Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Series: The Empyrean #3
Also in this Series: Fourth Wing, Iron Flame
Main Leads: Violet Sorrengail, Xaden Riorson
Secondary Characters: Tairn, Andarna, Sgaeyl, Brennan Sorrengail, Mira Sorrengail, Bodhi Durran, Rhiannon Matthias, Ridoc Gamlyn, Sawyer Henrick, Jesinia Neilwart, Catriona Cordella, Aaric Graycastle, Garrick Tavis, Imogen Cardulo, Maren Zina, Sloane Mairi
Setting: The Continent, Basgiath, Aretia, The Isles, Draithus
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fiction
Tropes: Forbidden Love, Found Family, Quest, Overcoming the Odds, Morally Gray Hero, Second Year Rider
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Publisher: Entangled Red Tower Books
Format: Audio, e-Book
Source: Purchased
Pages: 544
Add It: Goodreads
Purchase It: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo

After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons. No more time for uncertainty. Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust.

Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him.

Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything. They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth. But a storm is coming…and not everyone can survive its wrath.

I went through these books so fast that I think I need to go back and do a slower, more thorough re-read because I know that I don’t remember everything that happened even though I was completely hooked on every word. I read a lot of reviews saying that this was their least favorite read of the series and I can’t relate because I really liked this one. I was so engrossed in the story, the characters, and the journey that I zipped right through this big ass book. I’m really loving how everything is coming together, how all of the characters are coming together, working together to get shit done. There’s a lot to do, a lot to prepare and with each step forward, it seems like the crew is kicked back ten steps.

Xaden is giving me anxiety and I felt Violet’s helplessness in trying to figure everything out while trying to save everyone. It’s a lot for someone so young but Violet had a spine of steel because she never let any set backs keep her down for long and man, I was in tears at the end of the book.

“I love you more than this city. Do not die defending it.”

The wealth of love and faith that Xaden has in Violet, ahhhhh, I’m here for it. I was in tears with each book but this one hit me right in my heart. My heart broke for all that was lost and all that is still to come. You’d think that after three books, there would be some let up in the drama but when this book ends, there’s still so much left to do, so much left to fix, and I have no idea how it will all come together but I can’t wait to see how Rebecca Yarros puts it down.

I’m glad that I read this book because there were so many people that hated this book that I was low key scared that I’d hate it too. That wasn’t the case though and while I don’t want to get into the nitty gritty for fear of spoiling anything so you’ll just have to just take my word for it. Read this book. Do yourself a solid and dive into a world of magic, dragons, and so much action packed drama that will have you hooked. I’m not sure that I’m ready for Xaden jumping into his villain era but I am looking forward to seeing Violet rising to the challenge of saving her loved ones. The conversation that Xaden has with Sgaeyl at the end had me crying my eyes out. I was so scared that what happened was going to happen so when it finally does happen, my heart broke and even though I was mad that we’re still in the thick of everything, I need the next book. I hella need the next book because where else can we go from here? What will Violet do? What will her crew do? What about the dragons? Who is Xaden’s new brother? I have some theories so I’m anxious to see if I’m right or not. Gahhh, this book is so good. Anyone that says any different is trippin’.

Rating

4.5 out of 5

The Empyrean Series