Onyx Storm snippet: Plus new theories

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Written by: Cory

Onyx Storm snippet

The Onyx Storm snippet is here and OMG we are in for a ride. So much to discuss about it, I cannot wait to tell you my thoughts. Are you ready?

If there’s one thing that gets book lovers excited, it’s coming across a snippet that promises action, emotional intensity, and a sneak peek into the character dynamics we all love.

And this latest teaser from Violet Sorrengail’s personal addendum has me completely hooked—I just have to share my excitement!

The snippet kicks off with that powerful line: “I will not die today. I will save him.” It’s such a raw burst of determination that immediately sets the mood, throwing us right into Violet’s fierce resolve. It screams high stakes, danger, and something deeply personal. I don’t know about you, but lines like this get me instantly invested, each word adding more to Violet’s unshakeable mission. But wait…there’s so much more!

And then, there’s Xaden. His sudden disappearance, right before Violet releases her strike, leaves us with so many questions! Where did he go? How does he do that? Xaden’s mysterious vibe just keeps getting better, and I am totally here for it.

The way he challenges Violet, telling her to “learn to find me,” only makes things more interesting.

And then there’s that moment when Violet asks, “Why me?” You can just feel her vulnerability, and Xaden’s response—“Because you’re the only one capable of killing me”—just takes it to another level. What a line! It’s dramatic, it’s intense, and it gives us just a hint of what’s going on between them. The idea that Violet isn’t just Xaden’s lover… but someone who could truly end Xaden’s life adds so much weight to their relationship—it’s clearly built on both trust and tension.

This snippet is such a great example of how to build suspense and develop character relationships. Violet’s power, determination, and vulnerability make her such an interesting protagonist, and Xaden’s elusive nature and the danger they both face keep me guessing every step of the way.

My personal theories

Let’s analyse everything step by step please.

“Power rises, humming through me with insistent demand, and I lift my right hand, aiming my palm toward the sky of the open amphitheater. Xaden vanishes from behind me a second before I release the strike.

“You’re astounding,” he says. “But you need to learn to find me.” Shadows rush against my skin, and less than a breath later, they’re gone, leaving me staring at Xaden’s retreating back as he climbs the stairs. “This demonstration is over. I expect you all to come prepared next session,” he says over his shoulder.”

Clearly, Xaden and Violet are still very much a thing. And they trust each other. Very much so. Clearly Xaden’s shadows are super intense. We did learn in Iron Flame that when one becomes venin, their signets intensify. Chances are…Xaden is now FASTER than ever before.

He is also telling everyone that the demonstration is over. They ALL need to prepare. To me, this means that Xaden is openly venin in front of all the other cadets. And his using himself to teach everyone how to tackle venin.

Oh…and btw, we now have confirmation that Onyx Storm is from Violet’s POV still. Something we really wanted to know for ages.

“Why me?” I ask, more than aware of the other cadets staring as I find my balance. “Xaden!” He doesn’t so much as pause his ascent. “Because you’re the only one capable of killing me.”

Well, Violet sure is the only one capable of killing venin. I have no doubt that there is a lot more weight and meaning to this sentence, but overall, it could be that apart from daggers, yeah, only Violet can kill him. It feels intense and soooo dramatic to be fair. I got goose bumps reading this.

Moments like these remind me why I love this story so much: the unpredictable plot, the characters’ strengths and flaws, and those emotional moments that stick with you long after you’ve finished reading.

I seriously can’t wait to see what happens next. What secrets are they still keeping from each other? This snippet has made the wait for the full story almost unbearable, but honestly, it’s the best kind of anticipation—full of hope, excitement, and just a bit of fear about what’s coming.

Share that Venin and Wyvern are real!

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4 responses to “Onyx Storm snippet: Plus new theories”

  1. When Rebecca published the snippet I was waiting for your comment on this! And I didn’t get disappointed with your analysis as always. You made my Monday morning 🙂

    1. <3 Really happy! But we need more snippets!

  2. I have a very long theory that while Liam is dead he isn’t actually gone. He is tethered to the ongoing story either through a late bond from Andarna or in response to Violet’s ability to compel. (When Deigh died Andarna screamed and Violet’s almost final words to Liam were ‘Fight to stay’) It was (nonvisible) Liam who saved Violet instead of Ridoc on the hike up the cliffs after Luella triggered the trap as well as pushing Sloane to safety when they encountered Solas in the cave.

    But… let’s do something easier to explain. General Daramor isn’t a proper name but rather a title or description. Daramor? Dar amor. For love. You will take down the wards ‘for love’ etc.

    1. I love your Daramor theory. This is brilliant!
      I have a theory that Liam is not gone because they didn’t burn all his items.
      I would like to know more about your theory on Violet’s second signet (compelling) and the late bond thru Andarna.
      Do you think she can compel? Another good example for this is when she told Xaden to stop strangling Tecarus.

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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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