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 Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean series, following Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. Released on January 21, 2025, the novel continues the journey of Violet Sorrengail, now eighteen months into her rigorous training at Basgiath War College. With external threats mounting and internal betrayals surfacing, Violet faces a world where trust is scarce and danger is omnipresent.
In this sequel, Violet embarks on a perilous mission beyond the deteriorating Aretian wards to seek alliances with unfamiliar territories, aiming to fortify Navarre against impending adversaries. Her quest challenges her intellect, resilience, and courage as she strives to protect her dragons, family, homeland, and her deepening connection with Xaden Riorson. Complicating her journey is a monumental secret that, if revealed, could unravel everything she holds dear. The narrative delves into themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of truth in a world teetering on the brink of chaos.
“Onyx Storm” has been lauded for its intricate world-building, character development, and the seamless blend of fantasy and romance. The novel has achieved significant commercial success, with release events drawing enthusiastic crowds and comparisons to major literary phenomena. Critics have noted its engaging plot and the expansion of the series’ universe, though some mention a shift from the familiar settings of earlier installments to more complex and darker themes. Overall, “Onyx Storm” continues to captivate readers, solidifying the Empyrean series’ place in contemporary fantasy literature.
You can order Onyx Storm online.
Major Plot Points & Themes in Onyx Storm
Please proceed with caution as there are some spoilers ahead.
For an in-depth analysis please make sure to check what do we know so far and of course, the Onyx Storm ending explained.
Prologue: The Aftermath of Iron Flame
The book picks up right after the devastating battle at Basgiath, where Violet, Xaden, and the revolution fought to protect the college from venin forces.
General Lilith Sorrengail is dead, and her loss leaves a power vacuum that could destabilize Navarre.
Xaden is struggling with the consequences of channeling from the earth, a dangerous act that threatens his very soul. His eyes now carry the telltale red rings that mark those who have used venin magic, and he’s at risk of being executed if discovered.
Violet is determined to save Xaden before he loses himself to the darkness. She begins searching for a cure, despite the fact that even their most powerful allies don’t know if it’s possible.
The War is Changing
Basgiath and the wards are secured, but at a great cost. Many riders, dragons, and soldiers have died in the battle, and Navarre’s leadership is scrambling to recover.
There are talks of a potential alliance with Poromiel (the kingdom known for its gryphon riders), despite years of war between them. Some see it as the only chance of survival, while others believe it’s a trap.
The revolution is gaining momentum, but the threat of the venin is bigger than anyone realized.
Xaden’s Dangerous Transformation
Xaden’s loss of control becomes a major problem. Jack Barlowe (who was revealed to be alive and venin-aligned in Iron Flame) taunts him, suggesting that Xaden will eventually succumb to the pull of the darkness.
Violet refuses to believe this, insisting that Xaden can be saved—but even Tairn and Sgaeyl are uncertain if it’s possible.
The question of how far Violet is willing to go to save Xaden looms over the book—will she break the laws of Navarre? Will she make a deal with Poromiel? Will she risk using dark magic herself?
A New Mission, A Deadly Choice
The book follows Violet‘s travels to the isles, opening up the world to more information about the Gods, past allies and Violet’s family.
Overall Vibe
- Onyx Storm continues the intense, war-driven atmosphere of Iron Flame but seems to push Violet even further.
- The biggest emotional conflicts revolve around Violet’s grief, her desperation to save Xaden, and her struggle to balance duty and love.
- The venin are more powerful than ever, suggesting a climactic confrontation ahead.
- Xaden’s fate is uncertain, and his struggle with darkness could lead to a heartbreaking twist.
Final Thoughts
It looks like Onyx Storm is a major turning point in The Empyrean series. With Violet facing bigger challenges than ever, the fate of Navarre and Aretia hanging by a thread, and Xaden fighting for his very soul, this book is shaping up to be an emotional and action-packed rollercoaster.
Onyx Storm Theories
- Onyx Storm Theory: What can Zihnal’s gifts really mean
- Onyx Storm Theory: Could Theophanie be Violet’s aunt?
- Onyx Storm Theory: Everything we know about Ridoc (does he have a second dragon?)
- Onyx Storm Theory: Dunne’s symbol
- Onyx Storm Theory: Do dragons use names?
- Onyx Storm Theory: Brennan and Naolin might have been lovers to enemies to lovers
- Onyx Storm Theory: Venin can be killed by poison
- Onyx Storm Theory: Who is actually missing at the end?
- 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?
- Onyx Storm Theory: The relation between Gods, dragons, and colors
- Onyx Storm Theory: Violet’s second signet is SO dangerous
- Onyx Storm Theory: Tairn is special, he gave Violet the power of the sky
- 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
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 Read Along – Chapter 23
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 24
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 25
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 26
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 27
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 28
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 29
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 30
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 31
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 32
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 33
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 34
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 35
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 36
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 37
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 38
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 39
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 40
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 41
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 42
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 43
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 44
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 45
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 46
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 47
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 48
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 49
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 50
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 51
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 52
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 53
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 54
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 55
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 56
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 57
- Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 58
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