Onyx Storm (Deluxe Limited Edition) (The Empyrean, 3) Hardcover – January 21, 2025

Violet Sorrengail’s journey is both compelling and inspiring. Her evolution from a hesitant student to a formidable dragon rider is portrayed with authenticity and emotional resonance. The challenges she faces, both external and internal, are crafted with such detail that I found myself deeply invested in her fate.The dynamics between Violet and Xaden Riorson are electric. Their relationship is a perfect blend of tension, passion, and genuine connection. Yarros has a talent for writing romance that feels both intense and real, making their interactions some of the most memorable moments in the book.The plot is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The stakes are higher than ever, and the pacing ensures there’s never a dull moment. The rich lore and the expansion of the world introduced in the previous books add layers of complexity that enhance the overall narrative.One of the standout aspects of Onyx Storm is the portrayal of the dragons. Their personalities shine through, and the bond they share with their riders adds depth to the story. The battles are vividly described, making them both thrilling and easy to visualize.Onyx Storm is a triumph. Rebecca Yarros has crafted a story that is both epic in scope and deeply personal. It’s a must-read for fans of the series and anyone who appreciates a well-told fantasy romance. I eagerly await the next installment and can’t recommend this book highly enough.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros is a powerful, emotional rollercoaster that will leave you breathless. The book is a beautiful blend of romance, suspense, and personal growth, following a journey of self-discovery, healing, and second chances.The characters are incredibly well-developed, with depth and authenticity that make you feel as if you're living through their struggles and triumphs. The story centers around a complex, emotionally-charged relationship, and Yarros does an exceptional job of portraying the challenges and vulnerabilities the characters face. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and their connection feels real, raw, and intense.Yarros’ writing is lyrical and engaging, drawing you into the narrative from the first page. She effortlessly captures the emotional stakes of the story, and the pacing is perfect—keeping you hooked without feeling rushed. There are moments of heartache, but also plenty of hope and healing, making it a truly rewarding reading experience.What stands out most is how Onyx Storm isn’t just about the romance—it’s about the characters’ individual journeys and how they grow and evolve through their struggles. The author explores themes of loss, resilience, and the power of love, all while delivering a story that’s as gripping as it is heartwarming.If you’re looking for a book that tugs at your heartstrings while keeping you hooked with twists and turns, Onyx Storm is a must-read. Rebecca Yarros has once again created a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Stars -5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Excellent - Highly Recommended4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea"To the ones who don’t run with the popular crowd, the ones who get caught reading under their desks, the ones who feel like they never get invited, included, or represented. Get your leathers. We have dragons to ride."This one is tough for me to review because Onyx Storm took me on a ride—one that was exhilarating at times and frustrating at others.Let’s break it down.📖 The first 10% – Solid start. It pulled me back into the world, set the stage for what was to come, and had me excited to see where the story would go.📖 The middle 50% – This is where I struggled. The pacing dragged, and the introduction of so many new characters and places felt overwhelming. I love a good expansion of world-building, but parts of this felt like unnecessary detours rather than meaningful additions. There were moments when I just wanted to push through to get back to the heart of the story.📖 The last 40% – WOW. The payoff was worth it. The emotional intensity, the revelations, the action—I flew through the final stretch and found myself completely hooked again. There were moments that genuinely hit me hard, and yes, a few tears were shed.One of the highlights for me was Ridoc. His humor was much needed, especially during the slower parts of the book. He added that perfect balance of lightheartedness in an otherwise heavy and intense story, and I really came to love his character.As much as parts of this book frustrated me, the ending has me locked in for the rest of the series. I know I’ll be reading the next books, and I’ll likely do a full re-read before Book 4 to see if the middle reads better the second time around.Overall, Onyx Storm wasn’t a perfect read, but it had its moments of brilliance. If you love dragons, high-stakes magic, and a slow-burn, emotional punch, it’s still worth picking up.“I could reach the rank of Maven, lead armies of dark wielders against everyone we care for, and watch every vein in my body turn red as I channel all the power in the Continent, and I would still love you. What I did doesn’t change that. I’m not sure anything can.”Final Verdict: Stick through the slow parts—by the end, you’ll be glad you did.