Onyx Storm (Deluxe Limited Edition) (The Empyrean, 3) Hardcover – January 21, 2025

Um, okay, go off??? Onyx Storm is easily the most adventurous book in The Empyrean series and there was not one dull moment from start to finish.I won't say too much because I don't want to spoil anything, but here are a few of my favorite things about the book:1. The squad. Each character gets a bit of a spotlight, they share funny moments and bonding moments. No one gets left behind. No one fights alone.2. The representation for sign language, Ehlers Danlos, grief and loss, and recovery after a major health episode.3. GTIFLAT.4. Soaring beyond the walls of Basgiath. We explore previously uncharted territory with different climates and scenery, different people and, uh, animals. The new locations were vividly described and so fun to navigate.5. The expansion of the history and descriptions of events. There's no lack of world building, even being in the third book of the series.And a few things that I didn't quite love:1. The world building could be info-dumpy at times. There were so many new people and names, and even though I reread books 1 and 2 before reading Onyx Storm, I STILL felt confused at times.2. Xaden's... problem... felt a little too hot and cold. And then kind of "meh."3. How come Tairn is always so far away when shenanigans hit the fan??Anyway. I had a great time. The dragons are a riot (see what I did there???). The storyline is fun but also nerve-wracking. I think I'll enjoy it even more when I reread and listen to the Graphic Audio!

SPOILER-FREE REVIEW!!Fourth Wing is the book that reminded me how much I love reading Fantasy and where I often read for the "vibes" of a story, this is one series I’ve enjoyed really deep diving into! Onyx Storm was everything my deep-diving fantasy heart was looking for!!Onyx Storm gave us more world-building, expanded politics, the royals, more information on the Gods, new characters, new SIGNETS, and more DRAGONS!!What I loved:Xaden stole the show for me! I’ve always loved his ruthless spirit and strategic mind, but have you met JEALOUS Xaden? He’s my favorite!! I adore where he and Violet grew from the rocky days of Iron Flame into the place their relationship is in Onyx Storm and the romance is 🤌🏻! Special circumstances created a new slow-burn in the story and I was here for ALL OF IT!!Violet has one goal in this book and when her brilliant mind combines with that ONE GOAL, she UNLEASHES her wisdom, courage, and determination in full force! I loved every minute of it!The FOUND FAMILY in this story, including Violet’s squad, Bodhi, Garrick, Mira, Jessina, Brennan, and the dragons continues to get better and better!There were so many funny moments and great quotes in the story, it felt like Rebecca Yarros had a good time writing the story!What I didn’t love:The new General of Basgaith!! (iykyk)Some hard things Andarna had to go through!Obviously the BAD GUYS!!There were multiple POV’s at the end. I LOVED one of the POV’s, but the other 2 were longer than I thought they needed to be.Quotes I loved that you’ll only know if you know:“I live by you”“Yes, love I’m jealous”“I choose him”“Draw up the papers. And her name ... is Violet Sorrengail. Two Rs”“And I want a patch for this sh*t, Violet. A quest squad patch. Understand?”“I kept the inside thoughts inside”“Stay off the ice!”Romance Content: 3 Open-door scenes.(Closed-door modification: end of Ch. 3, Ch. 25, & ch. 49) with language and violence. (It’s a War college!!)I started Onyx Storm with a list of questions, many were answered, however, as it is with all GREAT Fantasy series, Onyx Storm left me with 100 more questions!!!I read the ending three days ago and I’m still struggling to pick up another book!! The hang-over is real!!

Disclaimer: I bought this book. Support your local indie bookstores and authors! All opinions are my own.Book: Onyx StormAuthor: Rebecca YarrosBook Series: The Empyrean Book 3Rating: 4.5/5Spice Rating: 3.5/5Diversity: POTS MC, Deaf character, BIPOC characters, character who uses a prosthetic, queer charactersRecommended For...: Adult Readers, Fantasy, Romantasy, Dragons, New Adult, Political WarPublication Date: January 21, 2025Genre: RomantasyAge Relevance: 18+ (war, gore, violence, death, animal death, grief, language, sexual content, romance)Explanation of CWs: There are themes and scenes of war and violence throughout the book. There are scenes showing blood gore. There is death and animal death shown. Grief is discussed and shown. There is some cursing. There is sexual content throughout the book, as well as romance.If This Was a Taylor Swift Song: End GamePublisher: Red Tower BooksPages: 527Synopsis: After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons. No more time for uncertainty. Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust. Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him. Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything. They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth. But a storm is coming...and not everyone can survive its wrath.Review: I really liked this sequel for the most part. This book takes up where the 2nd left off and in this one we explore themes of exploration and forming political relationships. I liked that this one leaned more into the political side of the conflict and that we saw a lot of other civilizations. I have a minor in sociology and I attempted to get one in archaeology (I ran out of time to pursue it fully) so I’ve always been highly intrigued by how people in different cultures live together and how history has shaped different cultures, so this was right up my alley. I also liked how the world building was built upon more and the characters continue to be fully developed.However, I did have some issues with the book. I felt like there were places where the pacing was off and I wanted more of the island exploration, including more explanations as to why certain islands were the way they were. I also thought some of the battle scenes were a bit weirdly paced. Furthermore, I think the author is facing a difficult inner conversation with herself on who to kill off. We have gotten to a point where there are too many main characters in my opinion and I think we need to start culling the herd so to say.Verdict: It was good! I can’t wait for the next one.