Rebecca Yarros has captured readers with Onyx Storm, the third book in her Empyrean series. Released in early 2025, this book follows Fourth Wing (2023) and Iron Flame (2024). It now sits at the top of bestseller lists and has stayed at #1 on The New York Times Combined Print & E-Book Fiction list since February 2025.
What Makes This Series Stand Out
The Empyrean series takes place in Navarre, where dragon riders train at Basgiath War College to protect their kingdom. The books blend fantasy with romance, creating what fans call “romantasy.”
Onyx Storm builds on the world from earlier books and digs deeper into characters’ emotions. The book has broken sales records, showing how much readers love this series.
The Story
Onyx Storm follows Violet Sorrengail as she faces threats to her kingdom. The plot includes:
- Violet searching for a cure for Xaden Riorson, who is turning into a venin (magic user)
- The discovery of ancient journals with secrets about wardstones that protect Navarre
- Meetings with gryphon riders that change what Violet knows about loyalty
- A major battle where Violet must make hard choices
The book mixes action, suspense, and deep feelings that keep readers turning pages.
Key Themes
Resilience stands out in Onyx Storm. Characters face physical and emotional challenges that test their strength. Violet learns to find inner power during chaos and builds trust with others to overcome problems.
Sacrifice runs through the story. From Violet’s mother giving up everything to restore a wardstone to Violet’s own hard choices in battle, the book looks at what it means to lose something you value for a greater cause.
Character Growth
Yarros creates complex characters with clear motives. Violet grows from a reluctant fighter to a strong leader. Her smarts help her win when physical strength isn’t enough.
Xaden Riorson struggles with his venin transformation, adding depth to his relationship with Violet. Their romance has tension but also tender moments that make readers root for them.
Side characters like Ridoc and Mira also get attention, making the world feel real. Even small characters have backstories that pull readers into the story.
World Creation
The world of Navarre comes alive with details about:
- Dragon-rider relationships and ranks
- Political alliances between groups
- Magic systems and their limits
- New factions like gryphon riders
- Ancient lore about wardstones
Dragons act as real characters with distinct personalities. Andarna’s story adds mystery since her underdeveloped state raises questions about future battles.
Storm imagery matches the characters’ inner conflicts, while wardstones represent both protection and weakness.
What Critics Say
Critics praise Onyx Storm for its story and emotional depth but point out some issues:
Strengths:
- Strong themes of resilience and sacrifice
- Action-packed plot
- Well-developed characters
Weaknesses:
- Some romance scenes between Violet and Xaden feel repetitive
- Chapter structure sometimes feels designed for TV adaptation
Despite these points, fans love the mix of fantasy adventure and emotional romance.
Why Readers Connect With This Book
Onyx Storm succeeds because:
- Readers relate to Violet’s struggles
- The slow-burn romance between Violet and Xaden keeps interest high
- Social media platforms like TikTok spread word through fan art and reviews
- The book fits the popular romantasy trend that appeals to fans of both fantasy and romance
Have you read the earlier books in the series? If not, the growing fan community might make you want to start.
Final Thoughts
Rebecca Yarros has written a book that pleases longtime fans while drawing in new readers. Onyx Storm combines action, romance, and emotional depth in ways that stand out in today’s book market. As we wait for news about future books or TV adaptations, this series has proven it will last.
Want to jump into a world of dragons, danger, and romance? Onyx Storm offers all three in one reading experience.
