The Empyrean #3: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros – A Storm of High Stakes, Heartbreak, and Hope | In-Depth Review

Onyx Storm Review: The Empyrean Saga’s Electrifying Third Installment

Rebecca Yarros’ Onyx Storm (2025), the third book in The Empyrean series, storms onto shelves with a whirlwind of dragon-fueled battles, emotional reckonings, and a quest that pushes Violet Sorrengail to her limits. As a New York Times #1 bestseller with 2.7 million copies sold in its first week 2, this romantasy epic cements Yarros’ status as a titan of the genre. Here’s why this book is a must-read—and how it stacks up against Fourth Wing and Iron Flame.

Plot Overview: A Quest for Survival and Truth

Picking up where Iron Flame left off, Onyx Storm thrusts Violet into a dual mission: saving Xaden from venin corruption and uncovering the secrets of the elusive seventh dragon breed, the irid 26. With Aretia’s wards failing and enemies closing in, Violet’s journey takes her beyond Navarre to uncharted islands, each with unique cultures and deadly challenges.

Key Themes:

• Sacrifice vs. Survival: Violet’s moral dilemmas deepen as she balances personal loyalty with the greater good 19.

• Trust and Betrayal: Allies and foes blur lines, forcing characters to question loyalties 57.

• Power and Corruption: Xaden’s struggle with dark magic mirrors broader societal collapse 9.

Strengths: What Soars in Onyx Storm

1. Violet’s Evolution: From a fragile cadet to a strategic leader, Violet’s growth is palpable. Her bond with dragons like Tairn and Andarna remains a highlight, blending heart and humor 110.

2. Expanded World-Building: New island kingdoms—like the wisdom-prizing Lumnos and perilous Kyrthra—add depth, though some feel underdeveloped 67.

3. Pacing and Action: Relentless battles and political intrigue keep pages turning, though middle sections drag with “filler” quests 28.

4. Romance with Edge: Xaden and Violet’s relationship matures, trading Iron Flame’s codependency for mutual trust—though spice scenes divide readers 29.

Criticisms: Where the Storm Stumbles

• Pacing Issues: Slow world-building segments disrupt momentum, particularly in the middle act 68.

• Underwhelming Payoffs: Some plot threads (e.g., Violet’s father’s secrets) feel unresolved or anticlimactic 7.

• Overstuffed Cast: New characters and returning faces (Aaric, Cat) vie for attention, risking reader fatigue 78.

Comparisons to Previous Books

• Vs. Fourth Wing: While Fourth Wing’s magic remains unmatched, Onyx Storm delivers higher stakes and richer lore 510.

• Vs. Iron Flame: Improved editing and tighter focus elevate Onyx Storm, though it lacks the shock value of Iron Flame’s cliffhanger 210.

The Verdict: Who Should Read Onyx Storm?

Fans of Sarah J. Maas and dragon rider epics will devour this installment. With 4.5/5 stars from critics 110, it’s a triumph for series loyalists, despite minor flaws. Newcomers must start with Fourth Wing to appreciate its layered narrative.