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:
- 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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