Onyx Storm (Empyrean #3)

Rebecca raised the stakes again and I fear that my book hangover is too large to start a new series until this one is complete. Violet Sorrengail is no longer just a student at Basgiath War College—she’s a warrior whose choices could determine the fate of Navarre itself. Her educators out for blood make her decisions complicated and doing the right thing comes with a cost no matter what. The transition from training to true leadership is grueling, and Rebecca captures every moment of Violet’s transformation with unflinching depth. Beyond the safety of the Aretian wards, the world is more treacherous than ever, testing not only Violet’s strength but her very convictions. Her need to save him, no matter what. Meanwhile, the romance remains as intoxicating as ever—charged with longing, uncertainty, and an undeniable pull that refuses to be ignored. Rebecca masterfully balances large-scale conflicts with the deeply personal, ensuring that every victory, every heartbreak, matters. Perhaps most intriguing is the novel’s exploration of secrets—their power, their cost, and the reckoning they inevitably demand. Violet isn’t just uncovering truths about Navarre; she’s forced to confront the ones she’s buried within herself. And when those long-buried secrets finally surface? The fallout is nothing short of explosive. If there’s any flaw, it’s that the pacing slows at times—but the trade-off is a climax that more than delivers, leaving readers breathless and desperate for what comes next. This is a gripping, pulse-pounding continuation of the Empyrean series that raises the bar yet again. However the story must be followed, notes taken and of course a Xaden Riorson obsession is inevitable.

I pre-ordered Onyx Storm and it arrived on release day in the afternoon, which made the wait feel even more exciting. This is one of my favourite series and I’m so glad to see it continue strong. The story definitely gets more complex in this one, with a lot of detail and world-building. At times it felt a little heavy, and better maps would have made it easier to follow certain parts. But overall it’s another brilliant book from Rebecca Yarros. The character development really stood out in this one and I loved seeing how the relationships and inner conflicts evolved. The book itself is sturdy and well made, with a lovely cover. True to the series, it ends on a cliffhanger and now I’m counting the days until the next one. Definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy with romance, action, and great characters. Would also work well for older teens and young adults.

👻 book 3/5 on going fantasy romance 🍑 open door spice 👻 dragons, magical powers 🍑 protective MMC and FMC 👻 military college setting 🍑 ‘would burn the world for her’ MMC 👻 more focus on the lore and world building 🍑 standout side characters I didn’t know just how much I missed this world until I dove into this one. There’s just something about the way Yarros writes that makes you feel like you’re coming home to your friends and family when you pick up this series. Like the books before, Onyx Storm is rammed with action, angst, sizzling hot romance and some of the best side characters I’ve ever come across. You very rarely have time to get off the speeding treadmill that is this book and take in all the information you’re being told but quite honestly, I love that. It makes you feel like you’re living the book alongside Violet, making everything feel more tense and more real. Onyx Storm is definitely your mid series kind of book. There’s lots more lore and world and character building and lots of crumbs being left for the next few books. Personally, I really enjoyed this. Like Violet, we’re shown the world beyond Basgiath and I think it’s such a crucial book to the series. One I’ll absolutely be rereading before the next one as I’ll inevitably forget all I’ve learnt 😁 I can’t do a review without making note of the standout that is Ridoc. If you’re a Ridoc fan, you’re gonna love this one Overall, I loved it. It’s worth the hype and a necessity to the series. I have tons more questions and even more thoughts and I already miss them all.. maybe a reread is due soon🤭

I went straight to Waterstones to pick up my copy of Onyx Storm on release day!! 🖤 After binging the rest of the Empyrean series, I was beyond excited to dive into this. Rebecca Yarros is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors of all time, and I am SO invested in this series. That said, I did struggle to get into this book at the start. Loads happened in the first few chapters and while it was fast paced, it felt like the main storyline wasn’t progressing much, which made the first section a bit difficult to get through. I also had trouble remembering some of the minor characters, especially when they were being referred to by “cadet surname” instead of their first names…definitely a little confusing at times. However around the 40% mark this book really kicked in, wowwww. I couldn’t put it down! As the third book in the series, I expected OX to be a bit of a “filler” book and it was a little but I absolutely loved Andarna’s journey to find her family, the exploration of the islands, and the fact that nothing felt predictable. Violet’s growth, her becoming more self-assured and confident, was compelling to read, and I’m loving the direction her character is taking. Xaden and Violet’s relationship is my favourite part of these books and I’m glad that Yarros still finds a way to keep this interesting for the reader, despite them already being in love. When I read “No. Wait…” at the end I was sobbing. I’ll be thinking about that moment forever I swear haha. And that ending?! WHO is the new brother??? Why can’t violet remember??? WHAT IS GOING ON??? This series is just so rich in world-building, characters and emotion, and I am already counting down the days for the next book. I can see why people are calling it the next Harry Potter.

Rebecca Yarros has done it again with Onyx Storm, the thrilling follow-up to Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. This installment takes readers on an unforgettable journey that combines high-stakes action, emotional depth, and jaw-dropping revelations. The character development in this book is exceptional, particularly for Violet Sorrengail. She has grown into a fierce, determined protagonist, and her journey is as inspiring as it is heart-wrenching. Her strength, intelligence, and vulnerability shine in equal measure, making her one of my favorite characters in recent fantasy fiction. And then there’s Xaden. What can I say? He remains an irresistible force, a character so compelling that no twist or revelation could diminish my love for him. His dynamic with Violet continues to sizzle, adding layers of tension and tenderness to the story. Surprisingly, Dain’s arc also left me reflecting. While he’s made questionable choices, this book hints that he might deserve a second chance—a testament to Yarros’ ability to craft multi-dimensional characters. The plot is packed with new information, unveiling more about the world and its magic. However, just when I thought I had a grasp on things, Yarros dropped even more unanswered questions, leaving me desperate for the next book. And the ending—oh, the ending! While I had a feeling something big was coming, I was still left stunned. It was the perfect mix of heartbreak and exhilaration, bringing me to tears and making me eagerly turn the final page. In summary, Onyx Storm is a masterclass in epic fantasy storytelling. It keeps readers on the edge of their seats while delivering the emotional depth and character growth fans have come to expect from Rebecca Yarros. If you’re a fan of dragons, magic, and unforgettable characters, this series is a must-read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Oh. My. Goodness. You know that feeling when a book just owns you? That was me with Onyx Storm. It swept me up in its whirlwind of emotions, and left me feeling raw. As usual the characters were beautiful and so was the story. Rebecca has done it again—crafted a masterpiece that is somehow just as stunning (if not more so) than the first two books. Honestly, I finished it feeling emotionally wrecked in the best possible way—like someone had hugged my soul and punched me all at once. And yes, I’d happily do it all over again. 💔🐉 What I Loved About This Book: · The Layers and Lore 🕰️: The worldbuilding in this series is just chef’s kiss. You feel like you’re peeling back secrets with every chapter. The dragons, the magic, the history—it’s all so rich and immersive and it leaves you reflecting on every part of the book. ·The Characters 🫶: Every single character felt real, flawed, and unforgettable. They pull you into their lives so deeply, and even though I wanted to protect them, I couldn’t look away as they endured. Ridoc really stole the show for me in this book, but some of the other characters left me intrigued. ·The Emotional Ride 🎢: This book doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings—it yanks them. I was crying, laughing, swooning, and then crying some more. Rebecca has this knack for making you feel everything. ·The Writing ✍️: The descriptions painted such vivid pictures in my head, and her ability to craft chemistry between characters is unreal. It’s so raw, so electric, and you can feel it. If you’re looking for a book that will grip your heart, drag you through its pages, and leave you gasping at the end, Onyx Storm is it. It’s intense, heartfelt, and utterly captivating. Rebecca proves again why she’s a powerhouse in fantasy romance. Will I recommend it? Oh, 100 times over. Will I recover? Probably not. 🥹💔

While I finished Fourth wing and Iron Flame in a few days, this book took me nearly a year - purchased it when it came out, and just finished it this week. While I really enjoy Rebecca's writing style and find the characters well developed and loveable, the world building and the 'missions' and 'wars' dragged a little bit. I had to switch from book to audiobook to finally get through it. The ending did leave me wanting more, but I just hope the next book will be more fast paced. It for sure is a great series, and I want to see it to the end.

Onyx Storm is the third book in the Fourth Wing series, and after waiting so long to jump into this series based on the hype, I was very nervous about starting this due to so many negative reviews. I honestly don't get the negativity! This book blew me away from the vivid scene setting and whole concept of dragon riders to the Game of Thrones type, political intrigue, and navigation throughout the course of the series. The books are chunky which is understandable due to the displays of dragon bonding, large cast of characters and expanding on plot lines related the story and character content and the book would honestly be so basic and uninteresting without this. My love for Tairn and Andarna just swells across these books, and I thought it would burst in this edition. The banter and fun Andarna brings from the dragon side and Ridoc from the riders side brings such joy and humanisation to the characters and storyline, and that cliff hanger ending had me gasping! I've so many questions, and I think I'll burst waiting for book four!