Onyx Storm Shattered Our Xaden Aspirations (But An Alternative Exists)

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Onyx Storm!

Unraveling Hope: The Fate of Xaden in Onyx Storm

The latest installment, Onyx Storm, may have extinguished the aspirations of both readers and Violet regarding Xaden’s potential salvation. Following the shocking conclusion of Iron Flame, a startling revelation emerges: Xaden is succumbing to a venin transformation after drawing power from the earth. His motives were noble—to save Violet and overcome the Sage—yet, in a cruel twist, Onyx Storm discloses that the Sage, named Berwyn, is very much alive and harbors significant plans for both Xaden and Violet.

The Urgent Need to Reverse Xaden’s Transformation

As the stakes escalate, it becomes crucial for Violet and Xaden to discover a means to halt Xaden’s venin transformation. Violet is driven not only by her desire to save her soulmate but is acutely aware that if Xaden completely succumbs to the venin, he could become the most formidable creature on the planet, posing an insurmountable threat if he succumbs to the darkness fully. While Onyx Storm delivers insights on the nature of venin, it simultaneously sheds light on the mysterious seventh breed of dragon, adding new layers to the narrative.

No Cure Found for Xaden’s Venin Transformation—For Now

Fan art of Xaden from Fourth Wing — Art by @s_holdthebus

In an intriguing encounter during Onyx Storm, Jack Barlowe brushes aside Violet’s query about a potential cure for being venin by declaring that becoming a venin is not a malady but an evolutionary progression. His dismissive tone leaves Violet clinging to the hope that a cure might still exist. However, her hopes are dashed when she meets the irid, a remarkable seventh breed of dragon. A female irid, forging an unsettling atmosphere, bluntly decrees that a cure is impossible.

This somber proclamation leads to a disheartening exchange, where Andarna posits the notion of trading a soul. The irid further clarifies, “It’s not a trade. The soul is not kept by the earth as dark wielders steal its magic. The power exchange kills the soul one piece at a time, and death has no cure.”

This interaction leaves an open question about the certainty of the dragon’s knowledge, but considering the irid’s profound comprehension of magic, her words carry significant weight. Currently, there seems to be no pathway to saving Xaden, augmenting the grim reality that he appears resigned to his fate, knowing, as the irid suggest, that saving a venin may be an impossibility.

Potential Divine Intervention in Book 4 of The Empyrean Series

Emergence of Deities in Onyx Storm

Despite the bleak circumstances surrounding Xaden’s transformation, Onyx Storm hints that hope might not be entirely lost. The first three books chronicle an intense, albeit unhealthy, bond between Violet and Xaden, leading many to speculate that the upcoming fourth book will unveil fresh avenues for saving him. Notably, Onyx Storm introduces the involvement of deities, which could play a pivotal role in future developments.

While divine beings have been subtly referenced in earlier volumes, Onyx Storm elevates their significance through snippets of correspondence and narratives preceding each chapter. The book portrays various deities entwined in the battle, notably Zihnal, the god of luck, and Dunne, the goddess of war, who empowers Violet with a dagger crafted from her temple’s stone, aiding in overcoming formidable adversaries.

As the gods transition from whisper to significant influence, their continued presence is expected in the fourth book. Considering Violet’s historical connection with Dunne—having been touched by her as a child—there’s a compelling narrative arc brewing. It’s plausible that a deity could intervene to alter Xaden’s fate, perhaps as a boon to Violet, her chosen champion. The series thus far has refrained from suggesting that Xaden’s transformation is irreversible, suggesting that the resolution may lie in divine intervention rather than despair.

The Venin and Their Greater Significance

Exploring the Role of the Venin in Earth’s Balance

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros on a smoky background with red veins — Custom Image by Kiersten Hall

During the encounter with the irid, a stimulating discussion emerges, hinting at the potential significance of the venin. The irid ponder whether the venin should be allowed to consume the land until nothing remains, which could force their evolution. This theory raises the possibility that the future adaptations of venin may come through their progeny, suggesting a deeper interconnectedness.

Furthermore, Onyx Storm unveils an element of prophecy that hasn’t been previously explored, revealing that the venin may serve a vital purpose within the narrative. The evolving connection between Violet—imbued with the goddess’s influence—and Xaden, who is teetering on the brink of becoming venin, suggests a more profound narrative of balance and interdependence that could shape the future of the series. The third book solidifies the idea that the venin are far more integral to the unfolding story than mere antagonists, laying the groundwork for revelations in the upcoming volumes.

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