Rebecca Yarros' upcoming release ofOnyx Storm, the third book in theEmpyrean Series, will likely reverse one ofFourth Wing’s many relationship dynamics. From book one, Yarros introduces a love-triangle dynamic to the narrative, and Violet often struggles to understand her emotions when it comes to both Dain and Xaden in the early book. While Violet ultimately chose Xaden over her life-long friend,Iron Flameplanted seeds to set upDain’s redemption arcin the next book. And afterIron Flame’s twist ending, there’s a high possibility Yarros' love-triangle romance will reverse inOnyx Storm.
The end ofIron Flamesees Xaden becoming venin, and this will likely have a major impact on his and Violet’s relationship—should he struggle to control the temptation further. While the excerpt revealed inCosmopolitan UKeases some fears when it comes to Xaden, it’s obvious this new element to their relationship will weigh heavily on them both. Given Violet and Dain are attempting to fix their broken friendship,it seems inevitable that Yarros' earlier love-triangle dynamic will come back into play throughoutOnyx Storm.
Onyx Storm Is Poised To Reverse Its Romance Dynamics In An Obvious Way
Yarros Has Already Tried To Fix Violet And Dain’s Friendship
Yarros attempts to patch up Violet and Dain’s relationship throughoutIron Flame, and Dain on multiple occasions owns up to his various mistakes and failures. While the two have a long road ahead of them,this plot line sets up a likely redemption to their character’s relationship arc inOnyx Storm. While Dain has made it known he’ll do anything he can to fix their friendship, his past actions and treatments of Violet will make it hard to accept his redemption in the next book.
Sorry, Violet’s Most Compelling Fourth Wing Relationship Isn’t With Xaden Or Dain
Whether readers are team Dain or team Xaden, another connection Violet has in Fourth Wing is more rewarding than both romantic interests.
However,Xaden’s new affliction could be what ultimately pushes Violet closer to Dain. Yarros has yet to reveal how much Xaden turning venin will affect their relationship, but if he struggles to control his new-found power, Violet may turn to her old friend for support. If he truly begins to struggle with the need to draw more power, it’s possible Xaden will distance himself from Violet and the others in order to keep them safe. If thisOnyx Stormtheorywere to play out, Dain would have an open opportunity to become an important figure in Violet’s life once again.
Swapping Xaden’s & Dain’s Fourth Wing Roles Would Be A Huge Mistake
Violet And Dain No Longer Make Sense Romantically
While Violet and Dain have built their friendship upon years of childhood memories, they no longer make sense romantically. The events ofFourth Winghave changed each of these characters dramatically, and Yarros makes it pretty obvious that their friendship has as well. While Dain clearly still harbors strong feelings towards Violet,there are multiple scenarios in bothFourth WingandIron Flamethat prove Violet feels no romantic chemistry with his character.
If Yarros were to push Violet and Dain closer inOnyx Storm, a romantic plot would feel forced.
If Yarros were to push Violet and Dain closer inOnyx Storm, a romantic plot would feel forced. While there may be some major yearning on Dain’s part,it would be incredibly unbelievable if Violet were to reciprocate his feelings—especially after Dain betrayed Violet at the end ofFourth Wing. Yarros' love-triangle dynamics always make for an interesting storyline, but if she was to continue using the plot device in this way, it would feel overdone and gimmicky.
I hope Onyx Storm Does Something More Originial With Violet’s Romance Storyline
The Love-Triangle Dynamic Is Overdone
As Yarros has already teased a love-triangle between Violet, Dain, and Xaden inFourth Wing,it would be refreshing to see the series take a different approach to Violet’s romantic relationships in future books. Yarros has already made it known that Violet and Xaden are endgame, but getting them there may require some unexpected plot twists. Instead of refreshing the love-triangle dynamic between Yarros' lead characters, it would be more exciting to incorporate something akin to a forbidden love trope into their romance arc.
Iron Flame’s Xaden twistwill certainly cause complications in their relationship—and his desire for power in his bonus chapter makes this even more apparent. His new status as a venin is unlikely to be received well by other characters in the series, andit’s possible Yarros could use such a dynamic to force Violet and Xaden apart. It will be interesting to see how this plays out inOnyx Storm, and readers will likely discover what Violet is willing to do to keep Xaden in her life.
