Onyx Storm (Wing and Claw Collection) (The Empyrean, 3)

A Storm of Secrets, Dragons, and Obsession 🐉⚡ Tropes: Dragons / Romantasy / Found Family / Quest Adventure / Ancient Secrets / Morally Grey Hero / High Stakes Romance / Political Intrigue / Magic Mysteries / Touch Her and Die Synopsis: In the aftermath of Iron Flame, Violet and her allies are forced to confront truths that challenge everything they thought they knew about dragons, magic, and the history of their world. As new revelations emerge and old enemies evolve, the search for answers becomes more dangerous than ever, with the fate of those they love hanging in the balance. My Thoughts: This book was perfection. The scope of the story expands so much beyond the previous books, yet somehow never loses the heart of what made me fall in love with this series in the first place. Every revelation felt significant, every mystery had me desperate for answers, and every chapter left me needing just one more. What I loved most was how much deeper the lore became. The questions surrounding the venin, the origins of magic, and especially Andarna had me completely hooked. I found myself constantly theorising, highlighting passages, and trying to connect the dots. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became. The dragons continue to be some of my favourite characters in fantasy, the emotional stakes hit hard, and the balance between action, mystery, and romance felt spot on. Not once did I want the story to slow down. By the time I reached the final page, I wasn't ready to leave this world. I wanted more answers, more dragons, more chaos, and preferably the next book immediately. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Every question led to another mystery. Every revelation made the world feel bigger. And every page reminded me why this series has such a hold on me. 🖤 #BooksInARow #OnyxStorm #RebeccaYarros #FantasyBooks #Romantasy #DragonRiders #BookReview #PagesInPyjamas

I genuinely don’t think I was emotionally prepared for Onyx Storm. This book completely consumed me from beginning to end and somehow left me sitting in the aftermath long after the final page. The emotional wreckage was indescribable; in both the best and worst ways. Rebecca Yarros has a way of making every moment feel immediate and alive. The tension, fear, grief, loyalty, and love are all pushed to their limits. I wasn’t simply reading this story; I felt like I was surviving it alongside these characters. Violet continues to be one of my favorite heroines because of her resilience. Even when she’s terrified, grieving, overwhelmed, or carrying more than anyone should have to, she keeps going. There is so much strength in her vulnerability, and watching her continue to fight for the people she loves was incredibly emotional. And the relationships? Devastating. The loyalty, protectiveness, banter, and emotional tension felt painfully real. Every interaction carried weight, and every sacrifice mattered. There were moments when I genuinely had to stop reading just to process what had happened. The world continues to expand in ways that feel dangerous, intricate, and breathtaking, while the stakes are heavier than ever. There’s a constant sense that no one is truly safe, which made it nearly impossible for me to put the book down. I cried. I laughed. I stressed myself out repeatedly. I became emotionally attached all over again, knowing full well this series seems determined to make me suffer. And somehow, I already want to go back. Onyx Storm wasn’t simply a book I read; it was an experience I survived. Now I’m left with the kind of book hangover that only comes from a story that leaves its mark long after the final page. An unforgettable, emotionally immersive fantasy that completely wrecked me.

Onyx Storm was one of my most anticipated releases for 2025. We all waited for over a year between Iron Flame, which had a killer cliffhanger, and Onyx Storm so there was a ton of build-up when it comes to expectations. I tried to stay away from podcasts, reels, shorts, or content that would speculate about Onyx Storm, the plot, the characters, etc. And I did fairly well with that. But all that to say, expectations were high. And unfortunately, I find when expectations are super-high, it's hard for any book to live up to the hype. Onyx Storm fell a little flat for me initially. Let me explain why. Iron Flame ends with that mega cliffhanger that I already mentioned. If you don't know what the cliffhanger is, you probably don't want to keep reading because there will be spoilers for the prior books included in this review. Xaden has drawn from the earth which has started the process of turning him venin. Because we didn't know much about the process of someone turning, we (I) falsely assumed that one pull and he'd be straight venin. Apparently, that's not how things work. But when a book ends in a negative cliffhanger (where a major event happens that leaves the characters in a negative place), I almost dread reading the next book because I know there are going to be more bad events to come before we can get to the good. And well, that's also to be expected from the 3rd book in a 5-book series. And of course, that is true for Onyx Storm. Thankfully, things weren't as bad as I worried they would be simply because Xaden isn't immediately evil. Onyx Storm keeps you in perpetual fear of wondering if Xaden is going to draw power again, and if he does, at what point will he have crossed the line into too far gone. I guess this is probably a good thing because Violet is in the same place. No matter how much faith she has that Xaden would never hurt her, she can't say that he wouldn't channel again. And so you remain in the same anxious place as Violet. This creates the desire to keep reading. A large portion of Onyx Storm's plot is the "Quest Squad" traveling to various islands south of "The Continent" in hopes of discovering Andarna's kin and the 7th dragon breed. I found this whole quest a little frustrating. I wasn't excited about any of the islands they visited. Too much time was spent trying to show how each island is different from each other. And yeah. I kept reading simply from a pressing desire to know what was going to happen, but if I look back on this portion of the book, I find it boring. And if I were re-reading the series, I would dread getting to this section. I found myself feeling like I was missing information a couple of times. Sometimes I wondered if that was because I hadn't re-read the previous two books before jumping into this one. Sometimes, I wondered if Rebecca Yarros was being mysterious intentionally. Sometimes I flat asked myself what in the world she was talking about. And sometimes I felt like I understood what was being said, but it didn't make any sense. More than anything, the more I've thought about Onyx Storm the more I've realized that Rebecca Yarros is writing much deeper than I realized, and she's one of those authors where nothing is said or done meaninglessly. So now, I need to go back and re-read all three books to see what foreshadowing I've missed*. Some authors aren't capable of making every detail mean something. I'm realizing she is one of the authors who can. Many of the things I highlighted were only to help me write my book review. When I went back to re-read some of my highlights, I think I inadvertently highlighted some very important parts that will play into the future. I weeded through all of my highlights to find my favorite quotes: I loved the dedication. -To the ones who don't run with the popular crowd, the ones who get caught reading under their desks, the ones who feel like they never get invited, included, or represented. Get your leathers. We have dragons to ride. Now for the book content: -The only thing stronger than the power prowling within me is the resolve stiffening my spine. -"But do not mistake my unflinching support of you, my mate, and Andarna for any form of faith in him." -"Pain isn't a competition," I assure him. "There's always enough to go around." -"Do not dehydrate on my account," he lectures. -"Do you really think this is the only room where I've felt tormented? Pain isn't new to me, Jack. She's an old friend I spend most of my days with, so I don't mind if she sings to you. Honestly doesn't even look like the same chamber with how you've redecorated. It's a little monochromatic for me." -"We live by the Codex--" I try again. "I live by you." ... "I am yours and you are mine, and there's no law or rule in this world or the next that will change that." -"He didn't love me, not the way I deserved to be loved, and no amount of power is worth staying with someone who doesn't love you." -"My loyalty is to Violet first above everything, everyone else," Xaden says. "Then Tyrrendor. Then Navarre in the moments it's worthy--usually when Violet is in residence." -Do not mistake a dragon's bond for fealty. If you expect a dragon to choose their rider over the well-being of their own kind, prepare for two things: disappointment and death. -"Don't barter it away," I beg as he stares at the sea, and the words spill out of me faster and faster as his eyes harden and he resurrects the defenses it took me a year to break past. "The pain. The mess. Give it to me. I'll hold it. I know that sounds ludicrous, but I'll find a way." I lace our fingers. "I will hold everything you don't want to feel because I love every part of you." -"The best leaders are the ones who never want the job. This is your mission because Andarna chose you. Tairn chose you." -"You're not a trigger. You're the only thing I can't fathom losing. Wielding to protect you has always been an instinct, but now it's...uncontrollable." -"If he hurts me, then he's not him anymore." -"Your inability to follow simple orders will get her killed, and I will not lose her as I did the one who came before!" -"Am I not everything you wanted me to be? Am I not as fierce and courageous as he is? Is this not what I am supposed to do? Sharpen my claws on the scales of the enemy? -"I love you and I want you to feel complete"... -"I was whole and now I'm not"... -"You've been breathing, and that's enough for me." -"Acknowledging your fear for the lightning wielder does not compromise you." Feirge calls me out just like always. "Ignoring it does. Accept the emotion and move on." -"You have been the gift of my life"... I can't include any more quotes because even if I'm being vague, there's just too much to spoil. It's been 3 days between finishing Onyx Storm and writing this review. And the more time I have to sit with the events, the more my feelings on the book have changed. I still feel like not much happened to advance the overall plot of the book until the last 100 pages. A few key pieces here and there. And I still feel like (highlight for spoiler) the cliffhanger for Iron Flame is basically the same cliffhanger as Onyx Storm but with a few missing dragon riders, dragons, and eggs. But I'm beginning to see that this story is so much more complex than I ever gave credit, and I need to apologize to Rebecca Yarros for taking three books to realize how in-depth her writing really is. My initial rating might have fallen around the 3.5 Star range, but the more I think about it, Onyx Storm gets 4 Stars. Have you read Onyx Storm? What did you think? Let me know! *Since writing this review, I have re-read Fourth Wing and may have an Upon Further Review post coming from that in the future. I also plan to re-read Iron Flame, but first-time reads have to come before re-reads. **Also, I've accidentally plunged head-first into the world of theories for the remainder of the series. The sheer amount of videos dedicated to fan theories are insane and on a level I've never seen before. Just the fact that there is enough space for all of these videos means this series is deep and on another level. This would not be possible for just any series.

I can’t believe book three was just as enthralling and engaging as books one and two. It takes the reader through numerous emotions from laughter to fear and sorrow. I shed a number of tears with this book. Usually, when I read science fiction I read the story as if I’m an observer. With this series, I truly cared about what was happening and became immersed in the lives of the riders and flyers. I love this series, its characters, and story lines. I can’t wait to read more!

Wow...that is all I have to say. I laughed (a lot) which was really needed as a lead up to the last 25% of the book. There were moments where RY was really testing our emotions HEAVILY. What a journey this book takes you on. I love that we got so much more time with the supporting characters and more input from their perspective of all the things that have been going down on the continent. I have no notes...we got answers to some of the things that were left in the dark in Iron Flame and saddled with entirely new questions we get to sit and lament over until the fourth book is released. You may hate it, or you may love it...all the same RY continues to elevate this story and keep us on our toes and keep us talking months after the book is released. This is the first book I had a hard time stepping away from to sleep and I am glad I consumed it as quickly as I did. Now to move on to some lighter material and wait for the book hangover to ensue :)

After finishing this book, I can confidently say this is my favorite book in the series so far. Somehow, Rebecca managed to make me laugh, stress eat imaginary snacks, cry and then stare blankly at a wall questioning every decision I’ve ever made. That’s talent. One of the biggest surprises for me was Violet. You all know I had a complicated relationship with her in Iron Flame. There were moments in that book where I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and yell, “Girl, PLEASE.” But in in this third book, she finally felt like the version of Violet I’d been waiting for. She’s stronger, more confident and much more comfortable trusting herself. After everything she’s endured, it was incredibly satisfying to watch her step into her power and stop second guessing every move she made. And then there’s Xaden. This man continues to be a serious threat to my emotional stability. We got to see a softer side of him in this book and I absolutely ate it up. Beneath all the shadows, secrets and intimidating glares is a man who would quite literally move mountains for Violet and honestly? The devotion was devotion-ing. Their relationship felt much healthier this time around too, which I loved. Instead of spending half the book arguing or misunderstanding each other, they actually worked together like a team. A shocking concept in romantasy, I know. Of course, we need to talk about the true MVP of this book: Ridoc. At this point, I would happily read 500 pages of Ridoc doing absolutely nothing. Every time the story got too intense and my anxiety started climbing, he showed up with a sarcastic comment and saved me from a complete emotional breakdown. His friendship with Violet remains one of my favorite relationships in the entire series and honestly, he deserves a raise. I also loved getting to explore more of the world beyond Basgiath. The different locations made the story feel bigger, richer and much more adventurous. It felt like a fantasy road trip where every stop came with a new problem. More than once I found myself thinking, “Well, surely things can’t get any worse from here.” Rebecca heard that thought and immediately chose violence. That said, the book wasn’t perfect for me. Some of the conflicts felt a little too convenient and a few of the threats never quite felt as intimidating as they were supposed to. There were moments where I braced myself for massive consequences, only for things to work out a little easier than expected. The stakes were still there, but occasionally they didn’t hit quite as hard as I wanted them to. The final chapters, however? Pure chaos. I was gasping, laughing, panicking and emotionally spiraling all at the same time. Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, Rebecca grabbed my predictions, crumpled them up and threw them directly into a fire. The last stretch of this book had me reading faster and faster while simultaneously wanting to slow down because I wasn’t emotionally prepared for whatever was waiting on the next page. By the time I finished, I felt that special kind of book hangover where you’re both completely satisfied and completely devastated. The kind where you want the next book immediately, but you also want to put the author in a timeout corner until she promises to stop hurting your favorite characters. This book took everything I loved about this series and cranked the volume all the way up. It made me laugh, shattered my heart several times, stitched it back together and then shattered it again for good measure. Now excuse me while I join the rest of the fandom in overanalyzing every tiny detail, collecting theories like Pokemon cards and waiting for book four with the patience of an overtired toddler.

Rebecca! It kills me to write this review. I LOVE the first two books. LOVE! But this one? It’s so messy. Please don’t let your publishers rush you. We’d rather have a great book to read than something slung together. And if the series was supposed to be 3 books and you got asked for 5, then wonderful! But re-plot the last books BEFORE you start writing. It felt like this book had a beginning and an ending, but you had no idea how to get from point A to point B and it wound up being a collection of scenes and filler that didn’t flow. SPOILERS!!! Things that bothered me: -Professor Xaden: This could have been amazing for the tension between Xaden and Violet, but it fell flat. If there’d been more time at Basgiath and more plot that’d happened there in this book, this could have been so much better. -The spice was repetitive. I was skipping the spicy scenes (I cannot believe I’m saying that). It read as filler. -Likewise the hero and heroine “can’t get their mouths and body parts” away from each other, even in public was overwrought. -Halden seemed like he was brought in entirely to write the one scene of Xaden being jealous and then he was written off. What a waste. You could have written a much more complicated character and had great interaction between him, Violet, Xaden, and Cam. -Xaden’s mom? Why was that even in this book? You could have saved her showing up for another book and have had her actually further the plot. That entire island scene could have been removed. It made no sense. An island that’s devoted to wisdom testing people by poisoning guests? I guess…. -Why did Violet’s Dad devote her to Dunne? And why is it so forbidden that it split their family? And why are the Gods taking such a large part in the plot now, when the last two books they don’t play a role? -Andarna’s family and the way that was written…..she leaves and comes back in like 3 chapters. If you’re going to have her leave to go be with her people, fine. But after this great search for them, we get like one chapter interacting with them? And why not save Andarna’s return and have it be something huge in book 4? -Why alter the ward stone at all if the book is basically split between Basgiath and Tyrenndor? If Basgiath wouldn’t accept the fliers, have them train at Aretia and have some other plot point drive the treaty and the pardons. -Instead of all the filler, build up some of these secondary characters more. Traeger anyone? I felt bad for Cat when he died, but very little for him. If we’d have gotten more time with him, his death would have been more potent. -Dreamwalking. Why is this such a dangerous power? I just don’t see it. And I knew that was her signet in IF. -The cliffhangers. It’s getting old. You don’t have to end every book with some shocking thing. If the book was well written, well plotted, and well paced, people are going to read it. In the instance where the book feels rushed and it’s going to be years before we get another, it’s not a great feeling from the reader’s seat. Will I still read the next book? Probably? Will I spend money on new special additions or hardcovers? No. Unless the series re-ignites some of the magic, it’s gone from a series I’ll spend money on as part of my book collection to a series I’ll read for cheap on kindle.

Onyx Storm, the focus of a lot of online discourse, was my latest read of 2025. Released in January of 2025, Onyx storm picks up where Iron Flame ended. We continue to follow Violet through her journey of love, loss, and leadership, as she pursues an end to the conflict taking place in her home. With Xaden experiencing his new dilemma, Violet finds herself struggling to be all things to all people, while also being true to her love and the needs of that love. Onyx storm is action packed and keeps you turning page after page, until your left wanting more. And THAT’S where this review picks up. WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK Onyx storm is a page turner but feels a little different than the last couple of books. This book is able to move past a lot of the world building and secondary character building, allowing you to focus in on the moment, with only hints and allusions to the past, that help to form the story. While I like the complexity of these characters, I always struggle staying engaged when we are handed long paragraphs or dreams that explain the characters backstory. Onyx storm does great adding complexity to the main characters through short allusions to the past. Another thing I really liked about the book is the action in this one. While the past books were always intriguing with their battle scenes, it feels like you really get to experience the dread in this book before experiencing the high of the battles, making you invest more and more as you go. As I read Onyx Storm, it felt like the dread continued to grow and deepen before it releases you like a rubber band, and Rebecca needs to be commended for this growth in her writing. Lastly, DRAGONS. The dragons in this book are so good. The humor, the pride, the longing and growth are fantastic as a subplot in this story and always got me excited when they spoke. The growth of the dragons was amazing and fun to watch. We also get a chance to see some of the other dragons and their riders’ interactions, which was also exciting in here. I could go on about them all day, but just know… I’m here for the dragons!!! Now, MY CRITIQUES ALL OF THIS NEEDS TO BE TAKEN WITH A GRAIN OF SALT. THIS IS ONLY MY EXPEREINCE AND STYLE OF READING. Rebecca Yarros seems like an amazing curator of spicy scenes. She is great in describing internal and external experiences that highlight the craving that characters have for one another. WITH THAT SAID. I felt that there were some scenes in this book that felt… forced… for lack of a better word. I understand how important the intimate moments are for Violet and Xaden, but there were times that it felt like the scenes were there just to be there. I truly think that the first book did great with utilizing these scenes to highlight the relationship, but Onyx Storm feels like it was little more than a break from the plot. A little tangential to the idea of how the spice scenes were utilized, it felt like about half the time Xaden shows up where violet is, we are reminded that she is attracted to him as she “[drinks] him in.” It feels like it falls into this repetitive rut I experienced with my only DNF book, The Crown of Ivy and Glass. We really understand how much Violet likes Xaden, but this felt a little overboard as we got later into the book. Lastly, and this will seem confusing given how much I liked them, but the dragons’ interactions. To be clear, I liked the dragons A LOT, but there was one piece that I keep waiting to show up and it didn’t until just a few lines at the end. Tairn and Sgaeyl. I feel like there was a lot more going on in this couple, but we see very little interaction between them. It left me wanting to know what’s going on but we don’t get much from this. There is one additional critique that I have, however in the interest of keeping this review spoiler free, I will work to create my own word press to share more thoughts, so be on the lookout for that. A NOTE OF FOLLOW UP Now, as I said in the beginning, there seems to be a lot of controversy around this book with the ending and some thoughts that line up with my critiques. First, about pronunciation of the names in the book. I understand that the names are Scottish Gaelic names, and I can appreciate people wanting to be respectful of the pronunciation of the names, but It feels like some people were not looking to build understanding and education with the author, but an interest in tearing down the author for this. As a community in the fantasy/ romantasy realm, we need to be more understanding of simple mistakes such as this. Second, Andarna’s journey and what happens with her. I can understand the criticisms about this part and can sympathize with these critiques. If I’m thinking about her storyline, we need to remember were dealing with a magical character with no historical knowledge of what is happening with her. If your criticism is that her conclusion to her conflict was an abrupt finale, I can agree to an extent, but MY view is more focused on the consequence of the path chosen. MY critique here is only that I wish I had more of that feeling of dread that came from the path chosen for the character’s connected to Andarna. Again, this doesn’t feel like something to attack the author for, because the author was the one that made you love this character. Lastly, a lot of readers seem to have problems with the “fake out” deaths (my terminology) in this book. I get it. When your mind prepares for loss and it doesn’t come to fruition it can be frustrating and unfulfilling. Im with you, but I keep in mind one thing, this isn’t necessarily this authors strength, YET. She did amazing when it came to Liam and Violets mother, but had a whole book or 2 books that really got you invested before ripping them from you. I believe Yarros is growing in this realm but it feels like a lot of the community expects her to reach Pierce Brown levels of invested death. Its something that can be hard to do because if you insert a death that doesn’t have a lot of deep connections, it falls flat, and if you insert a death that doesn’t feel consequential, it doesn’t progress the story. I’m giving the deference to Yarros that she will be able to increase your investment in specific characters, increase the stakes, and rip them from you in a way that will tear at your heart strings. Let this author continue to grow in this area and I believe we will see it pay off in dividends. IN CONCLUSION I rated Onyx Storm a 4.25 out of 5. This book is a FUN read and will keep you page turning. There are some criticisms of this book, but I really believe that we are seeing Rebecca Yarros growing right before our eyes. Id recommend this to readers that are re-entering the reading series and have an interest in a little spice as well as dragons, just being dragons. I cant wait to see what she comes up with in the next book.

I never leave a review for books because each of us have different taste ... but this is one of the best book series I read after the bear and the nightingale in 2019 ... I read a lot and this book is so well written... keeps you on your toe... and you don't want to let it go... I cannot wait for the rest... Will be waiting impatiently!!!!!

Omggg what a cliffhanger!! I can't wait for the next book 📚📖 this story sucked me in so much. I'm obsessed

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!

It is raw, deep, engaging, addictive and all above, please! Can’t wait for the next book, I’ll be first in line to get it!

Ngl this book is absolute perfection. The cover is stunning and the pages have that perfect, floppy, heavy flex because it's so thicc. The overall quality is literally insane. 10/10 purchase, no cap. 🔥😭