Onyx Storm Read Along: Prologue

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Written by: Cory

Onyx Storm Read Along Prologue

Before we begin, can I take a moment to say that it’s finally happening? After so much waiting, we’re finally getting to read the third installment in the Empyrean Series. Oh, how I’ve missed Rebecca Yarros’ writing. I’m so excited.

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.

Alright, let’s begin!

The first thing that stands out is that we’re getting a prologue. This is the first time we’ve had one in the series. I’m grateful for it because we’re starting right where we left off, which makes it incredibly exciting. It also provides a framework for the book, giving us a sense of what to expect from the story.

In keeping with the series’ timeline, it’s clear we’re continuing to read history in the making. While we experience events as they happen, the use of “recovered correspondence” reinforces the idea that the Empyrean Series is presented as real history, compiled into several volumes (we know it’s planned as a five-book series, so five tomes in total).

The book opens with correspondence from Melgren to King Tauri, stating that an alliance with Poromiel must be forged.

Two important points to note here:

  1. History is clearly repeating itself. (It’s basically what’s happened centuries ago)
  2. This foreshadows what Onyx Storm is about—Navarre finding new ways to form an alliance with Poromiel.

Onyx Storm continues from Violet’s point of view. For a while, we wondered if we’d get Xaden’s perspective instead. It makes sense, however, to keep Violet as the main viewpoint since it leaves space for Rebecca Yarros to provide occasional Xaden POV chapters, which adds intrigue.

Short recap: Iron Flame ended with Xaden turning venin and heading straight to Jack to ask about the cure. Xaden left Violet tucked in bed, asleep, while he took it upon himself to seek answers.

Onyx Storm begins with Violet following Xaden to Jack. So far, the prologue has proven incredibly useful and important, answering many of our burning questions:

  • Yes, Xaden is venin.
  • Yes, Violet is fully aware, and he didn’t lie to or hide this from her.
  • Xaden remains bonded to Sgaeyl and uses his signet to blend into the darkness.
  • Violet and Xaden are still connected through their dragons’ bond.
  • Xaden’s eyes now have strawberry-red rings around his irises.
  • Violet has read about venin and knows the red rings will fade at this stage.

Understandably, Sgaeyl and Tairn are deeply upset and saddened by the situation.

We’re also revisiting Violet’s emotional compartmentalization—her “box” where she buries her feelings.

Lilith died to save her children and is now hailed as “the Flame of Basgiath.”

Violet now differentiates between “the Sage” and “the General,” suggesting she and Xaden may have discussed why the General wanted Xaden so desperately.

Rebecca Yarros doesn’t hold back on sensory details. For instance, Violet describes the pungent, damp earth, which feels unsettling. It’s clear that we’re going to dive deep into smells again.

The prologue sets the tone for Andarna’s increased prominence in this book. I believe Book 3 will center heavily on Andarna—her origins and her unique role. She is eager to learn about her identity and abilities.

Andarna reminds Violet that drawing from the earth comes at the cost of one’s soul, a truth Violet struggles to accept. Notably, the bond between Violet and Andarna shimmers, hinting at something significan? This part really stood out to me.

Andarna’s ability to kill venin with her special fire is confirmed, further emphasizing her importance. Her iridescence and unique magic add an intriguing layer to the narrative. Her shifting colors also alters the magic somehow.

Meanwhile, Jack confirms that the higher-ups want Violet. For a while, we’ve known that the venin leaders want her alive because of the unique power coursing through her veins. Why? That remains a mystery (for now).

There is a sentence here that I can’t decipher yet. “Even you don’t get a say in which parts of us are taken first”. Then Jack continues by saying that control goes quickly. Sure, control does, but what does he mean by parts taken first?

He is talking about Violet’s silver hair turning grey. Does this mean that my theory on Violet’s hair does not stand?

Xaden is an initiate now, and Onyx Storm focuses on Violet’s mission to find a cure for him. Andarna seems to believe she can alter the venin somehow (and maybe even cure them thanks to potential knowledge from her kind), though her motivations feel transactional. Her sharp tone when urging Violet to pursue a cure feels unsettling, as though she has her own agenda. What did you think about this part?

“I want to find my family. We both know the order to locate my kind is inevitable now that your leadership knows what I am. Let us do so on our terms and for our own purposes. “Her tone sharpens. “Let us follow every possible path to a cure.”

Currently, only three people know about Xaden’s transformation: Bodhi, Garrick, and Imogen.

Basded on the prologue alone, the book presents several major plotlines:

  1. Andarna discovering her origins and helping Xaden.
  2. Violet finding a cure for Xaden.
  3. Navarre striking an alliance with Poromiel.
  4. Andarna as the ultimate weapon against the venin.
  5. Resolving the dragons’ anguish, especially Tairn and Sgaeyl.

Secondary plotlines likely involve Catriona, Aaric, and Halden (we’ll undoubtedly explore Violet and Halden’s past as a couple?). Politics, intrigue, and supporting characters will add depth.

We’re definitely diving deep into the adventure and happenings right from the get go. I do hope the book continues with the same speed. The prologue alone is already making me form new theories and once I finish the whole book, promise, I will share them all with you.

Read the Next Chapters:

Share that Venin and Wyvern are real!


4 responses to “Onyx Storm Read Along: Prologue”

  1. Hi – when do you post more chapters is it a set schedule you have or just by your availability. I love you takes 🙂 thanks!

    1. Hi Brooke, I only just finished the book 🙂 I will try to do at least one every day but it all depends on work..

      1. The fact you already finished the book is insane!!

        1. Not doing spoilers honestly. But i stayed up so so late to finish it.

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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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