Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros.Goodreads score is a positive sign for the novel.
It's obvious that Yarros' books are resonating with readers, and Onyx Storm is just the latest example of that. However, some additions to The Empyrean Series are stronger in certain areas than others. With any series, it's inevitable that there will be highs and lows. This is true of The Empyrean Series, too, which has yet to reach the heights of Fourth Wing again — even with two great sequels.
3 Onyx Storm (2025)
Average Goodreads Rating: 4.51
Onyx Storm answers a lot of questions from the first two Empyrean Series books, and it does a decent job of expanding the world Yarros' story is set in. The 2025 sequel wastes no time throwing readers into the action, and ittedly, it feels like the plot rarely lets up. From the time Xaden visits Jack Barlowe to Onyx Storm's cliffhanger ending, there's always something interesting happening. This fixes some of the pacing complaints readers had about Iron Flame, but it doesn't really let the characters or relationships breathe.
Onyx Storm Repeats A Frustrating Iron Flame Story That Violet Failed To Learn From
Onyx Storm repeats a frustrating Violet story from Iron Flame, and she needs to show that she’s learned from it in the next Empyrean book.
That's not to say there aren't satisfying character moments scattered throughout Onyx Storm. Indeed, ing players like Ridoc, Sawyer, Garrick, and Bohdi all get opportunities to shine. Even Andarna becomes a more fully realized character in this installment. Unfortunately, the ing characters' growth makes one harsh truth more noticeable: that Violet and Xaden don't evolve much in Onyx Storm. While their relationship fares better than it does in Iron Flame — and they have some great t scenes — they don't progress much until the very end.
There's a lot introduced that will undoubtedly pay off in the next Empyrean Series book, even if the MacGuffin quests do start to feel a bit repetitive at times.
In of world-building, Onyx Storm does a decent job of establishing greater venin lore and bringing in new locations. There's a lot introduced that will undoubtedly pay off in the next Empyrean Series book, even if the MacGuffin quests do feel a bit repetitive at times. Onyx Storm's final chapters also pack a punch, though it's not as powerful as the previous installments' endings. Xaden fully turning venin feels inevitable, and it doesn't compare to the major deaths of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. In fact, Onyx Storm doesn't really uphold the stakes of previous books; there are few major deaths.
With so many shortcomings, Onyx Storm is probably the weakest book in The Empyrean Series so far — even if it still makes for a fun ride. Given its 4.51 Goodreads rating, it's clearly resonating with people. But even the sequel's highs can't make up for some of the structural and storytelling issues.
2 Iron Flame (2023)
Average Goodreads Rating: 4.37
Iron Flame received criticism upon its 2023 release, but the Fourth Wing sequel unfairly gets a bad rap. While it's lengthy and full of communication problems between its main characters, Iron Flame accomplishes a lot — and still manages to be engaging, despite its 600+ pages. The novel does a great job at following up on Fourth Wing's ending, believably capturing the tensions upon Violet's return to Basgiath and her PTSD. It raises the stakes on both sides of the conflict, with Navarre pushing harder than ever to keep the venin a secret and the venin becoming more aggressive in their tactics.
Only One Character Is Guaranteed To Survive The Empyrean Series, But Their Onyx Storm Story Is Still Worrying
Only one character is guaranteed to survive the entirety of The Empyrean Series even though their Onyx Storm story is still largely worrying.
Unlike Onyx Storm, Iron Flame continues to drive home just how brutal Yarros' world is, with things like Nadine's death and Violet's torture scene giving readers ample reason to be on edge. While the pacing does falter at times, it's for a reason. The slowest moments help build out Yarros' world, introducing readers to the characters and politics of Poromiel — a necessity given all of Fourth Wing's talk about gryphon riders. There are some great moments between established characters as well, with the Sorrengails' reunions and Violet's tensions with her friends ramping up the emotions.
Violet and Xaden may have frustrating issues throughout this installment, but there's also clear growth by the end of the book.
Violet and Xaden may have frustrating issues throughout this installment, but there's also clear growth by the end of the book. Dain also gets a nice redemption moment, showing that everyone is progressing in this sequel. And Iron Flame's ending is probably its biggest feat, as General Sorrengail's death, Xaden's second signet reveal, and Xaden turning venin are all hugely shocking moments. They set the stage for Onyx Storm well, and given all the little details Iron Flame brings in, it's even better upon a re-read.
1 Fourth Wing (2023)
Average Goodreads Rating: 4.58
The Empyrean Series gets off to a strong start with Fourth Wing, so it's no wonder the 2023 book became such a phenomenon. There's a lot to love about Fourth Wing, which picks up with action and high stakes and keeps that energy going throughout its 500+ page run. Violet is an instantly likable character, and the treatment of her disability is one of the book's greatest strengths. It proves diverse in a number of other ways, which makes Yarros' world feel realistic and easy to immerse oneself in. The relationships between characters also evolve naturally, making them easy to root for.
Violet's characterization is at its best in Fourth Wing, as she truly comes into her own during her first year at Basgiath.
The challenges Violet faces throughout her first year at Basgiath keep things consistently interesting, and she proves a true underdog. Her storyline feels much more separated from her relationship with Xaden in this installment, which works in its favor. While the enemies-to-lovers tensions are there and swoon-worthy, Violet shines most when she's protecting Andarna at the Threshing or offering Rhiannon a boot before walking the Parapet. Violet's characterization is at its best in Fourth Wing, as she truly comes into her own during her first year at Basgiath.
Almost 2 Years Later, Onyx Storm Has Made Fourth Wing's Worst Character Even More Unbearable
Fourth Wing’s worst character is obvious after the book’s ending, and Onyx Storm manages to make him even more insufferable this time around.
There are very few lulls throughout Fourth Wing, which has the best pacing of the current Empyrean Series books. From walking the parapet to facing the Threshing, there's never a dull moment in Violet's first year. And Fourth Wing's ending battle is probably the most intense, as the characters and readers are totally unprepared. Confirming that venin and wyvern are real is a shocking and appropriate way to raise the stakes, and pitting a bunch of unprepared cadets against them is truly maniacal. Liam's death also remains the saddest of The Empyrean Series, which has yet to top its first book.
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Violet Sorrengail faces new political intrigue and battles old enemies while uncovering the secrets of her second signet. As she strives to save Xaden from venin corruption, her relationships with allies and dragons are tested, leading to intense confrontations and unexpected revelations in a world of dragons and magic.
