The release of Onyx Storm on January 21 will mark one of the biggest fantasy book debuts of 2025, as readers have been eagerly anticipating the next Fourth Wing sequel since Iron Flame hit shelves. Given Iron Flame‘s twist ending, that’s not surprising. But with more than a year between books two and three of The Empyrean Series, readers’ memories might be hazy when it comes to the first two installments. There’s a lot to remember from Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, as Rebecca Yarros’ world is expansive and complex.
Some developments from the first two books are likely to be more important than others heading into Onyx Storm, which will reveal what becomes of Basgiath and its cadets on the heels of Iron Flame‘s venin battle. We know from Onyx Storm‘s excerpt and synopsis that Basgiath’s cadets will return to the institution and ready themselves for war. But as with all the Empyrean Series books, it’s inevitable they’ll face unexpected twists and turns. Needless to say, readers should refresh their memories when it comes to Fourth Wing‘s and Iron Flame‘s biggest revelations.
10
Violet’s Father Was Immersed In Research Before His Death
His History As A Scribe Will Likely Be Important In Onyx Storm
Violet Sorrengail’s father is dead by the time Fourth Wing begins, but his presence is felt throughout the first two Empyrean Series books. Violet reveals that her father died of heart problems early in Fourth Wing, though there are many theories suggesting his death wasn’t due to natural causes. Regardless of whether these prove true, the fact that Violet’s dad was a scribe seems certain to come up again in Onyx Storm. Mr. Sorrengail’s research is mentioned throughout the first two books, and it’s noted that it involved Feathertails.
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There are several convincing theories as to what will happen next in Yarros’ Onyx Storm, but I think my predictions are most likely to come true.
Given that Feathertails remain mysterious heading into Onyx Storm, it’s possible the sequel will answer some of readers’ biggest questions about the young dragons. This could be done through Mr. Sorrengail’s research, though Violet’s father may have been studying more than juvenile dragons. His note to Violet in Fourth Wing — and Lilith’s part in Navarre’s secret-keeping — suggest he also knew about the venin and wyvern. His research could hold answers that Violet and Xaden need in Onyx Storm.
9
The Venin General From Fourth Wing Is Interested In Violet’s Lightning Signet
The Villains Want Violet’s Power
Fourth Wing‘s venin Sage — who reveals he’s actually a general at the end of Iron Flame — is extremely interested in Violet and her lightning signet throughout the first two books. Although the venin never hesitate to kill humans or dragons, their leader commands them to leave Violet alive during the second Empyrean book. Several of them also note his interest in her lightning wielding power, one of the most powerful signets in Fourth Wing.
Violet learns to control her signet better throughout Iron Flame, making her even more valuable to both sides in Onyx Storm.
With the venin’s leader potentially still alive in Onyx Storm, it’s worth remembering all the attention he gives Violet and her power in earlier books. Violet learns to control her signet better throughout Iron Flame, making her even more valuable to both sides in Onyx Storm. And the third book could reveal the villains’ true intentions for Violet and her ability, answering one of the biggest questions left over after Iron Flame.
8
Tairn’s Former Rider Sacrificed Himself To Save Brennan Sorrengail’s Life
Naolin’s Choice May Be More Important Than It Seems
Tairn’s former rider, Naolin, sacrifices everything to save Brennan Sorrengail’s life — a decision that facilitates Fourth Wing‘s ending twist. It’s not entirely clear how or why Naolin does this, and the other characters don’t reveal much about him. Brennan tells Violet that doing so “cost him everything,” but that isn’t necessarily the same as dying. Tairn seems reluctant to discuss his former rider, leaving readers to speculate on whether he turned venin saving Brennan or used some other secret to resurrect him.
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Onyx Storm Needs To End One Empyrean Series Trend After Both Fourth Wing & Iron Flame Did It
Onyx Storm is shaping up to be different from Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, and it needs to break an Empyrean Series trend from both books.
Given the mysterious rune on Brennan’s hand and questions surrounding his return, it seems likely Naolin will come up again in future Fourth Wing books. Additionally, losing Naolin informs much of Tairn’s arc throughout The Empyrean Series. It’s part of the reason he’s so fiercely protective of Violet, as he doesn’t want to lose another rider. This makes Naolin’s fate far more important than it seems, so it’s worth keeping in mind during Onyx Storm.
7
Dain Is Earning Violet’s Forgiveness (& Angry With His Father)
Onyx Storm Is Poised To Continue His Redemption Story
Dain betrays Violet and the Marked Ones at the end of Fourth Wing, though he doesn’t realize his father’s plans for them when they reach Athebyne. This doesn’t prevent Violet from being angry with him, as he uses his signet on her without consent. However, the two begin working through their problems after Dain saves her from Vice Commandant Varrish’s torture during Iron Flame. Violet still doesn’t forgive Dain completely, but the two are on more civil terms by the end of the second book. And Onyx Storm is poised to continue Dain’s redemption arc.
Dain chooses to leave Basgiath and join the rebellion, setting him up to be a hero in future Empyrean books. He has a long way to go when it comes to proving himself, but he’s on the right path after Iron Flame. He’s also angry with his father for lying about the venin, and that hasn’t been addressed just yet. With the cadets returning to Basgiath, it seems likely that Dain will face Colonel Aetos when Onyx Storm debuts.
6
Xaden’s Second Signet Allows Him To Read People’s Intentions
Iron Flame Reveals He’s An Inntinnsic
Iron Flame concludes with several big twists regarding Xaden, one of which is the fact that he has a second signet. Because Sgaeyl was also bonded to his grandfather, her connection to Xaden grants him a second ability. He’s a type of Inntinnsic, but he’s forced to keep this quiet, as such a power is a death sentence at Basgiath. Xaden’s second signet allows him to read other people’s intentions, explaining how he’s able to suss out threats to his movement.
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Onyx Storm’s release is only a few weeks away, and Yarros’ Empyrean Series has many small details that may be important to the next Fourth Wing book.
Xaden’s second signet is only known by Violet and their dragons heading into Onyx Storm, but other characters could learn the truth in the next book. This power could also prove a problem if Xaden isn’t able to stay in control, so that’s a threat to watch out for during the rest of The Empyrean Series.
5
Navarre’s Wards Don’t Completely Block Out The Venin
Jack Barlowe Reveals They Can Channel To Some Extent Within The Wards
Jack Barlowe returns as a venin in Iron Flame, undoing Fourth Wing‘s most satisfying moment, and this twist reveals a harsh truth about Navarre’s wards. While Violet successfully restores the wards surrounding Basgiath in Iron Flame, Jack’s existence presents a problem for her and her friends. As Jack tells her during the Fourth Wing sequel, the wards aren’t foolproof against the venin. While their powers shouldn’t work beyond them, Jack is proof that venin can be made within the wards.
Just because Navarre is able to restore its wards at the end of Iron Flame doesn’t mean that its people are in the clear.
Jack also tells Violet that venin can channel to some extent while inside the wards — enough that it allows them to survive. Onyx Storm‘s excerpt suggests that Basgiath will be breached again in the third book, and Jack’s sentiment could explain how. Just because Navarre is able to restore its wards at the end of Iron Flame doesn’t mean that its people are in the clear. There could still be venin lurking on their side of their borders, a worrying prospect for Violet and her friends.
4
Iron Flame’s Ending Battle Exposed Navarre’s Lies
People Will Likely Know About The Venin & Wyvern In Onyx Storm
The final battle in Iron Flame is big enough that Navarre will no longer be able to keep the venin and wyvern a secret. This is important heading into Onyx Storm, as it means many of the kingdom’s citizens will learn about the lies their leaders have been feeding them. Such revelations could lead to political unrest in the next novel, assuming Navarre’s leadership doesn’t find new ways to avoid accountability.
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10 Burning Empyrean Series Questions That Onyx Storm Must Answer
Onyx Storm must answer these burning questions on its worldbuilding and characters that were left from the first two books of The Empyrean Series.
Considering they need the support of the rebellion’s dragon riders, it seems unlikely Navarre’s leaders will be able to deceive their citizens again. This raises questions about how the public will respond to the news of the venin and wyvern existing. It could lead to changes in Navarre’s government and military structure — and even if it doesn’t have this much of an impact, it will certainly give them a lot to contend with in Onyx Storm.
3
Andarna Is The Seventh Breed Of Dragon
Onyx Storm Must Answer Questions About Andarna’s Kind
Andarna is a mystery from the moment she’s introduced, but her growth in Iron Flame takes her from being a Feathertail to what Violet initially assumes is another black dragon. Violet realizes her error at the end of the second book, when Jesinia reveals that seven breeds of dragon are needed to raise the wards. Andarna is the seventh breed of dragon — something Navarre isn’t aware exists — and she is the leader of her own Den. This explains why she waited so long to hatch, as well as why she was able to bond with Violet.
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Every Type & Color Of Dragon In Fourth Wing Explained
Dragons and their powers are important details in the Empyrean series. What do all the color types and tail types mean in the Fourth Wing books?
This Iron Flame reveal is huge, and it doesn’t get a ton of attention before the book comes to a close. It seems inevitable that Onyx Storm will expand on what Andarna’s true nature means for The Empyrean Series. There are pressing questions the sequel needs to answer, like what happened to the rest of Andarna’s kind. It’s also likely that Violet won’t be able to keep Andarna’s secret for long, which could lead to tensions between dragons and humans.
2
Violet & Xaden Chose The Wards At Basgiath Over The Wards At Aretia
Brennan & Xaden’s Revolution Will Need To Move
Violet and Xaden are forced to choose between raising the wards at Basgiath over the wards at Aretia, and this will have consequences in Onyx Storm. With Aretia not being properly protected, it seems probable that Xaden and Brennan’s revolution will need to move. Melgren asks the cadets that fled Basgiath to return at the end of book two, and given the ward situation, they might bring the gryphon riders and rebellion leaders with them.
Navarre’s leaders will probably clash with the rebellion heads, which could lead to some interesting conflicts in Onyx Storm.
This means Basgiath could look quite different in the third Empyrean Series book. Tensions are likely to be high if dragon riders and gryphon riders are forced to mingle, as those who stayed at Basgiath aren’t as familiar with outsiders. And Navarre’s leaders will probably clash with the rebellion heads, which could lead to some interesting conflicts in Onyx Storm.
1
Xaden Is Now A Venin After Iron Flame’s Ending
Xaden’s Predicament Will Be A Major Storyline In Onyx Storm
The biggest twist from Iron Flame‘s ending is that Xaden is now a venin, and this will be a major storyline in Onyx Storm. Yarros’ Instagram teases confirm as much, revealing that Xaden and Jack will discuss Xaden’s transformation, as well as the fact that Violet will be determined to “save him.” So, if there’s one moment from Iron Flame that readers should revisit prior to Onyx Storm, it’s Xaden’s chapter. Watching him turn for love is heart-wrenching, but it’s definitely going to be important in the sequel.
It’s not clear how Xaden’s change will affect his bond with Sgaeyl, though her anger in Iron Flame doesn’t bode well for the pair. Xaden becoming venin also sets up more relationship problems for him and Violet, which could keep them apart in Onyx Storm. Only time will tell if they’ll find a way to reverse Xaden’s condition, which has readers on edge ahead of the next book.
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
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Fantasy
- Publisher
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Entangled: Red Tower Books
- Publication Date
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2025/01/01
- ISBN#
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1649374186
- Author(s)
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Rebecca Yarros
