Onyx Storm (Wing and Claw Collection) (The Empyrean, 3) Hardcover – January 21, 2025

Let’s be clear: this was a five-star read and I regret nothing. If loving Onyx Storm is wrong, then I don’t want to be right. Rebecca Yarros once again said war, trauma, and dragon drama—and I said yes, thank you, may I have another.The world-building exploded in the best way. We finally got to stretch beyond Basgiath and the scope of the story felt so much bigger and bolder. I could feel the weight of the war, the politics, and the consequences—and it was deliciously stressful. And I know we’re all thinking it, so I’ll say it: Broccoli is the real star of the book. Give him his own POV. I’d die for him. We all would.Now, onto the cast:Garret and Imogen? Swoon. Their dynamic is mature, charged, and so real. I would absolutely read a novella about them having quiet moments in the middle of chaos. They deserve happiness—and snacks. Let them rest.Xaden still has my heart, but… I do feel like his character took a little step back in this one. He was distant, a little too mysterious, and I wanted more of that raw, vulnerable edge we saw in the first book. I still love him, I still believe in him, but let the man feel things again, please.Violet remains the queen of overthinking and dramatic inner monologues. She’s grown a lot, yes, but she also still narrates like she’s auditioning for the main character Olympics. She’s still got her "pick me" tendencies. She’s learning, hurting, leading. Sometimes I want to shake her, but I’d still follow her into battle. With a snack.Now let’s talk Ridoc. My funny little golden retriever king. His humor? Unmatched. His loyalty? Unshakable. His emotional depth? Criminally underrated. I need him in every book, every spin-off, every timeline. If anything happens to him, I’ll riot.Sloane is basically tiny fury wrapped in grief and rage, and I love her for it. She’s messy, she’s angry, and she has every right to be. Can’t wait to watch her become an absolute powerhouse.And finally: DAIN. My sweet, complicated, misunderstood man. Yes, he made mistakes. Yes, he fumbled HARD in Fourth Wing. But the growth?? The quiet redemption arc?? The way he’s trying, really trying, to be better without forcing his way back into Violet’s life? I SEE HIM. I RESPECT HIM. I LOVE HIM. Protect Dain 2025.In conclusion: Onyx Storm gave me dragons, drama, trauma, and feelings I wasn’t expecting to have (looking at you, Dain). A standout in the series and one I’ll be rereading with emotional support snacks. 5/5, no notes.Except: please give Broccoli a crown.

Onyx Storm is a powerful and emotional journey that dives deep into the complexities of love, loss, and resilience. Set against a backdrop of high-stakes, dramatic events, the novel follows the journey of its protagonist, whose life is turned upside down by circumstances beyond her control.Yarros excels at creating characters with raw, unfiltered emotions. The depth of the protagonist's internal struggles is mirrored in the equally compelling supporting characters, each of whom brings their own unique perspective to the narrative. The relationships—whether romantic, familial, or platonic—are beautifully written, layered, and full of nuance, making them feel real and lived-in. The author has an undeniable gift for making readers care deeply about these characters, pulling you in emotionally from the first page to the last.One of the standout features of Onyx Storm is Yarros’ ability to blend heart-wrenching moments with moments of hope and joy. There’s a palpable tension throughout the book, as the characters face seemingly insurmountable obstacles, but the narrative also offers readers the chance to witness moments of triumph, small victories, and the kind of love that heals even the deepest scars.Yarros' writing is evocative, with vivid descriptions and sharp, poignant dialogue that keeps the pacing tight. The emotional beats are timed perfectly, allowing the reader to feel each twist and turn of the story. The tension between love and loss is expertly drawn, and the stakes are high enough to keep you on edge throughout the novel.The only downside, if any, is that some readers might find the emotional intensity a bit overwhelming at times. However, if you're a fan of novels that tackle heavy themes and push the boundaries of emotional storytelling, then this will likely be a book you won’t be able to put down.Overall, Onyx Storm is a gripping and cathartic read that explores love and healing in the face of hardship. Rebecca Yarros has once again delivered a compelling, heart-stirring narrative that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves deeply emotional, character-driven stories.