Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 2

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Written by: Cory

Onyx Storm Read along chapter 2

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 2 kicks off strong with an explanation about the rarest signets in A Study on Signets by Major Dalton Sisneros. Can I take a moment to say just how much I love these snippets from books at the beginning of the chapters?
We’ve been debating signet strength for ages, and it seems like we’re seeing stronger and rarer signets manifest—ones that haven’t appeared in centuries.

Xaden’s signet is particularly rare, and Violet’s is exceptional too. Violet even mentions to Rhi that her signet is rare, adding her to the mix. Then we’ve got Dain, Imogen, Bodhi with his counter-signet ability, and Garrick—whose signet I’m certain is some kind of compass. Pair that with Aaric, likely an extraordinary distance wielder, and Mairi with her siphonic power, and we’ve got a powerhouse lineup.

Here’s the kicker: the rarest of signets—those that appear once in a generation or century—have only ever manifested alongside their equals twice in recorded history, both during pivotal moments. Only once have six of the most powerful riders existed at the same time. That screams significance. Who are these six? Xaden, Violet, Rhi, Aaric… but who are the other two? Brennan and Garrick?

During the venin killing action, we learn that blades do lose some of their power. Which is very useful and important information. It looks like the alloy infused blades can only be used twice at max. That’s a lot of ammunition needed for venin.

Also, Eran Norris built Basgiath! That detail feels like it’s going to come back in a big way. Maybe?

The dark wielders who came for Jack? So much to unpack there. The woman with the silver braid stood out immediately, especially with Rebecca Yarros emphasizing the distinction between silver and gray. It’s reminiscent of Violet’s hair right but also Suri (with her silver streak), and Felix (with his silver in his beard). And the venin? This one vanishes with a faded tattoo on her forehead. Could it be a rune? It reminds me of the marks on Brennan’s hand.

And the venin want Violet. She thinks it’s to control Xaden, but I’m not convinced. What if she’s their source of sustenance?

Chapter 2 also delivers a long-awaited Xaden moment. His care for Violet is palpable, and she clearly reciprocates—checking for signs of red in his eyes, worrying about his well-being. Their bond remains electric. I think it’s important to note that Xaden’s eyes remain gold-flecked onyx.

Colonel Panchek’s return as commandant of the Riders Quadrant is not a huge surprise. He’s been wanting the role since Fourth Wing as you remember.

What caught my eye is the following: “He doesn’t even seemed fazed that they were working to rescue Barlowe instead of going for the wardstone”. This is in relation to Colonel Panchek. Now I have questions. Why is he emotionless about it? Also, why did the venin not go for the wardstone indeed? Why is Barlowe so important?

And Garrick? I’m loving his protective streak around Violet. He’s not afraid of Xaden, but he’s hyper-aware of keeping him in check, especially when it comes to Violet.

Then we have this pivotal scene:
“Let me in.”
It isn’t a request. To my surprise, he lowers his shields, and the shimmering onyx bond between us solidifies.
I think this is our first glimpse of Violet’s second signet – mind compulsion? Is she some a type of inntinnsic?

Interestingly enough, their bond is now shimmering onyx again.

We also learn something chilling: Xaden wields his signet even behind wards, channeling through Sgaeyl. And while Sgaeyl isn’t speaking to him (understandably), there’s more: Sgaeyl senses that Xaden isn’t whole. What does that mean?

“I could reach the rank of Maven, lead armies of dark wielders against everyone we care for, and watch every vein in my body turn red as I channel all the power in the Continent, and I would still love you. What I did doesn’t change that. I’m not sure anything can.” Err, I really hope Rebecca Yarros didn’t do this as an Easter Egg? This is the sort of stuff she literally puts in the books as innocent comments which turn out to be the truth. Can we just cure Xaden and not turn him into an Asim or Maven please? *Shudders*

The final jaw-dropper is that venin can sense each other. Xaden admits he feels their pull, sensing the power beneath his feet. It’s haunting – and the imagery gave me goosebumps. What a nightmare! Woah!

Read the Next Chapters:


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14 responses to “Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 2”

  1. And did you notice they have a Norris (Baylor Norris) in Violet’s squad (a first-year)? He must be some relative.

    1. No, actually! Great spot. I’m re-reading sloooowly and hopefully I will be able to add all the Easter Eggs in here as well.

  2. I actually think thar the six are referring to Xaden, Violet, Garrick, Brennan, Sloane, and Aaric.

    Also, I think Violet’s signet has to do with her dream at the end if Iron Flame. It was weird, and we know her signet manifested at the end. It seemed like Xaden and Violet were sharing a dream.

    1. I agree. But at the time of writing, I hadn’t finished the book. So I couldn’t speculate more but now I’m pretty certain they are the six indeed.
      I assume you didn’t finish the book? So I won’t do any spoilers, but they all have insanely spectacular signets ultimately.

      1. I suspect the fact that Violet keeps mentioning that her bond between Xaden is “icy” or cold is going to be important later. It was different from how she described her bond in the first books.

    2. I have actually finished it once it came out. I was just being vauge to avoid spoiling for someone reading it. Now I am going back and being more thorough so I can come up with new theories.

      Also, leading me to the guess there could be 7 most powerful instead of 6. Similar to how everyone thought there were 6 dragon dens instead of 7.

      1. Thank you! I also finished reading it but I will not post spoilers here yet. The ending WOAH

        1. Haha! Ya. It was confusing me a little because I was half asleep, but once it processed, my brain said “O MY GOSH!”

          1. Did you process it fully? I feel like I have about 10 theories about it! I can’t even… also it was meant to be a bit more on a high??? It feels very sad

  3. Everyone keeps saying that the silver haired venin disappeared (yes it says that in the book as well I know) but what if she ran really fast? “I blink against the sudden breeze that rustles a loosened strand of my braid.” That’s what violet said after the venin disappeared. What this could possibly mean? I have NO clue but that’s just what I thought of when I read that. I also agree that maybe it is a rune on her forehead and that’s why it’s faded, it’s been used.

    1. I do think she was very very fast. Not that much is known about her still. I finished the book and I still have questions about her. Although a lot will be clarified luckily.

  4. Felix mentions to Violet during training that she’s more than just lightening. That she has power to persuade, and much more. Violet needs to start researching more about her powers. For being someone who can connect the dots quite well, so utterly sucks at it when it comes to herself.

    1. Isn’t that the case with people who put others above themselves? She always does that.
      I think the venin (Theo) also said something to her that stuck with me.

      Onyx Storm spoilers ahead:
      She wants control and knowledge. But I think she needs control and knowledge to save the people she loves. Not for her own personal gain. So because of that, I feel like she has a third signet somehow. A gift, because Andarna is very special.

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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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