Everything You Need to Know About the Third Installment in the Explosive Empyrean Series.
Rebecca Yarros has done it again. With the release of Onyx Storm, the third installment in her bestselling Empyrean series, she plunges readers deeper into the high-stakes world of Basgiath War College, dragon riders, ancient threats, and morally complex characters. Following the phenomenal success of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, Onyx Storm raises the emotional and political stakes, shaking the very foundations of the world we’ve come to love.
In this guide, we explore everything Onyx Storm has to offer—our spoiler-free review, a full rundown of the main and supporting characters, how the book fits into the larger Empyrean timeline, details about Rebecca Yarros herself, and clever easter eggs that you might have missed.
★ Our Spoiler Free Review: Gritty, Gripping, and Gloriously Devastating
Rating: 4/5
If Fourth Wing was a thrill ride and Iron Flame a battlefield, Onyx Storm is the reckoning. This installment is more introspective and emotionally weighty, digging into the consequences of Violet Sorrengail’s choices and her dual dragon bond. The political tensions are more nuanced, the battles more brutal, and the relationships, both romantic and platonic, more deeply felt.
Rebecca Yarros masterfully juggles multiple plot threads, giving long-time readers the character payoff they’ve been craving while deepening the lore behind the venin, the wards, and the dragons. The tension between duty, truth, and identity pulses on every page, making this a standout entry in the series.
The Empyrean Series So Far
Fourth Wing (Book 1)
We’re introduced to Violet Sorrengail, a physically fragile but mentally fierce daughter of a general, forced to join Basgiath War College as a rider instead of a scribe. Over the course of the novel, she not only bonds with two dragons, Tairn and Andarna, but also survives deadly tests, uncovers secrets about the kingdom’s magical wards, and falls for the enigmatic rebel, Xaden Riorson.
Iron Flame (Book 2)
The fallout begins. Violet is pushed harder than ever, both physically and emotionally. Her loyalty is tested as truths about Navarre’s history, and her mother’s role, are revealed. The plot explodes into large-scale rebellion, and the final pages set the stage for Onyx Storm with a cliffhanger that leaves hearts shattered.
Onyx Storm: Where We Are Now
Picking up directly after Iron Flame, Onyx Storm centers on Violet’s reckoning with power, leadership, and trust. The dragons are restless. The war is escalating. And Violet, now a symbol of hope (and fear), must decide who she really is and what she’s willing to sacrifice. The world is expanding too: we explore new kingdoms, deepen our understanding of the venin threat, and get a clearer picture of what lies beyond Navarre.
Main Characters (Old & New)
Violet Sorrengail
The heart of the series. Intelligent, defiant, and emotionally layered, Violet’s journey from reluctant rider to empowered leader continues. In Onyx Storm, she’s grappling with grief, guilt, and a complicated destiny as well as the ever-complicated bond with Xaden.
Xaden Riorson
Once a rebel, now a Duke, Xaden is one of the series’ most fascinating and morally grey characters. His evolution from enemy to love interest to co-conspirator is rich with complexity. In Onyx Storm, we see him stepping into a more strategic leadership role but at what cost?
Tairn & Andarna
Violet’s bonded dragons. Tairn, the ancient and grumpy one, brings gravitas, while Andarna, younger and deeply empathetic, brings unexpected power. Their dual bond remains one of the most unique elements in the series—and causes no shortage of political chaos.
Rhiannon Matthias
Loyal, brave, and intellectually brilliant, Rhiannon is Violet’s ride-or-die. She’s grown from sidekick to formidable strategist, and her voice of reason becomes even more important as tensions rise.
Imogen Cardulo
Complex and not always trustworthy, Imogen is one of the most polarizing characters in the fandom. Her actions in Iron Flame cast a long shadow in Onyx Storm, where her motivations remain deeply mysterious.
Aaric Graycastle (Cam Tauri)
The third son of King Tauri, Aaric presents a new political wildcard. His connection to the royal family, and potential loyalties, add serious tension to every scene he’s in.
Liam Mairi
Though his death in Fourth Wing rocked readers, his legacy still lingers in Onyx Storm through memories, flashbacks, and the emotional growth of those he left behind.
General Lilith Sorrengail
Violet’s mother. A figure of authority, fear, and now intrigue. Her actions continue to have ripple effects, especially as secrets come to light.
New Characters
We’re introduced to several new riders, scholars, and venin who expand the world dramatically. Keep a close eye on new dragon-human bond dynamics—they may hold clues to what’s coming next.
About Rebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros is a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who transitioned from writing military romance to fantasy with the Empyrean series. A proud military spouse, mother of six, and advocate for foster care awareness (through her nonprofit OneOctober), Yarros brings authenticity, empathy, and passion to every page.
Her background in romance writing shows in her intimate, emotionally charged scenes, while her dive into fantasy has proven her storytelling range. With Onyx Storm, Yarros has cemented her status as one of the most versatile authors in modern speculative fiction. Fun fact: She wrote Fourth Wing in under 60 days—and it shows zero signs of being rushed.
Photo by Alexander Mass
Hidden Easter Eggs in Onyx Storm
Rebecca Yarros doesn’t just build a world, she laces it with breadcrumbs. Here are some easter eggs and theories fans have picked up on:
1. The Missing Dragon Eggs
Their disappearance may be tied to ancient prophecies or secret alliances. Are the venin manipulating dragon lineages?
2. Chapter 53 Omission
One sharp-eyed reader noticed that Andarna isn’t mentioned in a key list of names, was this intentional foreshadowing?
3. The Ninth Ward
The “Ninth” keeps popping up, are there more secret societies at play than we know?
4. Symbolic Names
Several new character names appear to be anagrams or allusions to mythological figures, particularly from Celtic and Norse lore.
5. Hidden Quotes in Chapter Headers
Some chapter openers echo lines from Fourth Wing, pay attention to the language. It may hint at plot loops or character arcs.
Should You Read Onyx Storm?
If you loved Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, this is essential reading. But even if you’re new to the series, Onyx Storm rewards re-reading and careful analysis. It blends fantasy, romance, rebellion, and psychological depth in a way few series do.
It’s for you if you love:
Unique family and complicated friendships
Dragons with real personalities
Magic systems with consequences
Morally ambiguous heroes
Romance that simmers before it sizzles
Onyx Storm is a storm in every sense of the word—emotional, magical, and political. Rebecca Yarros doesn’t just write fantasy; she writes worlds that feel lived-in, characters that feel like friends (or enemies), and stories that demand your full attention. As the series barrels toward what promises to be an unforgettable finale, one thing is clear: the Empyrean world is only getting started.
Everything You Need to Know About the Third Installment in the Explosive Empyrean Series.
Rebecca Yarros has done it again. With the release of Onyx Storm, the third installment in her bestselling Empyrean series, she plunges readers deeper into the high-stakes world of Basgiath War College, dragon riders, ancient threats, and morally complex characters. Following the phenomenal success of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, Onyx Storm raises the emotional and political stakes, shaking the very foundations of the world we’ve come to love.
In this guide, we explore everything Onyx Storm has to offer—our spoiler-free review, a full rundown of the main and supporting characters, how the book fits into the larger Empyrean timeline, details about Rebecca Yarros herself, and clever easter eggs that you might have missed.
★ Our Spoiler Free Review: Gritty, Gripping, and Gloriously Devastating
Rating: 4/5
If Fourth Wing was a thrill ride and Iron Flame a battlefield, Onyx Storm is the reckoning. This installment is more introspective and emotionally weighty, digging into the consequences of Violet Sorrengail’s choices and her dual dragon bond. The political tensions are more nuanced, the battles more brutal, and the relationships, both romantic and platonic, more deeply felt.
Rebecca Yarros masterfully juggles multiple plot threads, giving long-time readers the character payoff they’ve been craving while deepening the lore behind the venin, the wards, and the dragons. The tension between duty, truth, and identity pulses on every page, making this a standout entry in the series.
The Empyrean Series So Far
Fourth Wing (Book 1)
We’re introduced to Violet Sorrengail, a physically fragile but mentally fierce daughter of a general, forced to join Basgiath War College as a rider instead of a scribe. Over the course of the novel, she not only bonds with two dragons, Tairn and Andarna, but also survives deadly tests, uncovers secrets about the kingdom’s magical wards, and falls for the enigmatic rebel, Xaden Riorson.
Iron Flame (Book 2)
The fallout begins. Violet is pushed harder than ever, both physically and emotionally. Her loyalty is tested as truths about Navarre’s history, and her mother’s role, are revealed. The plot explodes into large-scale rebellion, and the final pages set the stage for Onyx Storm with a cliffhanger that leaves hearts shattered.
Onyx Storm: Where We Are Now
Picking up directly after Iron Flame, Onyx Storm centers on Violet’s reckoning with power, leadership, and trust. The dragons are restless. The war is escalating. And Violet, now a symbol of hope (and fear), must decide who she really is and what she’s willing to sacrifice. The world is expanding too: we explore new kingdoms, deepen our understanding of the venin threat, and get a clearer picture of what lies beyond Navarre.
Main Characters (Old & New)
Violet Sorrengail
The heart of the series. Intelligent, defiant, and emotionally layered, Violet’s journey from reluctant rider to empowered leader continues. In Onyx Storm, she’s grappling with grief, guilt, and a complicated destiny as well as the ever-complicated bond with Xaden.
Xaden Riorson
Once a rebel, now a Duke, Xaden is one of the series’ most fascinating and morally grey characters. His evolution from enemy to love interest to co-conspirator is rich with complexity. In Onyx Storm, we see him stepping into a more strategic leadership role but at what cost?
Tairn & Andarna
Violet’s bonded dragons. Tairn, the ancient and grumpy one, brings gravitas, while Andarna, younger and deeply empathetic, brings unexpected power. Their dual bond remains one of the most unique elements in the series—and causes no shortage of political chaos.
Rhiannon Matthias
Loyal, brave, and intellectually brilliant, Rhiannon is Violet’s ride-or-die. She’s grown from sidekick to formidable strategist, and her voice of reason becomes even more important as tensions rise.
Imogen Cardulo
Complex and not always trustworthy, Imogen is one of the most polarizing characters in the fandom. Her actions in Iron Flame cast a long shadow in Onyx Storm, where her motivations remain deeply mysterious.
Aaric Graycastle (Cam Tauri)
The third son of King Tauri, Aaric presents a new political wildcard. His connection to the royal family, and potential loyalties, add serious tension to every scene he’s in.
Liam Mairi
Though his death in Fourth Wing rocked readers, his legacy still lingers in Onyx Storm through memories, flashbacks, and the emotional growth of those he left behind.
General Lilith Sorrengail
Violet’s mother. A figure of authority, fear, and now intrigue. Her actions continue to have ripple effects, especially as secrets come to light.
New Characters
We’re introduced to several new riders, scholars, and venin who expand the world dramatically. Keep a close eye on new dragon-human bond dynamics—they may hold clues to what’s coming next.
About Rebecca Yarros
Rebecca Yarros is a #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who transitioned from writing military romance to fantasy with the Empyrean series. A proud military spouse, mother of six, and advocate for foster care awareness (through her nonprofit OneOctober), Yarros brings authenticity, empathy, and passion to every page.
Her background in romance writing shows in her intimate, emotionally charged scenes, while her dive into fantasy has proven her storytelling range. With Onyx Storm, Yarros has cemented her status as one of the most versatile authors in modern speculative fiction. Fun fact: She wrote Fourth Wing in under 60 days—and it shows zero signs of being rushed.
Hidden Easter Eggs in Onyx Storm
Rebecca Yarros doesn’t just build a world, she laces it with breadcrumbs. Here are some easter eggs and theories fans have picked up on:
1. The Missing Dragon Eggs
Their disappearance may be tied to ancient prophecies or secret alliances. Are the venin manipulating dragon lineages?
2. Chapter 53 Omission
One sharp-eyed reader noticed that Andarna isn’t mentioned in a key list of names, was this intentional foreshadowing?
3. The Ninth Ward
The “Ninth” keeps popping up, are there more secret societies at play than we know?
4. Symbolic Names
Several new character names appear to be anagrams or allusions to mythological figures, particularly from Celtic and Norse lore.
5. Hidden Quotes in Chapter Headers
Some chapter openers echo lines from Fourth Wing, pay attention to the language. It may hint at plot loops or character arcs.
Should You Read Onyx Storm?
If you loved Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, this is essential reading. But even if you’re new to the series, Onyx Storm rewards re-reading and careful analysis. It blends fantasy, romance, rebellion, and psychological depth in a way few series do.
It’s for you if you love:
Onyx Storm is a storm in every sense of the word—emotional, magical, and political. Rebecca Yarros doesn’t just write fantasy; she writes worlds that feel lived-in, characters that feel like friends (or enemies), and stories that demand your full attention. As the series barrels toward what promises to be an unforgettable finale, one thing is clear: the Empyrean world is only getting started.
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