Book Review: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Onyx Storm

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Onyx Storm 〰️

I loved this book. But even though I enjoyed it, it had some issues to go with the good.

Rants and raves ahead.

The first half of the book felt like filler. It was interesting enough for me to be engaged, but I wouldn’t call it groundbreaking literature or anything. I didn’t really care for the whole “quest squad” portion of the book. Well, again, enjoyed it enough to keep reading, but it could definitely have been condensed or something. The only cool thing to happen during the whole “island hopping” portion was Andarna finding her family. (Well, and Xaden’s mom suddenly appears. That was interesting as well). At least with the island hopping, we learned more about the world and how other cultures live. I thought it was interesting that there was no magic outside the Continent. I just assumed magic was everywhere in this world, but I was wrong. Plus, Violent didn’t have to info dump all the new world-building facts we learned in this book, so that’s a plus.

But honestly? I wanted more Xaden turning venin plot, which I found surprisingly lacking. Sure, we have Violent and gang looking for a cure (and so far finding none). But, and this is compared to the previous books, Xaden was barely in this book (in my opinion). We barely even have him and Violent talking down the bond since he blocks her out most of the time. The dynamic between them was lacking. Which, speaking of, when they were together, all they wanted to do was bone. (Which fair, but there is a war going on, guys). It’s been a while since I read Iron Flame, but I distinctly remember Violet having a love/hate relationship with Xaden throughout the entire book because she couldn’t trust him fully, and thus she was barely able to tell him she loved him. Now suddenly he becomes venin and she won’t shut up about how much she loves him and he’s her everything and she’d basically say screw the world if it meant saving Xaden. Did I forget something from Iron Flame? How did she shift her feelings so harshly? I’m sure I’m forgetting something that happened near the end, so I guess this is on me, but I’m not re-reading a 500-page book to jog my memory (as much as I enjoyed said book my first read).

Now let’s talk characters. Loads of major characters from the previous books (like Sloan) basically disappear for most of the book. And we get some new (at least I don’t recall them in the last one) characters that I don’t care about. And when they died, I was like, oh, I’m supposed to be sad? There was a guy who got shot with an arrow during the island-hopping bit, and he died, and I honestly had no idea who this character was. Was he even in the previous book? Yarros made it sound like he was a bigger player than normal just because he was on this quest squad mission, but I really don’t recall him, and if his first appearance was actually only in this book? Yikes. I think his death was supposed to be impactful, but I didn’t feel anything. He contributed nothing to the story. And Sloan? Yarros made a huge deal about Sloan in Iron Flame,e but she’s almost nonexistent in Onyx Storm. She was only there for her signet in both books. (Which is a super lame signet to have if you ask me. Helpful, but only during certain occasions. 90% of the time, her signet is useless if you ask me. Well, I suppose she could drain someone of power not on the battlefield, which is great, but she’s not being used to do that in this series, and thus she’s only around when the plot needs her). Even Rhiannon is barely around, and she’s Violet's best friend!

Which, speaking of Rhi, she gets her own POV chapter near the end of the book that contributed nothing to the story. It was a POV of stuff that already happened to Violet, but seen from Rhi’s POV. Yarros could have utilized our time with Rhiannon a lot better. At least with Imogen’s random POV chapter, we get new information (and a death I actually cared about). While the random one-off chapter POVs not from Violet's perspective were mostly interesting, it did throw me off. I mean, we spent like 96.7% (not an accurate number) inside Violet's mind, and randomly near the end, we have three non-Violet chapters? Weird stylistic choice, but okay.

Now I know I just ranted, but I gotta admit, I loved the hell out of this story. Though admittedly, the first half of the book was a little show (again, island hopping), but once it picked up, it picked up HARD. It was actually going to be a four-star read, but the latter half of the book, and especially the ending (omg that ending!!) made this a solid five. I knew Yarros was going to end this on a cliffhanger; she’s done so in the previous two books, but hot damn! Book four can’t come fast enough.

I loved how Andarna broke the bond (and later returns, but we don’t know much about that part yet), how we get more backstory regarding Asher Sorrengail, and the introduction (and end lol) of Violet's nemesis. I can’t recall how to spell or say her name, but it was something like Theopanie (stupid name for such a cool, badass character, but I digress). Plus, we learn that Violet may not be who we thought she was because her parents did something with the goddess Dunne. I’m interested in learning more about that. Who knew there was a backstory behind her hair? I mean, of course, Violet has to be “special”. But honestly, if the MCs of our books weren’t, there probably wouldn’t be a story, so I’m not mad that “she’s not like other girls/riders”.

Also, that cover?? The whole Empyrean series has amazing covers, honestly. Each one is soooo gorgeous. And my copy of Onyx Storm has beautiful sprayed edges with dragons on it. And the formatting and that map? Erg. So good. Even if you hate this series, you gotta admit, the covers are fantastic. (But I love this series, so I proudly display them on my bookshelves.)

All in all, I think this is a solid addition to the series. It’s a five-star read, but because of the slower start, I don’t think it’s as good as the first two, but I still had a blast reading it. There were even audible gasps! (When Riddoc got stabbed) and some actual laugh-out-loud moments (nothing major, but some lines made me chuckle), so I call this a win. I’ll for sure be continuing this series, and I can’t wait for the next book to arrive.

Book Review: Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Iron Flame

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Iron Flame 〰️

This book had much to live up to, being the sequel to Fourth Wing. And you know what? I think it rises to the occasion. Some parts did feel a bit flat compared to the rest of the novel, but it hit the mark perfectly for 96.7% of the book. It's not often we get a highly anticipated sequel that lives up to the expectations set by the first. And now that I've read this book, I now have to impatiently wait for the next book in this series to come out.

This book amped up its stakes and storytelling from the first book. I found it to be darker but still with a perfect balance of comic relief (and sexy times) when necessary. I felt more emotionally attached to many of the OG squad (like Rhi, Ridoc, Sawyer, etc.) in this book and was genuinely upset to see them go through the struggles they went through, but also happy when they triumphed.

I love how we get to see more of Xaden's world and home. I loved reading all the surprises we learned about him in this book.

I also love that we get to see the griffins and their fliers and learn more about them. It would be cool to get a spinoff someday about a flier. I bet Yarros can pull that off. Plus, it would expand the world of the Continent even more!

I don't want to make this review with spoilers, so if you're looking to dive more into the world Yarros built, this is a worthy continuation. Just know it ends exactly like the first, on another cliffhanger. But hey, it will keep us coming back for more! If Yarros is good, anything (including chapter endings), it's a good cliffhanger.

Book Review: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Fourth Wing

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Fourth Wing 〰️

I’m speechless, but I’ll find the words anyway.

First off, that cover! And the interior formatting! And the map(s)! They’re soooo beautiful. But we all knew that part. It’s probably what made us pick up the book in the first place.

That being said, it’s been a while since I’ve read a fantasy book that was this engaging and done well. I’ve read ACOTAR fairly recently, and while those books were great, they have nothing on Fourth Wing. ACOTAR was basically modern-day with faeries. It didn’t feel too fantasy-like, with a few exceptions here and there. (In my opinion, anyway). But Fourth Wing? This book nailed it. And it’s been even longer since I read a book with dragons that was done right. And the world-building in this book? Exceptional. I love using Violent’s training as a scribe; she had her reciting facts about the world we are in to calm herself down. That way, we learn about the world in a way that doesn’t feel like a massive exposition dump, even though it was.

Yarros truly knows what she was doing when she wrote this book. The amount of world-building she had to do off-screen to make it work in the novel is astounding. And the characters! So fully fleshed out, even if most of them die during the book. She made you love (or hate) them, no matter how short or long their screen time was. (LIAM!!! My poor boy).

I love a good enemies-to-lovers trope; it’s one of my favourites. And Yarros nailed it. They were literally enemies, too! I thought there might be a slight love triangle between Violet, Dain, and Xander, but Yarros snuffs that out quickly and makes sure you know Dain isn’t meant to be her lover. This is great because I’m not the biggest fan of love triangles (but I’ll still read them). And bad boy Xander? Yeah, I can see why Violent eventually falls for him. I thought the pair slowly bonding over time was beautifully done. I also applaud Yarros for not having it be insta-love. (Yes, Violet is attracted to him physically almost immediately, but she’s not romantically attracted until later. Therefore, not insta-love).

Also, that ending!!!! I’m glad I finished this book right as the second came out because I needed to dive into it immediately.

This is a book (series) that I can see myself reading over and over again and still gain more insight with each read. Actually, there was so much that I think a second read would be beneficial. If you are looking for a great fantasy read (with dragons and a badass female MC), I highly recommend picking up this book. The hype is real for a reason.