Onyx Storm

Rebecca Yarros likes to play games with her readers. It’s what makes her an excellent author, and what has led her to become one of the greatest novelists of our generation.

And she hasn’t strayed from this tactic in her latest novel, “Onyx Storm.”

From menacing, hidden “easter eggs” to straight up telling us what we refuse to believe, Yarros gave us another packed Empyrean Series novel that I refuse to let anyone believe didn’t live up to expectation. Because this woman, this wordsmith absolutely destroyed it when it came to expectations.

She exceeded all expectations I had and more. She took her readers on adventure after adventure, intricately introducing new characters and storylines to keep the story fresh and moving.

I wrote a brief review on Friday, Jan. 31, when I finished the book. It was an emotional response to what I had just finished dissecting, and I still stand by what I had to say. In fact, I support what I had to say even more, now that I’ve been marinating in my “Onyx Storm” hangover.

This book had to be the first book I have ever analyzed this closely while reading. In fact, I was influenced to analyze while reading because so many people said they felt confused after reading it.

I personally did not have that problem. I reread “Fourth Wing” and “Iron Flame” before the debut of “Onyx Storm,” so that helped me prepare for the beast of a novel that “Onyx Storm” was. Yarros answered many questions and confirmed several theories that had been floating around the bookverse. But she didn’t do this without leaving us with further questions and even more conspiracies.

“Onyx Storm” was extremely well thought out, and incredibly intentional. I think that’s my favorite thing about Yarros -- she knows how to captivate a reader and hook them with her teasing and games. Plus, she knows how to influence readers' emotions and get them hooked on characters (whether we love or hate them).

For Amari’s sake, she even somehow persuaded us that Dain fulfilled his redemption and is now … dare I say it? Attractive?

I think Yarros deserves everything that comes her way, especially after delivering this masterpiece.

Now, if you have yet to finish the book, I will advise you to move on from this review because from here on out, there will likely be SPOILERS mentioned. And I hate when I don’t get proper notice when it comes to potential spoilers.

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WARNING: SPOILERS FROM HERE ON
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“Now, Andarna doesn’t eat our allies—it’s a whole thing her elders are trying to teach her—but you know how adolescents are.”

I swear that I have never laughed SO hard and yet also cried my absolute heart out while reading a novel like I have with Yarros’ books. This makes me so angry because I hate the chokehold she has on me when it comes to her stories. It’s quite a toxic relationship, but here I am, always coming back to her work. (Yes, I’ve already told myself I won’t read book 4…. Let’s see how long this lasts??)

I think “Onyx Storm” was exactly what we needed for book 3. It expanded the Empyrean world and provided much-needed context to the dire situation the Riders face in facing the venin. It also gave readers a better understanding of how shallow The Continent really is, and how unliked they are by outside kingdoms.

We saw more of several characters, including much-needed growth from Violet, Ridoc, and even Garrick. We were introduced to many, many new characters that impacted the story greatly, even if they only survived a couple of paragraphs. Which brings me to this thought: I know it’s a war, Rebecca, but can we please stop killing our friends so abruptly?? My mind is still in shock after the arrow. (IYKYK)

But, I guess in return for Trager (RIP), we got Broccoli. I hope we see more of the little orange kitty & a potential relationship between Mira and Drake. I think Mira deserves a little happiness, especially after her near death.

One thing I haven’t talked about much since I've read the book is …. XADEN’S MOTHER? She lowkey sucks. I’m with Violet as I’ve lost both my parents and would give anything for a 10-minute conversation with my mother. But I’m also with Violet in setting boundaries and respecting when a parent sucks. However, I don’t understand how, after so many years of abandonment, a mother would EXPECT their child to want to know them. I wouldn’t, and I think Xaden was in the right for acting as such.

Now, do I think she deserves a little bit of space for redemption, sure! She definitely didn’t know about the poisoned cake (again, REBECCA don’t play with me like this please). I do love how Violet said “fuck it” and poisoned everyone anyway. It was actually badass and reminds me of when Xaden told her on the sparring mat in “Fourth Wing” that she can’t always poison her way out of a conflict in the real world. This to me was a full-circle moment.

Also, despite the incredibly emotional scene, I do love how Yarros gave us some comedic relief when she had us believing we were not only going to lose Garrick but my book husband Ridoc as well. Ridoc’s kitchen scene was incredibly well done.

But seriously, Yarros, stop it. I can’t handle it anymore.

“Why don’t you scurry into your little basket?”

We were just served a head on a plate, and Yarros gave us this line. I swear, she’s twisted and a mastermind all at the same time.

Can we also talk about Aaric for a second? He’s the epitome of “you didn’t ask.” He kept surprising ME throughout the entire book -- as well as surprising the characters of course. But I knew something was going on with him while we were still at Basgiath, I just didn’t know what until he told Violet to protect the temple. It was then that I understood his signet.

It all made so much sense, and it was even hinted to us in “Iron Flame.” While Aaric denied that his signet hadn’t manifested, we clearly see the clues that it did in the second book, especially when Aaric told Violet that he was wondering when she was going to ask for his help. I’m pretty sure his signet developed right away, and he kept it secret from everyone because it was an incredibly powerful signet.

I’m not done discussing him. Aaric is insane: He’s fit, able to fight, brave, and intelligent. This man could be super dangerous if he played for the venin. He speaks all languages fluently, is charming, and knows when it’s needed for him to step up, even if he doesn’t want to. Plus, I truly believe he is also a servant of Dunne, which is a whole concept I’m not going to get into because this whole silver-haired storyline will take me hours to share all my thoughts on.

“They always channel!” Ice forms at his fingertips. “Just because I like to crack jokes doesn’t mean I’m not serious about reading the same shit you do. There are no accounts of initiates just walking away from the power.”

Uhm…. OK RIDOC!! I have been obsessed with the man since the first book, and Yarros did NOT disappoint when we got to see more of Ridoc in “Onyx Storm.” But this makes me nervous because when Yarros focuses on side characters and gives them space to run, we know what that means.

She did it with Liam, and then with Lilith. I hate, hate, hate to say it… but Liam walked so Ridoc could run. Ridoc will be one of the most important characters in this series. He has become Violet’s person outside of Xaden and her family. It’s the one person Violet can totally trust (or is he?). I personally choose to believe Ridoc is wholeheartedly good, and not bad, but you know… Yarros has a mind of her own.

“Give me a real, logical line he has to cross for you to walk away, and I’ll keep the secret. I’ll help you scour every fucking book you can find. I’m here for the I’m-going-to-save-my-man-at-all-costs mantra and will be on your side in this horrifically dangerous situation if you can just acknowledge there’s a breaking point.”

Gods, I love Ridoc. I’m so biased when it comes to this character. I mean, this alone takes the cake.

“If it makes it easier, then pick a line where I can turn him in,” Ridoc whispers. “Tell me now, when you think there’s no chance it will ever happen, so if he ever gets there, the decision isn’t on your shoulders.”

He is truly the friend that Violet needs, and I think Xaden knows this. Plus, Xaden can read Ridoc’s intentions, and I think that allows us to be in the clear when it comes to Ridoc potentially being evil or a traitor.

I’m realizing that this review is quickly becoming a novel on its own, so I will do my best to wrap this up. But before I do, I need to address Andarna’s exit.

What. A. Cruel. Cruel. Moment.

I sobbed like a baby. Yarros, what the actual fuck.

This had to be a moment to show the readers that Violet could survive if one of her dragons left or died. It makes me fear for Tairn's future, especially if the bond between Tairn and Sgaeyl is broken at the end of “Onyx Storm.”

Anyway, back to this scene: Andarna chooses to leave Violet. I’m salty as fuck. I get why it had to happen, and I think it was the right choice for both Violet and Andarna, but the way it happened and the speed at which Andarna was cut off from Violet was so cruel. I’ve never seen Violet so humanized as I did with this, and I loved seeing her so relatable, but that doesn’t mean I enjoyed her pain.

Andarna better has learned everything and all answers. If not, I will never forgive Yarros for hurting us and our girl, Violet, like that.

Anyway, so do I recommend reading “Onyx Storm?” Absolutely. Do I promise you’ll be OK after reading it? No. I was absolutely destroyed. So, read with caution, and good luck braving the dark.

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ORIGINAL REVIEW

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REBECCAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

I have a LOT to say, and my brain is still wrapping around what I just read and dissected. I feel like I was hit by one of Theophanie's storms.

First of all, I respect all readers and their points of view. However, if you don't like this novel, it's likely simply because you don't understand it and the extreme intention in Rebecca Yarros' writing. She isn't "dragging out the series," every little detail is purposeful and WILL be important later in the series. It's similar to how Sarah J. Maas wrote her Throne of Glass series, and it wasn't until Kingdom of Ash that every little detail made sense.

OK -- NOW that I got that out of the way -- SPOILERS AHEAD.

I'm emotionally destroyed after reading "Onyx Storm." Yarros just has this ability to dig into the deepest part of my mind and gut out every emotion possible. From Ridoc's comedic relief to Tairn's sarcastic banter to every murder (attempt or not), I was left feeling every emotion Yarros intended me to feel. I won't forgive her for the Garrick and Ridoc scare, nor will I EVER forgive her for Andarna's departure. (FOR REAL... Fuck That.) But, I think every part of the story left me on edge and unable to know what comes next.

There were parts I was able to predict, but I was still left cursing Dunne or Malek too often.

I'm not a big fan of switching POV in books, especially when the large majority is one POV. However, I think it was well done by Yarros with the single chapters with Rhi, Imogen and Xaden's POV. I think there were parts in each chapter and hidden "easter eggs" that WILL be important for the next book.

I LOVE that we got to see more of Ridoc and his character development, as well as more of Aaric. I think Aaric will be a HUGE part of the next two books and is currently on his way for a solo journey. I think he's one of the four riders still missing. My theory is the four still missing are Xaden, Garrick (who is there to help Xaden), Bodhi (who is the brother who turned) and then Aaric. But Aaric isn't with Xaden, Garrick or Bodhi.

Andarna's return at the end left me with more questions than answers. First, I think she shouldn't have come back in this book. I feel like there just wasn't enough time from when she left to when she came back. I wanted to see more of how Violet grew without Andarna. Needless to say, I felt and sympathized WITH Violet's pain. I, too, felt Andarna's absence and I think that was in part due to Yarros' excellent writing.

I do need Yarros to stop messing with my emotions though, I feel like I went through weeks of grieving in one day.

I truly have so much more to say, so I will probably revisit this when the book isn't so fresh on my mind. But this works for now and serves as a start to my future thoughts.