But a storm is coming… and not everyone can survive its wrath.

At the time of writing this, we are officially less than 3 days away from the release of the third instalment in Rebecca Yarros’ global phenomenon The Empyrean series. I am, of course, talking about Onyx Storm.

The the internet is flooded with people anxiously awaiting its release, ready for the inevitable emotional turmoil we have come to expect from Rebecca Yarros. The ending of Iron Flame left us all in complete shock, and the painstaking wait for the Onyx Storm release date has left room for an overabundance of theories about how the next book is going to go and what might be revealed.

Though I am not usually one for theories and trying to guess what the author might do next, I have to admit that my mind has been reeling since the gripping conclusion of Iron Flame, and as the release of Onxy Storm creeps closer, I haven’t been able to stop myself from getting sucked into Booktok predictions.

In this episode of the blog, I am going to provide some key reminders of that we have learned so far, plot points from the previous two books in the series, and of course some predictions for Onyx Storm.

Iron Flame Recap

1. Brennan’s Role in the Rebellion – At the end of Fourth Wing, we learn that Brennan, believed dead for six years, is alive and working with the rebellion in Aretia. Brennan reveals that he survived the aftermath of the Battle of Aretia, waking on a cliffside with his dragon, Marbh, who was wounded. Hidden by dragons in a network of caves, Brennan eventually escaped with surviving civilians, adopting the surname “Aisereigh,” meaning “resurrection,” to avoid enemies seeking vengeance against his mother, Lilith. Initially, Brennan declines Navarre’s plea for aid during a meeting with General Melgren, representing the Assembly. However, when Violet and Xaden lead a riot back to Basgiath to defend the Wardstone, Brennan is inspired by their determination and joins them, bringing the Aretian cadets who had previously defected from Navarre. During the Battle of Basgiath, Brennan uses his signet to repair the broken Wardstone, pushing his abilities to the brink of collapse. He nearly burns out while simultaneously trying to mend Violet as she imbues the Wardstone with power.
   
   
2. The Rebellion – The rebellion, led by the Assembly out of Aretia, continues where the Tyrrish Rebellion failed, seeking to protect Navarrian citizens and the Known World from the threat of Venin. Unlike the Tyrrish Rebellion, which attempted to publicly declare independence from Navarre, the Revolution operates covertly within Navarre’s borders. Xaden spearheads these operations, leading daring missions to arm the gryphon flier with weapons to kill the Venin. Violet becomes a critical asset, using her bond with Tairn and Andarna to gather intelligence and execute strategic strikes. However, these covert actions reveal the perilous extent of Navarre’s control and the ever-present risk of betrayal from within.
   
   
3. Tairn and Sgaeyl Being Separated – The bond between Tairn and Sgaeyl proves vital not just to the dragons themselves but also to their riders. Their forced separation during critical missions affects their strength and complicates Violet and Xaden’s ability to coordinate, although it does bring about some before unseen jealousy from Xaden and highlights the corruption in leadership at Basgiath.
   
   
4. Violet and Dain’s Relationship – After unintentionally contributing to Liam’s death (💔), Dain’s connection with Violet is left fractured beyond repair. Throughout their remaining time at Basgiath, Violet avoids him, refusing his attempts to speak with her, much to Dain’s heartbreak. In a bid to make amends, he sends Sloane to Violet’s quadrant as a peace offering, but it does little to mend their relationship. Later, Dain rescues Violet from Varrish’s cruelty, an act that enraged Xaden upon his arrival. Violet stops Xaden from killing Dain, explaining that Dain had saved her and injured Varrish in the process. When Dain and Violet work together to translate Warrick’s journal, he finally apologises for his actions that led to Liam’s fate. He admits that his rigid focus on rules, his resentment towards Xaden, and his lack of faith in Violet had cost him nearly everything, including their childhood friendship. Violet tearfully responds that while she doesn’t want to hate him forever, she cannot yet forgive him for his role in Liam’s death. She also makes it clear that she is not ready to discuss the matter further. Their current friendship remains uncertain and fragile, but Dain is resolute in his determination to make amends and rebuild what was lost.
   
   
5. The Introduction of ‘Aaric Greycastle’ – Prince Cam Tauri deceives his father, claiming he is travelling the kingdom to celebrate his twentieth birthday, but secretly enrols at Basgiath under the alias Aaric Graycastle to conceal his identity as the king’s son. Recognised by Violet as a childhood friend, he maintains his cover despite her confrontation. Successfully crossing the parapet, Cam proves to be a skilled fighter and becomes an integral part of the rebellion and likely going forward in the series, given his negative relationship with Xaden (who openly admits to killing Cam’s brother) due to their conflicting family history.
   
   
6. Liam (💔) and Sloane Mairi – The emotional weight of Liam’s death continues to haunt Violet, especially as she tries to comfort Sloane, Liam’s younger sister. Their shared grief becomes a source of both tension and healing as they navigate their pain while fighting for the rebellion.
   
   
7. Violet’s Torture by Varrish – Violet’s capture by the sadistic Commander Varrish leads to harrowing moments of physical and mental torment. This experience pushes her to the brink and underscores the brutality of Navarre’s regime, while also showcasing her resilience but also displays an interesting ‘coping mechanism’ in the form of visualising Liam.
   
   
8. Jack Barlowe’s ‘Resurrection’ – After being crushed by a mountain and presumed dead, Jack’s survival is secretly ensured by Nolon, who painstakingly mends him over several months. His dragon, Baide, conceals his recovery from the Empyrean, allowing Professor Markham to reintroduce Jack to the quadrant unexpectedly. During the battle of Basgiath in the Wardstone chamber, Jack is seen riding Baide for the last time before shockingly turning on her. Grabbing her by the horns, he plunges a dagger between the protective scales of her neck, killing her as she crashes onto the Wardstone, extinguishing its flame. However, Jack’s death is not to follow, as it is revealed he had already turned Venin prior to Baide’s death, setting up a chilling new threat for Violet and her allies.
   
   
9. Catriona and the Gryphon Fliers – Catriona Cordella, a gryphon flier bonded to Kiralair, is the niece of Viscount Tecarus and third in line to the Poromish throne. Formerly betrothed to Xaden for nine months, her arrival stirs tension among the rebellion. Gifted with the ability to amplify emotions through her gryphon bond, Catriona uses her power to provoke jealousy and insecurity in Violet, further complicating her relationship with Xaden. Initially introduced when Bodhi cryptically mentions her to Violet, Catriona’s presence becomes a focal point of unease and political intrigue. After an agreement with Tecarus, she and the other fliers from her academy join the rebellion’s journey to Aretia via the treacherous Medaro Pass, scaling the cliffs of Dralor. Her motivations and loyalties remain ambiguous, making her a compelling yet unpredictable ally in the fight against the Venin.
   
   
10. Violet and Xaden’s Relationship – Violet and Xaden’s relationship becomes increasingly strained as secrets and unresolved grief come between them. After the events of Fourth Wing, Violet heals at Riorson House, where she discovers that her brother Brennan is alive – a truth Xaden had kept from her. Still mourning the loss of Liam (honestly girl same), Violet struggles to reconcile her feelings of betrayal with her love for Xaden. Compounding the tension, Xaden, now stationed at Samara after his graduation, reveals that as the leader of the revolution, he must keep certain secrets. During one heated conversation, Violet demands honesty, giving him an ultimatum: either he fully trusts her, or she will walk away. Despite their attempts to reconnect during their weekly visits, the weight of their responsibilities and unspoken truths creates a rift between them. By the end of Iron Flame, Violet finds Xaden on a cliff, distant and recoiling from her touch, leaving their future together uncertain.
    
    
11. Xaden’s Second Signet – Xaden’s revelation of a second signet power shocks Violet (again, same babe). His unique ability, inherited due to his grandfather being Sgaeyl’s previous rider, allows him to read other people’s true intentions by accessing their thoughts. While incredibly powerful, this inntinnsic ability comes with profound risks and moral dilemmas.
    
    
12. General Sorrengail’s Sacrifice – Violet, desperate to save Basgiath, channels all her power into the Wardstone, pushing herself dangerously close to burnout and death. When it becomes clear she cannot survive the effort, General Sorrengail arrives and forcibly removes Violet from the stone. To protect her children and ensure the wards are fired, the General enlists Sloane, who uses her siphoning ability to draw all of Lilith’s power and transfer it into the Wardstone. Despite Violet’s efforts to reach her, Lilith sacrifices herself to successfully imbue enough energy into the stone to fire the wards and repel the Venin army. Her selfless act shifts the rebellion’s momentum and forces Violet to confront the weight of her mother’s legacy.
    
    
13. Andarna’s Transformation and New Information About the Dragons – Throughout Iron Flame, Andarna’s uniqueness becomes increasingly evident. While most dragons are associated with one of six known dens in the vale, Andarna’s abilities mark her as different. Her scales continuously change colour, often reflecting the surrounding terrain, a trait that helps Violet discover Andarna’s ability to camouflage entirely during the battle at Basgiath. This revelation allows Violet to fire the wards by raising them in place of the seventh den, uncovering a hidden advantage for the rebellion. Later, as Jesinia finishes translating Lyra’s journal, Violet uncovers the truth: Andarna is not a black dragon but a member of a seventh breed, whose scales change colour. Andarna reveals that only the elder dragons know of her existence and explains she hadn’t told Violet earlier because Violet needed to prove herself worthy by figuring it out on her own. Andarna confesses that she waited 650 years to hatch, choosing to bond with Violet after hearing of her from the elders, who dismissed Violet as a weakling destined for the scribes. Recognising Violet’s mind as a scribe and her heart as a rider, Andarna knew Violet was meant to be hers. These discoveries not only deepen Violet’s bond with Andarna but also provide critical insights into the secretive world of dragons and their role in the rebellion.
    
    
14. The Final Battle – After the revolutionaries gather additional cadets and supporters in Aretia, Xaden secures the luminary necessary to activate the forge, making the base operational. Violet raises the wards in Aretia using instructions from Warrick’s journal, just before a major wyvern attack. However, in a private meeting with General Sorrengail, Violet learns that Warrick’s instructions are flawed. Her mother secretly hands her Lyra’s journal, saying her greatest wish is for her daughters to survive. Meanwhile, General Melgren predicts a major Venin attack on Samara, a key strategic outpost, and asks the revolutionaries for aid in exchange for their independence. His offer is rejected, and Violet realises the Venin’s true target is Basgiath. This conclusion stems from her knowledge that rebellion relics, when in groups of three or more, can mask Melgren’s signet ability to foresee battle outcomes – making the impending attack unforeseen. Basgiath’s destruction is vital for the Venin as it houses Navarre’s wardstone and dragon hatchling grounds. The revolutionaries, including Violet, head to Basgiath prepared to fight, while Brennan, the first years, and the gryphon fliers decide to remain behind, deeming the risk too great. During the battle, the revolutionaries discover that Jack Barlowe has turned Venin, despite Nolon’s year-long efforts to cure him. Jack breaks the wardstone protecting all of Navarre, leaving Basgiath exposed. The ensuing battle is brutal, as a thousand wyvern descend upon an unwarded Basgiath. Forces from Navarre and gryphons rush to its defence. Sawyer plays a pivotal role in the fight, taking on immense responsibility. Though Violet saves him, he suffers the loss of a leg, a devastating consequence of the battle’s intensity.
    
    
15. Xaden Turns Venin – The shocking conclusion of Iron Flame reveals Xaden’s transformation into a Venin, a decision made in the direst of circumstances. After Violet leaves the wardstone chamber following her mother’s death, she finds Xaden on a cliff, distant and recoiling from her touch. When he finally looks at her, she sees his red eyes—the unmistakable mark of a Venin. The epilogue, told from Xaden’s perspective, sheds light on his fateful choice. Locked in a battle with a Venin sage during the wardstone battle, Xaden was nearing burnout and on the brink of defeat. The sage’s eerie words echoed the dreams Violet had been experiencing throughout Iron Flame. Feeling Violet’s own nearing burnout through their bond, Xaden chose to turn Venin to gain the power needed to defeat the sage and save her. This haunting decision raises critical questions about the consequences of his transformation, the impact on his relationship with Violet, and what it means for the rebellion’s future.

Onyx Storm Predictions

With the groundwork laid out in Iron Flame, Onyx Storm promises to be a thrilling continuation of Violet’s journey. Here are some of my personal predictions:

1. Violet’s Second Signet – Speculation about Violet’s second signet has sparked much anticipation among the fantasy community, but Rebecca Yarros has hinted that its reveal may not be as dramatic as expected, describing it as potentially “underwhelming.” In Iron Flame, there is a subtle introduction of a new signet, a Truth-Sayer, in the chapter 35 epigraph. Some believe this could foreshadow Violet’s second signet, giving her the ability to discern truth. If this theory proves accurate, such a power would not only align with her scribe-like analytical mind but also serve as a critical tool in navigating the rebellion’s murky alliances and uncovering hidden threats. Personally, I was convinced it was going to be something to do with communicating with the dead, such as we see in Iron Flame when she communicates with Liam, and is sure that she can feel him. Plus, this would give way to a very interesting potential plot of her being able to speak to her father about his research (if he is, in fact, dead at all) but the overwhelming hints towards a Truth-Sayer has me doubting my theory now. Regardless of its nature, Violet’s second signet is bound to play a pivotal role in Onyx Storm.
   
   
2. Andarna’s Maturity – I think based on the idea that we are going to see Violet’s second signet manifest in Onyx Storm, it’s not much of a leap to guess that Andarna may come into her own within this instalment, thus providing Violet with a critical edge in the battles to come. This storyline will also lend itself nicely to learning more about the dragons in general, particularly how they grow and how they are governed, which leads me on to my next point…
   
   
3. A Power Struggle Among Dragons – The bond between riders and dragons is integral to the series, and Onyx Storm could delve deeper into the politics and dynamics within the dragon community, particularly their leadership. We have already seen a significant amount of contention between the dragons and power plays amongst individuals, particularly Tairn, but I also think this could lead to a potentially fatal battle between Tairn and Codagh.
   
   
4. Violet’s Connection to the Crown – The introduction of Cam Tauri, who operates under the alias Aaric Greycastle, hints at the increasing importance of the royal family in the unfolding narrative. Violet’s history with Cam, stemming from her mother’s position as Navarre’s General, underscores her close ties to the royal family. Throughout Iron Flame, Violet grapples with feelings of inferiority when compared to those of royal lineage, such as Cat and Xaden. This insecurity is heightened by the possibility that her ex, Halden, is the crown prince of Navarre. These dynamics suggest that Violet’s connection to the crown may play a significant role in future events, adding layers of political intrigue and personal conflict to the story. Personally, I am a big fan of Cam and would love to see some jealousy from Xaden given what Violet suffered with Cat in Iron Flame, whether that be in relation to Cam or Halden.
   
   
5. Major Character Deaths – Rebecca Yarros has established a pattern of delivering emotional gut-punches through the deaths of fan-favourite characters, such as Liam (💔 I’m still not over this and I don’t think I ever will be) and General Sorrengail in Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. These losses, while heartbreaking, follow a deliberate narrative pattern where each major death involves someone who served as a “protector” for Violet. This trend raises concerns for Onyx Storm, as it suggests that those closest to Violet – like Mira, Dain, or a member of Second Squad – could be at risk. As the war with the Venin intensifies and with Violet being a marked target, it is likely that several characters will put themselves in harm’s way to shield her. These potential sacrifices would not only heighten the stakes but also force Violet to confront further personal loss and redefine her own resilience as the rebellion’s leader. My bets would be on Ridoc, Sawyer or Mira. Either way, I will have my tissues at the ready.
   
   
6. Xaden’s Redemption Arc – While it’s tempting to hope for Xaden’s cure in Onyx Storm, early teasers from Rebecca Yarros suggest otherwise. The back cover blurb reveals Xaden training students at Basgiath, but a disturbing mind-to-mind conversation with Violet highlights his struggles. In the sequence, Xaden tells Violet she’s the only one capable of killing him, hinting at his fear of losing control due to his Venin transformation. This moment underscores his desperation and internal conflict as he grapples with the addictive nature of Venin power. Additionally, Violet’s determination to save Xaden is clear. She even edits her addendum in the Book of Brennan from the iconic “I will not die today” to “I will save him.” The epilogue of Iron Flame also points to Xaden’s ongoing battles, as his conversation with Jack Barlowe reveals his growing need to draw more power from the Venin source. To me, these elements suggest that Xaden’s redemption arc will be a central, emotionally charged storyline, but I’m unconvinced that all will be well by the end of Onyx Storm.

Happy Onyx Storm Reading!

I really could go on forever with more theories and predictions, but I’m going to leave it there for now. I think it’s fair to say we’re in for an absolute rollercoaster ride in Onyx Storm, and Rebecca Yarros is likely to leave us heartbroken with more questions than answers…

What are your predictions for Onyx Storm? Let’s discuss in the comments!