These days, by 10 p.m., I’m usually in my pajamas, skincare routine complete, and winding down for the night. But when bookstores are handing out early releases at 9 p.m., there’s no way I’m missing the chance to snag a copy of Onyx Storm, the highly anticipated third book in Rebecca Yarros’ The Empyrean Saga.
From the moment I opened Fourth Wing, I knew Yarros had struck gold. With its war college backdrop, sizzling romance, and unforgettable side characters, it hit shelves at the perfect time. Thanks to Booktok, everyone (including yours truly!) rediscovered their love of reading, and best believe we were hungry for more—and Fourth Wing delivered.
But instant success comes with high expectations. While Iron Flame fed our cravings, it wasn’t flawless. For me, it was a solid four-star follow-up to Fourth Wing’s instant five-star status. Now, with Onyx Storm, Yarros has outdone herself. The third installment is, without a doubt, the best yet with a few critiques.
Stop reading now, if you do not want any spoilers!
Onyx Storm Rebecca Yarros
After 18 months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows the time for lessons is over—the real battle has begun. With enemies closing in both outside and within, Violet must venture beyond the crumbling Aretian wards to find allies for Navarre. The journey will push her wit, strength, and resolve to the limit, but she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her dragons, her family, her home—and him.
What is Onyx Storm about?
Onyx Storm picks up right where Iron Flame leaves off—literally. If you haven’t had time for a reread, I highly recommend catching a quick summary on YouTube to avoid feeling lost. I skipped both and found myself playing catch-up for the first few chapters.
Still reeling from the battle at Basgiath, Violet dives headfirst into her next mission: finding a cure for Xaden. His use of dark power has been minimal so far, but the urge to draw more grows stronger each day. It’s a dangerous race against time before he reaches the point of no return.
As the war intensifies, Violet faces mounting challenges: the weakening Aretian wards—key to protecting Xaden’s homeland—and Xaden’s dwindling control. Andarna (easily my favorite character) might hold the answers to both problems, but first, they must find the rest of her kind. With Xaden, Mira, and their squad, Violet embarks on a perilous journey across the sea in search of the solutions they desperately need.
The Review of Onyx Storm
Onyx Storm wastes no time diving straight into the action, a stark contrast to the slower start of Iron Flame. At first, I felt completely lost—likely my fault for not rereading the earlier books—but it didn’t take long to jog my memory. Once I settled in, I was hooked. Every page drives the story forward, with subtle clues hidden in dialogue, expressions, and background details. I found myself dissecting every word, crafting theories, and racing to uncover the mysteries alongside Violet.
True to form, the side characters shine in Onyx Storm. Aaric, Ridoc, and Cat stood out as multilayered, vital players in the larger narrative. Add to that an expanding world filled with new cities, dragons, and lore, and it’s no surprise I couldn’t put the book down—early bedtime be damned.
While Violet and Xaden’s romance sometimes felt distracting amidst the high-stakes plot, the overall story is the strongest yet. With Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros delivers her best installment of The Empyrean Saga—riveting, immersive, and utterly unforgettable.
Is it Worth Reading?
Still debating whether Onyx Storm is worth the read? If you loved Fourth Wing but felt Iron Flame didn’t quite hit the mark, let me save you the trouble: Onyx Storm is a must-read. Sure, I’ve quit series before when the magic didn’t last past book one or two, but skipping this one would be a mistake.
Onyx Storm is the turning point of The Empyrean Saga. It’s fast-paced, brimming with chemistry (not just between Violet and Xaden), and absolutely unputdownable. With higher stakes, deeper lore, and emotional moments that hit you right in the gut, it takes everything you loved about the first two books and elevates it.
So yes, Onyx Storm is worth it. By the time you reach the final page, you’ll be counting down the days until the next installment. Speaking of, when’s that coming, Rebecca?
