It goes without saying that THERE ARE MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD. If you haven’t read Onyx Storm, please go read it first. Maybe you are looking for a spoiler-free version of my Onyx Storm review.
Are you ready to begin? While this post does not contain any major theories yet, I promise I’m bringing them ALL to you starting Monday. Plus, if you want to re-read the book with me and dissect every chapter in all the details, then please make sure you check my read-along. Please note that the following will not be in the order of the book but just how I remember it all.
First of all, jeez, this was a whirlwind of emotions. I honestly thought that based on Rebecca Yarros’ interview, where she mentioned writing in a W format, I expected Onyx Storm to be slightly happier, as in, for the ending to be on a high…kind of similar to Fourth Wing when we discovered that Brennan was alive. That felt happy. We were left curious for sure, but happy. The ending of Onyx Storm left me reeling. I wanted to throw the book in the fire. Well, not really, as I LOVED it—it’s a figure of speech, but you understand me. It left me screaming. I have so many questions, theories, and things I want to discuss; it’s insane.
The prologue was pretty great, actually. It answered a lot of our questions and picked up right where we left off. I appreciate that Violet KNOWS about Xaden being venin. Also, it’s been confirmed fully, so we know where we stand from the start. Also, Bodhi and Garrick know, and immediately after, Imogen. It was only natural that Rhi, Ridoc, Jesinia, and Sawyer would find out too.
Andarna was pretty cool at the beginning too. She confirmed for us that she can indeed kill venin with fire, which upholds my theory that she is our weapon—or at least one of them.
It was interesting to know for sure that colors play an important role in Onyx Storm too, especially for Xaden’s eyes. Also, interesting observation, but when his eyes become amber from gold, I remembered whose eyes are amber: Brennan! Brennan’s eyes are permanently amber. I wonder if there is a connection.
Also, Xaden does not smell like mint at all, but we don’t seem to talk about it anymore.
The most important thing we’ve ALL been waiting for is Violet’s second signet. The confirmation that she’s a dream-waker makes me very excited. She is a type of intrinsic but passive. However, she can meddle, and I think this will come in useful when she will need to talk to Xaden in Book 4. My theory? She will walk in his dreams and talk to him. Violet being a dream “seeker” was a theory I wrote here last year, but honestly, it had not been very welcome. I’m surprised it turned out to be the right one.
We learn that dragons can break bonds. It was pretty horrible to read, and my heart BROKE. Yup, I did cry, just like you did. Don’t pretend otherwise. But on a serious note, that opens up a huge can of worms: Can all dragons break bonds, or only Andarna? Also, how come Violet continued to access her signet after Andarna broke her bond? This opens up theories about irids and signets, as well as how venin can still wield. Is it because they can retain magic AFTER they kill/break bonds with their previous dragons? Or were the venin who can wield bonded to irids previously? It was mentioned that in order to become venin, you needed access to magic first. So all venin were either riders or fliers first. Which means ALL should be able to wield. And yet not all seem to.
Also, can we take a moment to read over and over that part when Theo asks Violet who bonded her first? The same conversation Andarna later had with Leothan later on? Why is that so important? Because I feel like it’s crucial information.
Why did we introduce more POVs? Imogen and Quinn were…ugh. Yup, I cried. It was Liam part two, let’s face it. And the fact that RY told us flat out that in Book 4 a character we love will die? Ugh.
Also, OMG, Imogen has a second signet. And as far as we’re concerned, only Dain knows about it? Speaking of second signets: Garrick is amazing. Garrick is our distance wielder and can I just say, I now finally understand why Rebecca Yarros she’d take him on a deserted island. Well play, Mrs Yarros, well played.
It was sensational to open up the world to the islands and to learn more about the Gods. I suppose we now learn about all of them. Please take note of the fact that we did not end up going to the island of Loial, which I think is where the cure for Xaden will be. Why? For both war and love change souls irrevocably. This is definitely the clue for it.
The compass that was given to Violet? That compass is 10000% not broken. That will be what’s needed to lead her either to the island of Loial, or to Xaden. Either way, something tells me that the compass indicates the direction of love.
Erm…islands don’t have magic right? Yet, Violet can still communicate with Tairn and Andarna. Tairn cannot communicate with Sgaeyl and her connection with Xaden is also gone. Andarna doesn’t need magic to channel. She is magic! That’s why Violet can still talk to them both.
At the end of the book, so much happens I don’t even know where to begin. But I do think that in Xaden’s point of view, we learn all but a small piece of his soul is gone. And that small piece is the only one left—the only thread linked to Violet.
When Violet wakes up, there is so much to digest. Missing eggs? Wiped memories? She’s married? We’ve been talking about her being Xaden’s consort as a cute thing for Deverelli Island. But there is also talk of an heir. Xaden doesn’t have an heir. I wonder if we’ll introduce this in the next book? I’m not sure how I feel about it, but at the same time, it would be an interesting progression. I would prefer it to be just about Xaden and Violet, though, FYI.
We finally learn more about Violet’s hair color. She had been taken to the islands by her dad. This was a surprise and an interesting one. She’s been touched by Dunne but not dedicated. There is so much to unpack here, and I will put together a theory for it. Also, Theophanie was such a fascinating character here. I can’t tell you that I hated the maven. I actually quite liked her.
Theophanie herself has been dedicated to Dunne, and I wonder what was the whole thing with her turning her back on Dunne. Does that mean the Gods can be met? Talked to? Because then, Violet will definitely meet Malek. Literally, by the way, not in a “she will die” way. I think we will introduce more of the Gods in Book 4 as they will play a pivotal role in finding a cure for Xaden.
I can’t help but wonder if Theophanie has any sort of relation to the Sorrengails. I know that Lilith manifested her signet as a powerful storm-wielder to be the balance of the dark wielder. Much like how Lynx became the balance to Xaden when he manifested shadows. But still, so much is left unknown. I guess we need to dig into her journals faster.
We finally learn about Violet’s dad, Asher Sorrengail. But please note that when he went to the island, he was Asher Daxton. Why did he change his name when he married Lilith?
This is probably the time to point out something interesting. Asher was not a Sorrengail right? He became one. Lilith did say “all Sorrengails are riders”. But not Asher. Unless…he became one at some point, bonded to an irid? That would make for an fascinating theory.
At the beginning of the book, we talk about every possible path when we discuss finding a cure for venin. I can’t help but wonder: Her path is not yet determined, as we kept reading about Violet. Is there a connection here?
While I initially hated that Tairn calls Xaden “the dark one,” I think this is very relevant. BTW, he calls Violet The Silver One and Andarna The Golden One. I have this feeling Tairn knows a lot more. And there is significance to this. He continues to be grumpy about Xaden but let’s not forget my theory that Tairn severed his bond to Naolin. I still don’t think Naolin died. I think he turned.
He touched Brennan’s palm to imbue him with more power! It’s why he has the “dark” mark on the palm and not the “non existent” mark like the one Sloane imbues with her normal magic. Nowhere does it say that Naolin died. “Tairn’s previous rider”. “The one before”. “Tairn’s fallen rider”. And Tairn refuses to talk about him. He almost died because he severed the bond. I will die on that hill! So we can not cut Tairn some slack for being so upset that Xaden is “the dark one”.
I LOVED Sgaeyl at the end. I still respect her so much and would like to understand more about how much she must be hurting. Also, she saved Violet. Whoa. Like, Sgaeyl picked Violet and carried her even if briefly. That was…awesome.
We learn about Xaden’s mom. I honestly did not love the fan theory that she is venin, and I’m so, so grateful that she’s just some lady on an island. I don’t think this is the last of her, by the way. But I’m happy we cleared that out. It also kind of means that indeed Bodhi and Xaden might not be siblings, as per my theory, but just cousins. I’m still sure there is more to it than that.
The ending of the book was confusing, right? To confuse you even more, there are talks about son, brother, and more. I think this is to do with Jack Barlowe and Xaden Riorson becoming “brothers” after Xaden changed. So many theories about the ending.
Is Berwyn Jack’s dad? That would explain why Barlowe said at the end of Iron Flame, “Welcome to our fucked-up family. Guess we’re brothers now.” Nope…I don’t think so.
“I glance past Berwyn, past Sgaeyl and the venin, to my new brother and the unconscious dragon lying in the valley beyond the canyon, guarded by seven wyvern”. Again, Xaden says “my new brother.”
My opinion? I think venin can form bonds. When recruited by a sage, they become bonded. As Xaden says, he would not be able to kill Berwyn any more than Violet. This leads me to believe that yeah, they form bonds—they become a family. Which would explain why they call to each other and feel each other. Ugh, so, so horrid. Sounds dark and gross and icky. Oh and I think Berwyn is actually Naolin and the new brother? I think that’s Brennan. I have a whole theory about it if you want to debate it with me.
What’s up with the missing eggs? Queen Marlis wanted twelve eggs. Two of each breed. Could it be that the missing six are in exchange for her army? Another option is that some of these eggs are Sgaeyl and Tairns? Even if we were to put the eggs on Unnbriel, I somehow have reservations about it. There is no magic on Unnbriel so why bring hatchlings there? Wouldn’t they hurt? Unless the point is to keep them safe from riders and venin.
I have questions about “the cycle of rest” Tairn needs. Recover from what? Three elders are dead. Did Tairn kill them? Was Codagh one of them? What happens to the bond between Sgaeyl and Tairn? Why does Violet not feel Xaden anymore? Is it possible that Tairn broke his mating bond? They can’t be separated, or they start to hurt. What exactly do we know of bonds? Can dragons separate? I’m supposed to be the one who comes up with theories but my head is spinning!
Can we take a moment to appreciate the tender moment between Dain and Sloane? I mean it one tender, one-sided because Sloane was not having it. But Dain? I think Dain might be into Sloane. He was so gentle and loving and called her “LIFE”. Also, he called her Life, which means she is the opposite of death. So my theory that she will help imbue the Barrens stands (for now). Sloane and Dain are end game, right? We all see it. There will enemies to lovers there.
Can we look at the map, please? What’s up with the writing on black background? We have three only where everything else is in white background: Tyrrendor, randomly, the Iakobos River and the Bay of Malek. The Iakobos is where Xaden threw his Sage (the maven) first. Is that why is black? Tyrrendor, makes sense since he is the Duke of Tyrrendor. But the Bay of Malek? Is that where we’ll find Xaden stationed?
I’m sure I will continue to update this as I read and re-read. I very much look forward to your theories. Please let me know in the comments section below.
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
Onyx Storm Theories
- Onyx Storm Theory: Berwyn and Xaden are both from Tyrrendor
- Onyx Storm Theory: Tyrrendor always had dragon riders
- Onyx Storm Theory: Why was Violet touched by Dunne
- Onyx Storm Theory: How to get Xaden’s soul back
- Onyx Storm Theory: Are the dragons evil?
- Onyx Storm Theory: Who exactly is Berwyn
- Q&A with Rebecca Yarros – Answering our Onyx Storm questions
- Onyx Storm Theory – Violet will find Xaden (he taught her how)
- Onyx Storm Theory: Who turned venin at the end?
- Onyx Storm Theory: Love is all we need (well, at least what Xaden needs)
- Onyx Storm Theory: Sloane is life, Naolin was…not
- Onyx Storm Theory: Could Violet be pregnant
- Onyx Storm Theory: Imogen has a second signet
- Onyx Storm Ending Explained
- Onyx Storm – Recap and What do we know so far
- The Last Teaser Is Here: Rebecca Yarros’ Onyx Storm Begins with a Bang!
- Rebecca Yarros’ clue: Violet’s second signet has to do with truth
- Onyx Storm Theory: We know the herbal remedy for venin. It’s in every single book
- Onyx Storm Theory: Liam is dead, but he isn’t actually gone
- Onyx Storm Theory: Markham is venin
- Onyx Storm Official Excerpt: What does it all mean?
- Onyx Storm snippet: Plus new theories
- Onyx Storm Theory: Violet knows the herbal remedy for…venin?
- Onyx Storm Theory: The Colors of Bonds is super relevant
- Iron Flame Unhinged Theory: Those who do not burn for Malek, get their loved ones back
- Iron Flame Theory: Violet’s second signet could be storm wielder
- Onyx Storm Theory: There is a connection between Orange dragons and feathertails
- Onyx Storm Theory: Dragons’ hatching grounds connected to royal and heir eyes
- Onyx Storm Theory: Is Violet’s second signet to do with control?
- Onyx Storm Theory: Xaden’s control will snap
- Onyx Storm Theory: Violet’s second signet is distance wielder
- Onyx Storm Theory: Garrick Tavis’ signet is map/compass
- Fourth Wing and Iron Flame Theory: Dain is neurodivergent
- Iron Flame Theory – Violet’s second signet is dream-sight
- Onyx Storm Theory – Tairn is the Onyx, not Xaden
- Onyx Storm Theories – A complete collection
- Onyx Storm
- Rebecca Yarros Book 3 – Onyx Storm Teasers
- Rebecca Yarros Book 3 – Onyx Storm Title Meaning
- Rebecca Yarros Book 3 – Onyx Storm January 21st, 2025
- Predictions for Book 3 Empyrean Series
- Book 3 release date, Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros
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