Rebecca Yarros’Onyx Stormis set to release in a few short weeks, and the author has dropped several teasers and hints leading up to its publication — including a full three-page excerpt inCosmopolitan UK. One of the biggest concerns heading into the next book in The Empyrean Series is that of Xaden becoming venin, andIron Flame’s massive cliffhangerhas kept readers on edge since its release in 2023. And after much speculation, Yarros' latest reveal finally confirms Xaden’s biggest challenge to come inOnyx Storm.
The latest teaser, posted on Yarros’Instagram, highlights a small interaction between Xaden and Jack Barlowe in the dungeons of Basgiath. While it’s yet unknown when this interaction will take place, it’s widely thought to sit amongOnyx Storm’s first few chapters. In a conversation overheard by Violet,Barlowe explains that Xaden’s control will be tested, and insinuates that he may even hurt Violet or their friends in the future — something Barlowe believes is a forgone conclusion and an inevitable fact.
New Onyx Storm Reveal Confirms Xaden’s Infamous Control Will Be Challenged
Jack’s Drastic Change Throughout Iron Flame Proves Control Is Easily Lost
Throughout the first two novels, Yarros continuously mentions Xaden’s aptitude for control, a feat not many young riders can manage. However, Xaden’s power has always been stronger than most, and therefore his will for control has been as well. Yet Yarros' latest teaser hints that this will break down inOnyx Storm— andJack Barlowe mentions that once you turn venin, control goes quickly. Becoming venin may not be such a simple black-and-white transformation, and the speed at which a venin initiate moves up in rank is still unknown.
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.
However, Xaden’s conversation with Jack in the latestOnyx Stormrevealimplies that Jack is acutely aware of how easy it is to lose control and progress further into the venin ranks than intended. ThroughoutIron Flame, it seems Yarros was attempting to redeem Jack’s character; he even saved Violet’s life on the rooftop of Basgiath. But Jack’s transformation from the early book toIron Flame’s ending is incredibly drastic, and if Xaden can’t control the urge to draw more power, he may succumb to the same tragic fate.
Xaden’s Venin Transformation Could Harm Violet Or Their Friends In Onyx Storm
Yarros' Teaser May Be Foreshadowing A Future Onyx Storm Event
Jack’s taunting reveals one of the biggest fears surrounding Xaden’s new venin nature: his inability to control the need to draw more power from the source, or even from others. In this scene, Xaden is adamant that he would never harm Violet. But Jack’s comments may be foreshadowing a likely event in Xaden’s future. FromIron Flame’s ending, it is apparent Xaden becoming venin would put a wrench in their relationship, but his fear of harming Violet or anyone else may be what pushes them apart inOnyx Storm.
Unfortunately, this teaser is likely a clever hint placed by Yarros and could be preparing readers for the devastating events that may transpire inOnyx Storm.
It’s possible that these fears will drive Xaden to remove himself from Basgiath, and even from Violet’s proximity entirely. Knowing how much he loves her,it’s likely Xaden will do everything he can to avoid harming Violet or anyone else he cares for. Unfortunately, this teaser is likely a clever hint placed by Yarros and could be preparing readers for the devastating events that may transpire inOnyx Storm.
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.
