Onyx Storm's Ending Sets Its Sequel Up To Break A Disappointing Series Record (But There's 1 Way Around It)
Warning! Spoilers for Rebecca Yarros' Onyx Storm below.Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean Series is known for its top-notch romantic tension and steamy chemistry, but Onyx Storm's ending practically ensures this is a trend that won't be continuing in the next Fourth Wing sequel. By the end of Onyx Storm, Xaden has turned completely venin and has left Aretia under Violet's protection. While the novel doesn't disclose much of what happened in the hours after Xaden turns and before Violet arrives at Aretia, it's assumed from Xaden's letter that he has left with his venin sage, Berwyn, and has no intention of returning.
While the Onyx Storm ending does provide a strong conflict that will carry the plot forward in a future narrative, the circumstances will make it difficult for Yarros to fulfill the romance storyline throughout. Onyx Storm included the most spice of all three Empyrean Series books, but with Xaden gone, it's unlikely the fourth novel can match the level of chemistry readers have become used to. However, there's potentially one way Yarros can explore their relationship in the next novel—and it would help Violet's second signet become even stronger.
Onyx Storm's Ending Sets Its Sequel Up To Have The Least Romance Of The Empyrean Books
It's Unlikely Violet & Xaden Will Reunite In Book Four
As with any romantasy novel, the romantic plot holds just as much weight to the narrative as its fantastical elements—but Onyx Storm's ending may make it hard for Yarros to balance the two genres equally in book four. Violet and Xaden's romantic arc and explosive chemistry have always been one of readers' favorite aspects of the Empyrean Series novels, and after Onyx Storm proved to be Yarros' spiciest book yet, fans may be disappointed to find the next novel will likely break this record.
Knowing Violet and Xaden will be separated for some time, there's bound to be less romance throughout the narrative in general—and certainly less spice. Even if the two characters were to reunite or cross paths, there's no way of knowing how far Xaden has gone, and whether he has held onto any of his remaining humanity. The absence of their romance in the next Fourth Wing novel is sure to have a massive effect on the storyline, but, could also provide space for Yarros to further explore Violet's second signet—which may still act as a bridge between the two characters.
Violet's Second Signet Offers A Way Around This Disappointing Empyrean Record
She Can Enter Xaden's Dreams Even From A Distance
While the two characters will be physically separated in Onyx Storm's sequel, it's possible Yarros will use Violet's second signet as a means of communication. Violet's second signet, dream walking, provides her with the ability to enter another's mind, witnessing their dreams and allowing her to "meddle" or speak with them if she wishes. While this is first hinted at in Iron Flame, Violet finally discovers the truth in Onyx Storm, understanding that her nightmares have actually been Xaden's the whole time—proving she has entered Xaden's mind on several occasions, even when at a great distance.
However, if Violet were to accomplish this, it could provide Yarros with the means to reintroduce their steamy chemistry and prevent the narrative from veering away from the romantic storyline for too long.
Yarros has already made it known in both Iron Flame and Onyx Storm that Violet can enter Xaden's dreams without being physically near him—and it's possible this will allow the two to interact in book four. Obviously, Violet is unpracticed in using her dream walking signet purposefully, and honing her abilities could prolong their reunion in the next book. However, if Violet were to accomplish this, it could provide Yarros with the means to reintroduce their steamy chemistry and prevent the narrative from veering away from the romantic storyline for too long.
- Genre
- Fantasy
- Publisher
- Entangled: Red Tower Books
- Publication Date
- 2025/01/01
- Franchise
- The Empyrean Series
- ISBN#
- 1649374186
- Author(s)
- Rebecca Yarros
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