Rebecca Yarros’s next installment in the Empyrean series has come to devastate hearts.
In 2023, the epic Romantasy of Rebecca Yarros took the book world by storm with epic magic systems, steamy romance, and most importantly the world of dragons.
Onyx Storm was the highly anticipated third book of The Empyrean series with many fans dying to get their hands on it. With such heavy expectations, Yarros delivered a beautiful and emotional rollercoaster of a sequel that stunned fans and left them emotionally shaken.
The plot heavily focused on the main character’s progression. Violet Sorrengail has changed drastically from the fragile, frightened girl who crossed the parapet to a confident, young woman who has grown to stand on her own two feet and take on the role of a leader her dragon Tarin knew she was.
Xaden Riorson, who plays one of the most prominent roles in the series, and has become an overnight fan favorite, made fans worry and sit on the edge of their seats page after page as they watched a dark descent come over his character and leave fans asking the budding question: What will happen to Xaden?
The side characters have lived up to their fullest potentials, which leads fans to be deeply invested, loyal, and in love with them, especially Ridoc Gamlyn, who proves that there is so much more to him than being ‘the funny one’.
The magic system keeps evolving and showing more facets as the gang of dragon riders learn more about their world and step out of their comfort zone as they look for ways to destroy the Venin.
One of the biggest aspects of The Empyrean series is the romance between Xaden and Violet. From the very beginning they have had a complicated story that not only frustrated readers but also made them more invested in their story.
Going into the book, readers were worried about what would happen between one of the complicated couples in the novel, and while there are plenty of heart swooning moments, fans should brace themselves because Yarros went for the jugular.
The iconic duo of Tairn and Andarna also face one of their biggest challenges to date as Andarna faces her past and all that comes with it.
While the gods have been mentioned many times throughout the Empyrean series, Onyx Storm dives heavily into the concepts, but leaves readers questioning the god’s role in the series by the end of it.
Many new characters are introduced, some important and many who are not. Prince Halden comes in to shake things up and a new Venin will either answer questions readers have been dying to know or leave them asking more than before.
The parents of the Sorrengail children have seemed to be holding some secrets, and while some come to light, more remains in the dark.
Another unique aspect of the novel is mental health. Mental health was displayed throughout the book, especially with Xaden and shows how over time it can get worse or fluctuate.
Dain Aetos, who has been a character that many within the fandom hate, has changed significantly within this book with his redemption arc and even risen to become some fans’ favorite.
Overall, I would give this book five out of five stars for its amazing plot. relatable characters and an incredible world to fall into.
