Review of Onyx Storm (The Empyrean Book 3)
Oh, Onyx Storm, you beautiful beast! When I first plunged into Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean series, I was utterly captivated by the vibrant world woven through her words. This third installment—an explosive culmination of emotions, battles, and dragons—blew my mind in the best possible way. If you’re like me and thriving on fantasy that breathes with life, then hold onto your seats because this one’s a wild ride.
Violet Sorrengail’s journey reaches a fever pitch in Onyx Storm. After almost eighteen months of rigid training at Basgiath War College, she emerges sturdy and fierce, but our girl is about to face storms, both literal and metaphorical. I felt an electric current of tension as she sought unlikely alliances to safeguard her beloved Navarre. The stakes grow higher; trust wavers, and the perilous dance of power dynamics keeps you turning pages late into the night.
Yarros’s characters shine with deep complexity. Violet is fiercely dedicated—not just to her dragons and family, but to truths that could shatter her world. Seeing her grow is like watching a tender flower bloom against the backdrop of chaos. The emotional punch of her decisions left me contemplating long after reading. And let’s talk about Xaden—his unwavering devotion and combination of humor and fierce loyalty made him a heart-stopping romantic lead.
The pacing in Onyx Storm can be a rollercoaster, as others noted. The first part felt solid, grounding me in the familiar while expanding the world’s intricate lore. However, the introduction of new characters occasionally felt like a whirlwind rather than a gentle breeze. I, too, had moments where I wished to push through the intricate details to reach the heart-pounding essence of the plot. But as the story picked up momentum, especially in the last act, I was swept away in an emotional surge that made those slower sections worth every minute.
One particularly memorable quote that resonated with me was when Violet reflects, “I could reach the rank of Maven, lead armies of dark wielders against everyone we care for…” This line encapsulates the brilliant narrative turmoil buzzing through the book. The intertwining of personal relationships with grand stakes is something Yarros captures perfectly, effortlessly blending the epic with the intimate.
For fans of the first two books and newcomers drawn by the ever-growing hype, Onyx Storm delivers a sweeping emotional arc that is well worth the investment. If you adore powerful heroines, fiery dragons, and a story that meanders through joy and despair, grab this book. You might find yourself laughing, crying, and reflecting on the powerful bonds of love, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Ultimately, Onyx Storm left me feeling full yet yearning for more. It’s a testament to a writer who can mold dragons and magic into a story that speaks to the heart. I’ll be counting down the days until the next installment—I’m all in for whatever Yarros throws at us next!
You can find Onyx Storm (The Empyrean Book 3) here >>