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A review by cassidy_rain
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous challenging dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

“If l'd been there, beyond the wards, I would have drained the very earth to its core to keep you safe.”

3.5 or maybe 4 stars, I’m torn on this one! Some things I really enjoyed and others felt a bit anticlimactic. Onyx Storm is the third book in the Empyrean series and picks up where Iron Flame leaves off.

This captured my attention from the very beginning. There’s lots of things to keep track of here- character names (and last names), whose dragon is who, what signet does that character have again? But overall I didn’t find the world-building clunky or confusing. I actually quite enjoyed the writing style- since it is mainly from Violet’s POV, I think it’s fun to discover the information alongside her.

I think this is written the best of all three books actually! There were some feelings of lull and boredom at times, but I do think that’s just kind of the nature of middle books in a series as the plot continues to build. I had a harder time feeling connected to the characters in this one for some reason. FW and IF had me stressed and emotional towards the well-being of many characters, but deaths in this one didn’t really leave any sort of impact on me. 😔

I liked Violet in this; I think she had many opportunities to show off her intelligence and cunning abilities. The scenes searching the different islands for the irids were packed with high stakes and adventure.  Like Iron Flame, this one focuses more on the fantasy plot lines than the romance plot lines, but that said, I was actually a big fan of the romance in this one. Xaden and Violet’s relationship is finally starting to feel more mature. Love seeing how sweet Xaden is and how Violet brings out his soft side, but I would be lying if I said I don’t miss him being more dark, broody, and confident. Their relationship is really tested in this one and I actually love the different “forbidden” aspect of it; it adds interesting layers of longing and tension.

The ending of course leaves us with more questions than answers and I will absolutely be first in line when the next book is released. Overall love the escapism I feel when reading this series.

“‘Rebel' is so...outdated. We prefer the term 'revolutionary’.”

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