Onyx Storm: DISCOVER THE FOLLOW-UP TO THE GLOBAL PHENOMENONS, FOURTH WING AND IRON FLAME! (The Empyrean)
DON’T BE THE LAST TO DISCOVER THE BREATHTAKING FOLLOW-UP TO FOURTH WING AND IRON FLAME – COMING IN PAPERBACK SOON!
The third book in the record-breaking Empyrean series from the no. 1 Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros.
‘Incredible storytelling on every page’
THE SUN
‘Pure escapism . . . We’d suggest savouring every moment’
INDEPENDENT
‘Full of action, suspense and intrigue. This is the ride you have been waiting for, hold on tight’
DAILY MIRROR
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A STORM IS COMING . . . AND NOT EVERYONE CAN SURVIVE ITS WRATH.
After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons and no more time for uncertainty – the battle has truly begun. With enemies closing in from all corners, they need an army. They need power. And they need to unravel the dark truth about what’s really happening on the continent before it’s too late.
Violet must embark on her most dangerous mission yet and travel beyond the failing wards to seek allies who will stand with Navarre. The trip will push her to the very edge of her power, and the odds of dying are far greater than the hope of success. But Violet will risk everything to save her dragons, her family, and him . . . even if it means keeping a secret so big it could destroy them all.
ARE YOU READY TO BRAVE THE DARK?
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PRAISE FOR THE EMPYREAN SERIES
‘I couldn’t put it down!’ Millie Bobby Brown
‘Pure escapism – think Hunger Games meets Fifty Shades’ TheSun
‘We weren’t expecting to become obsessed . . . but we very much are and we’re not alone’ SundayTimes Style
‘This book contains an addictive, drug-like essence that will make you relinquish all responsibility’Glamour
‘Yarros had me hooked from the first chapter’ Mailon Sunday
‘The new publishing sensation’ DailyMail
‘Yarros is the true inheritor of Harry Potter and inspires Hunger Games levels of devotion’ Guardian
‘A deliciously gripping dish, which I downed in one sitting’ Stylist
‘2024 is the Year of the Dragon . . . Dive into a fantasy narrative featuring these mythical, winged creatures’ PopSugar
‘One of the publishing events of the year’ BBC News
‘Prepare to get obsessed’ Cosmopolitan
OTHER BOOKS IN THE EMPYREAN SERIES:
– FOURTH WING
– IRON FLAME
– ONYX STORM
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by Tanita Dawn De Bruyn
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.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
by Georgia Louise Snelgrove
I’m not sure if I have words to describe the emotional impact this book and series have had on me. I couldn’t put this book down and while I wanted to know what happened…I also didn’t want it to end. And then it did and it was everything I wanted and more. Was I wrong about what was going to happen most of the time? Mot definitely, but I had fun guessing along the way and I will continue to have fun guessing as I do re-reads. This book is what a midpoint book should be – we got some answers but have a heck of a lot more as the stakes get higher and the world gets bigger.
There is a lot of world and character building in this book – way more than in the previous two books. I definitely need a re-read in order to better understand it all, but I believe it’s setting the foundation for the next two final books in the series. While there are parts that confused me, I think that’s ok. I think all questions will be answered in the end and I’m here for the adventure!
I will recommend this book and series until I am blue in the face. I love the adventure, romance, friendship, family, lessons, learning, magic, and overall immersive writing that makes me feel like I’m there. The book hangover is real and that’s when I know something magical has happened and a book has wormed its way into my soul.
Onyx Storm (and the rest of the series) also contain some very real world reminders and lessons for us all. Even though this is a fantasy series, I think it would do us all well to learn from our history, to remember who can change our history (and not in a good way), how to stand up for what’s right even when it’s hard, to show empathy, to fight against wrongs, to embrace those that need help, and to be better than those that came before us. Lessons especially impactful in today’s climate and I applaud Rebecca for her reminders.
This book was most definitely worth the wait! And I will continue to wait (and encourage Rebecca’s mental and physical health as a priority) for the next one. I’m a full supporter of her taking the time she needs since we’ll be here when she’s ready whenever that is – and then we can once again dive back into the Empyrean with her.
by Emma
Rebecca Yarros returns with Onyx Storm, the third installment in the Empyrean Saga, and it’s every bit as explosive, emotional, and heart-pounding as readers hoped it would be. This book builds on the intensity of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, plunging us deeper into the world of Basgiath, the dragon bonds, and the fragile alliances that hold everything together.
Violet’s Next Trial by Fire
Violet Sorrengail continues to evolve into one of the most compelling fantasy heroines of recent years. In Onyx Storm, she’s tested in every way imaginable—physically, emotionally, and morally. Her growth is painfully raw and incredibly empowering. We see her make impossible choices, question everything she thought she knew, and risk it all for the people she loves.
Her relationships—especially with her dragons and with Xaden—become even more nuanced, and her inner strength continues to shine as she navigates a world that seems set on breaking her.
The War Escalates & Secrets Come Crashing Down
The tension in Onyx Storm is relentless. The conflict expands well beyond Basgiath, and every alliance, every secret, and every betrayal comes to a head. There are shocking revelations, political maneuvering, and unthinkable sacrifices that add layers of complexity to the already intricate world Yarros has built.
The pacing is tight, the action scenes are cinematic, and the emotional moments hit hard. No character is safe, and readers will be on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
Xaden and Violet: Still One of the Best
Let’s be honest—we’re all here for the dragons and the slow-burn, high-stakes romance. Violet and Xaden’s relationship in Onyx Storm is fiery, complex, and painfully beautiful. They face new challenges that threaten to tear them apart, but the love between them? It’s the kind that survives storms—and sometimes, causes them.
Their chemistry is as strong as ever, but it’s the emotional vulnerability, the trust, and the heartbreak that make their relationship feel so real. Prepare to scream, swoon, and possibly sob.
Why You NEED This Book
✔️ Violet’s Continued Evolution – She’s stronger, smarter, and more determined than ever.
✔️ A Romance That Refuses to Die – Xaden and Violet are fiery, messy, and unforgettable.
✔️ Dragons, War, and Devastating Twists – The stakes are sky-high, and the losses are real.
✔️ Emotional Gut Punches – The grief, hope, and courage are beautifully written and deeply felt.
✔️ A Brilliant, Expansive World – The lore grows, the threats intensify, and the ending will leave you gasping.
Final Thoughts
Onyx Storm is everything a third book in a fantasy saga should be—bolder, darker, and emotionally charged. Rebecca Yarros has crafted an unforgettable continuation of Violet’s journey, filled with fire-breathing stakes, stunning character growth, and a romance that burns through every obstacle.
If you love dragons, enemies-to-lovers tension, morally gray heroes, and fantasy that shreds your heart and stitches it back together, then Onyx Storm is absolutely unmissable.
🔥 Would I recommend this? Without question. It’s powerful, devastating, and absolutely brilliant.
by Paulina G
What a ride Onyx Storm took me in! This book was captivating from start to finish. It was such a big book, but I felt everything was important, well developed and very informative. I was instantly hooked from the first chapter and I don’t feel there was any dull moment. This third book in The Empyrean Series is wihout a doubt my new favorite!
As I expected, Onyx Storm was action packed and full of political aspects and revelations that had my jaw dropping multiple times through my read. It was also brimming with romance and spice, but also friendship and loyalty. Regardless of these beautiful lighter moments, there was also sadness, anguish, heartbreak, betrayal, scheming and casualties.
Violet rose as a powerful and brave heroine. The way she tried to leanr and control her power more was spellbinding. She was devoted to a cause bigger than herself, but also so ardent for Xaden and her unshakable love for him. And that man… wow! I already loved him, but he outmatched himself. He was the perfect partner and his one liners full of passion, possessiveness, humor and love had me swooning. His circumstance wasn’t easy, but he still fought for his cause.
I was fascinated by the whole cast! Seriously, the squad and the way they work together and support each other was incredible. They’re truly the meaning of found family.
How can I wrapup this review without mentionning Tairn and Andarna. Once again, these two were the perfect companions to Violet. Their irresistible personalities had me enthralled. Tairn with his ever present grumpiness and Andarna with her candor and sweetness. The perfect dragon duo!
I tried to savor this book by reading a little slower, but I utlimately finished it quite fast for a book this long. And now, I’m dying for the next book that will release in forever, lol!
by Book Maniac Forever
The Empyrean series is one of the best of the romantacy kind. I read all 3 books in 1 month, Rebecca Yarros made me rediscover reading!
I’m looking forward to the next 2 books! Highly recommended!
by Dorina
👻 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🤭
by Ashley
Heel mooi boek en altijd opnieuw mega tevreden over de delivery service!! Grote dankjewel aan hun allemaal❤️
by Tanita Dawn De Bruyn
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.