Onyx Storm Will Likely Validate A Shocking Fourth Wing Theory Regarding Violet’s Father

In a recent update on her Onyx Storm project, Rebecca Yarros offered an exciting glimpse through her Instagram account, unveiling intriguing new source material intended for the epigraphs of the upcoming sequel to her Empyrean Series. Each chapter of Yarros’ Fourth Wing series features a quote that sets the stage for the ensuing storyline. The latest quote from Onyx Storm—”sometimes diplomacy is best served at swordpoint”—derives from the journals of Lilith Sorrengail. This suggests that Yarros is likely to delve deeper into General Sorrengail’s death and might also unveil more about the Sorrengail family’s history.

With Violet gaining access to Lilith Sorrengail’s personal journals, readers might finally learn the truth surrounding Violet’s father and the mystery of his untimely demise. Numerous theories within the Fourth Wing community point to the possibility that Violet’s father did not die of natural causes, contrary to what Violet had been led to believe. While it’s suggested he succumbed to grief after Brennan’s alleged death, the ambiguity surrounding his valuable yet elusive research hints at a much darker plot; drastic measures may have been taken to silence him and prevent the truth from surfacing.

Onyx Storm Tease Hints at the Sorrengail Family’s Backstory

Yarros is Expected to Shed Light on Violet’s Father

The enigma surrounding Violet’s father has persisted throughout both Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, with Yarros strategically withholding information about his character. Thus far, readers only know that he trained Violet as a scribe and was engaged in controversial research on feathertails, alongside possessing an illegal copy of The Fable of the Barrens. However, the introduction of Lilith’s journals may finally clarify not only the truth behind his research but potentially the circumstances of his death as well.

So far, the details regarding Violet’s father’s connection to Lilith Sorrengail and his role as a parent remain scant. Still, Violet’s perspective indicates a high regard for her father. Significantly, Yarros has withheld not just specifics but even the name of Violet’s father, raising the stakes for potential twists later in the narrative. While it’s unclear how often Lilith’s journals will be referenced for context in Onyx Storm, one can hope they will lend clarity to the increasingly tangled web of secrets surrounding this pivotal character.

I’m Convinced Onyx Storm Will Unveil a Shocking Truth About Violet’s Father

The Truth Behind His Death May Be More Sinister

The special editions of Fourth Wing, Onyx Storm, and Iron Flame against a fiery background — Custom Image by Ana Nieves

The release of General Sorrengail’s journals suggests that significant revelations regarding Violet’s father’s research and demise are on the horizon. The timing of his death—occurring at a relatively young age under suspicious circumstances—casts doubt on the notion that he merely died from a heart attack due to grief over Brennan’s supposed death. Furthermore, while Violet’s father was engaged in critical research around this time, the evidence in the form of The Fable of the Barrens indicates his work may have ventured into the realms of venin and wyvern studies.

This poses the unsettling theory that Violet’s father could have been poisoned to protect his discoveries or potentially poisoned himself to keep his findings secret. Given Violet’s earlier explanations regarding how poisons can easily mimic other medical conditions, this casts doubt on the narrative surrounding his heart attack.

Violet’s father, anticipating danger, seemed to prepare her with knowledge about venin, highlighting his foresight. Coupling this knowledge with the symptoms mimicked by poisons raises the possibility of premeditated actions against him.

How This Twist in Onyx Storm Could Alter the Empyrean Series

Increased Hatred Towards Navarre Leadership

Iron Flame and Onyx Storm book covers on a purple mountain background — Custom Image by Yeider Chacon

If revelations regarding Violet’s father’s death surface in the upcoming Fourth Wing installment, it may not only reshape the narrative but also deeply impact Violet’s character development. Her disdain for the Navarrian government has grown, particularly after uncovering its deceit in Iron Flame. Coming to terms with the lies of her past has been tumultuous, and this final revelation about her father’s demise would serve as a pivotal moment in reinforcing the corrupt nature of Navarre’s leadership.

Such a truth would undoubtedly amplify Violet’s resentment, particularly as the value of her father’s life becomes overshadowed by the secrets he safeguarded. However, it may also provide a more nuanced understanding of her mother’s behavior throughout the series. There have been instances where General Sorrengail’s actions appeared harsh, but in light of the systemic corruption she faced, they could be seen as her efforts to protect her children, offering a path towards healing their fractured relationship.

Lilith Sorrengail’s Journals Might Hint at an Even Darker Fate for Mr. Sorrengail

The Theory of Violet’s Father as Venin

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

The darker theories surrounding Violet’s father suggest a chilling possibility: he may have transformed into venin. While this notion seemed far-fetched previously, Yarros’ forthcoming revelations through Lilith’s journals lend this theory a newfound plausibility. According to this theory, Violet’s father’s illness leading up to his death could have served as a facade for his transition into venin, and his withdrawal from society was aimed at protecting those around him. This would make his investigations into venin and wyvern extraordinarily significant.

“We have tried every method we know of, as you requested. There is no cure. There is only control.”

– Missive from Lieutenant Colonel Nolan Colbersy to General Lilith Sorrengail

This narrative parallel mirrors Violet’s current concerns regarding Xaden. If Violet’s mother experienced a similar ordeal with her father, it’s plausible that investigations into possible cures would have been conducted extensively—especially supported by the prior communication from Nolan to General Lilith in Iron Flame. The letter reputedly from years ago could serve as a hint that Violet’s father fell into the role of venin, paving the way for additional research into venin cures, a pursuit Violet will urgently need in Onyx Storm.

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