Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Spoiler-Free Synopsis
The third installment in the Empyrean series, Onyx Storm throws Violet Sorrengail back into the chaos of war, secrets, and survival. With tensions mounting across Basgiath and beyond, Violet finds herself once again fighting battles that are as emotional as they are physical. The stakes are higher, the betrayals cut deeper, and the fate of her world hangs in the balance. It’s a fast-paced continuation that dives headfirst into conflict, giving readers answers to some burning questions, while raising plenty of new ones.

My Thoughts 

(Spoiler Alert: There may be minor spoilers ahead!)
I’ll be honest, this one left me with complicated feelings. On one hand, I’m so invested in this world and these characters that I had to keep reading. Violet’s journey still has all the grit, heart, and determination I admire, and there are moments that completely gripped me. The storyline itself is strong. The revelations throughout kept me turning the pages. I needed to know what happened next.

That said, Onyx Storm also felt rushed in places. Some of the emotional beats were not fully realized. A few plot lines moved so quickly that I found myself wishing for more space to breathe. After the depth and balance of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, this book sometimes felt like it was sprinting toward the finish line rather than letting the story unfold naturally.

But even with that, I couldn’t stop reading. The characters still tug at my heart, and the ending left me both frustrated and desperate for the next installment. It’s one of those books where, despite my critiques, I’m already begging for more—because I’m too invested to walk away now.

Would I Recommend It?
Yes, with a caveat. I recommend Onyx Storm if you’ve already fallen in love with this series, because you’ll absolutely want to see where the story goes. The plot developments are important, and there are enough big reveals to keep fans hooked.

But I recommend it because I need to know what happens next, not because it stands as the strongest entry in the series. If you’re looking for the emotional depth and perfect pacing of Fourth Wing or Iron Flame, this one may feel a little uneven. Still, it’s worth reading to stay on the ride—and trust me, you’ll close the last page already counting down to the next book.

In short: Onyx Storm isn’t flawless, but it’s essential for anyone committed to Violet’s story. Think of it as a bridge. It may feel rushed at times, but it still carries us forward toward what’s coming next. And honestly? I’m begging for more.

✨ Loved my review? You can grab your own copy of Onyx Storm on Amazon!

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