AI Overview
Book Overview: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
Series: The Empyrean #3
Published by: Red Tower Books on January 21, 2025
Pages: 544 (or 779 in eBook format, as per some sources)
Plot Summary
"Onyx Storm" by Rebecca Yarros is the third installment in The Empyrean series. The story follows Violet Sorrengail, who has spent nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College. With the battle against their enemies intensifying, Violet knows there is no more time for lessons or uncertainty. She must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. This perilous journey will test her wit, luck, and strength as she fights to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him.
Violet's quest involves navigating treacherous landscapes and encountering new dragons, some of whom are rude and shun Andarna, a dragon she cares about. Along the way, she discovers she is a dream walker, which makes her second signet (gifted by Andarna) too powerful. This ability allows her to see into people's minds while they are sleeping, raising questions about its implications and potential consequences.
Key Themes
Perseverance and Determination: Violet's journey is marked by her unwavering determination to save those she cares about, despite the overwhelming challenges she faces.
Trust and Loyalty: The novel explores themes of trust and loyalty as Violet navigates a world where enemies are closing in from both outside and within their ranks, making it difficult to know who to trust.
Power and Magic: The story delves into the need for power, magic, and an army to combat the impending storm. Violet's unique abilities as a dream walker are crucial in this quest.
Secrets and Consequences: Violet must keep a secret that could potentially destroy everything, adding an element of tension and risk to her journey.
Critical Reception
The book has received positive reviews from various sources:
Blogging with Dragons: The review highlights Violet's growth and the escalating stakes in the series. It emphasizes the importance of reading the series in order to fully appreciate the story.
Heidi DiSchler: This review discusses major plot points, including the peace treaty between flyers and dragon riders, Xaden's promotion to a duke, and the introduction of a mysterious white-haired girl. The reviewer also mentions the emotional impact of the dragons' behavior towards Andarna.
Goodreads: The Goodreads page provides a brief summary and indicates that the book is part of a series best enjoyed in order. It also notes that Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies.
Maude's Book Club: This review reiterates Violet's journey to seek allies and emphasizes the high stakes involved. It also mentions the need for an army, power, and magic to survive the impending storm.
That Artsy Reader Girl: This review provides a detailed summary of the plot, highlighting Violet's journey and her discovery of being a dream walker. It also notes the importance of reading the series in order and the emotional impact of the story.
Overall, "Onyx Storm" by Rebecca Yarros is a thrilling installment in The Empyrean series, filled with action, romance, and deep character development. The critical reception highlights the engaging plot, well-developed characters, and the escalating stakes in the series.