Warning! Spoilers for Rebecca Yarros' Onyx Storm below.Rebecca Yarros’Empyrean Seriesis known for its top-notch romantic tension and steamy chemistry, butOnyx Storm’s ending practically ensures this is a trend that won’t be continuing in the nextFourth Wingsequel. By the end ofOnyx Storm,Xaden has turned completely veninand has left Aretia under Violet’s protection. While the novel doesn’t disclose much of what happened in the hours after Xaden turns and before Violet arrives at Aretia, it’s assumed from Xaden’s letter that he has left with his venin sage, Berwyn, and has no intention of returning.
While theOnyx Stormending does provide a strong conflict that will carry the plot forward in a future narrative,the circumstances will make it difficult for Yarros to fulfill the romance storyline throughout.Onyx Stormincluded the most spice ofall threeEmpyrean Seriesbooks, but with Xaden gone, it’s unlikely the fourth novel can match the level of chemistry readers have become used to. However, there’s potentially one way Yarros can explore their relationship in the next novel—and it would helpViolet’s second signetbecome even stronger.
Onyx Storm’s Ending Sets Its Sequel Up To Have The Least Romance Of The Empyrean Books
It’s Unlikely Violet & Xaden Will Reunite In Book Four
As with any romantasy novel, the romantic plot holds just as much weight to the narrative as its fantastical elements—butOnyx Storm’s endingmay make it hard for Yarros to balance the two genres equally in book four.Violet and Xaden’s romantic arc and explosive chemistry have always been one of readers' favorite aspects of theEmpyrean Seriesnovels, and afterOnyx Stormproved to be Yarros' spiciest book yet, fans may be disappointed to find the next novel will likely break this record.
The Violet & Xaden Scene We’ve Been Waiting For Has To Happen After Onyx Storm’s Ending
After the Violet and Xaden twist at the end of Onyx Storm, it seems inevitable that the couple will get one satisfying moment readers are waiting for.
Knowing Violet and Xaden will be separated for some time,there’s bound to be less romance throughout the narrative in general—and certainly less spice. Even if the two characters were to reunite or cross paths, there’s no way of knowing how far Xaden has gone, and whether he has held onto any of his remaining humanity. The absence of their romance in the nextFourth Wingnovel is sure to have a massive effect on the storyline, but, could also provide space for Yarros to further explore Violet’s second signet—which may still act as a bridge between the two characters.
Violet’s Second Signet Offers A Way Around This Disappointing Empyrean Record
She Can Enter Xaden’s Dreams Even From A Distance
While the two characters will be physically separated inOnyx Storm’s sequel,it’s possible Yarros will use Violet’s second signet as a means of communication. Violet’s second signet, dream walking, provides her with the ability to enter another’s mind, witnessing their dreams and allowing her to “meddle” or speak with them if she wishes. While this is first hinted at inIron Flame, Violet finally discovers the truth inOnyx Storm, understanding that her nightmares have actually been Xaden’s the whole time—proving she has entered Xaden’s mind on several occasions, even when at a great distance.
However, if Violet were to accomplish this, it could provide Yarros with the means to reintroduce their steamy chemistry and prevent the narrative from veering away from the romantic storyline for too long.
Yarros has already made it known in bothIron FlameandOnyx Stormthat Violet can enter Xaden’s dreams without being physically near him—and it’s possible this will allow the two to interact in book four. Obviously, Violet is unpracticed in using her dream walking signet purposefully, and honing her abilities could prolong their reunion in the next book. However, if Violet were to accomplish this, it could provide Yarros with the means to reintroduce their steamy chemistry and prevent the narrative from veering away from the romantic storyline for too long.
