In the boundless realm of fantasy literature, few series capture the collective imagination with the ferocity of Rebecca Yarros’ The Empyrean Series. With Onyx Storm, the third of five anticipated novels, Yarros unleashes a tempest of emotion, intrigue, and dragon-fueled warfare that has readers across the globe spellbound. Midnight release parties, special editions commanding exorbitant resale prices, and charts ablaze with its dominance testify to its cultural phenomenon.
As a lifelong devotee of books—particularly those where dragons soar and stories pulse with life—I approached Onyx Storm not merely as a reader but as a pilgrim seeking the magic of a tale well-told. This review delves into the heart of Onyx Storm, celebrating its strengths, acknowledging its stumbles, and inviting you to join the flight.
A World of Dragons and Dreams
My love affair with The Empyrean Series began serendipitously. Dragons have always been my literary north star, their majestic power and enigmatic wisdom drawing me to countless tales. Yet, Fourth Wing, the series’ opener, lingered low on my to-read list until a colleague’s glowing review—calling it “not high literature, but the most exhilarating read of the year”—sparked my curiosity.
Over the 2023 Christmas break, I dove into Fourth Wing and its successor, Iron Flame, devouring both in a feverish week. The world of Basgiath War College, where dragon riders forge bonds of fire and fate, captivated me utterly.
Onyx Storm arrives as a continuation of this saga, and oh, what a journey it is. The novel picks up the threads of Violet Sorrengail, a lightning-wielding rider, and Xaden Riorson, her shadow-cloaked counterpart, as they navigate a world teetering on the edge of chaos.
The stakes are higher, the battles fiercer, and the dragons—those glorious, multifaceted creatures—remain the beating heart of the story. For anyone who cherishes fantasy that blends heart-pounding action with soul-stirring relationships, Onyx Storm is a beacon.
Stumbling Into the Storm
Admittedly, my reunion with Yarros’ world was not without turbulence. The opening hundred pages of Onyx Storm felt like wading through a fog-laden battlefield. The Empyrean Series boasts a sprawling cast—riders, dragons, and their magical signets—each demanding recollection. Without a recent reread of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, I found myself adrift, piecing together past events and minor characters.
The novel’s brief dramatis personae offers some aid, but its lack of a “story so far” summary is a notable oversight. For readers less steeped in the series’ lore, this entry point can feel daunting, as though Yarros leans on her fervent fanbase’s devotion to carry the narrative’s weight.
Yet, like a dragon finding its wings, the story soon soars. Once I reacquainted myself with the world, the pages turned with a fervor that only a truly immersive tale can inspire. This initial hurdle, while frustrating, underscores the depth of Yarros’ universe—a testament to its complexity, even if it demands patience.
The Majesty of Dragons and Bonds
Dragons: The Soul of the Series
If Onyx Storm has a crown jewel, it is undoubtedly its dragons. Tairn, the curmudgeonly elder dragon, and Andarna, his youthful, sunshine-infused counterpart, form a dynamic duo that steals every scene. Their interplay—gruff wisdom clashing with impish optimism—is a masterclass in character crafting.
Yarros expands the draconic lore in this installment, unveiling layers of their society that make them more than mere mounts. These are beings of immense power and agency, their riders but threads in their ancient tapestry. As a reader who weeps over the nobility of fictional creatures, I found myself utterly enchanted.
The Heartbeat of Camaraderie
Beyond the dragons, Onyx Storm shines in its depiction of camaraderie. The bonds among the dragon riders, forged in the crucible of Basgiath War College’s brutal training, resonate with authenticity. These relationships evoke the unspoken loyalty of soldiers who’ve faced death together, a theme Yarros renders with poignant clarity.
Ridoc, the series’ resident comic relief, delivers moments of levity that pierce the story’s darker tones. I longed for more focus on these supporting characters—an ensemble approach that might have elevated the narrative further. Violet and Xaden, while compelling, occasionally overshadow the vibrant squad that surrounds them.
A Dance of Romance and Fantasy
Romantasy Done Right
Labeled as “romantasy,” Onyx Storm navigates the delicate balance between love and lore with finesse. As someone who prefers fantasy’s epic sweep over romance’s intimacy, I approached the series with trepidation, given Yarros’ roots as a romance novelist. Yet, Onyx Storm proves a triumph of genre fusion. The romantic tension between Violet and Xaden simmers, punctuated by tastefully crafted scenes that never overwhelm the plot.
Yarros herself declares that a rider’s truest love is their dragon, a sentiment that anchors the series firmly in fantasy’s domain. This balance ensures Onyx Storm appeals to a broad audience, from romance enthusiasts to dragon purists like myself.
A Darker, Deeper Tone
The tone of Onyx Storm marks a departure from its predecessors, embracing a grittier, more visceral edge. While not grimdark, the novel delves into the brutal realities of war, with combat scenes that pulse with adrenaline and moments of loss that linger. Yarros’ commitment to her characters’ humanity shines here—she weaves in themes of grief, chronic pain (notably Violet’s), and the slow, often overlooked process of healing. These elements ground the fantastical, reminding us that even in a world of dragons, the heart’s wounds are universal.
A Shared Literary Adventure
For me, the true magic of Onyx Storm lies not only in its pages but in the community it fosters. Books are my sanctuary, fantasy my escape, yet reading often feels solitary. Onyx Storm shatters that isolation. Its meteoric rise has sparked conversations in my book club, animated debates with friends, and even bonded me with family members who rarely venture into fantasy. This shared enthusiasm feels like a rare gift—a spirograph of connection weaving through my life’s circles. In an era where stories can unite us, Onyx Storm is a testament to literature’s power to build bridges.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros – A Flight Worth Taking
Onyx Storm is not without flaws. Its steep learning curve may deter casual readers, and its focus on Violet and Xaden occasionally overshadows its vibrant ensemble. Yet, these are but clouds in an otherwise radiant sky. With its breathtaking dragons, heartfelt camaraderie, and deft blend of romance and fantasy, the novel delivers an escape that lingers long after the final page. It may not claim the title of my favorite read of 2025, but it is a journey I’ll cherish—one that rekindled my love for stories that soar.
For those seeking a fantasy that ignites the imagination, Onyx Storm is a worthy adventure. Its dragons will captivate, its characters will move you, and its world will beckon you back. As the Empyrean Series continues, I eagerly await the next chapter, hoping for more dragons, deeper bonds, and stories that unite us all. If you’re ready to take flight, Onyx Storm awaits.
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