Wait, waaaait, isn’t Bodhi Xaden’s cousin? Yes, according to Violet. But are they really? What do we actually know about them? And how did I get to this crazy conclusion?

I’m reading Iron Flame, again, looking for all those cute Easter Eggs we all love so much. And I’m finding some and yes, I will be sharing them with you, don’t worry! But for now, let’s focus on the relation between Bodhi and Xaden. I think Bodhi is Xaden’s brother, and I don’t think either of them know it (yet).

Before we begin, the usual things…this is just my theory. Spoilers from Fourth Wing and Iron Flame ahead.

What do we know so far?

I’m here to gather the evidence first. So stay with me…

“He’s handsome, with tawny brown skin crowned by a cloud of black curls and a litany of patches on what I can see of his uniform under his cloak. His features are close enough to Xaden’s that they might be related. Cousins, maybe? Fen Riorson had a sister, if I remember correctly.”

This is all Violet – what Violet thinks. Not saying she doesn’t know it all…but it’s subjective POV for a reason.

“That was a little harsh, cousin,” the second-year who looks a little like Xaden says, lifting his eyebrows.“

So it’s clear that the boys don’t know it themselves.

“The similarity between the cousins still gives me pause. Bodhi has the same bronzed skin and strong brow line, but his features aren’t as angular as Xaden’s, and his eyes are a lighter shade of brown. He looks like a softer, more approachable version of his older cousin.“

I’m not saying cousins can’t look similar, but this similar? To give you pause?

And now….we’re moving to Iron Flame.

“The younger woman walking on Syrena’s right is dressed in a paler shade of brown than the others. She looks to be my age and shares enough of Syrena’s features that they could be related—cousins, maybe…or even sisters. They have the same straight noses, full mouths, lithe builds, and glossy black hair that contrasts their fair skin, though the younger one’s is plaited in a simple braid over her shoulder. Her eyes are slightly larger, and her cheekbones are a little higher than Syrena’s.”

The cousins, maybe, had me pause here. Interesting choice of words here. But they look so similar, yet they are not cousins, they are siblings. Which made me think of Bodhi and Xaden. They look so similar, they must be siblings…

“After Liam, Bodhi was and still is the closest thing I have to a brother, perpetually tagging along a step behind.“

Well, Liam was a foster brother. I think Bodhi might just about be the real thing.

“Bodhi’s farther back and starts our way. His walk is so similar to Xaden’s stride that I almost do a double take.”

Of course it is…

AND…Final Clue (for now)

“By our best calculations,” Brennan says, rubbing his hands together to keep warm, “the six most powerful riders currently in Aretia are Xaden, Felix, Suri, Bodhi, Violet, and me.”
“Looks like there’s something to be said for family lines,” Suri notes.

Violet and Brennan are siblings. Felix and Suri are apparently related too. Could they be siblings? We know that Xaden and Bodhi are related. But hear me out…

In Book 3 of the Empyrean Series we will probably discuss the relation between Felix and Suri. If Felix and Suri are siblings, then remember to come back to this theory and read the paragraph again. Because I think this is a clue explaining that Xaden and Bodhi are indeed siblings.

The Basis of the Theory

• Physical Similarities: The descriptions you’ve highlighted emphasize the striking physical resemblance between Bodhi and Xaden. While cousins can indeed look alike, the degree of similarity between them seems to be unusually pronounced, enough to give characters and readers alike pause.
• Character Observations: Violet’s observations, while subjective, are crucial since they come from a character who is known to be perceptive. Her noting the resemblance and questioning their possible relation as cousins opens the door to speculation about the true nature of their relationship.
• Narrative Hints: The comparison with another set of characters who were thought to be cousins but turned out to be siblings is a significant narrative device. This parallel could be a subtle hint from the author, suggesting that Bodhi and Xaden’s relationship might be more than what it appears.
• Emotional Connection: The emotional bond between Bodhi and Xaden, as you’ve noted, mirrors that of siblings. Bodhi being the “closest thing I have to a brother” for Xaden, and their similar mannerisms, further fuel the speculation that their bond might be biological as well as emotional.

Expanding the Theory

Unknown Family Secrets: It’s possible that there are hidden family secrets that neither Bodhi nor Xaden are aware of. Their families, particularly their parents or guardians, might have reasons for concealing the truth about their relationship. Xaden is older. His mother only stayed until he was 10. And that’s because I think she is Dunne. It could mean that Bodhi is Xaden’s half brother. Or full brother…we just don’t know.

Narrative Foreshadowing: The author may have intentionally planted these clues to foreshadow a significant plot twist regarding Bodhi and Xaden’s relationship. This twist could have profound implications for their character development and the story’s trajectory. Let’s face it, Rebecca Yarros rarely says things like this for no reason.

Implications for Character Dynamics: If Bodhi and Xaden are indeed brothers, this revelation could dramatically change their interactions and their understanding of their identities. It could also change how we see the alliances between Poromiel and Aretia. Maybe it will be Bodhi and Catriona? Or maybe Bodhi will become the heir apparent once Xaden is full venin?