Onyx Storm Book Review: The Empyrean’s Epic Third Act

Publication & Quick Facts

• Full Title: Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, #3)
• Author: Rebecca Yarros
• Publisher: Red Tower Books (Entangled Publishing)
• Publication Date: January 21, 2025
• Genre: New Adult Fantasy, Romantic Fantasy, Dragon Fiction
• Page Count: 640 pages (Hardcover)
• ISBN: 978-1649376402
• Awards/Bestseller Status: #1 New York Times Bestseller, #1 USA Today Bestseller, #1 Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller, International Bestseller
• Perfect For: Fans of Fourth Wing, A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, and The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent.

Introduction & Quick Verdict

The dragons are back, and the stakes have never been higher. Onyx Storm, the hotly anticipated third installment in Rebecca Yarros’s blockbuster Empyrean series, has dominated bestseller lists and BookTok conversations since its announcement. Following the explosive cliffhanger of Iron Flame, readers have been clamoring to know: what happens next to Violet, Xaden, and their bonded dragons? This Onyx Storm review will give you the spoiler-free lowdown on whether this massive tome delivers the heart-pounding action, swoon-worthy romance, and shocking twists the series is known for. If you’re wondering if it’s worth the wait, the answer is a resounding yes—with a few caveats. Quick Verdict: A tense, action-packed, and emotionally grueling middle-book sequel that successfully expands the world and deepens the magic, though its sheer density may test some readers’ patience. Essential for fans invested in the Empyrean saga.

What Readers Are Saying (Spoiler-Free Consensus)

With overwhelmingly positive early ratings (consistently 4.5+ stars), the fanbase has spoken loudly. Here’s the spoiler-free consensus from thousands of early reviews.

The Praise

1. World-Building Expansion: Readers are thrilled with the massive expansion of the Empyrean world. The story moves beyond Basgiath War College, exploring new territories, factions, and the deeper lore of the dragons and venin, which most found fascinating and satisfying.
2. Character Development & New Dynamics: Violet’s growth as a rider and leader is widely praised. The introduction of new characters and the evolution of relationships—both romantic and platonic—add fresh layers to the narrative.
3. Unputdownable Tension & Pacing (Once It Starts): The second half of the book is repeatedly described as a “rollercoaster” and “wild ride.” The plot twists are classic Yarros—bold, shocking, and designed to keep readers frantically turning all 640 pages.
4. Dragon Lore: The deepening bond between riders and dragons, and the revelation of more dragon history, remains a cornerstone of what fans love most about the series.

The Criticisms

1. The “Middle Book” Slow Burn: The most common critique is the pacing in the first third to half of the book. After the cliffhanger of Iron Flame, some readers found the initial setup and travel/planning phases slower than expected, noting it feels like a necessary but prolonged setup for the finale.
2. Overwhelming Information & Cast: A few readers felt slightly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of new characters, locations, and magical rules introduced, which can require close attention to track.

Onyx Storm Synopsis & Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)

Onyx Storm picks up immediately after the world-shattering ending of Iron Flame. Violet Sorrengail is reeling, faced with devastating personal losses and the colossal burden of new, terrifying knowledge. The war against the venin is no longer a distant threat; it is at the gates. To stand a chance, Violet, Xaden, and their allies must leave the relative (and treacherous) safety of Basgiath behind.

Their mission: to seek out ancient allies, uncover long-lost truths about the magic that binds their world, and find a way to wield Violet’s unique power against a seemingly unstoppable enemy. This journey forces them into uncharted territories, forcing them to navigate fragile political alliances with distrustful kingdoms and confront the grim realities of a continent at war. Trust is fractured, secrets threaten to unravel everything, and every choice carries the weight of potential catastrophe. The bond between dragon and rider will be tested like never before in a desperate race to change the course of destiny.

Character Deep Dive

Violet Sorrengail: The Reluctant General

Violet’s evolution continues to be the heart of the series. No longer the fragile first-year scribe, she is now a battle-hardened rider burdened with leadership and prophecy. Her Onyx Storm character arc focuses on her grappling with immense responsibility, the cost of war, and learning to harness her power not from a place of fear, but of strategic command. Her intelligence remains her greatest weapon.

Xaden Riorson: The Shadowed Protector

Xaden’s journey in this installment is defined by duality and desperation. His love for Violet is as fierce as ever, but it wars with his own darkening power and the secrets he must keep to protect their cause. Readers see him struggle to maintain control—over his magic, his fate, and the precarious alliances holding their rebellion together. His role expands beyond love interest to a central, complex figure in the magical and political conflict.

The Dragons (Tairn & Andarna): The Ancient Hearts

The dragons are far more than mounts; they are full partners. Tairn’s gruff wisdom and deep bond with Violet face new challenges as the war escalates. Andarna, however, truly steps into the spotlight. Her unique nature and delayed maturation become central to the plot, with her role and abilities holding potentially world-altering significance. Their personalities and ancient lore provide some of the book’s most compelling moments.

The New & Expanded Cast: Allies and Antagonists

Onyx Storm introduces key new players, including leaders of neutral nations and figures from dragon lore. Existing supporting characters like Ridoc, Sawyer, and Brennan see their roles expanded, facing their own trials and moral dilemmas. The venin also become more nuanced, moving from a faceless evil to a force with its own terrifying hierarchy and motivation.

Themes, Symbols & Reading Experience

Central Themes:

1. The Burden of Leadership & Sacrifice: The novel relentlessly explores what it truly costs to lead in war. Violet and Xaden are forced to make heartbreaking choices that pit personal love against the greater good.
2. Identity and Power: Characters grapple with what they are becoming. This is especially true for those wielding new or unstable magic, asking: does power define you, or do you define your power?
3. Found Family vs. Blood Loyalty: The theme of chosen family is tested as loyalties to nation, family name, and rebel cause collide under extreme pressure.
4. The Corruption of Power & Preservation: The venin threat serves as a stark symbol of consumption and corruption versus the Empyrean’s struggle to preserve and protect, a classic fantasy theme rendered with fresh urgency.

Reading Experience & Vibe:
Onyx Storm is an epic, dense, and emotionally intense read. The first half is a strategic, world-building-heavy “journey” phase, filled with political maneuvering and tense preparation. The second half accelerates into a relentless, high-stakes sequence of battles, revelations, and twists. The tone is darker and more desperate than Fourth Wing, fully embracing the grim realities of its war-torn setting. It’s a book that demands investment but rewards it with explosive payoff.

Full Review & Critical Analysis

What Worked Brilliantly

Rebecca Yarros demonstrates immense ambition in Onyx Storm. The bold expansion of the world beyond Basgiath is its greatest strength, transforming the series from a magical-school adventure into a full-scale epic fantasy. The dragon lore is deepened in incredibly satisfying ways, making the creatures feel even more integral to the world’s history and magic system. The romantic tension, while different from the first book’s enemies-to-lovers dynamic, evolves into a more profound and tortured partnership, which feels appropriate for the dire circumstances. The final act is a masterclass in suspense, delivering the kind of shocking, series-altering twists that define must-read fantasy.

What Didn’t Quite Land in Onyx Storm Book

The book’s greatest strength is also its primary hurdle: its size and scope. The pacing in the first half can feel sluggish, as it necessarily sets up a complex chessboard of new factions and journeys. Some plot points and new magical rules are explained through dense info-dumps that can momentarily stall the narrative momentum. While the large cast is impressive, a few new characters feel more like functional pieces of the plot than fully fleshed-out individuals.

Comparative Analysis

• For fans of A Court of Wings and Ruin (Sarah J. Maas): You’ll appreciate the similar scale-up in this third book—the war council planning, the journey to rally allies, and the high emotional stakes for the central couple.
• For fans of The Empire of Gold (S.A. Chakraborty): If you enjoyed the political maneuvering and mythological deep-dives of the Daevabad trilogy’s finale, the expansive world-building in Onyx Storm will feel familiar and engaging.

Final Rating & Recommendation

4 out of 5 Stars.

Recommend For: Die-hard fans of The Empyrean series who need to continue the story. Readers who love epic fantasy with detailed world-building, dragon companions, and romantasy elements. Those who don’t mind a slower, denser build-up for a massive payoff.

Maybe Not For: Readers new to the series (absolutely start with Fourth Wing). Those seeking a light, fast-paced read or who were frustrated by Iron Flame‘s pacing. Readers who prefer standalone stories or concluded trilogies (this is very much a “middle book” setting up a grand finale).

Book Club Questions

1. How does the change of setting—from the controlled chaos of Basgiath to the open, war-torn continent—affect the tone and stakes of the story?
2. Discuss Violet’s leadership style. How does it differ from her mother’s, Dain’s, or Xaden’s? What are her strengths and vulnerabilities as a leader?
3. Andarna’s role expands dramatically. What did you think of her maturation and the revelations about her kind? How does this change your understanding of the dragons?
4. The theme of “necessary lies” or secrets runs deep. Which character’s secret-keeping did you find most justified? Most frustrating?
5. Spoiler Discussion: Talk about the major twist/revelation in the final act regarding the nature of the conflict. How does this reframe the entire series so far?
6. How are the venin portrayed differently in this book compared to Iron Flame? Does giving them more context make them more or less effective as antagonists?
7. Spoiler Discussion: Consider the ending’s major character moment or cliffhanger. What are your predictions for the consequences in the next book?
8. Which new ally or faction introduced did you find most interesting, and why?
9. The book delves into the cost of war on a personal and societal level. Which moment or sacrifice resonated with you the most?
10. Based on the lore uncovered, what are your biggest theories for the series finale?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is Onyx Storm part of a series?
A: Yes. It is the third book in Rebecca Yarros’s planned five-book The Empyrean series. You must read Fourth Wing (Book 1) and Iron Flame (Book 2) first.

Q: What is the ending of Onyx Storm explained? (No Spoilers)
A: The ending is a high-stakes, game-changing cliffhanger that is both emotionally charged and massively consequential for the world’s lore. It falls into the “explosive, twist-filled, and agony-inducing” category, directly setting up the central conflict for Book 4. It is not a peaceful or resolved ending.

Q: Is Onyx Storm appropriate for Young Adults/Teens?
A: The series is categorized as New Adult (NA), not Young Adult (YA). It contains explicit romantic scenes, intense graphic violence, dark themes, and complex political/war-time situations. It is most suitable for mature readers 18 and older.

Q: Are there any content warnings for Onyx Storm I should know about?
A: Yes. Common content warnings include: graphic violence and war depictions, death/grief, torture, sexual content, mentions of parental abuse (past), PTSD, and intense psychological pressure.

Q: Will there be a movie or TV adaptation?
A: Yes! Amazon MGM Studios secured the rights to adapt the entire Empyrean series, with Fourth Wing already in active development. Rebecca Yarros is involved as a producer.

Q: What are similar books to Onyx Storm?
A: For similar romantasy with epic scale and dragons, try The War of Lost Hearts series by Carissa Broadbent or Songs of Chaos by Michael R. Miller. For NA fantasy with strong romantic subplots and military elements, try The Bridge Kingdom series by Danielle L. Jensen.