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.
Oh, how I loved when Violet cut off Aura! Of course, Violet dares. This is one of those fantastic moments when the smart one stands up to the bully. YES! Thank you, Violet!
Alright, let’s talk about Caroline Ashton for a second. I get that the truth-sayer cleared her, but was she really… innocent in the whole Jack situation? Is she a decent human being now, or is there more going on here?
I absolutely loved Violet’s speech. She’s becoming so assertive and, quite frankly, incredibly charismatic. She uses logic beautifully in her arguments while also appealing to the riders’ emotions to make her point hit home.
“Either this alliance begins right here with us, with our generation, or we will be the last dragon riders and gryphon fliers on the Continent.” – But on the isles. This line is so powerful! Also, let’s not forget that Rebecca Yarros mentioned this is a five-book series. So, maybe this is a hint that we’re heading toward a happy ending with a united Continent and isles, sharing one common modern language? Fingers crossed!
Another thing I want to highlight: Violet’s italicized thanks to Dunne. She does this whenever she speaks directly to the Gods, not about them. Am I reading too much into this, or is it another sign of a connection between the characters and the pantheon? My theory stands, for now.
One of the chapter’s biggest revelations: “Xaden and I are the first of our signets to live simultaneously since the Great War.” We kind of suspected this, but getting confirmation was huge. It makes sense—magic seeks balance, and as the venin grow stronger, magic demands equally strong “good magic.” That means more powerful and rare signets are emerging.
Can we take a moment to talk about Cat? She’s definitely becoming more of an auxiliary character, and I’m totally here for it. I wasn’t a fan of her before, and I know a lot of readers were upset when she had a bigger role in Iron Flame. But now that her arc is moving to the background, I almost don’t hate her as much anymore.
Sloane’s remark—“Our classmates trying to kill each other isn’t exactly original“—shows how quickly she’s growing up. Well, it’s rich and ironic coming from her, but no doubt, Liam’s letters in Iron Flame helped her process (almost) everything.
Now, onto Violet and Dain’s interaction. Damn. I can see why Rebecca Yarros described herself as a Dain apologist. I genuinely feel sorry for him. I understand why he did what he did in Fourth Wing. There wasn’t malice; he was trying to protect his best friend in a twisted way. Does he deserve the cold shoulder now? Yes, absolutely—but I can see his side more clearly. Let’s just take a moment to appreciate Yarros’ writing talent—it takes real skill to shift readers’ perspectives on a character so seamlessly.
Oh, and we definitely need a little jealousy from Xaden, don’t we? The tables are turning, and Halden is here. There’s been so much speculation that Halden was Violet’s previous lover, and we’re closer than ever to confirming it. Halden’s entrance, Aaric’s dislike for him, and even Violet’s reaction—all point to a complicated history. Add Lilith’s disapproval (via her unsent correspondance), and it’s clear Halden wasn’t a casual figure in Violet’s life. Now, Halden joining their quest? I can already feel the tension brewing!
Easter Egg Alert:
“She’d be a great politician,” Aaric continues. “Or a general, maybe? Definitely nobility.”
“With that speech? At least a duchess.” Xaden shifts his weight, brushing his elbow against my shoulder. We’ll get back to this in a second.
Let’s applaud Andarna for a moment! She’s so much a teenager—demanding access to the king’s forest to hunt for fun. However, it’s clear that no treaty was reached to keep the fliers safe, and Violet seems to have a Plan B (treason?) in mind that she’s not openly discussing.
The chapter ends with a major bombshell: Xaden tells Violet he’s the Duke of Tyrrendor. That makes the earlier Easter egg crystal clear: She’d be at least a duchess. Now, please read this text over and over:
“The only solution I can think of is you. You’ll be the first to sense when I lose the rest of what makes me…me. […] Swear you’ll sound the alarm if I go too far, that you’ll keep it safe, even if it’s from me.”
What does Xaden mean by “it”? Tyrrendor. The weight of this promise is monumental. And probably the biggest Easter Egg in the book.
Oh, this is getting so good! I’m already hyped for the upcoming chapters. Let’s dive in!
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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