That has resulted in readers wondering how the next book will execute certain things, such as returning to Fourth Wing's romance roots, but it also highlights one issue I have with the series. The central characters are very well crafted. But to me, many of the side characters are just as intriguing, and they do not get as much attention. Though it is an overarching issue, a few specific characters really got cheated in Onyx Storm, which has me hoping that Rebecca Yarros has more in store for them in the next addition to the romantasy series.

5 Sawyer Henrick

Sawyer Remains The Least Explored Member Of The Iron Squad

Sawyer's compelling arc in Onyx Storm gave us a better glimpse into his character than we've gotten previously, but the next book has so many ways it can add to his potential. Sawyer rediscovering how to be a rider after losing his leg in Iron Flame was a touching and powerful side story. It showcased more of Sawyer beyond being in the Iron Squad, putting his frustration and fear on full display. It also deepened his bond with Violet, giving them a solid point of connection that the two previously did not have in comparison to Ridoc and Rhiannon.

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Even so, Sawyer needs more time in book 4, especially since so much of his storyline takes place in the background of Onyx Storm's main narrative — and he spends a lot of time off the page. His low self-esteem is touched on in his scene with Silseag, but it could be dug into more, giving him similar development to Ridoc's in book 3. Sawyer's romance with Jesinia would also be a great expansion point, as it would keep the romance angle of the series alive during Violet and Xaden's separation and add lighter moments.

4 Rhiannon Matthias

Book 4 Needs To Expand On Rhiannon After Her POV Chapter

Rhiannon's POV chapter in Onyx Storm adds a new detail that would give her character further depth if explored in the next book. Rhiannon has characteristically been the calm, rational leader of the Iron Squad, often being the voice of reason and deciding force in the group's plans. That has made her a great counterpoint to Violet, who can at times use her heart over her head, a plot point Onyx Storm focuses on extensively. However, Rhiannon's POV chapter reveals a new side to her that could add to their dynamic, as well as the dynamic of the Iron Squad.

Rhiannon's chapter mentions how, between her and her twin sister, she is the more volatile of the two, contradicting everything we have seen of her previously. This, combined with the fact that Feirge's name means anger, would be an organic way for Rhiannon to have a moment of rage during book 4 of The Empyrean Series. This would add a fascinating layer to her character, who we don't otherwise see enough of in Onyx Storm. With Rhiannon taking on a leadership role and separated from Violet, she tragically falls to the wayside in the most recent book.

3 Berwyn

Berwyn Needs More Time To Develop As The Villain

Despite being established as a threat in Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, Berwyn doesn't get enough page time in Onyx Storm to properly develop as the major antagonist the series makes him out to be. Berwyn is minimally seen in Onyx Storm, making his singular appearance to essentially blackmail Xaden into turning into an asim during the Battle of Draithus that much more memorable. Though Theophanie's mentions of his methods do add a sense of dread, Berwyn will need to appear much more to truly be a memorable villain in The Empyrean Series.

By giving Berwyn more page time in book 4, Yarros can demonstrate the true power of a Maven alongside of Berwyn's own desire for complete control — something we only tangentially saw with Theophanie. It would also add to Violet and Berwyn's inevitable confrontation, as their previous interactions undercut his menace with inaction. Making him more of a direct threat and showcasing just how far he is willing to go will drive home how deadly the venin can be, and it can help reveal just what the venin's end goal is.

2 Jesinia Neilwart

Jesinia Needs To Be More Present For The Framing Device To Make Sense

Jesinia may be guaranteed to survive The Empyrean Series, but her lack of appearances in Onyx Storm makes her presence in the next book even more necessary to maintain the framing device. The series establishes that Jesinia survives the events of the story through its disclaimer, stating that Jesinia translated the documents detailing Violet's adventures as Head Curator of the Scribe Quadrant. Even so, Jesinia's lack of presence in the third book makes this framing device tenuous, especially as her insights can add new depth to the story.

Jesinia is one of the few non-fighter characters who gets more than one scene to highlight her skills, which is a much-needed contrast to the militant way everyone else operates in the Riders Quadrant. Including her in more scenes would allow for new insights and drive home the series' themes on history and interpretation by presenting another way to look at the events unfolding before them. Not only that, but her romance with Sawyer can drive home those themes too, as that love encourages him to think outside the box Basgiath keeps them in.

1 Dain Aetos

The Best Parts Of Dain's Story Are Ignored In Onyx Storm