Onyx Storm, the highly anticipated third book in the Empyrean series, delivers an action-packed, emotional rollercoaster of a read. While it took me a bit to fully immerse myself in the story, once the momentum picked up, I was completely hooked. The stakes are higher than ever, the character development is rich, and the intricate world-building continues to impress. This installment expands on the conflicts, deepens the relationships, and pushes Violet, Xaden, and their allies to the brink of their limits.
If you're here for a refresher or a spoiler-free review before diving in, let me walk you through what made Onyx Storm such a compelling read.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Violet Sorrengail is back at Basgiath, but peace is an illusion. The tension between riders, gryphon fliers, and the ruling powers of Navarre reaches a breaking point. With Xaden still struggling against his growing darkness and the looming threat of the venin escalating, Violet is faced with impossible choices. The hunt for answers about her lineage, the mysterious seventh dragon, and the fate of their world pushes her into even more dangerous territory.
Meanwhile, new alliances are formed, old rivalries resurface, and long-hidden secrets begin to unravel. With war brewing, Violet and her squad must navigate treacherous politics, uncover long-buried truths, and prepare for a battle that will determine the fate of Navarre and beyond.
Review:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Onyx Storm is book three in the Empyrean series, blending thrilling action, emotional depth, and fascinating world-building. While the beginning takes some time to build momentum, the payoff is more than worth it, making this a gripping read that will leave fans eager for what’s next!
Here is what you can look forward to in Onyx Storm!
⭐ Complex Character Growth -Violet continues to evolve, learning how to wield her power while balancing her own moral compass. Xaden’s internal battle between love and darkness is heartbreaking and adds so much depth to his character.
🔥 High-Stakes Action - From thrilling battles to intense duels, Onyx Storm doesn’t hold back on gripping, adrenaline-fueled scenes. Rebecca Yarros keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
💔 Emotional Depth - This book isn’t just about war—it’s about loyalty, sacrifice, and the emotional toll of leadership. The relationships, both romantic and platonic, feel raw and real.
🐉 Dragon Lore Expansion - We finally get more insight into Andarna’s kind, and the new revelations about dragons in this world make the story even more intriguing.
🎭 The Political Intrigue - The ruling powers are more involved in this book, and the push-and-pull of alliances, betrayals, and unexpected twists make for a compelling read.
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. Thanks for supporting my book-loving habits!
What Could Have Been Stronger:
⏳ Slow Start -The first few chapters were dense with politics and setup, making it a bit harder to get into. However, once things started rolling, the pacing improved dramatically.
💔 Frustrating Character Choices -Some characters (cough Halden cough) made choices that left me screaming at the book, but I suppose that’s part of the emotional investment!
If you're diving into Onyx Storm, you might want a refresher on the rest of the Empyrean series. Or if while reading you hid a character you can't place check out our spoiler free character guide!
Why Does Onyx Storm Get So Much Hate?
The Empyrean series, especially Onyx Storm, gets a lot of unnecessary hate, and honestly, I think it’s the unfortunate result of overhype setting the wrong expectations. When a book series blows up the way this one has, it’s almost inevitable that people start expecting it to be something it was never meant to be-like a deeply intricate high fantasy series.
But let’s be real: Fourth Wing was never trying to be Game of Thrones. This series is about the vibes, the dragons, the addictive romance, and the characters we’ve grown to love. If you go in expecting a fun, fast-paced, emotionally engaging ride with high-stakes action and plenty of angst, you’re going to have a great time. And that’s exactly why so many of us are still here, rooting for these characters and loving every dramatic twist and turn!
Should You Read Onyx Storm?
Absolutely! If you loved Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, and you are here for a good time you’ll probably enjoy Onyx Storm. It expands on everything that makes the Empyrean series so gripping—powerful world-building, high-intensity action, swoon-worthy romance, and deeper emotional stakes.
If you are a fan of high fantasy these books may not be for you and that's ok. If you are into a fun time with characters you will love this series is for you!
Whether you’re here for the dragons, the battle strategies, or the slow-burn tension between Violet and Xaden, Onyx Storm delivers on every front. Just be prepared for shocking twists, epic showdowns, and a heart-pounding cliffhanger that will leave you desperate for the next book.
Have you read Onyx Storm yet? What did you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
