The long-anticipated release, “Onyx Storm,” by Rebbeca Yarros, made it to the public on Jan. 21, 2024, to bookstores worldwide. “Onyx Storm” is the third book in the BookTok sensation series Empyrean. Many fans waited at bookstores or held their own release parties, anticipating and theorizing what would happen. Now that it is released, it is time to see which theories are golden and which are distorted.
The “Empyrean” series follows Violet Sorrengail on her journey through the rider’s quadrant at Basgiath War College. Being small, fragile and breakable, Violet has a hard time adjusting to the harsh conditions and expectations at Basgiath. Xaden Riorson, the son of the rebellion leader six years ago, is the man Violet is told to stay away from. Staying away is hard, especially after Violet bonds with the dragon named Tairn, who is Xaden’s dragon’s mate. Having mated dragons means they are forced to protect one another and be in close proximity. In this new edition of the series, readers follow Violet in her second year at Basgiath as she navigates through new and old romances and the oncoming battle between the good people and corrupt Venin. The latter ones are draining power from the ground and other people in an attempt to take over the providences. Xaden and Violet have their secrets, and their relationship is constantly being put to the test. Violet and her dragons, Tarin and Andarna, recruit their squadmates on a racing quest to find answers and antidotes to all their questions before the Venin takes what is most precious to them.
“Onyx Storm” takes readers through a roller coaster of feelings, from the squad’s adventures to the sizzling romance between Xaden and Violet. Violet and Xaden’s relationship in this book has fans swooning. As they have both grown and fought, fans hoped this book would be the one where a significant positive change would happen in their relationship. As readers dig deeper into the book, it is apparent how much Xaden, Violet and their dragons’ relationship has strengthened. There were many moments where readers were kicking their feet at the romantic gestures. Only to then be yelling at the next page for the quick turnaround and presentation of another plot twist. Various small plot twists keep readers captivated and encased in their emotions as those turn to foreshadow later events in the book. As perusal, Yarros left many easter eggs referencing earlier books in the series and foreshadowing later parts in the “Onyx Storm.”
After reading “Onyx Storm,” fans are already forming new theories for the fourth book in the Empyrean series, which has yet to be released. Yarros teased the release by publishing an “Onyx Storm” playlist on Spotify for fans to listen to. As readers listen to the playlist, they will find the songs that match what is happening in the book. Because of the perfect combination, the emotion overwhelms those reading. Yarros has been nicknamed by fans as the Taylor Swift of the book world because of all the hints, teasers, and easter eggs that can be found in her posts. Many readers feel shocked, jaw dropped and astonished after finishing the book.
Overall, the book is definitely worth reading and rereading. It combines the perfect amount of romance and drama with battle and plot twists to create a well-written addition to the series. It was well worth the wait and speculation and deserves all the hype.