Onyx Storm Enhances the Tragedy of Xaden’s Transformation into Venin

Rebecca Yarros’ latest addition to the Empyrean Series, Onyx Storm, intricately explores the transformation of Xaden into a venin. This crucial plot development follows the cliffhanger ending of Iron Flame, which left many readers grappling with the implications of Xaden’s metamorphosis throughout the long wait for the next installment. The central theme in Onyx Storm is undoubtedly Xaden’s shift into venin, a concern that has overshadowed anticipated hopes for his redemption in this third novel. Unfortunately, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that Xaden embraces his venin transformation completely, ultimately becoming an asim.

The storyline dives deep into the challenges faced by Xaden as he battles the powerful venin urges. Readers witness his daily struggle to resist the dark influences of his newfound powers, raising questions about the necessity of this transformation. Throughout both Iron Flame and Onyx Storm, Xaden channels the energies of the earth to protect his beloved Violet and her dragon, Sgaeyl. However, it is essential to note that in Iron Flame, Xaden’s sacrifice does not lead to Violet’s salvation; instead, it falls to General Sorrengail—a revelation that casts a shadow over Xaden’s suffering.

Did Xaden Really Need to Become Venin for Violet’s Safety?

The Ultimate Sacrifice: Violet’s Mother

Comparative book covers of Iron Flame and Onyx Storm — Image Credit: Yailin Chacon

In a pivotal moment of Iron Flame, as Xaden struggles to save Violet from imminent danger during her use of the wardstone, he resolves to accept the power of the venin. His choice comes after witnessing her nearing burnout and feeling helpless due to the venin sage’s control. This moment highlights a tragic irony: unbeknownst to Xaden, Violet’s mother had already sacrificed her own life to protect her daughter, rendering Xaden’s choice to turn venin futile.

While one might argue that Xaden’s transformation enabled him to confront the venin sage, Onyx Storm reveals that his previous attempts to eliminate Berwyn during Iron Flame were unsuccessful. Although shifting into venin may have contributed to defeating the sage, it is crucial to recognize that it was ultimately the raising of the wards that concluded the confrontation. Considering that this event happened mere moments after Xaden’s transformation, one can only wonder if he might have withstood the temptation to change, potentially averting an unnecessary tragedy.

Unraveling the Fate of the Venin Sage

The Struggle to Inhibit the Sage

Xaden’s perspective towards the conclusion of Onyx Storm delivers a striking twist: the venin sage, thought dead after being cast into a ravine, is indeed alive and seemingly anticipating Xaden’s return. This development had earlier been hinted at in Iron Flame, where Xaden’s unease suggested that the bond between him and Berwyn was still intact. Upon their reunion in Onyx Storm, Xaden confronts a crushing reality—he lacks the ability to kill or even harm Berwyn.

“I keep watching the river like it’s going to pop back up, even though I know he’s miles downstream by now.”

—Iron Flame, Chapter 65

This significant revelation amplifies the tragedy of Xaden’s choice to embrace his venin side. His sacrifice, which he believed was noble and aimed at saving Violet and eliminating Berwyn, turns out to be futile. As readers close the book, they are left with a heavy sense of despair, especially since Yarros confirms that this sacrifice may have been entirely in vain. However, there remains a glimmer of hope that Xaden’s connection with Violet might provide him with a pathway to reclaiming his humanity, leading to a more purposeful existence in the forthcoming Fourth Wing installment.

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