Ridoc's one-liners in Onyx Storm were, after all, the best part of the book, but his growth and storyline were also great to see and added so much to the overall story within The Empyrean Series.
Ridoc's journey in this installment really showcased his capabilities, as he took on the role of protector for Violet during the Quest Squad arc and was the first of the Iron Squad to learn Xaden's secret. His good luck also generated many an Onyx Storm theory, giving him even more of the attention he deserves from readers. However, one specific detail from Onyx Storm sets up a perfect way to keep this momentum going for Ridoc that, in my mind, really needs to be explored within the next book: the growth of his signet.
Ridoc's Ice-Wielding Signet Evolves Significantly Throughout Onyx Storm
Despite Having A Common Signet, Ridoc Becomes Quite Powerful
Ridoc grows as an ice wielder throughout Onyx Storm, evolving his signet in various ways despite it being the most common of the Iron Squad's signets. At the beginning of The Empyrean Series, Ridoc's ice-wielding seems to be on the same level as the many other ice-wielders we see, creating ice in small batches for medicinal and offensive use. In Onyx Storm, though, Ridoc reveals that he can freeze the liquid within an object without the ice penetrating the surface, demonstrating this to his friends using an orange.
One Fourth Wing Scene Puts A Devastating Spin On Ridoc's Onyx Storm Story
Onyx Storm strengthens the relationship between Violet and Ridoc, but one Fourth Wing scene puts a sad spin on the latter’s story in the sequel.
Also, according to Ridoc, the ability to pull water from the air to freeze is uncommon among ice wielders, so combined, these new skills are impressive for the previously unstudious Iron Squad member. His later feat of freezing a wyvern in the final battle really highlights that evolution, building on Ridoc's story in Onyx Storm. That was already cool to me, but one other small detail about Ridoc grants the next book in The Empyrean Series the opportunity to really heighten that sense of awe about his abilities.
The Next Fourth Wing Book Can Use An Iron Flame Detail To Make Ridoc's Power Even Cooler
Ridoc Could Use His Bow To Enhance His Signet's Range
The next book in The Empyrean Series could use an Iron Flame detail to make Ridoc's growing powers from Onyx Storm even more amazing while diversifying signet fighting. During the RSC test in Iron Flame, Violet mentions that Ridoc's main weapon of choice is a bow and arrows, which he does not often have on him like the rest of the Iron Squad's weapons. We have not gotten to see him really use those, but with his growing power and natural curiosity, he could finally utilize them, though it could lead to Ridoc's death in the next Empyrean Series book.
This would not only help Ridoc circumvent burnout, as he will not have to freeze each enemy himself, but it would also add a new twist to signet fighting, giving them an edge against the venin who rely solely on their magic.
Ridoc could use his bow to expand the range of his signet, allowing him to freeze distant enemies with a shot in the same way he did the orange and wyvern. This would not only help Ridoc circumvent burnout, as he will not have to freeze each enemy himself, but it would also add a new twist to signet fighting, giving them an edge against the venin who rely solely on their magic. It would also further expand Ridoc's character arc from Onyx Storm, his desire to help his friends letting him stand out more for better or worse.
Onyx Storm
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.
- Genre
- Fantasy
- Publisher
- Entangled: Red Tower Books
- Franchise
- The Empyrean Series
- ISBN#
- 1649374186
- Author(s)
- Rebecca Yarros
