It goes without saying that THERE ARE MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD. If you haven’t read this chapter of Onyx Storm, please go read it first.
Chapter 15 opens with Xaden Riorson welcoming everyone to Signet Sparring. It’s cute. We also learn about a very complex set of wards, which I wonder if it’s going to come in handy—perhaps in the next books?
What we know so far: Violet has been perfecting her signet in her own spare time. I’m happy she’s not practicing with Carr anymore. She’s also reading a lot on Deverelli and tomes on dark wielders. We know there is no indication of a cure or of them being burned the way Andarna scorched that venin in Iron Flame.
We also get a hot display of Xaden on the sparring mat. Let’s face it, swords or not, he’s impressive with his signet and weapons. But something tells me that it’s not just a display for us to enjoy, but also foreshadowing how deadly he really is. He’s terrifyingly lethal.
I do like Cat’s comment here—you can be both in love with Xaden and also terrified of him. And of course, I love that Trager steps in, saying that she should be neither. Trager is pining for her, that’s for sure.
The chapter progresses by showing how cadets are not quite prepared to take on Xaden—him being both lethal and venin. That sure makes it difficult. But he is open and honest, stating that he wants to give everyone his edge. I’m sorry, but why is it that I don’t quite believe it?
Easter Egg: “And you’re going to teach us how to defeat you?” Aaric asks from behind us. A corner of Xaden’s mouth slowly curves upward. “I can teach you to try, but there’s only one person capable of taking me down one day, and it isn’t you, Graycastle.”
Why is it an Easter Egg? Because Xaden is venin. So far, we know there are three things that can kill him: alloy daggers, Andarna’s fire, and Violet. And you know he’s been saying that she will be the death of him. I still think that’s going to come into play…eventually.
The chapter ends fairly fast with Xaden inviting Sorrengail for the Signet Sparring lesson. I love her confidence in this book. Iron Flame made Violet appear weak, uncertain, and confused. I love that she’s now assertive and even a touch arrogant. She finally seems to have the mind of a scribe, her dad, and the heart of a rider, Lilith!
Onyx Storm Read Along
- Onyx Storm Read Along: Prologue
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 1
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 2
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 3
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 4
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 5
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 6
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 7
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 8
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 9
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 10
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 11
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 12
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 13
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 14
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 15
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 16
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 17
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 18
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 19
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 20
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 21
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 22
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