I Really Hope Onyx Storm Fixes The Most Ridiculous Empyrean Series Plot Twist

Onyx Storm has many questions to answer after Iron Flame‘s bombshell ending, but I hope the next Fourth Wing sequel also fixes the most ridiculous Empyrean Series plot twist. Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean Series is no stranger to dropping major reveals, from Violet’s brother being alive to Xaden becoming a venin. Most of these make sense within the context of the story, and that makes them satisfying when they finally unfold. However, not every major development in Fourth Wing and Iron Flame feels earned, which is frustrating.

Onyx Storm has the opportunity to fill in the blanks of Yarros’ less developed reveals, and there’s one in particular I hope it addresses. Of the many surprises in Iron Flame, the book’s Jack Barlowe twist feels the most ridiculous. Perhaps Yarros has a good reason for bringing Violet’s nemesis back into the fold, but I’m not sold on this development just yet. I hope Onyx Storm changes that by making sense of Jack’s unexpected — and unwanted — return.

Iron Flame’s Jack Barlowe Twist Was The Empyrean Series’ Most Ridiculous Yet

Resurrecting Jack After His Satisfying Fourth Wing Death Is Disappointing

Violet killing Jack is one of the most satisfying moments in Fourth Wing, as she spends most of the first Empyrean book avoiding confrontation rather than standing up for herself. When Violet lashes out in defense of Liam, it’s a powerful moment for her character. Sadly, the impact of this scene is essentially undone when Iron Flame brings Jack back from the dead. Keeping Jack alive — and revealing that he’s a venin — feels like an odd choice for the Fourth Wing sequel. It isn’t properly alluded to before it happens, and the implications of it aren’t fully explored.

The fact that Fourth Wing also brings one seemingly dead character back to life also makes this Jack twist feel somewhat repetitive. The end of Fourth Wing reveals that Violet’s brother, Brennan, is still alive despite all signs pointing to the contrary. With Iron Flame containing a similar twist, it’s starting to feel like the stakes of Yarros’ world aren’t as high as they claim to be. Sure, plenty of people die in the romantasy series, but too many of the important ones come back. I hope Onyx Storm can fix some of the issues with this Jack twist.

How Onyx Storm Can Fix The Jack Barlowe Twist

Iron Flame’s Follow-Up Can Make Sense Of His Return

With so many issues surrounding Jack Barlowe’s return, I’m not fully sold on this Empyrean Series twist. However, Onyx Storm can change that by giving Jack a bigger role in its story. Although Iron Flame reveals that Jack is alive and venin, it doesn’t focus on this for very long. If Onyx Flame delves deeper into Jack’s character, it could make sense of Yarros’ reason for bringing him back. This will also allow the sequel to give a proper explanation for Jack’s current state. Iron Flame attempts to, but the lore behind this Jack twist could use more unpacking.

Onyx Storm can also give Jack’s return more meaning by having him interact with Xaden. Now that Xaden is venin, he’ll no doubt face challenges adjusting to his new form. Jack is the only person Violet and Xaden know who’s undergone something similar. Needless to say, Jack may get the chance to redeem himself by helping Xaden in Onyx Storm. This would at least justify Iron Flame bringing him back, even if I’m not thrilled with the execution.

The Fourth Wing TV Show Can Do The Jack Barlowe Twist Even Better

Amazon’s Upcoming Adaptation Can Drop More Clues

Onyx Storm can fix The Empyrean Series’ Jack Barlowe twist after the fact, but Amazon’s upcoming Fourth Wing TV show can make it better overall. With the writers knowing what’s coming, they can drop more clues before the Jack reveal even happens. While Yarros’ books do include a few hints that this is coming, they aren’t that noticeable. This makes it feel out of nowhere, but Amazon’s adaptation can ensure that isn’t the case.

Additionally, TV shows often allow for more character development, as they can change perspectives and focus on supporting players more easily than books can. By giving us scenes from Jack’s POV and showing more of his character, the Amazon series can establish his importance from the jump. This will make his comeback feel more reasonable, as he’ll have a clearer purpose in the story. Book readers will need to wait until Onyx Storm to determine what that purpose is, but it’s probably safe to assume it’s somehow related to Xaden.

Onyx Storm

Violet Sorrengail faces new political intrigue and battles old enemies while uncovering the secrets of her second signet. As she strives to save Xaden from venin corruption, her relationships with allies and dragons are tested, leading to intense confrontations and unexpected revelations in a world of dragons and magic​.

Genre

Fantasy

Publisher

Entangled: Red Tower Books

Publication Date

2025/01/01

ISBN#

1649374186

Author(s)

Rebecca Yarros

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