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A review by mackenzierm
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
4.0
Violet has been at Basgiath War College in the Rider Quadrant for 18 months and she knows that there’s no more time for lessons or uncertainty. That’s because the battle has begun and enemies are closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, making it impossible to know who can be trusted. Violet is planning to journey beyond the Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands. It’s a journey that will test her in every way, but it’s worth it if it means keeping a secret that could destroy everything.
ONYX STORM is a book that I was simultaneously eagerly awaiting and terrified to read. I am thankful that I chose to reread Fourth Wing and Iron Flame to freshen up on the details and pertinent characters. I found it really helpful because it feels like there’s an inundation of new and old characters and details that I would have been confused by otherwise. Don’t get me wrong, I was still a tad confused but quickly got into the swing of things. I think you’ll be just fine without re-reading but do be patient.
ONYX STORM begins where Iron Flame left off and is narrated primarily by Violet. I’ve always enjoyed Violet’s narrations, but was excited to find that she felt more mature in this third book. I loved that there were chapters in other key characters’ POV, which made everything feel more cohesive and added to the group dynamic. This was highly appreciated. I really enjoyed the continued progression of the character and relationship arcs, and the growth of each key character together and apart which was really well done.
I did find the pacing to be a little bit off though. While it is the most adventurous book of the series to date, I felt like I was missing connections that I couldn’t quite grasp. I adored the journey to lands outside of Navarre and Aretia and the experiences Violet and her friends gained from these interactions. There’s a lot to unpack within each location with the different cultural norms, animals, and people. The world building and descriptions were vivid and immersive, while continuing to expand upon relevant history and events.
As with each of the previous books, I absolutely adore the dragons. Tairn is, and always has been, my favorite. His cutting and sassy remarks are excellent. I really enjoyed getting to see and learn more about Andarna this go around – she’s an interesting character with some equally sassy dialogue. I loved learning more about the each of the squads’ dragons’ personalities. All of the dragon banter is top tier.
Lastly, I am confused by the ending but after discussion with others, I think it’s meant to be vague and open to interpretation to a certain extent. Regardless, I am once again eagerly awaiting the next installment of this series.
ONYX STORM is a book that I was simultaneously eagerly awaiting and terrified to read. I am thankful that I chose to reread Fourth Wing and Iron Flame to freshen up on the details and pertinent characters. I found it really helpful because it feels like there’s an inundation of new and old characters and details that I would have been confused by otherwise. Don’t get me wrong, I was still a tad confused but quickly got into the swing of things. I think you’ll be just fine without re-reading but do be patient.
ONYX STORM begins where Iron Flame left off and is narrated primarily by Violet. I’ve always enjoyed Violet’s narrations, but was excited to find that she felt more mature in this third book. I loved that there were chapters in other key characters’ POV, which made everything feel more cohesive and added to the group dynamic. This was highly appreciated. I really enjoyed the continued progression of the character and relationship arcs, and the growth of each key character together and apart which was really well done.
I did find the pacing to be a little bit off though. While it is the most adventurous book of the series to date, I felt like I was missing connections that I couldn’t quite grasp. I adored the journey to lands outside of Navarre and Aretia and the experiences Violet and her friends gained from these interactions. There’s a lot to unpack within each location with the different cultural norms, animals, and people. The world building and descriptions were vivid and immersive, while continuing to expand upon relevant history and events.
As with each of the previous books, I absolutely adore the dragons. Tairn is, and always has been, my favorite. His cutting and sassy remarks are excellent. I really enjoyed getting to see and learn more about Andarna this go around – she’s an interesting character with some equally sassy dialogue. I loved learning more about the each of the squads’ dragons’ personalities. All of the dragon banter is top tier.
Lastly, I am confused by the ending but after discussion with others, I think it’s meant to be vague and open to interpretation to a certain extent. Regardless, I am once again eagerly awaiting the next installment of this series.