Committing to the TBR

It took me weeks to write this review because Onyx Storm affected me so much. I want to keep it spoiler-free, but I have many feelings, wild theories, and questions that will linger until Book 4.

I’m distraught. Unwell. Thinking about dragons 24/7.

I truly don’t know how the characters in Yarros’ world will fix what’s been broken without major loss in the upcoming novel. I know death is inevitable– but that doesn’t make it hurt any less. Especially not after suffering alongside these characters for 1,000+ pages.

Spoilers Ahead. Turn back now unless you want to feel pain.

Xaden’s Love for Violet: Beautiful… and Annoyingly Tragic

Xaden’s love for Violet is so real in this book it actually made me nauseous– in the best and worst ways. This whole book felt like one long love letter from him to her… dropping the nickname of Violence in exchange for “love”… but the miscommunication trope? I’m begging for mercy.

I get it– he knows it’s only a matter of time before he turns venin. But instead of fighting harder, he shuts down. Broods. Stops asking questions. Gives up. And we, the readers, are robbed of the love story we deserve.

Whether they had their emotional breakthroughs off-page (boo) or Imogen wiped Violet’s memory (we’ll get to that), it hurts. Their bond is supposed to be forged through war, loss, and chaos. And yet the minute they’re tested– they break? Again?

I know they love each other. I feel it. But damn if this book didn’t make me question it more than I wanted to.

Here Comes the Waterworks

I never want to feel the emotional devastation of losing a dragon. When Andarna left Violet, I spiraled. It felt like losing a pet. A soulmate. A piece of your own soul.

Her return, after her time with the Feathertails, made one thing painfully clear: Andarna is crucial. I’m calling it now– Violet is going to use Andarna’s scales the way Mira used her dragon’s scales for Violet: for protection, and transformation.

Also: I’m so happy Andarna finally got answers she’s needed for so long…but please, girl, stop shaking the entire squad to the core every time you enter a scene.

And don’t even get me started on Tairn and Sgaeyl’s bond being severed. I knew it had to happen. But I’m still screaming into the void.

Things That Have Kept Me Up at Night

(Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t– unless I’m right, in which case you heard it hear first.)

1. What if Violet is the weapon?
   Not her power. Not her dragon. Her.
   What if Brennan and Carr aren’t protecting Violet from the war- but protecting the world from her? We know her father experimented with Feathertail DNA. What if Violet is the result? A living weapon. Her silver hair. Her connection to Dunne. Aaric’s foresight about her needing to save the temple. It’s all adding up to me and I hate it.
2. Imogen has BEEN erasing memories, and we’re not talking about it enough.
   Those “timeline gaps” and “I don’t remember” moments. Who the fuck is Lewellen? Bodies aching in the morning even though you had a great night sleep? EDS, stress? Maybe! But what if Imogen has been wiping Violet’s memory far more than we realized? She always shoes up when things get weird. She has that power. What if she’s working with someone else, quietly pulling the string?
   If this turns into a “you’ve lived this before” reveal, I will scream.
3. Xaden didn’t turn for Violet.. he turned for Sgaeyl.
   I said it. The Sage prophesied, “You will turn for love”– but that love was never Violet like everyone must have thought. It was the love between a dragon and its rider.
   No bond runs deeper. And Sgaeyl being hurt broke something in Xaden that couldn’t be fixed. Their loyalty transcended everything. If that’s not tragic, I don’t know what is.
   Dragon loyalty is hot. Sorry not sorry.
4. What is Berwyn is Naolin?
   Okay, hear me out. Who the fuck is Berwyn? I think he has the potential to be Naolin– Tairn’s previous rider, presumed dead– is back, under a new na,e. And the “other brother” referenced? That’s Brennan, begging for Naolin’s return. The research, the resurrection, the secrets– it’s all right there.
   If I’m wrong, pretend I never said this. If I’m right– shit.
5. Violet got married and we’re not okay
   I’m not saying she married Bodhi.. but I am. There’s a 12-hour window she’s trying to forget, and a vibe of deep regret from everyone. What if she married for strategy? Power? Survival? What if she can’t be with Xaden anymore and Bodhi was about to turn for power? She wouldn’t be allowed to marry Xaden if he became a threat to everyone he loved.
   Look, her and Xaden have had a lot of conversations with different comments about Bhodi. About how he would “have to kill his last living relative” or “I should have picked the other cousin” or whatever was said.
   I am a little nauseous over this theory. I don’t like it. But why would she forget? Do not talk to me unless it’s to scream with me.

These theories are probably wrong. Or too right. Either way, I needed to scream about this book and none of my real-life friends have finished it yet. Until the next one drops, I will be feral in the chat (alone).

I am slightly disappointed in the pacing and confusion I have with Onyx Storm. But I do realize this is a plot device she is using and not just plot holes in the story itself. I just hope it’s wrapped with a nice bow on top.

Have your own theories? Drop them below. Let’s spiral together.

Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars