Onyx Storm: A Spoiler-Free Review
Onyx Storm is the third book in Rebecca Yarros’ The Empyrean Series, a saga that has skyrocketed to fame with its mix of dragons, romance, and military fantasy. Midnight release parties, limited editions selling for absurd amounts, and its reign at the top of bestseller charts prove that this series is a true cultural moment. While dragons alone would have eventually led me to this series, I didn’t prioritize it until I saw a review that called it "not high literature, but still the best book of the year." That convinced me to give Fourth Wing a shot over my 2023 holiday break. What followed was a whirlwind—both Fourth Wing and Iron Flame devoured in under a week.
Jumping Back Into the Story
Fast-forward to Onyx Storm’s release, and I probably should have done a re-read or at least skimmed a summary before diving in. The opening chapters had me struggling to recall all the details—riders, dragons, signets, past events—there’s a lot to remember. While there’s a character list at the start, it doesn’t include a recap, making the first 100 pages feel like a reorientation exercise. Yarros seems to lean on her readers’ obsession to keep up, which is great for die-hard fans but leaves the rest of us playing catch-up.
That said, once I got back into the groove, Onyx Storm became a page-turner. The story’s pacing picks up, the world remains engaging, and the elements that drew me in initially—dragons, camaraderie, and high-stakes action—are still there. This series won’t be winning literary awards, but it doesn’t need to. It’s fun, gripping, and delivers exactly what it promises.
The Power of Dragons
Let’s be honest: the real stars of this series are the dragons. Yarros’ portrayal of bonded riders and their dragons adds depth to the military fantasy setting. Tairn, the gruff and wise elder dragon, and Andarna, the feisty adolescent, steal the show. Their dynamic is hilarious, heartfelt, and often provides much-needed levity amid the chaos. Unlike many fantasy series where dragons are just powerful mounts, The Empyrean Series treats them as fully realized characters with their own hierarchy, culture, and agency.
Shifting from Training to Warfare
One of the biggest shifts in Onyx Storm is its departure from the structured setting of Basgiath War College. The first two books leaned heavily on the grueling training regimen and school politics, but Onyx Storm thrusts its characters into active duty. This shift makes the story darker and more intense. While it doesn’t quite cross into grimdark territory, it has more weight than the previous books. Yarros handles battle sequences well, bringing out the brutality and unpredictability of war while maintaining character-driven stakes.
The Supporting Cast Deserves More
The camaraderie among riders is a highlight of the series, yet Onyx Storm still focuses primarily on Violet and Xaden. While their arc is compelling, I found myself wishing for a more ensemble-driven approach. Ridoc, one of their fellow riders, provides some of the best comic relief, and I would have loved more from him and the other supporting characters. There’s a rich cast here, and while they play their parts well, they often feel like they exist to serve the main duo’s story rather than having their own fully developed arcs.
Balancing Fantasy and Romance
The “romantasy” label gets thrown around a lot, often blurring the line between genres. Personally, I prefer my fantasy with a touch of romance rather than the other way around. Given Yarros’ background in romance writing, I was initially wary of The Empyrean Series being romance-heavy. Thankfully, while there are romantic elements and some steamy scenes, they don’t overshadow the larger fantasy plot. Yarros even reinforces this balance within the story, emphasizing that a rider’s “first love” is their dragon. That sentiment alone solidifies this series as fantasy-first, romance-second, which I appreciate.
Realistic Consequences
One of my favorite aspects of Onyx Storm is how Yarros acknowledges the physical and emotional toll of war. Too often, fantasy books gloss over injuries, trauma, and recovery, but here, characters are given space to heal. Violet’s chronic pain remains an ongoing challenge, wounds don’t magically disappear, and grief is a real presence. These details ground the story and make the characters feel more human.
A Shared Reading Experience
Beyond the book itself, part of what makes Onyx Storm special is the experience of reading it alongside so many others. Fantasy has always been my escape, my personal retreat. But this series has become a shared phenomenon—friends, family, and online communities all discussing it, dissecting theories, and reveling in the adventure together. That’s rare. The overlap between different parts of my life and the excitement surrounding Onyx Storm makes this reading experience even more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Is Onyx Storm the best book I’ll read this year? Probably not. But it delivers exactly what I wanted—dragons, action, and a gripping, entertaining escape. If you go in expecting deep literary themes, you might be disappointed. But if you’re here for fast-paced fantasy with a strong emotional core, this book will not let you down. Plus, if the success of The Empyrean Series helps pave the way for more dragon-centric fantasy, then we all win.