Onyx Storm reviews: a book by Rebecca Yarros

Onyx Storm synopsis from the publisher, Red Tower Books

After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons. No more time for uncertainty.

Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust.

Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him.

Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything.

They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth.

But a storm is coming…and not everyone can survive its wrath.

The Empyrean series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 Fourth Wing
Book #2 Iron Flame
Book #3 Onyx Storm

Publication date: April 21, 2025 (Red Tower Books)

Onyx Storm book reviews by independent bloggers

SUPERB	“Prepare to read the last 20 per cent in one sitting because you won’t be able to stop. It’s just not possible … “It’s AMAZING. Read it and the others. Prepare to go bonkers. Rebecca likes to throw her readers off a cliff and laugh at the end of her books. Actually … if you have any willpower, maybe wait until all the books are out.” That Artsy Reader Girl
UNFAVOURABLE	“Sadly, much of Onyx Storm felt very forced to me. Before the series was a five-book series, it was supposed to be a trilogy. Regrettably, this novel feels like an example of too much of a good thing being, well, not a good thing … “It didn’t help matters that Violet was constantly getting on my nerves. She is supposed to be so intelligent, but she makes impulsive and incredibly selfish decisions left and right. I watched with dismay as Violet yelled at superior officers, royals, and abandoned her post to do what she thought was best with her minimal years of actual combat or political experience.” Blogging with Dragons
MIXED	“I would argue that Onyx Storm is less frustrating than Iron Flame but both have the same pacing issues. Granted Iron Flame was longer and more dense than Onyx Storm and it felt like a lighter read for the most part. Onyx Storm has a stronger second half and a shocking ending leading into the next book.” Maude’s Book Club
GOOD	“… Onyx Storm, though a “middle book” in the series (which usually has a slower pace because it is setting up for the action in books 4 and 5) was thoroughly enjoyable. In this installment, there was even more expansive world-building and the introduction of additional characters.” Fully Booked
MIXED	“I ended up being just as addicted to Onyx Storm as its predecessors Fourth Wing and Iron Flame … “The beginning was way too slow with about 300 new characters introduced all at once. This confused me, made me think I hadn’t been paying attention in the other books and made me lose interest a bit … “The ending (no spoilers so I won’t say what exactly) didn’t sit well with me. This might, of course, all be beautifully justified and explained in book 4 … The growing mystery around a number of other characters is very intriguing and seems to be setting the scene for a lot more revelations and plot twists in book 4 … “So yes, I am still very much invested in the Empyrean series and now have to wait potentially years for book 4? Come on Rebecca, get writing.” Books on the 7:47

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