SPOILERS AHEAD
Book Details
Title: Onyx Storm
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Published Date: 2025
Summary
The unthinkable has happened, and Violet is determined to find a way to set things right. But the Basgiath War College and Navarrean military leadership have their own agendas. With the wards around Aretia crumbling, Violet and her comrades must venture into distant lands in search of allies and answers. She’ll do whatever it takes to protect her friends, her dragons, and the love of her life—even if it means making unimaginable sacrifices along the way.
Plot
The story starts a bit slow, partly because I hadn’t revisited the earlier books in the series for a while. However, I was completely hooked once the main storyline of traveling to the Isles to uncover the truth about Andarna’s species began. The pacing felt natural and consistent, with the war as a steady backdrop throughout the book—a detail that stood out compared to other fantasy romance stories. The expanded worldbuilding, particularly the exploration of the Isle Kingdoms and their connection to Yarros' pantheon, added depth and richness. The addition of two new gods, the goddess of love and the god of wisdom, was a delightful touch that enhanced the narrative’s complexity. The Isle Kingdoms felt unique, providing an engaging setting for the unfolding drama. As for subplots, the tension around saving Xaden from his new predicament was compelling but frustrating, especially with Violet’s unwavering belief in him contrasting sharply with everyone else’s doubt.
Characters
Violet’s growth as a protagonist was one of the highlights of the story. Watching her become more secretive to protect those she loves mirrored Xaden’s earlier struggles to shield the rebellion. Xaden, meanwhile, faced the consequences of accepting power for the sake of his loved ones, making his arc equally compelling. The romantic chemistry between Violet and Xaden was deeply emotional, though they faced significant challenges. By the end, their separation felt inevitable given the story’s progression, and while it wasn’t satisfying, it was intentional.
The venin, as antagonists, were terrifying and effective, though they often felt overpowered. Their eventual defeat felt almost undeserved, as though luck played too significant a role in the outcome. The side characters added color and purpose to the story, and their contributions enriched the narrative. Thankfully, the miscommunication trope was largely absent, allowing the characters’ actions and decisions to align with their established personalities and backgrounds.
Writing Style and World-Building
Rebecca Yarros’ prose was engaging and perfectly suited to the Romantasy genre. Writing from Violet’s point of view, Yarros captured the casual yet severe tone of a 22-year-old navigating the horrors of war and the complexity of love. The dialogue felt authentic, advancing both character development and plot while maintaining an emotional resonance. Her descriptions were vivid and immersive, painting clear images of settings, emotions, and characters without overwhelming the narrative.
The worldbuilding was another standout aspect. The Isle Kingdoms were not only fascinating but intricately tied to the pantheon Yarros had crafted, making the setting feel alive and interconnected. The magic system, politics, and geography were detailed without being excessive, striking a perfect balance for readers.
Overall Impression
This book delivered an emotionally charged story set against a beautifully developed fantasy world. While the slower beginning took some adjustment, the main plot and worldbuilding quickly made up for it. Violet’s journey, both as a leader and as someone trying to protect her love, was deeply engaging. The romantic elements took a backseat to the fantasy and action, but this balance worked well in the context of the story. Though the venin’s defeat felt slightly unearned, the overall progression of events made sense and kept me invested. With its captivating world, strong character arcs, and heartfelt moments, this installment stands out as a satisfying addition to the series, even if its resolutions left me eagerly anticipating what comes next.
Rating
Plot Development: 3
World-building: 5
Character Development: 4
Romance: 4
Writing Style: 3
Pacing: 4
Emotional Impact: 5
Ending/Satisfaction: 4
I would give this a solid 4 stars - very good and worth reading but with minor flaws.
Favorite Quote:
“I failed Brennan the day I watched him walk the parapet, I failed when I could not stop her from following, but I fear my death will fail you. Your mother and I trust no one, and neither can you.”
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