“Onyx Storm” – The Highly Anticipated Sequel to Fourth Wing | The third book in The Empyrean series continues Rebecca Yarros’ captivating fantasy world of magic, dragons, and intrigue. Following the sensational success of Fourth Wing in 2023, Yarros cements her status as a defining voice in romantic fantasy.
Book Review: “Onyx Storm”
- Series: Book #3 from The Empyrean
- Author: Rebecca Yarros
- 527 pages, Hardcover
- First published January 21, 2025
- Audiobook in Storytel

This review may contradict the opinions of those who enjoyed Onyx Storm, but it is purely based on my personal experience while trying to read it.
Plot
The story takes place shortly after the events of Iron Flame. The conflict is clear—the venin remain a threat, but Violet now has another priority: saving Xaden from becoming the very enemy they are fighting against. How exactly this will be achieved turns into a confusing mix of potential storylines that are started but never fully developed.
The first book, Fourth Wing, had a strong romantic arc and a heroine fighting for her place in the Riders’ Quadrant, which made it one of my favorites. But things changed with Iron Flame, where a former love was introduced to create insecurity in the protagonists’ relationship, adding an overwhelming amount of filler to the story. And to maintain the same momentum in Onyx Storm, we are once again given a nearly identical love triangle and almost the same plot progression, just in a different setting.
I was left with the impression that Rebecca Yarros no longer has anything meaningful to tell. I didn’t find a single well-developed storyline with a solid foundation. The world she supposedly expands in Onyx Storm actually requires more explanation so that the reader doesn’t feel lost among the countless names and places—many of which aren’t even on the map. Instead, Yarros dragged me through 700 pages without a clear purpose or real resolution.
Does that mean nothing happens?
Not exactly. There were a few well-executed action scenes and challenges that managed to lift my mood. The dialogue was quite entertaining, especially whenever Ridoc was involved.
However, my issue with this book is that none of the events felt significant. At one point, I thought everything would eventually connect, but by the end, I was more than disappointed. I could have just read the first and last few chapters and wouldn’t have missed anything crucial.
Spoiler Alert!
What did we learn about the venin?
Like many of you, I wanted to read Onyx Storm because of the explosive ending of Iron Flame. But this book could have easily been a short novella following book two.
From the first chapter to the end, Xaden is fine, and I kept waiting for his downfall. In reality, the entire story was just drawn-out melodrama when it could have delivered a truly powerful plot twist. The ending of Iron Flame led me to believe that Xaden would actually turn to the dark side. And the most frustrating part? This book literally ends with the exact same twist—he draws too much energy again to save the group during an identical venin attack!
Romance Between Xaden and Violet
I believe Rebecca Yarros already fulfilled her mission in the first book when these two got together. I don’t see any real development in their relationship—they’re still stuck at the intense attraction phase. There was no genuine conflict to create tension between them, and their dialogues lacked the depth to showcase their romantic connection.
The only improvement was that they at least trusted each other more. If the melodrama in Iron Flame was “We love each other, but we can’t trust one another,” then here, it’s “I love you, but we can’t be together because you make me lose control over my powers.” Long live abstinence.
Conclusion & Rating
My rating: ⭐️⭐️ (2 stars)
This review contains all my frustrations with the book, but I won’t say it is entirely without merit. The beginning was slow and confusing, but the middle section improved significantly. There were several fun and memorable moments.
Ultimately, the decision to give this story a chance is up to you. Every book has its readers, and the millions of fans of this series are proof of that.
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.