Warning: This article contains spoilers for Fourth Wing and Iron Flame.Knowing Rebecca Yarros has never hesitated to kill off fan-favorite characters in the Empyrean Series, it’s almost a foregone conclusion that several will die inOnyx Storm. So far, Yarros' character deaths have happened in the most heartbreaking of ways,Fourth WingandIron Flame’s volatile environment making them even more emotionally charged. While these deaths are seemingly unpredictable, the characters who meet this fate appear to follow a pattern throughout the series — and if carried through, likely reveal another heart-wrenchingcharacter death inOnyx Storm.
Throughout the series, Yarros' two major character deaths have involved characters who are important to Violet in different ways. The first is Liam, her friend and assigned bodyguard, while the second is Violet’s mother, who sacrifices herself to save Violet inIron Flame’s ending. On the surface, these deaths feel random, butit’s likely Yarros has given a lot of thought to who will die next in the series. Based on an established trend, another tragic character death feels inevitable in Yarros' upcomingOnyx Stormrelease.
Yarros' Empyrean Series Death Trend Is Bound To Continue In Onyx Storm
The Pattern Has Been Consistent In The Empyrean Series So Far
FromOnyx Storm’s excerpt, it appears that the third book will be packed with action from the very start, and the stakes are made inevitably higher as the war with the venin continues. While fans already know they should brace themselves for another tear-jerking character death in the nextFourth Wingbook, Yarros' previous writing suggests the next will be another character close to Violet. Following the pattern seen in both Liam and General Sorrengail’s deaths,any of Violet’s “protectors” will be at risk inOnyx Stormand further books to come.
The Empyrean Series' Title May Have Given Away Violet’s Greatest Power Ahead Of Onyx Storm
Yarros named her best-selling fantasy series after the governing body of dragons in Navarre, and this could be a clue to Violet’s greatest power.
Onyx Storm’s narrative promises inescapable character deaths will ultimately drive the plot forward in books to come. Given the conflict with the venin is properly starting in book three of a five-book series, it’s likely several of Yarros' characters won’t make it to the end— and Violet’s close friends and family are first on the chopping block. If Yarros continues the trend of those who would protect Violet dying as in subsequent books, the protagonist will be left to finish the fight primarily on her own.
Onyx Storm Will Likely See Someone Close To Violet Die, And The Possibilities Are Endless
The List Of Violet’s Close Friends & Family Continues To Grow
The plot ofOnyx Stormwill put a lot of beloved characters at risk, and at this point,Yarros has surrounded Violet with an army of friends and family who could be labeled as “protectors.“As this list continues to grow, so will concern for their fates in the Empyrean Series. There are severalOnyx Stormtheoriesthat speculate which character could be the next to go, but until Yarros' next book is published it cannot be said for certain.
However Yarros decides to steerOnyx Storm’s narrative, subsequent deaths will prove to be harder to manage as readers become even more attached to Yarros' beloved cast of characters.
As the series progresses and the stakes are raised,it’s possible thatOnyx Stormwill see more than one major character death. As Yarros' death trend follows characters who are protecting Violet, the narrative’s current cast of characters offer a lot of potential opportunities, including anyone from Rhiannon or Ridoc to Mira or Brennan. Howver Yarros decides to steerOnyx Storm’s narrative, subsequent deaths will prove to be harder to manage as readers become even more attached to Yarros' beloved cast of characters.
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.
