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 eyes
When I think of onyx, Xaden’s eyes immediately come to mind. Gorgeous Xaden has onyx eyes with golden flecks in them. You know who eyes has golden eyes? Dragons. And stay with me because I think this is super relevant.
You remember my theory that eyes and smells play a super important role in recognizing venin and the dragons they affect. I mention Baide and her eyes being hazy. Then the author points out that Baise has opaque eyes instead of golden.
Could it be that Xaden’s onyx eyes are going to change from those golden flecks into some purely opaque onyx eyes that look all hazy?
“Onyx Storm” could really be about Xaden’s journey, how he struggles, and how his striking onyx eyes might become clouded, similar to what we’ve seen with Baide.
It’s definitely a storm, particularly in his battle to maintain self-control. I can already picture the struggle, Xaden desiring more power while also trying to remain strong for Violet.
Onyx control
In Iron Flame there is a point where Violet refers to the connection between her and Xaden.
“Shimmering onyx wraps around my mind and everything intensifies.” (Chapter 48)
So this Onyx Storm we’re thinking of, could it be that it’s related to the connection between Violet, Xaden and their dragons? Violet always refers to her connections in the library with colors.
Let’s go back to my theory that Varrish was venin. Given this, you remember how Varrish said that he can control his dragon. And we saw that first hand with Baide at the end of Iron Flame.
Which means, that Xaden has direct access not just to Sgaeyl but to Violet and Tairn which is now pretty terrifying. They need to save his soul or else they are all in big trouble. Could it be that the onyx storm is all a metaphor for Xaden’s onyx connection with them all?
Perhaps, but let’s remember that so far, Rebecca Yarros didn’t do metaphors. Fourth Wing was literally about Violet being in Fourth Wing in Riders Quadrant. Iron Flame, was very much about raising the wards and setting a massive slab of polished iron ablaze with dragon fire.
Onyx Runes
Another reason for the title could be its connection to wyverns. In Iron Flame Chapter 57, Violet and Mira discover a polished chunk of onyx inside a wyvern, marked with a complex rune.
Here is the quote:
“Mira draws back a polished chunk of what appears to be onyx, marked with a complex rune.”
Could Onyx Storm relate to a group of wyverns, to runes more broadly, and to finally learning more about how the venin use them?
Could it be that we learn about runes more and how Violet herself can create a mega storm? Beyond her lightening wielding abilities?
Lilith was a storm wielder
Is there a link to Lilith here? After all, Mama Sorrengail was known as a storm wielder, wasn’t she? Perhaps we’re about to get some answers about her, learn who she really was. Rebecca mentioned politics and old enemies in this book, so maybe it’s time to delve into past events.
Xaden unleashing a shadow storm
This one was brought to my attention by one of the readers here. Someone called FederalPotato2664 (cool username btw) said something along the lines:
The speculation is that Xaden’s shadows are out of control and because he is stealing power from Basgiath, there is an increase in his signet ability, which was already super strong. He might become a literal force of darkness.
The name Onyx Storm might be about a powerful ability a shadow wielder can unleash at their strongest. Now that is a cool theory I could totally get behind!
Political power?
What if we consider the elders a little? The two mighty black dragons on the continent: Tairn and Codagh. Rebecca Yarros did promise us politics in Onyx Storm, so what if this is a political power storm between the two black dragons?
The only thing is that technically Rebecca Yarros has never refered to Tairn nor Codagh as onyx. Just black dragons.
What are your thoughts? Do you have new ideas about it? I cannot wait to hear it all. And please don’t forget to preorder your Onyx Storm copy today!
Here some useful links for you:
Amazon US – Standard | Deluxe Version
Amazon UK – Hardcover | Kindle
Read More about Onyx Storm
Rebecca Yarros Book 3 – Onyx Storm January 21st, 2025
Onyx Storm Predictions
Onyx Storm Release Date
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