Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean Series has thrown a multitude of plot twists at its readers, butOnyx Storm’s latest reveal completely underminesFourth Wing’s most satisfying moment. The events ofFourth Wingare action-packed and consistently running on high stakes, but Violet’s biggest threat early on in the series is Jack Barlowe. Given the epic way Violet defends herself during the war games, it was disappointing to find out that Jack isn’t truly dead — being one ofIron Flame’s biggest complaints.
However, Yarros clearly has a plan for his character in the upcoming sequel,Onyx Storm. In the excerpt released byCosmopolitan,Onyx Storm’s early chapters reveal the venin had infiltrated Basgiath and were attempting to free Barlowe from the school’s prisons.Assuming Jack is rather low among thevenin ranks inOnyx Storm, it’s surprising they would choose to expend such efforts on freeing him — but this may confirm Yarros has another plot twist awaiting readers in book three.
Onyx Storm Reverses Fourth Wing’s Most Satisfying Moment By Having Violet Protect Jack
Jack’s “Death” In Fourth Wing Was A Turning Point For Violet’s Character
It’s clear from theOnyx Stormexcerptthat Jack will once again play a pivotal role in theFourth Wingsequel. Unfortunately, his return to the series unfavorably reverses one of Violet’s more significant moments in the series. While doubting herself and her skills early in the first book,Violet’s turning point comes when she defeats Jack during war games—finally summoning her rare signet ability and becoming one of the most powerful riders in the history of Navarre.
While it’s frustrating Violet will be forced to protect him inOnyx Storm, readers can rest assured that Yarros' decision to bring his character back into the story is no coincidence.
Based on the first look atOnyx Storm, it seemsYarros is flipping the narrative when it comes to Violet and Jack’s relationship,as Violet will now be charged with protecting him from the venin. Yarros teases Jack’s redemption inIron Flame, but ultimately, he succumbs to the temptations of being venin and grows even worse than he was before. While it’s frustrating Violet will be forced to protect him inOnyx Storm, readers can rest assured that Yarros' decision to bring his character back into the story is no coincidence.
Why Protecting Jack Is Necessary In Onyx Storm (Even If It’s Frustrating)
Jack Could Be The Key To Understanding The Venin
Yarros has not yet disclosed the significance of Jack’s character in the upcoming sequel, but she’s made it rather obvious that he’ll hold an important role in thenewOnyx Stormreveal. He doesn’t deserve Violet’s protection after all he’s done, she must be cautious when dealing with him. However, after the events ofIron Flame, those who are working withthe revolution will need Jack to learn more about the workings of a venin transformation and the venin in general.
Onyx Storm Supports A Massive Venin Theory That Completely Changes The History Of Basgiath In Fourth Wing
The new three-page excerpt from Onyx Storm hints at a few major plots surrounding the scribe quadrant and their suspicious ties to the venin.
As much as she may hate it,Violet may have some sympathy for Jack’s affliction after he saved her life inIron Flame. Jack has clearly been struggling to fight his venin temptations since book one, and his actions earlier in the second book suggest he was sincere in his attempts. Given his state at the end ofIron Flame, it doesn’t seem he was successful. This calls into question how long it took for him to become corrupted by the power, and may clue Violet in on how long she has to save Xaden from the same fate inOnyx Storm.
Source:Cosmopolitan
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.
