Rebecca Yarros has always used humor in her Empyrean series, especially via the beloved joker and Quest Squad member Ridoc. In Onyx Storm’s central romance being problematic, which isn't an uncommon issue in the romantasy genre, but was used to great effect here.

A remark from Ridoc, one of the inevitable romance complaint about Fourth Wing's Xaden and Violet reflects a wider self-referential tone of Onyx Storm, reflected by comments from Violet herself regarding conflict with Xaden. Much of their conflict stems from miscommunication, which has been a running theme since Fourth Wing.

Onyx Storm Hilariously Poked Fun At Violet & Xaden's Miscommunication Problems

This Quote From Ridoc Felt Like One Of A Few Winks From Yarros

Rebecca Yarros shows she knows how to poke a bit of fun at herself in Onyx Storm. On p.111, Ridoc points out the repetitive nature of Violet and Xaden’s arguments throughout their ionate relationship:

"And it's always the same fight." He lifts his hand to his chest. "I'll trust you if you stop keeping secrets!" He drops the hand and scowls. "It's my secretive nature that attracted you, and why can't you stay out of harm's way for five minutes?"

This perfect impression of Violet and Xaden not only highlights that Ridoc is on top form, but shows that Yarros is aware of how grating Violet and Xaden can be for readers. This particular type of humor also shows how fond Yarros is of Ridoc as a character, and why readers respond so well to him. She takes Ridoc in an unexpected direction in Onyx Storm by making him more than the comic relief. Even so, his cutting humor is also a direct challenge to Violet - as seen later in the novel, he is not afraid to criticize her.

The Miscommunication Trope Is One That Plagues The First Two Empyrean Series Books

Violet And Xaden’s Relationship Faces A Key Obstacle

Onyx Storm is not the first readers have seen of the miscommunication trope in the Empyrean series - this recurring theme in Violet and Xaden’s relationship plagued the first two books. While it is necessary for character development for them to learn how to better communicate with each other while thrust into life and death situations and leadership responsibilities, the repetitive conversations can be a drag at times. Nowhere is this more prominent than in Violet’s grudge in Iron Flame, which means they repeatedly had the same argument about trust and secrets.

While annoying, it does help to convey that Violet is someone who needs to know the whole truth of a situation...

While annoying, it does help to convey that Violet is someone who needs to know the whole truth of a situation to feel like she is in control. This plays out in her relationship with Xaden, but it also relates to her bookishness - she recites Navarran history to calm herself down in frightening situations, but the reader learns alongside Violet that much of this is propaganda. Understandably, Violet flounders when she has to question what the truth of her reality is.

At least by Onyx Storm, they are making some progress and see the humor. On other occasions in the book, Violet pokes fun at Xaden by saying he is “brooding”, and sends thoughts down the bond such as “this argument isn’t over”. While they still have work to do on their communication issues, overall they are more aligned, despite Xaden grappling with his venin transition.

Ridoc's Criticism Is Indicative Of A Larger Romantasy Problem

Miscommunication Is A Delicate Trope In Romantasy

In the case of the Empyrean series, part of the problem is that Violet and Xaden got together very early in the series, in Fourth Wing. Because of this, Yarros had to reintroduce tension via repetitive miscommunication. The payoff from Xaden’s statement of love, which even impressed Dain, was arguably worth it, as was Xaden’s line that gave me hope, but it doesn’t make it anyless frustrating to read. This problem is not isolated to Empyrean alone - it is a common trope in the romantasy genre and is very difficult to do well.

To a certain extent, it is a useful device and makes relationships more realistic, as everybody has their communication issues. However, when it becomes a central conflict, that’s when it begins to get dull. This is more from a lack of communication than miscommunication. This is a shame, because miscommunication and misunderstanding have been key to some of the best romances in history, including Pride and Prejudice. Sadly, it is rarely done with the same finesse as Austen, but it is encouraging to see Yarros incorporating humor in Onyx Storm as a nod and a wink to her readers.