Onyx Stormwill reveal the aftermath ofIron Flame’s twist ending, but the first glimpse of thenextFourth Wingsequelalready eased my greatest fears about Xaden’s transformation — and I really wish it hadn’t.Iron Flame’s conclusion left viewers to question what would happen to Xaden — and his relationship with Violet — after he became venin. While the next addition toThe Empyrean Seriesdoesn’t hit shelves until January 2025,Onyx Storm’s back cover blurb revealedan important detail about Violet and Xaden in the upcoming book: that their bond remains intact.
The firstexcerpt ofOnyx Stormfurther confirmed this, even though Xaden has his walls up during the three-page sequence shared byCosmo UK. And while I’m relieved that Xaden and Violet’s bond isn’t completely severed heading into the nextFourth Wingsequel, I’m also a little disappointed.What we’ve seen ofOnyx Stormso far isn’t what I expectedafter readingIron Flame’s ending. I hope Rebecca Yarros' initial reveals are just the tip of the iceberg, as the fallout of the second book’s Xaden twist should be greater than the back cover and excerpt suggest.
Onyx Storm’s Back Cover Confirms Xaden & Violet’s Bond Is Intact (But I Wish It Hadn’t)
The First Glimpse Of Iron Flame’s Follow-Up Shows Them Communicating Mentally
Xaden’s transformation inIron Flameraised a number of questions about what would become of his bond with Sgaeyl, and by association, his connection to Violet. AlthoughIron Flame’s Jack Barlowe twistsaw him returning as a venin, it didn’t fully explain the repercussions of this development. Such a turn could have impacted Xaden’s relationships inOnyx Storm,but it doesn’t seem like that’s the direction the sequel is headed in — at least, not initially.The back cover blurb sees Xaden and Violet communicating mentally, meaning Xaden’s bonds are all still intact.
Onyx Storm Reversing Fourth Wing’s Most Satisfying Moment Is Frustrating But Necessary
Violet’s defeat of Jack Barlowe in Fourth Wing is one of her best moments, but Onyx Storm will flip the narrative as she will now have to protect him.
Likewise, Violet reaches out to Xaden through her bond during the battle shown inOnyx Storm’s excerpt. Although he has his shields up, it’s clear that Violet can still utilize their connection to one another. I’m partially relieved this is the case, as Xaden losing his link to Sgaeyl and Violet would be devastating. However, I’m also feeling like Xaden’s transformationshouldhave a more heart-wrenching impact on the next book. Despite howIron Flametreats its bombshell revelation,the initial looks atOnyx Stormdon’t make a big deal out of it — and that’s a bit concerning.
Iron Flame’s Ending Twist Doesn’t Seem Devastating Enough In Onyx Storm So Far
The Aftermath Of Xaden’s Transformation Seems Underwhelming So Far
Xaden becoming venin seems like a massive problem at the end ofIron Flame,but the early glimpses ofOnyx Stormdon’t depict it as such. Apart from Xaden suggesting Violet might need to kill him,it doesn’t feel like there are many consequences of Xaden’s transformation in the nextEmpyreanbook. He’s still training to fight against the other venin, and he’s still connected to the people he cares most about. While he and Violet will surely face some complications, I can’t help but feel like the aftermath ofIron Flame’s big twist is underwhelming so far.
Although readers want a happy future for Violet and Xaden, a huge reveal like Xaden becoming veninshouldhave more serious repercussions on their romance and the plot overall.
Although readers want a happy future for Violet and Xaden, a huge reveal like Xaden becoming veninshouldhave more serious repercussions on their romance and the plot overall. We’ve only seen small portions ofOnyx Storm,but none of them indicate the appropriate level of change to Violet and Xaden’s circumstances. Hopefully, that isn’t true for the entire book.There need to be major consequences that raise the emotional stakes ofFourth Wing’s next sequeland give this twist a grander purpose.
Onyx Storm Needs To Properly Deliver On Xaden Being Venin When It Finally Debuts
Iron Flame’s Follow-Up Needs
WhenOnyx Stormdebuts in January, it needs to properly deliver onIron Flame’s ending twist, even if it means a more devastating experience for readers. In fact, the goal of such a reveal should be to add emotional weight to the story and increase the angst ofFourth Wing’s central relationship. Although Violet and Xaden’s communication issues throughoutIron Flamewere frustrating,Onyx Stormcan give them a genuine conflict to grapple with.Xaden being venin should change the dynamic of their romance, and it should leave readers wishing for a cure.
Onyx Stormhits shelves on July 21, 2025.
WhileThe Empyrean Seriesdoesn’t need to fully embrace Xaden as a villain,Onyx Stormshould also see him tempted by darkness. Becoming venin should show a different side to him, and it’s possible that it will — even if he seems pretty much the same in the initial sneak peeks of the book. Leaning into him as a potential villain would raise the stakes of futureEmpyrean Seriesbooks even further, though, challenging his bond with Violet. Whatever happens,Onyx Stormneeds to go in a direction that’s as surprising asIron Flame’s final moments suggest.
Source:Cosmo UK
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.
