Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros.The Empyrean Series books falling into the romantasy category, it's little surprise that Fourth Wing and its sequels feature charming moments between Violet and Xaden. However, there's another non-romantic bond that plays a prominent role throughout Rebecca Yarros' books: the relationship between a rider and their dragon.
dragons in Fourth Wing, Onyx Storm marks the first time she digs deeper. Two of Onyx Storm's sweetest scenes put the bond between dragon and rider on display, making it clear that future sequels need more interactions between ing characters and their dragons.
Ridoc & Sawyer's Sweetest Onyx Storm Scenes Show What The Empyrean Series Needs More Of
The Books Should Show More Of The Rider & Dragon Dynamic
Ridoc, Sawyer, and Rhiannon are the most prominent Fourth Wing characters from Violet's year, but readers typically only see their connection to their dragons through Violet. This doesn't change in Onyx Storm, but she seems more attentive in the latest addition to The Empyrean Series. That results in two of the book's best moments: Ridoc and Aotrom playing pranks on each other during their visit to the Isle Kingdoms and Sawyer learning to mount his dragon, Sliseag, after losing his leg at the end of Iron Flame.
These are both small scenes in the grand scheme of Onyx Storm's plot, but they emphasize what makes Yarros' series so compelling: the relationships between characters.
These are both small scenes in the grand scheme of Onyx Storm's plot, but they emphasize what makes Yarros' series so compelling: the relationships between characters. This includes the bonds between the riders and their dragons, and it's nice to see that dynamic outside of Violet's relationship with Tairn and Andarna. Aotrom having a similar sense of humor to Ridoc perfectly encapsulates why the two of them are bonded. And seeing Sawyer and Sliseag come together after the trauma of Sawyer losing his leg is incredibly touching — and underscores that Tairn isn't the only one willing to accommodate his rider.
How The Next Fourth Wing Book Can Work In More Rider & Dragon Moments
More POVs In Onyx Storm's Sequel Could Help
These brief Ridoc and Sawyer scenes from Onyx Storm make a compelling argument for more rider and dragon moments in the next Empyrean Series book. And there are a couple of ways Yarros can work those in. She could simply continue Onyx Storm's trend of having Violet present for these interactions. As the riders and dragons in Violet's year at Basgiath continue to get more comfortable around one another, it makes sense that they'd show new sides of themselves.
One Onyx Storm Reunion Was Completely Underwhelming (& The Next Book Needs To Fix It)
Onyx Storm had some great character moments throughout its run, but one reunion was underwhelming after the events of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame.
However, Onyx Storm's ending offers an even more interesting solution: POV chapters from ing players. Readers are treated to chapters from Rhiannon's and Imogen's perspectives during the sequel's final battle, and they expand on both characters' relationships with their dragons. By including more scenes from other perspectives, Yarros could make her world and relationships feel even more thoroughly fleshed out. Only time will tell if she continues to add POVs after Onyx Storm, but it's an intriguing possibility.
- Genre
- Fantasy
- Publisher
- Entangled: Red Tower Books
- Publication Date
- 2025/01/01
- Franchise
- The Empyrean Series
- ISBN#
- 1649374186
- Author(s)
- Rebecca Yarros
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