Cover reveal of Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

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Written by: Cory

Onyx Storm Rebecca Yarros cover reveal

We finally have the cover reveal of Onyx Storm, and I’m so excited to share it all with you.

The literary world is buzzing with excitement following the long-anticipated cover reveal of Onyx Storm, the latest offering from celebrated author Rebecca Yarros. Known for her gripping narratives and compelling characters, Yarros has once again captured the imaginations of her fans, this time with a unique promotional approach that’s been the talk of the community.

The Announcement Strategy

Over the past three days, Yarros employed a clever marketing tactic to ramp up excitement: a countdown on her Instagram profile. Each day, followers were greeted with cryptic posts that hinted at the upcoming revelation, keeping the anticipation high and engagement even higher.

Yes, we are going to discuss some Easter Eggs from each chapter 🙂 More details below.

The Big Onyx Storm Reveal

The culmination of this suspenseful buildup was Yarros’s announcement on Instagram, where she shared a video revealing that there is something new that will be exclusive presented on Today.com.

We now know that it was all about the cover reveal for Onyx Storm. Yes, that’s right, we now have a cover for Onyx Storm and OMG it is beautiful.

BRAVE THE DARK.

Onyx Storm Rebecca Yarros cover reveal

The Cover Itself

Designed by the talented duo Bree Archer and Elizabeth Turner Stokes, the cover is a masterpiece of visual storytelling. It’s dark and full of shadows and has odd metal scratches on it. It looks DARK and scary! Omg, Rebecca Yarros, what are you going to do to us?

Here some useful links for you:
Amazon US – Standard | Deluxe Version
Amazon UK – Hardcover | Kindle

The Deluxe Version of Onyx Storm

Onyx Storm cover reveal Deluxe Edition

Discussion and Speculation

Now that the cover is out in the open, discussions are swirling around the possible meanings behind its elements. What does the striking imagery signify? How will it connect with the story’s themes? And what does BRAVE THE DARK mean? Are we talking about Xaden?

I think we need to go back to Onyx Storm and check what we know so far.

Teasers from Onyx Storm

“She survived her first year at Basgiath. She uncovered secrets and betrayal. Now she must fight the biggest battle yet…”

More teasers here btw!

Easter Eggs for Onyx Storm

Do I think Rebecca Yarros put some Easter Eggs for us to discover? That could lead to something more about Onyx Storm? I do!

While it was a fun and clever way to a countdown, I have no doubt that this clever author is making us work hard to find some meaning between the lines. So let’s start looking for it.

Chapter Three – Fourth Wing

We’re introducing Sgaeyl for the first time. We’re learning about blue dragons and why Sgaeyl herself is ruthless and formidable.

This was about Violet’s surviving the parapet:
“I’m alive.
I made it.”

It’s also about Violet recognizing that Jack Barlowe is an enemy.

We’re also introducing Dain. And let’s take a moment to realize that despite the rules, Dain is taking Violet to his dormitory.

We’re introducing Commandant Panchek. He wants Lilith’s job. Now that Lilith is gone, could it be that he will be the next General?

We’re learning Melgren’s ability. We learn what the saying “A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead.” means. But we now know that Jack Barlowe can survive without his dragon.

And finally, we go back to Sgaeyl. She is looking at Violet. She blinks in approval or boredom.

“It knows I’m at a disadvantage, that I’m too small to climb its foreleg and mount, too frail to ride. Dragons always know.” And yet, Sgaeyl quite likes Violet.

What does it mean – I think it means we need to worry about Sgaeyl. I think as ruthless as she is, given that her rider is now venin, she’s in BIG trouble.

Chapter 22 – Fourth Wing

Check out this beginning from the Book of Brennan.

“The first rush of power is unmistakable. The first time it forms to you, surrounds you with a seemingly endless supply of energy, you’ll be addicted to the high, to the possibilities of all you can do with it, to the control you hold in the palm of your hand. But here’s the thing, that power can quickly turn and control you.”

This chapter is all about Tairn channeling for the first time.
But before that, Violet is upset about Liam being her shadow. Oh Liam, I still can’t say his name without crying. The chapter is also about Violet standing up to Jack and calling him a coward.

Finally, the part we care and love the most: Violet and Xaden kissing for the first time. Oh how GREAT was that kiss? It was epic, stunning, incredible, a masterpiece!

And this chapter was also the first time Violet channeled her lightening strikes.

“A flash of light burns behind my closed eyes, followed by the boom of thunder.”

[…]

“But then he breaks the kiss with a sharp gasp, his brow furrowing with something akin to panic before he slams his eyes shut.”

What does this mean? Maybe it’s a hint to how we might find Violet’s second signet. Could it be that we need to go back to Iron Flame and read it again? Find that ONE SENTENCE that tells us more about her signet?

Chapter 31 – Iron Flame

This is the chapter where Jack Barlowe saves Violet. Interesting…

“Well, that death was kind of a second chance for me. You don’t know who you really are until you face down Malek. So, the way I see this is I just gave you a second chance, too. We’re even.”

What did this really mean? That Jack gave Violet a second chance? A second chance to what exactly?

As one of our readers, Heather, pointed out in the comments below, clearly we’re going to get more of Jack Barlowe in Onyx Storm. All these three chapters have one thing in common: JACK!

But what type of character is he? After all, he did kill his dragons to destroy the wards. He doesn’t seem like a lovely type of character. But given the nature of Rebecca Yarros’ stories, who knows. What if Jack turns good. Is that even possible?

Conclusion

The reveal of Onyx Storm cover has certainly lived up to the hype. With several months still to go before the book’s release, fans can look forward to more teasers and maybe even a sneak peek at the opening chapter. Stay tuned, and don’t forget to mark your calendars for what promises to be one of the standout reads of 2025.

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12 responses to “Cover reveal of Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros”

  1. Chapter 31 was not about them going into the vault. It was about Jack Barlowe saving Violet’s life when she and Eya were attacked by the infantry cadets near the burning pit.

    1. OOOH I went 10 chapters too far!!! Thanks so much for pointing this out!

  2. Also Jack Barlowe appears in each of these chapters, chapter two of FW starts with the end of the confrontation with Jack Barlowe after Parapet. Chapter 22 of FW Jack threatens to kill her on the mat during practice and we discover that oranges can kill him. Chapter 31 of IF is about the end of the fight where Eya was killed and Jack Barlowe saves Violet from falling to her death. Maybe he has an important part to play in Onyx Storm.

    1. Do you think there is a small chance that he’s going to turn good and help them? Or do we think that he’s a horrible character and will stay this way?

  3. IF chapter 22 also starts out with Violet’s dream ”… Tairn’s going to die, and he doesn’t even see it coming for him. Gold flickers near the tip of his wing. Gods no Andarna…..” we have all already dude Ted these dreams and I believe the majority of us agree, this cannot be Andarna, but a new hatchling. Most of us already believe that Violet, somehow has a precognition of sorts. (Be it via dream or in general) I also firmly feel that the venin she faces, that says she cannot escape him is Xaden. “There’s nowhere in existence you could go that I would not find you….” This venin of her dreams touches and caresses her face, and intimate gesture. He also chides her for taking the same failed actions… much as Xaden did in chapter 9 of FW “… I expect you to learn from your mistakes…” Chapter 22 of IF also ends with Xaden telling Violet that “…You are unbreakable.”

    Just some more to chew on.

    1. I looked at those as well but I went by the little dragon image. The first two are dragons from chapters from Fourth Wing. The Chapter 31 is the only one that has the little dragon image from Iron Flame. What do you think?

      I really freaking hope that Venin is NOT Xaden. That is terrifying and horrible :((((((

      1. I did the same exact thing initially tbh. And I think it is a dead on hint. So much is packed into Chapter 3 FW. Jack “scenting her”, Dain breaking the rules and trying to sneak her out of the quadrant to protect her, Xaden having her squad moved to his wing, their initial formation withe the dragons, Sgaeyl sizing up Violet, Xaden’s final statement of “To them, you’re just the prey.”

        Chapter 22 of FW, I seriously believe the preamble is of certain implication. Given Xaden is venin and has had a new “rush of power”. In the final chapter of IF, “…Fear flavors the words because I feel it, the power beneath the college, the craving to sate the NEED for it.” We also have Dain reaction to Violet watching Xaden “…Surely that’s not betrayal pursing his lips.” Violet’s confrontation with Jack as well and as you point out, his allergy to oranges. Her initial rush of channeling and that first kiss!

        And Chapter 31 IF, yes almost entirely about Jack saving her. My conclusion, and we knew it would be so, Jack is going to play a pivotal role in things… Just how is the question.

        But this is where I started questioning if the chapters in the other books applied as well… we know from spoiler, we learn a lot more about Andarna. Xaden’s very soul is at risk. And we have some “old enemies” that will be very present.

        I think this WILL have impact on Sgaeyl, which likely means it will impact all 4 given the connection. Xaden describes Tairn as Onyx several times. And Tairn is as protective as they come.

        Maybe I am reading too much into it, but I think it all comes to play – but yes, JACK. He is important i some way.

        1. “To them, you’re just the prey.” -> so I just finished Fourth Wing…again. And I got stuck a little on this very sentence. How can they be just the prey? When they are their bonded? I feel like we’re missing something here.
          I wonder if we’re going to delve deeper into poisons in Onyx Storm. I think we are going to need them. My bet is that we’re going to have a mix of poisons and runes to “treat” venin or keep it at bay.
          I also feel like in all of FW and IF it was all about Xaden being controlled, and being able to lose his control with Violet alone. Funny how now…he needs to stay controlled…at all times 🙂 especially around her.

          Some suspect that Violet’s second signet is super shields to be able to protect everyone from Xaden.

  4. IF chapter 22 also starts out with Violet’s dream ”… Tairn’s going to die, and he doesn’t even see it coming for him. Gold flickers near the tip of his wing. Gods no Andarna…..” we have all already dissected these dreams and I believe the majority of us agree, this cannot be Andarna, but a new hatchling. Most of us already believe that Violet, somehow has a precognition of sorts. (Be it via dream or in general) I also firmly feel that the venin she faces, that says she cannot escape him is Xaden. “There’s nowhere in existence you could go that I would not find you….” This venin of her dreams touches and caresses her face, and intimate gesture. He also chides her for taking the same failed actions… much as Xaden did in chapter 9 of FW “… I expect you to learn from your mistakes…” Chapter 22 of IF also ends with Xaden telling Violet that “…

    1. I think we should put this together as a theory to be honest with you!
      I also wonder if her second signet is indeed…precognition? Because Jack did make fun of her in Fourth Wing about it. During Battle Brief. If you remember…

      1. YES! I truly believe it is a “form” of precognition… Jack teasing her, the uncanny ability to determine an enemies “plan” and strategy, and her statement of “I am a person who need information to center myself.” (chapter 58 IF). As for the “dreams”, I think this is an open item still. We all know at this point that these were not merely “dreams”. This was the general venin inside their minds (Xaden and Violet – I think both). When Xaden is asleep it is the only time he is “fully unguarded” (chapter 37 IF). And Xaden states later that because of their connection not even he can fully keep her out. In this moment of sleep, they can connect easily, and I believe the GV realizes this – they are connected. And this is a weakness for GV because Violet can see GV “plans” and desire for the future via her precognition. None of them realizing this, because Xaden wasn’t aware she was seeing his dreams. I am not even sure “precognition” would be the right term, because I wonder too if she can ascertain information from the past, present, and future; there appears to be her ability for the present and future, but maybe the past too??? What do you think of this?

        1. I would really like that for her. She needs to know everything right? But not like Xaden, to assess who she can trust. She has a very good intuition already. She needs facts. How else to get facts, but by having the ability to “dream” what’s about to happen, so she can prepare.

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Hello! This site is dedicated to the Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros. I’ve made this place to explore the rich world of Empyrean, full of characters, theories, and places. Each post is carefully researched and updated with the newest details from the series. This site is also a great spot for discussing theories about the Empyrean Series. 🐉
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