Onyx Stormis set to release on January 21, andthenextFourth Wingsequelmust end oneEmpyrean Seriestrend after bothFourth WingandIron Flamedid it. AfterIron Flame’s shocking ending, it’s likely that the upcoming sequel will feature higher stakes and more tragedies as the war between Navarre and the venin continues. EvenOnyx Storm’s cover suggests a tonal shift, hinting that the book will be much darker than its predecessors. And withOnyx Stormshaping up to be different fromFourth WingandIron Flame,it must end anEmpyrean Seriestrend.
BothFourth WingandIron Flamesee the return of a seemingly dead character, upending reader expectations by revealing new fates for these players. The end ofFourth Wingsees Violet learning that her brother, Brennan, actually survived the Tyrrish Rebellion. AndIron FlameundoesFourth Wing’s most satisfying momentby bringing Jack Barlowe back into the fold.Onyx Stormtheoriessuggest it could continue this trend of bringing a character “back to life,” but the newestEmpyreanbook really should avoid it.
Theories Suggest Violet’s Father Or Naolin Could Make A Comeback
Onyx Stormcould see the return of a dead character, just likeFourth WingandIron Flame— and not just because this is becoming a recurring theme forThe Empyrean Series.Several convincingOnyx Stormtheories predict the survival of characters believed to be dead, including Violet’s father and Tairn’s former rider. Violet’s father is said to have died of a heart attack prior toFourth Wing,but his knowledge of venin and Feathertails makes his death suspicious. While some believe he perished from foul play, othertheories posit that he became a venin.
Only One Character Is Guaranteed To Survive The Empyrean Series, But Their Onyx Storm Story Is Still Worrying
Only one character is guaranteed to survive the entirety of The Empyrean Series even though their Onyx Storm story is still largely worrying.
The latter would allowOnyx Stormto bring Violet’s father back into the fold, just asFourth Wingdid for Brennan. And he’s not the only character who could be resurrected in the upcomingFourth Wingsequel.It’s also believed that Tairn’s former rider, Naolin, could have turned venin while saving Brennan’s life. This would explain the strange rune on Brennan’s hand, as well as Tairn’s reaction to any mention of Naolin.One convincingOnyx Stormtheoryeven claims that Naolin is the venin Sage, which would mean he’s already made hisEmpyrean Seriescomeback.
Doing This In Every Empyrean Book Is Risky
Although there are believable ways to bring characters like Violet’s father and Naolin back from the dead,Onyx Stormshould avoid such a twist. With bothFourth WingandIron Flamedropping similar reveals, including one inOnyx Stormrisks feeling predictable and repetitive.The Empyrean Series’ability to shock readers is part of its charm, but recycling the same twist over and over could cause it to lose that reputation.
Another death fakeout inOnyx Stormis risky, as too many could make death feel inconsequential.
Additionally,The Empyrean Serieshas done an impressive job of building stakes so far, with Rebecca Yarros repeatedly showing that she’s unafraid to kill off characters. However, another death fake-out inOnyx Stormis risky, as too many of these could make death feel inconsequential. Death should feel permanent as the war between Navarre and the venin reaches a head, as that’s the only way to drive home the emotional stakes ofThe Empyrean Series’biggest tragedies.
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.
