Introduction
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros is the third installment in the Empyrean series, a five-book fantasy saga that has garnered significant attention and a dedicated fanbase. After the explosive ending of Iron Flame, expectations were high for this next chapter. However, while the book delivers some intriguing moments and character interactions, it ultimately falls into the trap of being a “filler” book, leaving readers with mixed feelings.
Non-Spoiler Overview
Plot and Pacing
The story picks up right where Iron Flame left off, with Zaden grappling with his transformation into a Venin and Violet desperately searching for a cure. Despite the high stakes established at the end of the previous book, Onyx Storm struggles to maintain momentum. The pacing feels uneven, with much of the book dedicated to repetitive scenes and minimal plot progression until the final 50 pages.
At 527 pages, the book could have been significantly shorter. The middle section drags, with excessive traveling and repetitive beats that make the story feel like a series of loosely connected vignettes rather than a cohesive narrative.
Character Development
One of the book’s strengths lies in its focus on Violet’s squad, which continues to be a highlight of the series. The dynamics between the squad members, particularly Ridoc and Sawyer, add depth and emotional resonance. Sawyer’s struggle with losing his leg in the previous battle is one of the few consequences that feels fully explored.
However, Violet’s character arc feels underdeveloped. Given the monumental events of Iron Flame—particularly the death of her mother—readers might expect a deeper exploration of her grief and relationships. Instead, her emotions remain surface-level, and her interactions with Zaden lack the depth needed to make their relationship truly compelling.
World-Building and Dragons
The world-building in Onyx Storm expands slightly, with more insight into dragon lore and the bonds between riders and their dragons. These moments are some of the most engaging parts of the book, offering a glimpse into the intricate world Yarros has created. However, the new information often feels like it comes too late in the story, leaving readers wondering how it will impact the larger narrative.
Spoiler-Free Critique
Strengths
- Squad Dynamics: The relationships between Violet and her squad members remain a standout element, providing both humor and emotional depth.
- Dragon Lore: The exploration of dragon bonds and history adds richness to the world-building.
- Emotional Moments: A few scenes pack a powerful emotional punch, though their impact is sometimes undermined later in the story.
Weaknesses
- Repetitive Plot: The central conflict—Violet trying to cure Zaden—feels stretched thin, with little progression until the very end.
- Lack of Emotional Depth: Violet’s grief over her mother’s death is largely glossed over, and her relationship with Zaden lacks meaningful development.
- Pacing Issues: The book’s pacing is uneven, with long stretches of inactivity followed by rushed revelations.
Spoiler Section (Proceed with Caution)
Warning: This section contains spoilers for Onyx Storm.
Zaden’s Struggle
Zaden’s transformation into a Venin is a central plot point, but his internal conflict is not explored as deeply as it could be. His refusal to leech more power from the earth creates tension, but the repetitive nature of his interactions with Violet—constantly oscillating between broodiness and reconciliation—makes their relationship feel stagnant.
The Emotional Scene That Didn’t Land
One of the book’s most emotional moments involves a significant sacrifice or loss, which initially feels impactful. However, this moment is undone just 100 pages later, rendering it emotionally hollow upon reflection. This reversal undermines the stakes and leaves readers questioning the purpose of the scene.
The Ending
The book’s ending sets up the next installment, but it doesn’t feel like a natural progression from the events of Onyx Storm. Instead, it feels like the story has finally caught up to where it should have been at the end of Iron Flame, making this entire book feel like a placeholder.
Final Thoughts
Onyx Storm is a mixed bag. While it has moments of brilliance—particularly in its exploration of squad dynamics and dragon lore—it ultimately falls short of the high expectations set by its predecessors. The pacing issues, lack of emotional depth, and repetitive plot make it a weaker entry in the series.
That said, the characters and world-building remain compelling enough to keep readers invested. Fans of the series will likely find enough to enjoy, but Onyx Storm serves as a reminder that not every book in a series can be a standout.
What’s Next?
Rebecca Yarros has announced she will be taking a break before writing the fourth book, which is understandable given the pressure of maintaining such a popular series. Hopefully, this break will allow her to refocus and deliver a more cohesive and emotionally resonant story in the next installment.
Let me know your thoughts on Onyx Storm in the comments below! Do you agree with this review, or did you have a different experience? And don’t forget to check out my upcoming recap of the book for a more detailed breakdown of the plot and characters.
Thank you for reading