Find out why Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros is the fantasy novel to read in 2025. Dive into the world, characters, theories, and more of this viral Empyrean series installment.
About :
Title: Onyx Storm
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Series: The Empyrean (Book #3)
Genre: Fantasy / New Adult
Publication Year: 2025
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Main Characters: Violet Sorrengail, Xaden Riorson, Andarna
Setting: The kingdom of Navarre and beyond
Popular On: BookTok, Goodreads, TikTok, Reddit
Trigger Warnings: War, trauma, betrayal, grief
If you thought Fourth Wing and Iron Flame were intense—Onyx Storm just upped the ante.
Rebecca Yarros has officially cemented her status as one of the fantasy queens with Onyx Storm, book three in the Empyrean series. This explosive addition picks up Violet Sorrengail‘s story with increased stakes, richer character development, and twists that‘ll leave you gasping.
If you’re curious about the hype, new to the series, or just finished the book and need a place to process your emotions—this post is for you.
What is Onyx Storm About?
Without giving away too many spoilers, Onyx Storm picks up right after the chaotic ending of Iron Flame. Violet is still reeling from betrayals, battles, and burdens she never asked for.
The novel goes deeper into the Navarrean political hierarchy, Venin past, and enigmatic strength of the wards. There are epic dragon battles, gruesome combat scenes, and Violet‘s growth not only as a rider—but as a commander.
This time around, all allegiances are put to the test. All secrets hang on the verge of explosion. The urgency and emotional tension never abate—just the way readers love it.
Violet Sorrengail: Stronger Than Ever
Violet‘s development has been one of the largest emotional rewards of the series. From a delicate scribe to a formidable warrior, Onyx Storm demonstrates her becoming into her power—both magical and personal.
What makes Violet so interesting as a protagonist is that she‘s never painted as a perfect character. She questions, hesitates, questions everyone around her—but never gives up. In this chapter, her leadership is questioned throughout, and yet she emerges with bravery that comes across as raw and real.
She‘s also discovering ways to use her powers that shatter old traditions. The growth of her connection to her dragons, particularly Tairn and Andarna, is a massive emotional focus of the book.
Romance: Violet + Xaden = Still Complicated
The romantic tension in Onyx Storm is insane. Violet and Xaden‘s relationship sees even more highs and lows, and fans are once again debating whether they‘re endgame.
Rebecca Yarros deserves major credit for writing relationships that feel authentic. Violet and Xaden’s moments are passionate and tender—but also laced with secrets and pain. It’s not a fairytale; it’s a love that’s constantly being tested in a war-torn world.
If you’re someone who loves romance with high stakes and emotional turmoil, this book won’t disappoint.
Themes That Hit Hard
There‘s a reason Onyx Storm speaks to so many readers. It addresses universal themes in ways that feel so relevant:
Grief & Healing: Characters are dealing with loss on several levels—not only of individuals, but of innocence and trust.
Power & Corruption: Leadership is presented in all its nuance. Who gets to decide? Who pays the cost?
Identity & Destiny: Violet refuses to accept the role others try to impose on her. Her story is a reminder that you can create your own destiny, even in the face of destiny.
These are themes that are woven into the narrative without ever disrupting the pacing. It‘s considerate, but never didactic.
Fan Theories Going Wild
If you’re the kind of reader who loves diving deep into fan forums or BookTok theory videos, Onyx Storm offers a goldmine. Some of the biggest theories making the rounds include:
- Is Violet connected to the original wardstone makers through blood or magic?
- Is Andarna a key to rewriting the magical rules of Navarre?
- What’s the real purpose of the Venin—and are they the true enemy?
Let’s not even get into THAT ENDING. Without spoiling anything—just be prepared. Yarros left us hanging in the best (and most painful) way possible.
The Dragons Deserve Their Own Section
Tairn, Andarna, and the other dragons are not just sidekicks in this world—they are characters with depth, personality, and significance.
Tairn‘s sass and wisdom remain a readers’ favorite, while Andarna‘s transformation in Onyx Storm is the most enchanting part of the book.
There are also some indications of new dragons and old powers associated with them that could turn everything we believed about this universe on its head.
Building the World
One of the most thrilling aspects of Onyx Storm is the way it broadens the scope of the Empyrean universe. We see more than Basgiath War College, we get a glimpse of neighboring countries, secret factions, and even novel forms of magic.
This added complexity, but also lays the groundwork for what‘s obviously going to be an even more monumental next book.
Why Onyx Storm Is the Fantasy Book of the Year
Let’s break it down:
- Strong Female Lead: Violet is relatable, complex, and powerful.
- World-Building: The Empyrean universe keeps expanding in surprising ways.
- Social Media Buzz: BookTok is OBSESSED. Theories, aesthetics, cosplay—Onyx Storm is everywhere.
- Balance of Action and Emotion: You’ll laugh, cry, scream, and possibly throw the book.
Onyx Storm hits that perfect blend of heart and high-stakes adventure.
Reader Reactions
From five-star Goodreads posts to viral TikTok rants, Onyx Storm has provoked some crazy responses:
“I hurled my Kindle. And then I picked it up and continued reading. 10/10.”
“Violet is the template. Xaden is the heartbreak. And I am not okay.”
“The pacing?? The reveals?? The dragons?? Rebecca Yarros WENT OFF.”
It‘s not often that a fantasy novel strikes this hard with hardcore readers and casual fans alike. That‘s what makes it stand out.
Is It Worth Reading?
Yes. Yes. YES.
You should read it if you:
- Enjoy fantasy with emotional depth
- Dragons you can empathize with
- Romantic relationships that make you scream into a pillow
- Intense friendships and political machinations
But don’t skip the first two books. The emotional heft of this tale relies on the build-up from Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. Trust the process.
Final Thoughts
Onyx Storm delivers all that fans had hoped for—and a little more. It‘s wonderfully written, emotionally layered, and set in a world that feels ever more real.
Whether you‘re here for the dragons, the angst, or the world-building, Onyx Storm deserves its spot as one of the most viral books of 2025. And with all Yarros has teased, we know the next installment of the Empyrean series is going to be even bigger.
Final rating: 5/5 – An unforgettable storm of magic, heart, and fire.
So, if you haven‘t read it yet—what are you waiting for?
