Onyx Storm is the third book in the Empyrean series, released on Jan. 21, 2025. I reviewed the first two books back in the fall of 2023. I suggest reading my Fourth Wing and Iron Flame reviews before starting this one.
As the third installment of the Empyrean Series, Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros is a powerful story that explores grief and finding hope in the most unexpected places.
Onyx Storm picks up right where Iron Flame left off, with the kingdoms of Navarre and Poromiel, alongside the leaders in Tyrrendor, forming an uneasy alliance against the venin—who are dark magic-wielders threatening to undo everything; their goal to bring down society and government using magic from the earth. But unlike Iron Flame, Onyx Storm is much more than just a war story and complicated relationships; it’s a journey of self-discovery, relentless perseverance, and, most of all, love.
Violet Sorrengail is determined to find a cure for Xaden after the events in Iron Flame. She sets off on a perilous quest to uncover hidden truths, all while grappling with the haunting reality of her bond with Xaden, her dragons, and the weight of her legacy. Violet’s strength as a character shines through in this book, and it’s impossible not to root for her as she unravels the mysteries of her father’s research and navigates the perils of war and pushes herself beyond what she thought were her own limits.
The world-building continues to be a highlight, with the political intrigue of Navarre and Poromiel, the terrifying Venin, and the dragons all adding complexity to the plot. Onyx Storm is also more deity-focused than the previous two books. Not only are new deities introduced, but the deities readers are aware of going into this book will also be more presently mentioned. The cliffhanger is certainly a timed twist that will have new and current readers eagerly awaiting the next book while simultaneously pondering the mysteries that still lie ahead.
One of the most compelling aspects of Onyx Storm is the continued evolution of its side characters. Yarros gives her readers an insight into side characters that her audience may have mixed feelings about, which adds more depth and tension to the story with Xaden still being a very present plot point. The depth of the characters, the world-building, and funny moments easily make up for any of the slower moments.
Onyx Storm is an exhilarating, heart-wrenching, thrilling installment in the Empyrean series. It delivers a perfect blend of romance, action, and deep emotional complexity while pushing the boundaries of its world and its characters.
