Onyx Storm Repeats A Frustrating Iron Flame Story That Violet Failed To Learn From

Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros.Onyx Storm answers many of the questions raised by Iron Flame‘s ending, but it also repeats a frustrating Violet story from the second book — and she really needs to learn from it this time. Onyx Storm made its debut on January 21, and the new Fourth Wing sequel features many big reveals. The newest addition to the series offers new details about the venin, reveals Violet’s second signet, and digs into Andarna’s seventh breed of dragon. On top of all the huge revelations, it also makes time for character moments, reminding readers of the relationships that make this series shine.

But while Onyx Storm features many great interactions between its characters, the book does repeat a frustrating Violet problem from Iron Flame. Although Violet and Xaden’s communication fares much better in this installment, her other connections continue to take a hit. Violet makes the same mistake with her closest friends that she does in Iron Flame, leaving readers to question how much she has grown — and making it even more critical that she doesn’t do this again in the next Empyrean Series book.

Onyx Storm Repeats Violet’s Biggest Mistake From Iron Flame

One of Violet’s biggest conflicts in Iron Flame is that she’s forced to hide the truth about the venin from her friends. This leads to tensions between her and Rhiannon, which are alleviated when Violet finally comes clean about Athebyne. Violet’s friends make it clear that they’re with her, but she continues to keep secrets from them in Onyx Storm. Although she tells Imogen that Xaden is a venin, she doesn’t confide in Rhiannon, Sawyer, or Ridoc. She may feel like it’s Xaden’s secret, not hers, but it’s still risky to keep that information from the people who care most about her.

Hopefully, it sticks this time around, as Violet can’t afford to continue shutting her friends out in the next Empyrean Series book.

And this time, it’s Ridoc who calls her out for being secretive instead of Rhiannon. But his point is pretty much the same: Violet needs to trust her friends more, especially when it comes to things that could put herself or others in danger. Violet’s secrets in Onyx Storm prove that she didn’t learn that lesson in Iron Flame. Hopefully, it sticks this time around, as Violet can’t afford to shut out her friends again in the next Empyrean Series book.

Violet Needs To Learn From Shutting Her Friends Out In Onyx Storm

The Next Empyrean Series Book Can’t Repeat This Story Again

Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

Violet needs to actually learn from Ridoc’s lecture in Onyx Storm, as the stakes are getting too high for her to isolate herself from her friends. Onyx Storm‘s ending makes it likely that Violet will be in a position of power in the next book, and she’ll need support from the people closest to her. That means sharing her plans with Rhiannon, Ridoc, and Sawyer, even when it’s scary.

The cover of Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros and a pink and blue sky with pink petals floating

The Violet & Xaden Scene We’ve Been Waiting For Has To Happen After Onyx Storm’s Ending

After the Violet and Xaden twist at the end of Onyx Storm, it seems inevitable that the couple will get one satisfying moment readers are waiting for.

From a storytelling standpoint, Onyx Storm‘s sequel also shouldn’t repeat this narrative again. While it’s fine for Violet to have issues surrounding trust, it’s also important for her to grow as a character. After realizing her error in keeping secrets twice now, she should show more growth in the next book. It’s the only way for her Onyx Storm arc to be meaningful. Plus, having her continue this trend would risk the series becoming repetitive.