Rebecca Yarros’ latest installment of the "Empyrean" series, titled "Onyx Storm," has taken the literary world by storm, marking its place as both a commercial success and a point of contention among its readers. Released on January 21, 2025, "Onyx Storm" has quickly emerged as the fastest-selling adult novel of the past twenty years, with over 2.7 million copies sold within the first week, according to reports from The New York Times.
This success reflects the growing popularity of the romantasy genre, which blends elements of romance and fantasy, contributing significantly to Yarros' previous hits, "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame". The series centers around Violet Sorrengail, who navigates her life as a dragon rider amid political intrigue and personal conflicts. Readers eagerly anticipated "Onyx Storm" and its developments, yet early reviews suggest mixed reactions, particularly around the portrayal of the main protagonists, Violet and Xaden.
Currently rated at 4.47 on Goodreads, "Onyx Storm" has seen its rating decline as more casual fans and critics weigh in on the narrative's shortcomings. Readers have begun to express concerns over the stagnant emotional development of Violet and Xaden, whose relationship remains fraught with toxicity. Several reviews highlight how the duo’s reliance on each other has led to their emotional stunting, which detracts from their individual character arcs.
“It’s worth noting,” said one reviewer, “that Violet and Xaden have continued to demonstrate troubling relational dynamics. While their powers have grown, their emotional maturity has not followed suit.” This critique illuminates the more significant thematic issue prevalent within the series: characters can grow only as much as their primary relationships allow.
Violet’s repeated failure to communicate transparently with her friends, stemming from prior lessons unlearned, raises significant questions about her character development. It's almost as if the plot continually brings Violet to similar moral crossroads, yet she repeatedly opts for the safer, more selfish path. Her decision to hide Xaden's dangerous secret from her friends is emblematic of this troubling pattern, noted by her ally Ridoc, who states emphatically, “I’ll trust you if you stop keeping secrets!”
While Violet and Xaden seem entrenched in their unhealthy patterns, other characters are showcased growing and maturing. Yarros succeeded in creating depth within supporting characters; for example, the growth of Ridoc stands out starkly against Violet’s stagnation. Once mere comedic relief, Ridoc now emerges as one of the story's most courageous figures. His development—complete with emotionally charged confrontations—augments the narrative, which often feels bogged down by the indecisiveness of Violet and Xaden.
Sawyer’s transformation is another bright spot; his arc demonstrates resilience as he copes with the loss of his leg and works to reclaim his autonomy. Between crafting adaptive tools for riding and nurturing his relationship with Jesinia, Sawyer’s storyline injects refreshing energy throughout "Onyx Storm" and posits pressing questions on how interpersonal relationships can develop through adversity.
The narrative climax hinges on intense moments, leading to cliffhangers familiar to fans of the series. Yarros has stated her intention for five total books within the "Empyrean" universe, aiming to rectify Violet and Xaden’s shortcomings. The fourth installment, anticipated as the narrative fulcrum, has the potential to reframe the protagonists’ arcs. Still, it must forge pathways for both internal and relational growth; otherwise, it risks becoming another retread of problematic dynamics.
Yarros also addressed the evolution of her characters, stating, “I think we all have the potential to grow, even when the story seems heavy.” It’s this hope for character evolution and relational integrity across the series arc which keeps readers invested. With audiences eagerly awaiting the fourth book, the invitation remains for Yarros to balance character development with high-stakes action and romantic intrigue.
The excitement doesn’t simply end with novels; the "Empyrean" series is poised for television adaptation, as announced by Amazon MGM Studios and Michael B. Jordan’s production company, Outlier Society. This adaptation signifies the series' widespread appeal and the cultural weight it carries as both literature and media.
Expectations ride high as readers look forward to the resolution of Violet and Xaden’s tumultuous romance and the continual blooming of friendships within the story. The imploring question surrounding the series may come down to: will they choose growth, or will the intoxicity of their bond continue to drag them, and their readers, down? Only time will tell as "Empyrean" fans anxiously anticipate what lies beyond the storm.