Sandy M’s review of Onyx Storm (Empyrean, Book 3) by Rebecca Yarros
Fantasy Romance published by Entangled: Red Tower Books 21 Jan 25
Onyx Storm, the third book in Yarros’ Empyrean series, is another nailbiter with twists and turns you don’t see coming until they’re right on top of both you and the characters. Violet and Xaden, along with all the other players we’ve come to love, are preparing for war. It’s a race against time, and no one knows if there’s a solution to be had for peace – something they’ve not known for quite some time.
Xaden is also fighting becoming venin, but knowing he’d do anything to keep Violet safe is not what she wants to hear. She needs him in her life, so finding a cure is the best thing she can think to do. Thus, she and a squad head to islands outside their continent and wards, hopefully to gather armies and information, despite no magic to be had when they need it most – which is a good portion of the time. Every island is so very different from the one before, inhabitants and their beliefs throwing them for a loop before their next breath.
On top of all this, there is a dark wielder hunting Violet. It takes everyone from Tairn, her dragon, all her squad mates, and of course Xanden to try to keep her as safe as possible, but in the end it’s Violet herself, cadet that she is, who has to dig deep to make it home. But also in the end, it’s Xaden who makes the ultimate sacrifice and we’re left hanging on that last page, wondering what truly happened and what the consequences will be for the future. That’s a cliffhanger for the ages. I’ve not seen anything so far from the author as to when the next book will come about, so it’s definitely a waiting game for the time being.
Despite all the evil and wyvern and all other things bad, this is an exciting addition to the series. Ms. Yarros’ masterful writing and imagination comes to the fore to keep you on the edge of your seat during the dragon riding and fighting to keep their home safe. It’s great to catch up with all of the beloved characters her fans love and are waiting to see on the TV screen soon, after the news the books will be made into a series.
This is one series you should start today if you haven’t already. Some of the best books over the last few years.
Grade: A+
Summary:
After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons. No more time for uncertainty.
Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust.
Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him.
Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything.
They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth.
But a storm is coming…and not everyone can survive its wrath.
Other books in this series:
