Book Review: Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, #3) by Rebecca Yarros
Let’s be real: I dove into Onyx Storm with a mix of anticipation and skepticism. Rebecca Yarros’s prior entries in The Empyrean series had already laid a chaotic foundation, leaving me both addicted and slightly aghast. As a willing consumer of guilty pleasures, I was prepared for the highs and lows of this fantasy rollercoaster. Spoiler alert: this book surprised me—though perhaps not in the best way.
In this third installment, we find our daring protagonist, Violet, grappling with her dual identity while the intricacies of her world spiral wildly. Themes of self-discovery, love, and power play out against backdrops of messy politics and the chaotic, hormone-fueled drama between Violet and her shadow-daddy (yes, Xaden Riorson, you know that’s you). Though the emotional stakes are high—or meant to be—the execution feels haphazard.
The pacing is manic, a whirlwind that flips through plot points with such velocity, you may find yourself with literary whiplash. The “recycled events formula” is painfully apparent; characters embark on missions only to encounter predictable twists that feel calculated to sustain tension instead of genuinely built through narrative development. Instead of strategic intrigue, we’re left with a series of switches and cliffhangers designed solely to keep us turning pages. It’s like Yarros took inspiration from TikTok trends—rapid-fire emotional stimuli without much substance.
While glad to see the return of the dragons, my enjoyment was marred by the baffling dialogue and chaotic interactions. Take Violet’s relationship with Xaden, for instance. Their intimate moments serve as a backdrop for cringe-worthy quotes that left me wondering if I had inadvertently wandered into a high school romance. As the characters express their undying love, it distracts from the dire situations unfolding around them—yes, we get it, he’s "her number one everything," but can we handle the impending doom?
Yarros’s writing style veers into the realm of problematic when she leans heavily on “push forward” prose, spoon-feeding information that would’ve been far more effective if woven subtly into the narrative. By the third book, I’d hope to see more complex world-building; instead, we’re still sorting through basic lore. It feels aimed at those new to fantasy—a disservice to readers craving depth.
Yet, amidst the chaos, there are slivers of brilliance. The emotional manipulations and colorful descriptors create moments that resonate, even if they are often marred by awkward execution. The dynamics between characters occasionally reveal strong potential. Xaden remains a standout, holding this tumultuous tale together, embodying both strength and vulnerability as he navigates his complex relationships.
In conclusion, Onyx Storm is not perfect—far from it. It is a patchwork of addictive storytelling, cringe-worthy moments, and chaotic pacing that feels more like a cash grab than an artful saga. I give it 2 stars—not for lack of effort, as the dragons and occasional emotional moments do shine, but because the overarching narrative drifts iceberg-like towards nowhere in particular.
If you’re someone seeking a light read packed with swoon-worthy romance and action, this series might still appeal to you. Just keep in mind: the complexities of fantasy are not its strongest suit. Ultimately, I find myself torn between my guilty pleasure and the hope for something more in upcoming installments. As always, I’ll be turning pages, but I can’t help wishing for a story that respects its own potential.
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