack.
Drink: Midnight Shadow – A deep blackberry mojito, reflecting the mysterious allure of shadows.
Precognition (Aaric):
Description: The ability to foresee future events.
Drink: Seer’s Vision – A clear gin and tonic with a twist of elderflower, symbolizing clarity and foresight.
Mending (Brennan):
Description: Healing wounds and ailments.
Drink: Healer’s Brew – A soothing chamomile and honey tea, representing restoration and care.
Siphoning (Sloane):
Description: Drawing energy or abilities from others.
Drink: Energy Siphon – An espresso shot with a hint of dark chocolate, capturing the essence of absorbing vitality.
Description of Each Creature
The Empyrean series introduces readers to a variety of mythical creatures:
Dragons:
Description: Majestic, intelligent beings bonded with riders, capable of flight and elemental attacks. Each dragon possesses unique abilities and personalities, playing pivotal roles in the narrative.
Venin:
Description: Corrupted entities resulting from the misuse of magic, posing significant threats to both riders and dragons. Their presence adds a layer of danger and complexity to the story.
Wyverns:
Description: Smaller, more agile dragon-like creatures, often wild and unbonded, presenting challenges and unpredictability within the series.
The Onyx Storm not only expands the lore of the Empyrean series but also deepens character arcs and introduces new elements that keep readers eagerly turning pages. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Yarros’ world, this installment offers a rich blend of action, emotion, and fantasy.
Outfits
1. Violet Sorrengail-Inspired Outfit
🛍 Shopping Ideas:
- Leather pants – Try faux leather leggings from Spanx or Abercrombie for a sleek but comfortable fit.
- Fitted tunic or dark top – Amazon or Etsy have medieval-style tunics that work perfectly.
- Armored gloves & bracers – Check cosplay stores like EZCosplay or Hero’s Armory.
- Knee-high boots – Combat boots from Dr. Martens or Steve Madden.
- Lightning-inspired accessories – Look for silver jewelry on Etsy with lightning bolt designs.
✂️ DIY Tips:
- Make bracers from craft foam and paint them metallic silver.
- Use silver or glow-in-the-dark fabric paint to add subtle lightning details to a black cloak.
2. Xaden Riorson-Inspired Look
🛍 Shopping Ideas:
- Long dark coat – ASOS, H&M, or Hot Topic have great gothic/military-style coats.
- Black tunic – Medieval or fantasy shops on Etsy sell high-quality tunics.
- Black gloves – Fingerless gloves or combat-style gloves from Amazon.
- Sword belt or harness – Check Ren Faire vendors or LARP supply stores.
✂️ DIY Tips:
- Use dark chiffon fabric to create shadow-like layers on a cloak for a misty effect.
- Paint dragon sigils onto the coat or belt for an extra touch of magic.
3. Basgiath War College Uniform
🛍 Shopping Ideas:
- Black military jacket – Find one at a thrift store or military surplus shop.
- Fitted pants and boots – Any structured black pants work, paired with combat boots.
- Dragon insignia patch – Order a custom embroidered patch from Etsy.
- Leather harness/belt – Amazon and LARP stores have great selections.
✂️ DIY Tips:
- Use gold or red fabric paint to add rank details to a jacket.
- Make a faux leather belt harness using belts from a thrift store and adding metal rings.
4. Venin or Dark Villain-Inspired Look
🛍 Shopping Ideas:
- Flowing black robe – Look at medieval or vampire-style robes on Amazon or Spirit Halloween.
- Glowing red accents – LED rings or red glowstick accessories can enhance the sinister effect.
- Sharp, claw-like gloves – Find at Spirit Halloween or gothic shops.
- Black lace or mesh details – Adds a ghostly effect.
✂️ DIY Tips:
- Mix black and silver fabric paint to give your robe a smoky, corrupted look.
- Use red LED lights under a sheer cape to make it look like dark energy radiating from your body.
5. Fantasy Formal Look (Storm-Themed Aesthetic)
🛍 Shopping Ideas:
- Flowy dark dress with silver embroidery – Look for celestial-themed dresses on brands like Selkie, Killstar, or Etsy.
- Velvet or dragon-scale-textured suit – Try deep navy, black, or dark green suits from ASOS or Zara.
- Metallic or gemstone accessories – Silver lightning bolt earrings or stormy quartz rings from Etsy.
- Stormy eyeshadow – Use cool tones (silver, navy, black) from brands like Urban Decay.
✂️ DIY Tips:
- Add hand-painted silver embroidery to a black cloak or dress to mimic magical runes.
- Use iridescent fabric paint to create a stormy ombré effect on a cape or gown.
Symbols
Ice ❄️
The “ice” in Xaden’s demeanor symbolizes the growing threat of his venin corruption and the terrifying loss of his emotions and soul. When his gaze turns “icy” in crisis, he appears unsettlingly detached—”Xaden, but he’s… not.” This facade is his desperate coping mechanism, which he describes as “skating over a frozen lake.” This symbolizes the tempting ease of giving in to his venin nature, avoiding the “messy and painful” struggle of “swimming” beneath the ice to fight for the pieces of his soul. The ice, therefore, represents the addictive freedom of becoming numb, which is his primary psychological battleground against the corruption.
Dream-Walking 💤
is the signet Violet unknowingly manifested from her bond with Andarna, symbolizing her innate intelligence and desperate need for crucial information. While her lightning signet reflects physical power, dream-walking is her intellectual weapon. Xaden confirms its immense danger, calling it a form of inntinnsic power that allows her to manipulate people in their dreams, where their mental shields are down. This signet is introduced as Violet’s most potent future weapon against the venin and underscores the idea that her intelligence is her greatest strength, exceeding even her lightning abilities.
Paths 🛤️
The motif of paths represents the overwhelming unpredictability of Violet’s future and the difficult choices that will determine the fate of the Continent. The recurring phrase, “Every possible path,” highlights the necessity of exhausting all options in her quest for a cure and survival. The priestesses of Dunne and the antagonist, Theophanie, both symbolize potential paths Violet could walk. Theophanie, sharing similar traits and abilities, represents the dark, dangerous option of embracing power through corruption. Ultimately, the path Violet chooses will determine whether she provides salvation or damnation for her world.
Negotiation 🤝
illustrates how power is brokered through cunning and diplomacy, not just physical combat. Violet’s intelligence is repeatedly tested in high-stakes bargaining scenarios with factions like Viscount Tecarus, where she leverages artifacts and political alliances. This motif reinforces the idea that war demands a strategist, not just a brute. However, the novel also highlights the limits of negotiation; the irids refuse aid, and Theophanie uses her own deal-making to manipulate the war. By the novel’s end, Violet faces the harsh reality that diplomacy alone is insufficient, forcing her to make increasingly hard, action-oriented choices.
Sacrifice 🙏
is an ever-present motif defining both personal devotion and the brutal cost of war. The love between Violet and Xaden is defined by the sacrifices they make to protect each other, although Xaden’s recurring acts of channeling his power turn his sacrifice into a terrifying inevitability of loss. The motif extends to the geopolitical scale, where the irids refuse intervention, seeing their non-interference as a necessary sacrifice for global balance. Most devastatingly, Violet loses her bond with Andarna so the young dragon can fully mature, marking a painful but essential trade-off. The recurring acts of loss reinforce the central question: how much of a person can be sacrificed before there is nothing left to save?
Bargains and Power Plays 👑
The motif of Bargains and Power Plays underscores the precarious nature of authority and the high-stakes strategy required for survival. Figures like King Courtlyn and Theophanie leverage their positions and ruthlessly manipulate alliances. Violet is drawn into this game, forced to trade safety for progress (e.g., accepting punishment for her defiance). This motif reveals that leadership is as much about cunning and self-interest as it is about strength. The novel’s progression emphasizes that even well-intended actions, like Violet’s alliance with Xaden, come with a profound and often devastating cost.
Character Analysis
Violet Sorrengail
is the series’ protagonist, marked by her small stature, unique silver-tipped hair, and physical fragility due to a congenital disability. Her core strength remains her scribe-training intellect, which she now wields with firm conviction. After overcoming past doubts, Violet acts as a formidable, if morally complicated, strategist: she leads a dangerous quest, defends using her dragon Andarna as a weapon, and keeps Xaden’s venin condition secret—an act that challenges her strong moral code. Her new, powerful, and unknown signet of dream-walking suggests a deep, unexplored power that even she doesn’t comprehend, setting the stage for a major future transformation. Violet’s newfound sturdiness and leadership provide the emotional anchor for her friends and the space for Xaden’s transformation to unfold, even as her mysterious past and fate continue to be unveiled.
Xaden Riorson
is Violet’s love interest and a former rebellion leader, marked by a rebellion relic and his ability to summon shadows. He possesses a secret, powerful second signet: inntinnsic ability (reading intentions), which is cause for execution if discovered. Xaden undergoes a profound and tragic transformation in this novel, becoming a venin initiate—a process evidenced by the icy demeanor and red-rimmed eyes that appear when he channels. His struggle against corruption highlights the theme that Love Forsakes Logic; his desire to protect Violet is what ultimately causes him to lose control. He forces Violet to confront The Limits of Redemption, as his slow corruption challenges her unwavering hope.
Theophanie
is a powerful storm-wielding venin and the novel’s strategic primary antagonist. Unlike most venin, she is coldly analytical and highly patient, demonstrating a terrifying command that led to the fall of Suniva. Her past as a priestess of Dunne suggests she chose to forsake her original path for greater power, a choice that mirrors a darker possible fate for Violet. Theophanie views corruption as inevitable, attempting to convince Violet to channel and commit to the venin way of life. Her death at Violet’s hands is a defining, bloody moment that pushes Violet further toward ruthlessness and underscores the true stakes of the war: whether resistance against the urge for unspeakable power is possible.
Dain Aetos
is Violet’s childhood friend and former supervisor, still on a path to redemption after betraying her in Fourth Wing by using his signet to read her memories. His unique signet ability to read memories makes him a valuable asset to Navarre, despite its dangers. His redemption arc is slow but genuine, evidenced by his desertion to the rebels and his continued acts of service, such as stealing his father’s journals for Violet’s research.
The Iron Squad: Rhiannon, Ridoc, and Sawyer
This trio represents The Importance of Kinship and forms Violet’s core support system.
Rhiannon Matthias: Violet’s closest friend and a squad leader with the signet to teleport objects. She provides unwavering friendship and logistical support.
Ridoc Gamlyn: The group’s humorous core, whose witty demeanor masks a sincere dedication to his friends. His insistence on joining Violet’s quest allows him to shed the class-clown stereotype and reveal a deeper sense of purpose.
Sawyer Henrick: Manipulates metal with his signet. He struggles with his worth as a rider after losing a leg in battle, but his resilience and eventual return to the fight underscore the theme of finding strength beyond physical perfection.
Aaric Graycastle (Prince Camlaen Tauri)
is the younger prince of Navarre, operating undercover as a rider to fight the venin. His loyalty to the cause outweighs his familial duty. His signet is revealed to be raw precognition—an ability without the limitations of General Melgren’s—which he has been secretly using to aid Violet. He eventually sacrifices his alias to join Violet’s quest, replacing his brother Halden.
Imogen Cardulo, Bodhi Durran, and Garrick Tavis
These three rebellion-marked riders are Xaden’s close friends and protectors. Imogen has transformed her hatred of Violet into reluctant respect, quietly loving Garrick. Garrick is a powerful air-wielder and secretly a distance wielder (teleporter). Bodhi (Xaden’s cousin) has the ability to counter signets. They represent the tight-knit loyalty of the rebels, and their willingness to risk everything for Xaden and Violet is paramount to the rebellion’s survival.
Catriona Cordella
Cat is Xaden’s ex-fiancée, a gryphon flier, and the niece of King Tecarus. Initially an antagonistic figure defined by her rivalry with Violet, she evolves into a tentative ally, showing a more vulnerable side after the death of Trager. She is characterized as ambitious and ruthless but strikes an alliance and camaraderie with Violet for the greater good.
Brennan and Mira Sorrengail
Brennan Sorrengail: Violet’s thought-to-be-dead older brother and the leader of the rebellion. He is a master mender and strategist whose constant, unbiased reminders to Violet that “love forsakes logic” provide the emotional strength she needs to trust Xaden while maintaining focus on her mission.
Mira Sorrengail: Violet’s sister, a lieutenant rider who is nearly always in disagreement with Violet and Brennan’s difficult political decisions. Her struggle to trust Xaden and her initial reluctance to fully join the rebellion highlight the intense family dynamics and fear surrounding the venin war.
Other Books by Rebecca Yarros
If you fall in love with The Onyx Storm, you’ll be delighted to know that Rebecca Yarros has an impressive catalog of books to explore. Here are a few standout titles:
The Empyrean Series: This high-fantasy series, which includes The Onyx Storm, has garnered a massive following for its intricate world-building and unforgettable characters. Start with The First Flame to immerse yourself in the saga.
Flight & Glory Series: A contemporary romance series that follows the lives of military pilots and their loved ones. Full Measures is the first book in this emotionally charged series.
Renegades Series: Another contemporary romance series, this one focuses on a group of elite snowboarders and the challenges they face on and off the slopes. Wilder is the first installment.
The Last Letter: A standalone novel that tugs at the heartstrings, this story explores love, loss, and second chances. It’s a must-read for fans of emotional, character-driven narratives.
Why You Should Read The Onyx Storm
The Onyx Storm is more than just a fantasy novel—it’s an experience. With its lush prose, complex characters, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, it’s a testament to Rebecca Yarros’ talent as a storyteller. Whether you’re a fan of epic fantasy or simply looking for a book that will transport you to another world, The Onyx Storm is a journey worth taking.
Book Club Questions
Initial Impressions
How does The Onyx Storm compare to other fantasy romance novels you’ve read? Do you feel the book successfully balances the high-stakes political fantasy plot with the intensity of the romance between Violet and Xaden?
What were the overall strengths and weaknesses of the story? As the third installment in the series, do you feel the book meets, exceeds, or falls short of the expectations set by Fourth Wing and Iron Flame?
The majority of the novel is told from Violet’s single point-of-view. Was this perspective effective in exploring the emotional stakes of her mission and her struggle with Xaden?
Personal Reflection and Connection
The Pain of Loss: Violet’s bond with Andarna is severed when the dragon chooses to leave, breaking a connection that was vital to Violet’s identity. Have you ever lost a relationship or source of power that deeply shaped you? Do you think the novel gives enough weight to Violet’s grief over this loss?
Unwavering Hope: Violet refuses to give up on Xaden, even when everyone believes he is beyond saving. Have you ever been in a situation where you held onto hope for someone when others told you to let go? How did that experience shape your perspective on loyalty and love?
Rules vs. Morality: Violet repeatedly commits treason (altering wardstones, collaborating with fliers) to do what she believes is right. Have you ever faced a choice between strictly following the rules and your moral compass? How did you handle that choice?
Leadership and Responsibility: Leadership in this novel demands difficult, often unpopular decisions. How does Violet’s approach to leadership—prioritizing new alliances over historical grudges—compare to leaders in our own society?
Societal and Cultural Context
Control of Knowledge: Onyx Storm highlights the consequences of misinformation and systemic secrecy, particularly how past leaders hid critical truths about the venin and the wards. In what ways does this reflect real-world issues surrounding the control of historical narratives by governments or powerful institutions?
Tradition vs. Progress: The novel explores the tension between Violet’s generation and the outdated, isolationist ideologies of those who came before them. How does this conflict compare to real-world movements for social and political change?
Isolationism in Navarre: Navarre’s isolationist policies prioritize self-preservation over cooperation for the greater good. Do you think the novel successfully critiques this kind of thinking, and how do you see similar debates about national security and foreign policy playing out in today’s world?
Literary Analysis
Alternating Perspectives: The novel primarily uses Violet’s perspective until the final chapters. How did this shift in narrative voice (to Rhiannon, Imogen, etc.) affect your understanding of the conflict and the story’s tension?
Xaden’s Transformation and Flaw: Trace Xaden’s arc into a venin. What inherent character flaws made him more susceptible to turning venin? Given his actions throughout the series, do you believe he is truly beyond redemption?
Settings and World-Building: How do the various new settings across the isles contribute to the series’ themes of unity vs. division and peace vs. violence? Which new location and political structure did you find most compelling?
Love vs. Logic: The struggle between love and logic is central: Xaden’s love is his lifeline, yet the desire to protect Violet is what ultimately drives him to lose control. How does the book explore the balance between these two forces?
Symbolism of Sacrifice: Xaden’s willingness to barter his valuable Blade of Aretia immediately before he is forced to channel and become venin is a key symbolic moment. What does his willingness to sacrifice this deeply personal relic—and then his own humanity—symbolize about his devotion?
Creative Engagement
Fancast: The Empyrean series is being adapted for television. Who would you cast in your ideal fancast for the key roles, including Violet, Xaden, and the new characters introduced in Onyx Storm?
Spin-off Idea: Imagine a spin-off novel focusing on a romantic entanglement between two side characters. Who would you choose (e.g., Cat and a flier, or Dain and a new character), and where would their journey take them?
The Ultimate Sacrifice: If you were faced with the decision to turn venin to save your loved ones, would you make the same choice Xaden did? How does morality factor into the amount you would be willing to sacrifice for the few people you love most?
Soundtrack: Choose a song for each significant character (Violet, Xaden, Theophanie, etc.). Explain how the song’s lyrics or mood represents the character or a pivotal moment in their storyline.
The Frozen River
The Lake House Children
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