Book Review: Onyx Storm
Here’s my review of Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros. Don’t forget to leave a comment if you’ve read it or plan to read it, or if you have any other book recommendations to share.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros is the third book in the wildly popular Empyrean Series and lives up to its hype, as it has a bit of something for every type of reader. It has a complex and twisty plot, well-developed characters, political intrigue, family drama, war, reflection, comedic relief, propulsive action, mystery, suspense, betrayal, and intense romance. And as someone who doesn’t read that many books in this genre, I can’t recommend it enough. Once you get sucked into its world, it’s nearly impossible to get sucked back out. I can’t wait for the next book!
I don’t usually read fantasy novels because pages and pages of exposition aren’t my thing, as I enjoy using my own imagination while reading and don’t like every little detail explained for me. But this series allows me to conjure vivid details of the world Yarros has created without being bored to death by dozens of pages with tedious descriptions of various environments or magical artifacts that are negligible to the book’s plot and will soon be forgotten anyway.
Still, the world of magic and dragons in the Empyrean Series is incredibly detailed and unique, as are its characters. There are various people, places, alliances, creatures, and magical elements guiding everything that happens in the novel, though it never seems too overwhelming to retain or keep up with since we learn about them all and weigh their significance as the main character Violet does. Though, I must admit that I had to read a few recaps of the series before I dove into this book, to refresh everything I had already learned about what happened in previous books. And I highly recommend doing this.
Above all else, I adored the complex characters in this book. They are unique and distinct from one another, having well-defined histories, personalities, talents, and motivations for doing things. And yes, while Violet and Xaden’s relationship drive much of the plot, I think classifying this novel as a Romantasy does it a slight disservice, as Violet’s personality and other relationships and quests guide her behavior just as much as her intimate attachment to Xaden. Violet’s attachments to her siblings, her deceased parents, her dragons, her classmates, and her squadmates, drive just as many, if not more, of her decisions and actions in the end.
I have also been enjoying the intricate plot in this series as it continues to unfold. I certainly didn’t anticipate several of the twists and turns in this third installment and am left guessing at what the fourth installment will bring. There are also several scenes in this third instalment that were heart wrenching and jaw-dropping. A few scenes I will always remember include one in which Violet surprises others with poison, one in which Violet must make a difficult choice involving Andarna, and one in which Violet is fighting a force much greater than the one she’s able to wield.
In this third installment, you will learn more about Violet and her evolving powers and capabilities, Andarna’s history, areas outside the wards and Continent, previous alliances and strategic agreements, Xaden’s precarious situation with the dark wielders, and possible future signets that are forming… among other things. So, it’s not one you’ll want to miss.
I think most fans of the Empyrean Series will be happy with this third installment (out of what will be five installments, I believe?). I also think readers who appreciate character-driven novels with unfolding plots based on relationships and political intrigue will appreciate this series overall, though they will want to start with the first installment, Fourth Wing — especially fans of Game of Thrones and The Witcher and Shadow and Bone.
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