With the release of Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros approaching, fans have been dissecting the subtleties woven throughout the prior installments. Since the launch of Iron Flame, a plethora of intriguing theories has emerged online, covering everything from the nature of Violet’s second signet to the implications of Xaden’s transformation into venin. After revisiting the series in preparation for the highly anticipated sequel, I feel confident about my predictions for what lies ahead.
Yarros has generously released a number of teasers leading up to the book’s debut. Notably, Xaden has new bonus chapters featured in the paperback edition of Fourth Wing, alongside a tantalizing three-page excerpt of Onyx Storm in Cosmopolitan UK. When we analyze these sneak peeks in context with previous storylines from Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, we can better understand the trajectory Yarros is charting for the narrative.
10
Naolin Will Be Revealed As The Venin Sage
He Became Venin When He Resurrected Brennan
Naolin, the former rider of Tairn, has consistently been referenced throughout the series, despite being presumed dead. Brennan’s statements about Naolin’s sacrifices indicate that his past is shrouded in mystery, with Tairn refusing to elaborate on Naolin, hinting at an unsettling truth. Naolin’s siphon signet would make him an invaluable asset within venin circles, especially given the allure of such powerful abilities, as seen with characters like Xaden and Violet.
Moreover, we learn that venin possess the ability to create wyvern using runes. If Naolin utilized venin magic to resurrect Brennan, it may account for the rune symbol on Brennan’s hand. All of these elements lead me to believe that Naolin’s character will ultimately be pivotal in the unfolding events of Iron Flame.
9
Brennan Will Betray Aretia & Navarre
Brennan May Be Under The Same Venin Control As The Wyverns
While it may be unsettling to think, I predict that Brennan will be exposed as a venin spy in Onyx Storm. If we operate under the assumption that Naolin’s transformation into venin is what enabled Brennan’s resurrection, then the rune symbol on his hand may serve as a lifeline akin to the runes controlling the wyvern.
The use of runes not only sustains the wyvern’s existence but also allows for their manipulation. This suggests that Brennan could be acting under venin influence, making him a strategic asset within Aretia’s governance. Since Aretia has a history of collaborating with gryphon fliers to acquire ore from Navarre, tensions are likely to escalate between these factions as venin forces prioritize capturing Violet.
8
Violet Will Be Immune To The Venin
She May Have Been Exposed Before She Was Even Born
The venin possess the ability to drain vitality from their surroundings, leaving lethargy in their wake. Violet’s characteristics have been described similarly, with fading hair and delicate features—a possible indication she was influenced by venin energy during gestation. It’s hypothesized in the community that her father was investigating the venin, and various correspondence hint at their search for a cure for his wife or even Violet herself before their respective fates.
If Violet indeed faced exposure to the life-draining forces of the venin pre-natally, her continued survival might be deemed miraculous.
7
Violet’s Ex Will Be Revealed To Be The Crown Prince Halden
She Claims To Have Dated Someone In The Infantry
In both Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, Violet’s past relationships come into focus, where she mentions two prior romantic involvements before Xaden. As it stands, the identity of one ex, belonging to the infantry, remains concealed. I propose that Halden, the crown prince of Navarre, may be one of these past relationships.
Cam Tauri’s introduction as a character using an alias due to restrictions from his father indicates that royal dynamics will play a significant role moving forward. Given Violet’s complex history with the Tauri family, stemming from her mother’s military position, combined with her insecurities regarding her royal lineage, it’s reasonable to suspect that this narrative thread will evolve significantly in Onyx Storm.
6
Xaden Will Become A Full Venin Sage
Iron Flame’s Epilogue Hints At His Future Struggles
Although I hope for Xaden’s recovery in Onyx Storm, early reveals suggest otherwise. According to the blurb, Xaden appears to instruct a new group of trainees; however, the conversation he shares with Violet signals a troubling reality—he indicates she is the only one who could potentially end his life, reinforcing his sense of inadequacy concerning the venin struggle.
As this series is only three books into a planned five-part arc, I suspect the evolution of Xaden’s venin issue will be a central theme in upcoming installments.
Notably, Violet’s ardent wish to save Xaden reflects her desperation, as showcased through her revisions in the Book of Brennan. Similar themes are further echoed in Iron Flame, where Xaden’s dialogue with Jack Barlowe unveils his craving for increased power from the source, highlighting an escalating internal battle he faces.
5
One Of Violet’s Closest Friends Or Family Will Die
This Follows A Pattern Set In Fourth Wing & Iron Flame
Yarros has demonstrated a ruthless readiness to eliminate beloved characters, as evidenced by poignant losses like Liam and General Sorrengail. These fatalities may seem arbitrary, but they follow a deliberate pattern established since the series’ inception, leading me to speculate about the fates of Violet’s close allies in Onyx Storm.
The trend reveals that those who perished were all protectors in their own right. As the battles against the venin intensify, it’s probable that familiar characters—perhaps Mira, Dain, or a member from Second Squad—will risk their lives to safeguard Violet, thus exposing themselves to peril.
4
Nails Will Be Killed
He Has Often Proclaimed Violet Will Be His Last Rider
It pains me to predict that Tairn may not endure the events of Onyx Storm. Yarros’s choice to emphasize Tairn’s sentiment of Violet being his last rider is a distressing foreshadowing for his fate. Given Tairn’s bond with Sgaeyl and the intertwined nature of their lives, strong hints suggest a tragic outcome for his character.
The intricacies of this bond are explored at great length, as witnessed by Xaden’s initial attachment to Violet’s well-being—primarily concerning his connection with Tairn—and the potential life-threatening implications when Tairn and Sgaeyl are apart. With the gravity of these themes laid bare, it’s hard not to fear for Tairn’s survival.
3
Imogen’s Signet Will Play A Larger Role
Yarros Teased This In Xaden’s Fourth Wing Bonus Chapters
Imogen’s intriguing use of her signet to erase a healer’s memory showcases her cunning abilities, paving the way for her to sneak away and deliver alloy to a contingent of Gryphon Fliers. This encounter raises questions regarding prior instances where Imogen may have employed her signet for diverse purposes, and I anticipate that her abilities will be pivotal within the narrative of Onyx Storm.
2
The Venin Want Violet Because She Has The Power To Control The Dragons
Violet’s Relationship With Dragons Is Unique
The venin have repeatedly referred to Violet as “the one who commands the skies,”which aligns with her formidable lightning signet. Considering the overarching theme of dragons within The Empyrean Series, it becomes evident that the venin recognize Violet’s unique ability to command not just the skies, but also the dragons themselves.
Her peculiar interactions with dragons throughout the series, including her direct communication during pivotal moments, illustrate her distinct bond with these creatures—especially evident when she urged Codagh to fire upon the wards in Basgiath. The venin’s designation of Violet as a commanding force hints at her potential significance beyond just her elemental abilities, indicating deeper narrative layers yet to unfold.
1
Dain’s Character Will Have A Big Redemption Moment
His And Violet’s Relationship Begins To Mend In Iron Flame
Following Dain’s severe betrayal in Fourth Wing, it’s apparent in Iron Flame that Violet seeks distance from her former best friend. Yet narrative threads suggest a potential reconciliation between them; Dain is shown striving to amend his previous wrongdoings. However, rather than simply restoring their friendship, the arc may culminate in a critical moment of redemption within Onyx Storm.
Dain’s actions had dire consequences, but Yarros has skillfully laid groundwork for readers and Violet to reconsider his character. The potential for Dain to showcase heroism—perhaps through self-sacrifice—would pave the way for a powerful redemption arc. It’s clear that his journey away from being a mere antagonist towards a supportive ally is imminent, but how his transformation manifests will play a key role in the emotional impact of the coming narrative.
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