
The Onyx Storm
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.

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.
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.

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2 Comments
symbols
“Amazing post, keep up the good work!”
symbols
“I appreciate the detailed explanation, very helpful!”