Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros.Ahead of Onyx Storm‘s release, fans of Rebecca Yarros’ bestselling Empyrean Series spent the better part of a year theorizing what would happen next. As Yarros is known for secretly alluding to and foreshadowing future plot lines in her novels, it’s no surprise that readers would dissect every little detail—pulling on any thread that could hint towards the next book’s narrative. Several theories were quite convincing—with some even suggesting Naolin would finally be revealed as Fourth Wing‘s venin general, or that Dain would die in the third book—but, only a handful of Onyx Storm predictions actually came to pass.
While many of Rebecca Yarros’ plot twists can come as a shock, several revelations can be traced back to a specific moment in the earlier Empyrean Series novels. With so much groundwork laid down throughout Yarros’ books, it’s almost more exciting to re-read her earlier works and catch where she inserted the clues that would support them. Readers who can’t help but look for these instances will be glad to know that some of the biggest Onyx Storm theories were correct, and there will surely be another surge of predictions in the wake of Onyx Storm‘s unexpected ending.
10
King Tauri’s Son Is Violet’s Ex
Halden Is Mentioned Only Once In Iron Flame
This quickly became one of the most popular Fourth Wing theories on BookTok, especially as fans re-read the series in preparation for Onyx Storm‘s release. The theory stems from one moment in Iron Flame where Violet and Aaric are searching for Warrick and Lyra’s journal’s during their Archives heist, and Halden’s name is mentioned. This seemingly neutral mention of Halden’s name, and him being so informally referred to by Violet, had readers spinning several theories in regard to his future importance throughout the fantasy book series.
Readers were convinced Halden and Violet were in a relationship in the past—especially knowing they grew up rather closely.
After piecing together that Halden joined the infantry quadrant, one of Violet’s exes went into the infantry, and Violet’s odd insecurity about dating someone of royal blood, readers were convinced Halden and Violet were in a relationship in the past—especially knowing they grew up rather closely. This is confirmed early throughout Onyx Storm, as Halden is mentioned on multiple occasions before making an appearance on the page. It’s made clear from Violet’s reactions that they have an interesting history—and it’s later revealed that they dated for several months before Halden cheated on Violet with his professor.
9
The Marked One’s Have Second Signets
This Theory Had Been Swirling Since Fourth Wing’s Ending
After one peculiar moment at the end of Fourth Wing, fans were convinced the Marked Ones—children of the Tyrrish Rebellion—had the ability to wield two signets. Throughout Fourth Wing, Liam is known to have the signet of farsight, granting him the ability to see from incredibly far distances. However, during the final battle at Resson, Violet believes she sees Liam wielding ice—which is a common rider’s signet, but not his own. This is the first moment that Yarros hints at the fact that those with a rebellion relic may have a secondary signet ability—but doesn’t confirm this until Onyx Storm.
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Second signets are also a major theme throughout Iron Flame, and Violet herself was expected to manifest another ability through Andarna. This theme is reinforced through the revelation of Xaden’s second signet—an Inntinnsic ability to read people’s intentions. However, his second signet came from his grandfather’s previous bonding with Sgaeyl—and had many questioning if the other marked ones held hidden powers at all. Thankfully, Onyx Storm reveals that through the magic held in their rebellion relics, most of the marked ones—but not all—can manifest a second signet ability. This is shown through Garrick’s distance wielding and Imogen’s rock wielding signets.
8
Violet’s Second Signet Would Be Dream Walking
Many Were Convinced She Had An Inntinnsic Ability
After Rebecca Yarros confirmed Violet’s second signet manifested in Iron Flame, there were dozens of theories as to what it could be. One popular theory suggested that Violet was a dream walker—stemming from the fact that she had an abundance of strange dreams throughout the second Empyrean novel. Towards the end of Iron Flame it’s later revealed her reoccurring nightmares were actually Xaden’s—and detailed his experience with the venin sage. Onyx Storm continues this theme and once again describes a handful of Violet’s nightmares—and later confirms her second signet to be dream walking.
Violet’s dream walking signet allows her the ability to enter someone’s mind and witness their dreams or worst nightmare.
Violet and Xaden discover she has been manifesting her second signet for quite some time, and it was revealed to have manifested due to Violet’s concern over Andarna when she was in the dreamless sleep. Violet’s dream walking second signet allows her the ability to enter someone’s mind and witness their dreams or worst nightmare—as is seen with Xaden on multiple occasions, and even Maren in Onyx Storm. Xaden explains this is a type of Inntinnsic ability that is even more dangerous than his own, stating she could enter another’s mind at their most vulnerable state without their knowledge.
7
Imogen’s Memory-Erasing Signet Would Play A Major Role
This Theory Was Hinted At In Xaden’s Fourth Wing Bonus Chapter
In both Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, Imogen’s memory-erasing signet ability is mentioned on multiple occasions but never seen in action. However, as Yarros was preparing for Onyx Storm‘s release, she unveiled an all-new Xaden bonus chapter in the paperback edition of Fourth Wing—and it’s during this chapter that Yarros finally showcases Imogen’s signet ability. Pretending to be ill after a long flight, Imogen is sent to the healers to recover, but instead uses her memory-erasing signet to sneak out of Montserrat and deliver alloy daggers to the Gryphon fliers.
“What did you do?” My head snaps toward Imogen, and a deep sense of foreboding takes root in my chest.
She slowly lifts her gaze to mine. “What you asked me to.”
—Onyx Storm
The decision to include this detail just months ahead of Onyx Storm‘s release hinted that Yarros planned to expand upon Imogen’s character and her signet ability in a major way. And as it turned out, Imogen was seen using it several times in Onyx Storm. Imogen erases Jack Barlowe’s memory a few times throughout the narrative—making him forget that Xaden was venin, and his conversations with Violet. But the biggest use of Imogen’s signet is at the end of Onyx Storm when she seemingly erases Violet’s memory of getting married to Xaden.
6
Violet’s Father’s Research Would Be Revealed
Several Characters Mention His Research In Fourth Wing & Iron Flame
In Fourth Wing, Violet’s father’s research is first mentioned when Colonel Aetos mentions they’ve been looking for his work on feathertails. This is the first moment where Violet remembers how glad she was to have hid his work before joining the riders quadrant. However, she never knew the extent of what his research covered. This began several theories as to his work and when it would play an important role in the Empyrean Series narrative—but many suggested it would finally come to light in Onyx Storm.
After Dain’s father is promoted to Commanding General of Basgiath in Onyx Storm, he is assigned to Violet’s parents’ old quarters. Knowing her father’s research is stashed in her parents’ old bedroom, Violet asks Dain if he would help recover it for her before his own father finds it. After waiting so long for Yarros to reveal Violet’s father’s research, fans were not disappointed to learn that he was in fact researching feathertails and was aware of the realities of the venin. His work was revealed to be extremely protected, and he made it so only Violet could access it if found.
5
Violet’s Father’s Death Was No Accident
Several Believed He Prepared For His Death, Or Was Killed For His Research
There have been several theories about Violet’s father, but fans of Rebecca Yarros’ bestselling series have been particularly interested in the circumstances around his death. In Fourth Wing, Violet explains that her father passed away from a heart attack a few years prior—but after learning of his research, many were convinced his death was no accident. While some believed Violet’s father turned venin, others suggested he was killed for the importance of his work, with whoever was behind it trying to cover up whatever Asher Sorrengail discovered.
If I now walk alongside Malek with your brother, then guard this manuscript carefully. But if the worst has happened and your mother has joined us, then you must protect this knowledge with your life.
—Asher Sorrengail’s letter to Violet
While Yarros doesn’t explicitly state that Asher was murdered in Onyx Storm, his letters and research left behind to Violet allude to the fact that he was killed—and he knew it was coming. After Violet unlocks his research, she finds a note from her father that explains what his research is about. But one sentence in his note (as referenced above) confirms he knew death was coming for him years in advance. Asher made sure to leave behind work that covered not only the importance of feathertails, but something that would lead her to a weapon to defeat the venin.
4
Xaden Would Complete His Venin Transformation
Iron Flame Set Up His Future Struggles
At the end of Iron Flame, Yarros includes a Xaden chapter that details an interaction between himself and Jack Barlowe in the dungeons of Basgiath. It’s during this scene that Jack confirms there is no cure to being venin, and states that Xaden turning completely is inevitable. While Xaden refuses to accept that he’ll become anything like Jack, he can’t deny the temptation he feels to draw more power from the earth. This small line clued readers in that Xaden would struggle now that he’s venin, and many theories suggested he would complete his venin transformation in Onyx Storm.
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Throughout Onyx Storm, Xaden struggles to deny the urge to draw more power—especially in life-threatening situations. In the early novel, he admits to having drawn from the source a handful of times, all of them seemingly out of his control. Throughout the narrative, Xaden begins to slowly accept his fate, understanding that it’s a matter of when he turns, and not if he turns. After over 70 days of not reaching for more power, the end of Onyx Storm finally sees Xaden succumb to his fate in a decision to save Sgaeyl from death.
3
Xaden’s Mother Would Enter The Narrative
She’s Briefly Discussed In Iron Flame
Iron Flame gives readers a bit more background on Xaden’s character, and briefly discusses his life in Aretia before the rebellion. Xaden reveals to Violet that his parents had an arranged marriage and a contract, one that allowed his mother to leave Tyrrendor once Xaden was ten years old—at which point she left and did not return. It’s clear from this conversation that Xaden was incredibly hurt by his mother’s abandonment. But he chooses to hold on to the few good memories they had by keeping his mother’s blanket and eating the chocolate cake she used to make him.
While Iron Flame used these moments to add more depth to Xaden’s character, the mystery of what happened to Xaden’s mother remained, and several theories suggested she would be reintroduced in Onyx Storm. Shortly after arriving at the isle kingdom of Hedotis, this theory is proved to be true—as Xaden is reunited with his mother, Talia. After finding out his mother remarried and had two more children, Xaden feels even more betrayed. But the worst moment in her reappearance is the fact that the chocolate cake she knew Xaden loved growing up was poisoned to kill anyone who ate it.
2
Sawyer’s Signet Would Help Him Stay A Rider
Theories Suggested His Metallurgy Could Craft Him A Prosthetic
After the battle at Basgiath in Iron Flame, several fans were concerned about how Sawyer’s injury would affect his ability to stay in the riders’ quadrant. Having lost his leg from the knee down, it was suggested Sawyer would have a hard time performing typical flight maneuvers and getting on and off his dragon. However, readers knew that Yarros loves to showcase different types of disabilities in her writing, and were convinced that his metallurgy signet would somehow play into Sawyer’s recovery in Onyx Storm.
Due to Sawyer’s injury, he isn’t featured much throughout Onyx Storm—but upon each of Violet’s returns to Basgiath, it’s clear he’s recovering and beginning to adjust bit by bit. Sawyer is later ready to attempt to mount his dragon, Sliseag, using a metal prosthetic of his own creation. After giving it a few tries, Sawyer finally finds a way to make it work and flies to Aretia with the rest of his squad. Now that he’s recovered, Sawyer’s role in the next Fourth Wing book will likely see his prosthetic evolve even more with the help of his signet.
1
Another Member of Violet’s Squad Would Die
Quinn Is Killed At The End Of Onyx Storm
Rebecca Yarros isn’t afraid to kill off fan-favorite characters, and each book in the series so far has included a tragic death. Thus far throughout the series, Yarros has set a pattern of killing off characters who are deemed important to Violet, such as Liam and Violet’s mother. Because of this, theories suggested another one of Violet’s friends would be killed in Onyx Storm—marking her entire squad as the characters’ Yarros might be willing to kill off. With so many characters that could possibly meet this fate, it was impossible to know who.
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Every Major Death In Onyx Storm
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But unfortunately, Onyx Storm proved this theory to be true, and one of Violet’s squad mates was killed in the book’s final battle. Quinn’s death was incredibly tragic, as Imogen arrives to save her friend just a second too late. While Imogen is able to take down the venin Quinn was fighting, she was unable to stop the venin from killing her. Quinn’s death matched Yarros’ previous Empyrean deaths and Imogen’s conversation with her before she passed away was incredibly heartbreaking.
Onyx Storm
- Genre
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Fantasy
- Publisher
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Entangled: Red Tower Books
- Publication Date
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2025/01/01
- ISBN#
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1649374186
- Author(s)
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Rebecca Yarros
