Here are some really cool theories about Onyx Storm, the third book in the Empyrean Series, pieced together by both myself and other avid readers. These theories offer insight into anticipated plot twists, character evolutions, thematic explorations, or potential narrative trajectories in the series. They reach beyond the tangible details provided in the text, drawing on a detailed examination of the storyline’s progression, character dynamics, and various storytelling elements.
All contributions to these theories will be acknowledged accordingly. If you’ve developed a theory related to Onyx Storm, please feel free to share it!
Note that the discussion ahead contains spoilers for Onyx Storm.
Let’s look at some of the most thought-provoking theories that have come out of Onyx Storm.
Topics range from the title of the book, to predictions about the next installment. We discuss issues such as Xaden’s soul and his connection with venin. We speculate about Andarna and her heritage. We talk about teasers and politics in the fantasy world.
All my Onyx Storm Theories
- Onyx Storm Theory: What can Zihnal’s gifts really mean
In Onyx Storm, the people received gifts from Zihnal through a ritual involving the selection of cards. Each card represented a different gift, and the recipients had to accept their gift without complaint as a test of their adaptability and faith in luck. What do Zihnal’s gifts mean? Mira received wine Base Symbolism: Wine often… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: What can Zihnal’s gifts really mean - Onyx Storm Theory: Could Theophanie be Violet’s aunt?
In the past couple of weeks, I received a dozen questions about the possibility of Theophanie being Violet’s aunt. Is it possible? There is clearly a relationship between Theo and Lilith, and Theo admits that herself. Many of you theorized that Theophanie was Lilith’s sister and one of the reasons why Asher rushed to Unnbriel… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Could Theophanie be Violet’s aunt? - Onyx Storm Theory: Everything we know about Ridoc (does he have a second dragon?)
To start off with a little joke, “What we know about Ridoc is nothing compared to what we don’t.” I am not sure if you remember, but about a year ago, we got some fun theories around Ridoc bonding another dragon apart from Aotrom. WhatTheFrenchyDoes, a redditor and a fellow theory conspirator, posted that they… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Everything we know about Ridoc (does he have a second dragon?) - Onyx Storm Theory: Dunne’s symbol
I recently posted a theory about the relation between Gods, dragons and colours. I made a cute little table to show the thought process and added information from other invested readers too. The issue I’m having right now is that during the read‐along of chapter 30, I realise that perhaps I overlooked Dunne’s symbol a… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Dunne’s symbol - Onyx Storm Theory: Do dragons use names?
Have you noticed that dragons don’t tend to use human names? There are always some nicknames. When it comes to dragons, they do use the usual dragon names. At first, I thought, oh well, it’s just how dragons are. But then, one of the readers, Emma, pointed out that, in fact, there is one single… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Do dragons use names? - Onyx Storm Theory: Brennan and Naolin might have been lovers to enemies to lovers
Confused about the title? What if I were to tell you that Brennan and Naolin might have been lovers to enemies, turned lovers again? Our lovely ZUzana Zenáhlíková did a super deep dive into Naolin’s and Brennan relationship. And honestly, once you read it, you’ll have so many oh and aha moments! It all makes… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Brennan and Naolin might have been lovers to enemies to lovers - Onyx Storm Theory: Venin can be killed by poison
I’ve been thinking quite a bit about how venin can be killed. You know that moment when you have far too many thoughts running in your head, making it almost impossible to express yourself or explain what on earth is going on? That is exactly how I feel about this theory, so please bear with… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Venin can be killed by poison - Onyx Storm Theory: Who is actually missing at the end?
I read the last chapters over and over, to such an extent that I think I might be able to recite them back to you. I think maybe my job should have been that of a researcher or something similar, seeing as I love doing this for fun. The question in Onyx Stom is who… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Who is actually missing at the end? - Onyx Storm: Xaden needs to hit the bottom rock to cure himself
This theory is brought to you by a lovely reader named Mirja Berner. To be fair, I think her theory is very good. Not long ago, I listened to a podcast about dopamine with Dr. Anna Lembke, where she explained that addiction, sadly, is the result of dopamine dysregulation. Now, Rebecca Yarros has ADHD—she said… Read more: Onyx Storm: Xaden needs to hit the bottom rock to cure himself - Onyx Storm Theory: Dragons are connected to Gods. Messengers perhaps? Or a type of venin?
This has been quite the topic of conversation recently. In fact, in my last theory post about the relationship between dragons, gods, colors, and isles, I traced a pattern suggesting that each dragon corresponds to a “house,” so to speak. Almost like one color, one god. It makes sense, but there are still some holes… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Dragons are connected to Gods. Messengers perhaps? Or a type of venin? - Onyx Storm Theory: The relation between Gods, dragons, and colors
You already know that I’m obsessed with the idea that somehow the Gods play a much more important role in the series than we initially thought. Please take a look at my original theories about the Gods, some ideas on why I thought Violet and Xaden are Gods, and, of course, the parallels between our… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: The relation between Gods, dragons, and colors - Onyx Storm Theory: Violet’s second signet is SO dangerous
Violet’s second signet kept us up for months. It manifested in Iron Flame, but we couldn’t figure it out for certain. Rebecca Yarros told us that it was made clear in one single sentence. The sentence she is referring to, I think, is one of these two: “The only warmth is a quickly cooling trickle… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Violet’s second signet is SO dangerous - Onyx Storm Theory: Tairn is special, he gave Violet the power of the sky
There is this frightening theory going around online that suggests how dragons could be evil by channeling from the ground, the wrong source. If you are not familiar with it, I will give you the gist. The theory was created by one smart lady Emily. Dragons channeling from the wrong source In the Empyrean series,… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Tairn is special, he gave Violet the power of the sky - Onyx Storm Theory: Berwyn and Xaden are both from Tyrrendor
I’m putting this theory together after a conversation with one of our fellow readers, Tejaswani. Tejaswani believes Berwyn is somehow Fen Riorson. While I don’t think Berwyn is Xaden’s father, I do think there’s a connection between them. Let’s start with some quotes and the obvious clues: “He drags a single, long fingernail down my… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Berwyn and Xaden are both from Tyrrendor - Onyx Storm Theory: Tyrrendor always had dragon riders
Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean series is brimming with intricate world-building, lost histories, and tantalizing clues about the past. As Iron Flame unveils more about Tyrrendor, the Riorson family, and the role of runes, a compelling theory emerges—one that reshapes our understanding of the world’s forgotten rulers, magic, and the divine. Thank you so much to Poppy… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Tyrrendor always had dragon riders - Onyx Storm Theory: Why was Violet touched by Dunne
Have you ever wondered why Asher decided to go to Dunne and not… I don’t know, Zihnal? Amari? Why Dunne for Violet? One would think that being favored by the Goddess of Gods might make a lot more sense, right? In this little theory of mine, I want to share my train of thought on… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Why was Violet touched by Dunne - Onyx Storm Theory: How to get Xaden’s soul back
While reading Onyx Storm again (I know, third time already), I started thinking of all the possible ways we can get Xaden’s soul back. I already mentioned in my previous theory that I think Violet will have to differentiate between Xaden’s shadows to get to him, but how can we possibly get his soul back?… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: How to get Xaden’s soul back - Onyx Storm Theory: Are the dragons evil?
Rebecca Yarros has woven a complex and intricate world in The Empyrean Series, filled with powerful dragons, morally gray conflicts, and hidden truths about magic. While dragons are seen as the righteous force against venin, are they truly as noble as they seem? Could it be that they, too, have their own dark history? Let’s… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Are the dragons evil? - Onyx Storm Theory: Who exactly is Berwyn
It’s natural to ask: who exactly is Berwyn? Is he the Sage? Is he a general? Is there even a difference between a Sage and a general? Why is he so fixated on Xaden and Violet? And why does he want to kill dragons rather than use them for magic? I’m going to attempt to… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Who exactly is Berwyn - Q&A with Rebecca Yarros – Answering our Onyx Storm questions
Rebecca Yarros has been touring for Onyx Storm, and she’s been kind enough to answer some of our most burning questions. I’m trying to collect as many of the questions and answers as I can and have them all in one space for you to muse over. Obviously, Rebecca Yarros is wonderful, and she’s been… Read more: Q&A with Rebecca Yarros – Answering our Onyx Storm questions - Onyx Storm Theory – Violet will find Xaden (he taught her how)
It comes as no surprise that the ending of Onyx Storm rattled us all. Don’t get me wrong, I love the series, but after waiting more than a year to get some answers about Xaden, things are only getting worse. And no doubt, they will get even darker (AND WORSE) in Book 4. How are… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory – Violet will find Xaden (he taught her how) - Onyx Storm Theory: Who turned venin at the end?
I woke up in the middle of the night because I couldn’t sleep. Oh, Rebecca Yarros, you are so, so clever. She’s managed to divide the internet into two groups: those who think Bodhi turned venin and those who think Garrick turned. But what if it was Brennan or Aaric? Hear me out, hear me… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Who turned venin at the end? - Onyx Storm Theory: Love is all we need (well, at least what Xaden needs)
Nothing beats a cheesy post title: Love is all we need. But wait until we dig into this theory—you’ll love it too. Yeah, okay, pun intended. To give you context, I’ll start from the beginning. Rebecca Yarros is a military romance writer. She dedicates her books to her husband, the love of her life. Sure,… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Love is all we need (well, at least what Xaden needs) - Onyx Storm Theory: Sloane is life, Naolin was…not
The time has come to talk about Sloane. Sloane is such a beautifully crafted character with a fantastic arc. Given just how gentle and warm Liam was, we were all shocked by her reaction towards Violet. Yet Violet continues to look after her. Violet respects her promises, doesn’t she? She promised Liam she’d look after… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Sloane is life, Naolin was…not - Onyx Storm Theory: Could Violet be pregnant
I received hundreds of emails asking me if there is a possibility that Violet is pregnant in Onyx Storm. It turns out there is quite a heated discussion about Violet and Xaden having a potential heir to Tyrrendor. Is it possible that Violet is pregnant? I would like to unpack this theory based on what… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Could Violet be pregnant - Onyx Storm Theory: Imogen has a second signet
I wonder if you might remember, but when I created this site, I had this working theory that all marked ones have two signets. It was later disproven because Xaden has two signets simply because his dragon belonged to his grandfather. So we sort of put that theory to rest. You remember that Liam wielded… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Imogen has a second signet - Onyx Storm Ending Explained
Be honest, how many times did you read Chapter Sixty-Six? Me? About five times already. I read it fast, I read it slooooooow, and even painfully slow, like I’m learning to read all over again. All in the hopes that I will truly understand what the hell happened. Because let me tell you, we all… Read more: Onyx Storm Ending Explained - Onyx Storm – Recap and What do we know so far
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… Read more: Onyx Storm – Recap and What do we know so far - The Last Teaser Is Here: Rebecca Yarros’ Onyx Storm Begins with a Bang!
Happy New Year! Oh. My. Goodness. Rebecca Yarros just dropped the LAST teaser for her upcoming release, and let me tell you—if you thought your excitement couldn’t get any higher, brace yourself, because this snippet is pure adrenaline. Clearly, we’re diving headfirst into Onyx Storm, and it’s a whirlwind from the very first line! “You… Read more: 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
I have so many mixed emotions right now. But before we begin and dive into Violet’s second signet, I want to take a moment to wish you all Happy Holidays. This time of the year is all about spending lovely moments with our loved ones. And, of course, it’s the best time of the year… Read more: 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
Violet’s name itself serves as a significant clue. Violets, the flowers, have long been associated with healing properties in herbal remedies. If you remember, I wrote about poisons and remedies in this article Violet knows the herbal remedy for…venin? The Violet Antidote Theory The Symbolism of Her Name Violet’s name itself serves as a significant… Read more: 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
Today I’m bringing you a new theory about Liam. I’ve already told you previously that I think Liam is…special. His mother was the best at runes, right? Naturally, she might have passed some of that knowledge to Liam and Sloane. Why is this important? Because I think Liam is dead, but he’s not gone. A… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Liam is dead, but he isn’t actually gone - Onyx Storm Theory: Markham is venin
Today I bring you another Onyx Storm theory about Markham being venin. I know, I know, I’m already anticipating that there is a lot of venin in the leadership, but hear me out, ok? There are many things that make me believe that Markham is venin, and I am not sure if we will discover… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Markham is venin - Onyx Storm Official Excerpt: What does it all mean?
The first official excerpt of Onyx Storm is here, and we’re both nervous and excited about it. We’ve been discussing it extensively in our Facebook group, and the theories are already piling up! For now, let’s break it down bit by bit. What does it all mean? What have we learned? And what can we… Read more: Onyx Storm Official Excerpt: What does it all mean? - Onyx Storm snippet: Plus new theories
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… Read more: Onyx Storm snippet: Plus new theories - Onyx Storm Theory: Violet knows the herbal remedy for…venin?
Say hello to an outstanding Onyx Storm theory which is all about Violet’s poison knowledge. It goes without saying that there are many spoilers ahead so please proceed with caution. Alright, ready? This theory belongs to Jessica, a lovely fan who commented on my Lilith theory (Lilith Sorrengail was venin). Jessica’s theory on why Violet… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Violet knows the herbal remedy for…venin? - Onyx Storm Theory: The Colors of Bonds is super relevant
In the world of Empyrean Series, the connection between rider and dragon is more than just a functional bond—it is an intimate, deeply personal link that transcends mere communication. These bonds are so private that only glimpses of them have been shared with readers, leaving much to the imagination. Yet, within these fleeting insights, we’ve… Read more: 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
Coming to you with a great theory about Malek, the God of death and the need to burn items for Malek. I am going to warn you, this is a fairly unhinged theory and one I do very much love. This theory was developed in partnership with one of the readers here named hayruşş. Let’s… Read more: 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
Coming to you with the latest theory from another fan about Violet’s second signet. This time, the idea is that she could simply be a storm wielder. Now that would be an interesting aspect of it, because after all, Rebecca Yarros did say in Australia that we would be underwhelmed by her second signet. Well,… Read more: Iron Flame Theory: Violet’s second signet could be storm wielder - Onyx Storm Theory: There is a connection between Orange dragons and feathertails
This is one of my wildest theories to date, so I’m going to get straight to it: I think there is a relationship between orange dragons and feathertails. The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced Rebecca Yarros specifically put in a lot of Easter Eggs for us to understand that orange dragons,… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: There is a connection between Orange dragons and feathertails - Onyx Storm Theory: Dragons’ hatching grounds connected to royal and heir eyes
This beautiful Onyx Storm theory is about the connection between dragons’ hatching grounds and riders’ eyes. It’s an interesting concept actually and one I’ll love to explore with you. First of all, this theory was brought to you by a wonderful reader called Taylor. Hi Taylor, and thank you very much, your theory did spark… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Dragons’ hatching grounds connected to royal and heir eyes - Onyx Storm Theory: Is Violet’s second signet to do with control?
There has been so much talk about Violet Sorrengail’s second signet. Trust me, I have several articles written about it with hundreds of comments. Recently, though, a fan commented on this website and told me that chances are, Violet Sorrengail is our distance wielder. And I actually agree. The rolling dismounts that she managed to… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Is Violet’s second signet to do with control? - Onyx Storm Theory: Xaden’s control will snap
Xaden Riorson is always in control. Well, almost always. He is stern, he keeps his emotions in check and he always knows how to react and when to react. From the first moment Violet saw Xaden, she started wondering HOW will it be like to see Xaden unravel, lose control. What would happen? And we… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Xaden’s control will snap - Onyx Storm Theory: Violet’s second signet is distance wielder
Ladies, gents and dragons, we have another fan theory about Violet’s second signet. And this time is all about Violet being a distance wielder. And I have to say, it’s compelling to be fair. We all spoke about Violet’s second signet before and I even theorized that she is a dream walker. This theory is… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Violet’s second signet is distance wielder - Onyx Storm Theory: Garrick Tavis’ signet is map/compass
Updated: Garrick Tavis is our distance wideler. And while our reader was onto something here with Chradh (meaning map), the theory was almost there. Garrick has a second signet and he’s an air wielder and a distance wielder aka a walker. This incredible theory is brought to you by one of our readers, Elizaveta Vinogradova.… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory: Garrick Tavis’ signet is map/compass - Fourth Wing and Iron Flame Theory: Dain is neurodivergent
**Spoiler Alert** This BRILLIANT theory is brought to you by Dr. Alishia Kalos, CST, doctoral psychologist and AASECT certified sex and relationship therapist. Alishia (fellow members of the Castle Valley Rider’s Quadrant)is one of our readers and a true FW and IF fan. Her theory is spectacular and I have to say, she pretty much… Read more: Fourth Wing and Iron Flame Theory: Dain is neurodivergent - Iron Flame Theory – Violet’s second signet is dream-sight
ONYX STORM UPDATE – Turns out, this was the most unpopular signet for her but against all odds…it was the right one. Violet Sorrengail’s second signet is dream walker. Empyrean Series fans, please gather around because I finally figured out Violet’s second signet. And I am so certain of it, it’s unreal. This article was… Read more: Iron Flame Theory – Violet’s second signet is dream-sight - Onyx Storm Theory – Tairn is the Onyx, not Xaden
I don’t know about you, but I’m so excited we finally have a date for Onyx Storm, I can barely contain my excitement. And before we can even begin to fantasize about the time when we’ll hold the book in our hands, we can start thinking about new theories, cover reveal (COVER REVEAL!!) and more… Read more: Onyx Storm Theory – Tairn is the Onyx, not Xaden - Onyx Storm Theories – A complete collection
Here are some really cool theories about Onyx Storm, the third book in the Empyrean Series, pieced together by both myself and other avid readers. These theories offer insight into anticipated plot twists, character evolutions, thematic explorations, or potential narrative trajectories in the series. They reach beyond the tangible details provided in the text, drawing… Read more: Onyx Storm Theories – A complete collection - Onyx Storm
Author Rebecca Yarros Series Book 3, Empyrean Series Country United States Genre Fantasy / New-adult Publisher Red Tower Books / Little, Brown Book Group Language English Publication date January 21, 2025 ISBN 1649374186 Pages 779 (Hardcover) Preceded by Iron Flame Followed by Empyrean Book 4 About Onyx Storm Onyx Storm is the third installment in… Read more: Onyx Storm - Rebecca Yarros Book 3 – Onyx Storm Teasers
Latest teasers from the new Book 3 of the Empyrean Series, “Onyx Storm”. - Rebecca Yarros Book 3 – Onyx Storm Title Meaning
Why is the third installment in the Empyrean Series called Onyx Storm? I’ve got some thoughts, and theories. And I even went back to check quotes in the book to make sure I’m not missing anything. Let’s discuss and speculate together. And don’t forget to check the Onyx Storm predictions I’ve covered. Xaden has onyx… Read more: Rebecca Yarros Book 3 – Onyx Storm Title Meaning - Rebecca Yarros Book 3 – Onyx Storm January 21st, 2025
The third installment in the Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros is called Onyx Storm and will be released on January 21st, 2025! It’s official! Rebecca Yarros has just announced the title of her Book 3 via Good Morning America, and it’s called Onyx Storm. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Good Morning… Read more: Rebecca Yarros Book 3 – Onyx Storm January 21st, 2025 - Predictions for Book 3 Empyrean Series
We can all agree that we need Book 3 in the Empyrean Series to be out like…right now! But we also know that we need to wait a little while before it will be published. Initially, the release date was for the end of 2024, but sadly, the date was removed from Goodreads so we… Read more: Predictions for Book 3 Empyrean Series - Book 3 release date, Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros
The much-anticipated third book in Rebecca Yarros’ enthralling Empyrean Series, release date is January 21, 2025. This is the official, confirmed release date. Rebecca Yarros made the short announcement on the TV Show Good Morning America and revealed not just the release date but the title of the new, 3rd book. She said, book 3… Read more: Book 3 release date, Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros
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