REVIEW: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

In Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, It’s not been an easy transition for Violet Sorrengail to go from training to be a Scribe to being thrown into the role of cadet and all of the physical challenges they face as dragon riders. But she’s finally thriving–even in the face of a tragic loss. Violet knows that it won’t be long until she and her fellow riders are going to have to enter a war that could be their demise. They’ll still enter the fray, though, for that’s what they are trained to do. And Violet’s dragon, Tairn, wouldn’t allow her to shirk her duties for Navarre, anyway. What she is most worried about at the moment is Xaden. The man who means the world to her. And the man who is facing down a battle of his own, waging a war it seems no one can assist him with.

‘I exist for Tairn, but I live for Xaden.’

Violet and her band of friends and family take off for countries and isles they’ve never seen before in the hopes of finding information and allies. It doesn’t go very well. At first. While they do finally make some headway, it comes at a cost. And the secrets that are uncovered affect not just Violet but Xaden and others in the group. Their arrival back to Basgiath brings news of an advancing army of venin and wyvern closing in faster than expected. Soon it will be all hands-on deck. Violet, Xaden, Mira, Rhiannon, and the rest will have to combine their efforts and their abilities to defeat a nearly unbeatable evil force. But before it is all said and done, things will alter for the group in ways that will have ramifications for years to come. Even for Violet and her beloved Xaden.

“…I am the worst possible thing for this mission, for my province, and for you.”
“…It doesn’t change a single thing about the way I love you.”

Rebecca Yarros gave us another epic novel, ONYX STORM, in her Empyrean series with power shifts, wins and losses, revelations, and a powerful love worth saving at all costs.

‘Thunder sounds again, and power rises within me like it’s been called by a friend to come play.’

Note: Please, no author or book bashing. Thank you

CW: View Spoiler »Torture, murder, chronic illness (detailed) « Hide Spoiler

It was good to be back in the Empyrean world with Violet, Xaden, Rhi, Garrick, and the rest of the crew. Much like Iron Flame, ONYX STORM is a *tome* at five hundred plus pages filled to the brim with action, laughter, sorrow, and romance. I did enjoy Yarros’s writing style as I do with all of her novels. The depth of emotion was fully present, and the dialogue was on point. It also felt like the main characters, instead of being stuck in a holding pattern over the same issues, started moving forward and taking some action in their lives this time around.

The big drawback to me was that there were So. Many. Characters. And locations. I’ll admit that it was tedious to keep up with it all. I felt overwhelmed a lot of the time–and that’s with taking copious amounts of notes (and referring to my notes from the previous two books). But I found myself still as invested in Violet and the rest of the cast as I have been since the beginning. There was just a LOT going on. Given that there was a war happening, though, it was bound to get chaotic at times with skirmishes, planning strategies, and when traitors were found in their midst. So, perseverance–for the characters *and* the readers–will be key in order to keep soldiering on.

I will note that there were some poignant moments, and even chapters, toward the end of the book that were heart wrenching, told from other characters’ POVs (it was mainly in Violet’s POV the rest of the time). Rhiannon, Imogen, and Xaden each had a full chapter that took place during a large battle giving readers a totally different perspective through the character’s eyes, details about their dragons, and even how they viewed the war itself. After that final battle (which was very well-written) took place, let’s just say there will be a lot of changes and adjustments coming up in book four, so stay tuned.

QOTD: Are you a series or standalone reader? Are there any series you’re loving right now?

Book Info:

Publication: Published: January 21st, 2025 | Entangled: Red Tower Books | The Empyrean #3

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.