Onyx Storm

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros | 527 pages | 2025

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.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

Apparently it was good that my expectations were in the basement, because I actually enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. Definitely helps that there was a lot less secret-keeping and miscommunication in this one. I'm also a big fan of a "let's explore new lands" story, so that kept me interested through the middle.

Since I was reading on Kindle (so I didn't really have the map) and didn't reread the previous two books, I was completely lost just about every time she mentioned a place or a character (of which there are a million), but I just skated on by and got the gist of the story anyway.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Onyx Storm (The Empyrean #3) by Rebecca Yarros with Justis Bolding (Narrator), Rebecca Soler (Narrator), Teddy Hamilton (Narrator), Jasmin Walker (Narrator), 24 hours (527 pages)

"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."--Provided by publisher

While worth the read, for sure, this was a middling addition to the Empyrean series. I think because what was supposed to be a trilogy was turned into a 50-book series, Iron Flame and Onyx Storm both seem drawn out and a bit repetitive. I would have loved some more world building as there was ample scenarios to do so with the travel the core of characters did. I am fully invested in the characters and storyline at this point, even though I am hoping this series picks up a bit with the next two books. 

 

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Iron Flame (The Empyrean #2) by Rebecca Yarros with Teddy Hamilton (Narrator), Rebecca Soler (Narrator), 28 hrs, 17 min (623 pages)

"Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College, Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky. 

Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves. 

Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules. 

But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year. Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College, and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end."--Provided by publisher

The sophomore book in this series fell a bit flat for me. I found our MC Violet (and Andarna) quite frustrating in this storyline, and the book goes from 0 to 100 and back again over and over, pulling you in all directions. However, the story progressed and I found several story arcs very emotional. And then that ending...

 

Onyx Storm (Empyrean, #3) by Rebecca Yarros

Onyx Storm (Empyrean, #3) by Rebecca Yarros-527 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Xaden, Violet, and her squad continue their journey both within the confines of Basgiath War College and throughout Navarre, Poromiel, and beyond. Onyx Storm picks up right where Iron Flame left off (and it ended with a bang, for sure). 

In the aftermath of the Battle at Basgiath, Violet and Andarna are set on searching for more of Andarna's kind. This search leads them to unexpected places, including several islands off the coast of Amarylis/The Continent. 

There is more than one big reveal and the ending is a huge cliffhanger (just like the first two books).

Murtagh (Inheritance Cycle, #5) by Christopher Paolini

Murtagh (Inheritance Cycle, #5) by Christopher Paolini-688 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐✩

This is set in the aftermath of the events of the first 4 books in the series, but with Murtagh as the main protagonist. He learns of a potential newly revealed threat to Alagaesia and sets out on a journey to learn the truth and confront this threat. Along the way, Murtagh struggles with his identity and his troubled past. He doesn't think he fits in anywhere or with anyone. He still cares for Nasuada, but he doesn't think she cares for him the same way. The journey changes Murtagh and Thorn (the dragon Murtagh is paired with/is Rider of) in unexpected ways. I enjoyed returning to Alagaesia and reading something from Murtagh's perspective. 

Iron Flame (The Empyrean #2) by Rebecca Yarros

 Iron Flame (The Empyrean #2) by Rebecca Yarros-623 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I've been eagerly awaiting this sequel to Fourth Wing since I finished it. Fourth Wing is my favorite book I read this year (so far). Iron Flame picks up right where Fourth Wing ended and keeps the action going constantly. So much happens in Iron Flame and there are definitely some jaw-dropping moments. Violet is as much of a bad ass as ever. The relationship between Violet and Xaden is a bit infuriating, frustrating at times, especially Violet taking so long to admit her feelings for Xaden. The stakes continue to get ever higher throughout the book. The ending is just as much of a cliffhanger as Fourth Wing's and it's emotionally wracking. I was thinking no, no, no, it can't end like that!! I'm already anticipating the next book (there are supposedly going to be five total) and I hope it doesn't have such an emotional ending. This series is soooooo good thus far, though. 

Fourth Wing (Empyrean, #1) by Rebecca Yarros

 Fourth Wing (Empyrean, #1) by Rebecca Yarros-500 pages

I really enjoy fantasy, especially Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses) and Christopher Paolini (Inheritance Series), so I've been eager to read this one. I want to know why this book has become so popular. I really like the character development and story. Violet Sorrengail is the youngest daughter (and child) of General Sorrengail of Navarre (her mother). She has a condition that causes her bones, muscles, and joints to break easily. I really like Violet's character. She's a strong, snarky woman protagonist and reminds me a bit of Celaena Sardothien/Aelin Galathynius from Throne of Glass and Feyre Archeron from ACOTAR. This book is full of twists and turns and there's a twist at the end that has me on the edge of my seat for the next book. I would put this on the same level as Maas' series. This is my favorite book of the year so far. I can't overstate how much I enjoyed reading this book. I am eagerly anticipating the sequel that will release in November. I give this 5 out of 5 stars.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Fourth Wing (The Empyrean #1) by Rebecca Yarros

"Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them. With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant. She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret. Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die."--Goodreads

This seemed to be the "it book" of the summer, and it was right up my ally, so I dove right in. I feel like it deserved the hype. It was well-written, with great world building and a great female lead. Can't wait for the next book in the series!

Night of the Ninth Dragon (Magic Tree House #55) by Mary Pope Osborne

 Night of the Ninth Dragon (Magic Tree House #55) by Mary Pope Osborne-144 pages

Jack and Annie receive an urgent note telling them to return to Camelot. It isn't from Morgan Le Fay per usual, however. It is from Queen Guinevere of Camelot. King Arthur has been gravely wounded by invaders and Morgan, Merlin, Teddy, and Kathleen are all in Avalon. Avalon is one of the nine mystical realms of Camelot. It is where King Arthur must go to be healed. However, the ninth dragon was stolen by the invaders because it is made of gold. Jack and Annie are asked to help find it so that King Arthur can travel to Avalon and so that Morgan and the others can return from Avalon. I enjoyed reading this one just as I have all the others.

The Passionate Queen by Jovee Winters

 The Passionate Queen by Jovee Winters - 240 pages

Dark Queens #2

Once upon a time a dragon dared to fall in love with the Queen of Hearts…

Zelena Hermosa wants only one thing, to be free. But for a morphling like her freedom will never be possible. Bought by a witch as a baby, she’s been raised in a household that knows no kindness or love. She’s a broken, dirty child the day she meets her prickly little dragon boy.

Ragoth Nur, heir to the throne of Drakon has just stolen a golden apple from Zeus’s favored orchard. In order to make sure he doesn’t have to face the wrath of the gods (but especially his mom) he runs off to wonderland to enjoy his treat and there bumps into the human girl who will change the course of his life forever.

There’s so much more to the Queen of Heart’s than the stories. So much more than the vindictive woman who shouts, “Off with her heads.” This is the true story of the woman, the legend, and the myth…

Duncan the Story Dragon

by Amanda Driscoll - 40 pages

A cute tale about a story loving dragon who has issues finishing a book without burning it.  He looks for someone to help him.  Through his endeavors, he finds a friend.

The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm by Christopher Paolini

The Fork, the Witch, and the Worm by Christopher Paolini-281 pages

I really enjoyed reading the Inheritance Cycle by Paolini, so I immediately wanted to read this when I learned of its publishing. Paolini tells 3 different stories from the world of the Inheritance Cycle. One is about Murtagh, one about Angela the herbalist, and the other about an Urgal named Ilgra and her unyielding pursuit of a dragon named Vermund. It was fun to revisit the world of Alagaesia again and I would recommend this to anyone who has read the Inheritance Cycle and/or enjoys fantasy.

Dragon Was Terrible by Kelly DiPucchio

Dragon Was Terrible
by  Kelly DiPucchio
39 pages









We all know dragons are terrible, but this one is especially terrible. He scribbles in books. He steals candy from baby unicorns. He even burps in church. Seriously, who does that? Dragon, that's who. The king, the knights, and the villagers are desperate to take down this beast once and for all. But sometimes it's up to the unlikeliest of heroes to tame a dragon this terrible.

Bringer of Storms by L.B. Graham

Bringer of Storms by L.B. Graham -- 510 pages

Seventeen years after the tragedy that ended "Beyond the Summerland," Aljeron is still pursuing vengeance and justice, but another war, greater and more terrible, is brewing from the Mountain itself.
Malak's armies are ready, his plans are unfolding, and his assurance of victory lies in his weapon and greatest ally, Cheymontyr, the Bringer of Storms.

This is book 2 of The Binding of the Blade series.

The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas

The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas -- 464 pages

Iolanthe Seabourne didn't realize that calling forth a bolt of lightning would mark her as the greatest elemental mage of her time and set the Atlantians on her trail. Suddenly she finds that her life and destiny have been planned, not only by a prophecy, but by a Prince, who has been waiting his whole life for a mage--but not a girl. He is not only unprepared, but determined to have his plans realized, and that includes Iolanthe confronting and defeating the greatest mage ever known. 

Pennyroyal Academy by M.A. Larson

Pennyroyal Academy by M.A. Larson - 314 pages

A girl from the forest comes to Pennyroyal Academy seeking others like her.  But she's not like the others.  She has no name.  She has a secret past.  She has a curse.  And she knows nothing about the human world.  Now she is training to become a princess to fight the witches from destroying the world.

I've been wanting to read this book since it came out this past spring.  I finally got around to listening to it on audio.  I really enjoyed the story.  Even though I felt the book was very slow it was also very engrossing.  I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next.  Now I am eagerly waiting for the second book to come out.

The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde

The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde  287 pages

n the good old days, magic was powerful, unregulated by government, and even the largest spell could be woven without filling in magic release form B1-7g. Then the magic started fading away. Fifteen-year-old Jennifer Strange runs Kazam, an employment agency for soothsayers and sorcerers. But work is drying up. Drain cleaner is cheaper than a spell, and even magic carpets are reduced to pizza delivery. So it's a surprise when the visions start. Not only do they predict the death of the Last Dragon at the hands of a dragonslayer, they also point to Jennifer, and say something is coming. Big Magic.

Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin- 694 pp.

Intricate high fantasy about several noble families plunged into intrigue and war after the suspicious death of the High King; meanwhile a mysterious force assembles in the North, and to the South, a rogue princess prepares to take back what is rightfully hers.

Return Of The Library Dragon by Carmen Agra Deedy

Return Of The Library Dragon by Carmen Agra Deedy, 28 pages

Miss. Lotty the dragon is retiring as librarian at Sunrise Elementary School.  The books in the library have disappeared and are being replaced by technology.  Miss. Lotty turns back into Miss. Lotta Scales until she finds out Molly Brickmeyer is the new school librarian.

There's A Dragon In The Library by Dianne de Las Casas

There's A Dragon In The Library by Dianne de Las Casas, 26 pages

Max sees a dragon in the children's section of the library.  The dragon is eating the books and getting bigger every week.  No one believes him.  Finally, everyone believes him when the dragon eats the library. The last page contains Max's book care tips.