Taking the Shelves by an Onyx Storm

Onyx Storm book cover [Amazon Books].

Rebecca Yarros has done it again! Onyx Storm arrived January 21st, 2025 as the third installment of Yarros’ award-winning series: The Empyrean. Fans were voicing their excitement and high expectations on social media, and according to recent feedback on forums like “Booktok” and “Bookstagram,” Yarros did not disappoint.

Onyx Storm picks up from the shocking ending of Iron Flame and expands the world of Navarre. The 544-page novel allows for old and new theories to arise with three main plot points: saving Xaden from the Venin, discovering Violet’s past, and searching for the seventh dragon tribe. Readers are introduced to new characters, as well as expert worldbuilding with dragon politics, complex magic systems, and the gods of the realm. Though some could certainly argue the new characters were a bit difficult to follow at times, readers were thrilled to still see development from their favorite original side characters. Ridoc, for example, is a fellow dragon rider introduced back in book one but had more and more ‘page time’ throughout Onyx Storm.

As Ramapo senior Ellie Grant comments, “There’s nothing better than an author who takes time for all her characters and doesn’t ignore them just because they’re not the main one. It makes her work just that much more meaningful and interesting.” 

As for main characters, the once frail and anxious Violet Sorrengail we met in Fourth Wing evolves throughout the third book immensely. She transforms into a more resilient and strategic person, putting herself in important rooms where military and political decisions are made. What has not changed, however, is her commitment to believing in those she loves. Within the first few chapters, readers are struck with her astounding belief in Xaden’s ability to overcome the Venin. Her fierceness certainly rubs off on her younger dragon, Andarna, who becomes more powerful and insistent on finding the seventh dragon tribe. Tairn, Violet’s older dragon, remains a loyal and grumpy companion–a fan favorite.

Yarros has been consistent with her famous fast-paced writing style, which boils to another cliffhanger at the end of Onyx Storm. Though not quite as jaw dropping as the one from Iron Flame, it is undoubtedly going to keep readers guessing until the fourth novel, which is anticipated to be released in late 2026.