WARNING: This article reveals significant plot points from Rebecca Yarros‘ novel, “Onyx Storm,” which is the third installment in her “The Empyrean” series. Proceed with caution if you haven’t read it yet!
Last week, I was thrilled to discover that Rebecca Yarros published the third installment of her “The Empyrean” series, titled “Onyx Storm”. Not only did it hit shelves as the third book in this series, but it also set a new record for fastest-selling adult novel in the past two decades within the romantasy genre. As a passionate reader and movie enthusiast, I can’t wait to immerse myself in this captivating story!
Yarros was amazed, truly awestruck by it all. It’s hard to believe, almost unreal. I don’t think it has fully sunk in yet,” Yarros said during her busy round of interviews and Q&A sessions for the book promotion. “I might break down at home when I’m back with my family. But for now, it feels like two distinct parts of my life.
Published under Entangled Publishing’s Red Tower imprint, “Onyx Storm” (alongside its preceding books in the “The Empyrean” series, “Fourth Wing” and “Iron Flame”) continues the tale of Violet Sorrengail, a student at a military college who rides dragons. As she delves deeper into her studies, Violet is gradually unveiling the ancient magical mysteries that have been hidden within her nation.
In this discussion, Yarros provides insights into key plot elements from “Onyx Storm”, engaging with EbMaster, as well as hinting about developments in Book 4 and sharing updates on the progress of the “Fourth Wing” TV series, which is being developed by Amazon MGM Studios.
Throughout this post-release tour, you’ve had to carefully navigate spoilers at these big events because you don’t know how much of the audience has been able to read the book since it came out on Jan. 21. What’s that been like?
The ordeal was incredibly tough due to the leak, and given all the anticipation prior to its unveiling, it proved to be a crushing blow. Those eager to consume it had patiently waited, only to find spoilers being carelessly shared, leaving me feeling as if I was witnessing a theft of joy from an entire community. It felt like a despicable act of highway robbery.
One thing you have teased so far is “someone you love won’t make it in Book 4.” Is that the correct wording — someone we love?
In my opinion, the preference for certain characters in a book exploring war often hinges upon personal feelings – yes, consistently so. However, it’s crucial to remember that everyone has unique affinities; one person might not cherish a character, while another adores them. Yet, when crafting such a book, it is essential to underscore the gravity of losses, ensuring readers understand the real impact of war.
In this book, it’s revealed that Violet had two relationships before Xaden. We now know one was with Prince Halden, and the other one was someone her dad “never knew about.” Have we met this character already?
No.
You’ve also teased you’ve started your playlist for Book 4 and the first song is off of Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department.” If I guess what it is, will you tell me if it’s correct?
Maybe.
“I Can Do It With a Broken Heart” or “The Prophecy,” is it either of those?
No, neither. “The Prophecy” I’ve always assigned to Dain.
Taylor Swift is closely tied to the “Fourth Wing” series through reader fandom and you citing her songs as inspiration in playlists. As a result, have you heard from her at all about the books?
No, of course not. The queen has bigger things to do.
But last week, Cynthia Erivo said she was a fan and currently reading “Onyx Storm.”
Oh my God. I squealed and died.
I’m assuming if Taylor wanted an early copy of one of the books, Taylor could get an early copy?
I wouldn’t claim someone has an early copy since we didn’t distribute them prematurely. The earliest distribution of copies this time might have been two days prior to the release, only for those hosting events. To clarify, I’d be open to Taylor Swift moderating! I’m all for it and would ensure availability if needed.
There’s a lot of mentioning of Violet’s father, Asher, in this book, and there’s three different names used that fans are tying to the character — Asher Daxton, Colonel Daxton, and Asher Sorrengail. Are these all the same person?
I’m actually not the same Colonel Daxton who authored the Scribe Quadrant book. There’s a connection between us, as Asher is a descendant of scribes, but he chose to carry on the legacy under Lilith Sorrengail’s name instead of his own. If you examine the epigraphs, you’ll notice that his rank and name have been altered over time.
Is there anything we should read into in the prevalence of second signets among the marked ones that we find out about in this book?
The theme appears to involve a specific set of individuals who possess multiple roles, suggesting they were carefully selected for reasons beyond chance or randomness.
So when Violet gets interested in this particular topic and asks Bodhi if he has a second signet, he answers an interesting way, by saying, “I don’t have one, just like Xaden.” But we as the reader know Xaden does have a second signet. Does Bodhi know?
Violet is the sole individual with knowledge of this matter. She’s the one who has all the information because in that realm, revealing such secrets could lead to fatal consequences.
We get confirmation in “Onyx Storm” that Violet’s second signet is dream walking.
It seemed clear to me in Book 2! I was genuinely disappointed when people said, “We’re clueless about it!
Is it official that it’s dream walking? So in the fourth book, where the signets are listed at the start of the book would it be fair to say it will say “dream walking” and that would be the correct answer?
As she learns more, the representations adapt accordingly. Every aspect is viewed from Violet’s perspective.
In “Onyx Storm,” it’s mentioned there are six signets that are deemed the most powerful, but they aren’t listed out. Have we either seen or heard examples of each of these signets throughout the first three books?
I generally agree, but I still have two additional books left to explore, as my understanding of historical events and their unfolding is not yet comprehensive.
At the start of “Onyx,” there’s a prologue that takes place in the final moments of “Iron Flame,” and then there’s a two-week gap before we return to the story. Will we find out what happened during that two weeks, and is it important?
If composing an additional scene, it would primarily focus on the discussions leading up to their efforts for a truce with Poromiel, encompassing events spanning a two-week period. During this time, Xaden’s eyes regain their normal appearance, among other happenings. To avoid overwhelming readers with excessive information or daily updates, I opt for a “time jump” instead.
There’s some arguing going on in the fandom — for a key reason at the end of the book when Xaden leaves a note that says “It’s yours now” without explaining what “it” is — about whether Xaden only refers to Tyrrendor as a “she” or “her,” or if he has called the province an “it.” I have found passages where he does say “it” — but can you clarify what’s correct here?
He appears to be in a state of indecision, as I believe he expresses his need for assistance in safeguarding the dukedom following its restoration. This thought just popped into my mind, as I don’t have the book with me at the moment. It’s truly remarkable and fascinating how people are interpreting it. I should be more cautious, but it seems like he keeps changing his stance.
Basgiath’s birth-control serum — does that work based on magic, or is it medicinal?
Oh my God! It would be medicinal.
So theoretically, it would work in a place without magic, like Deverelli?
Absolutely, this approach is versatile. I strongly emphasize its significance, particularly in relationships, for both parties to consistently adhere to the agreed-upon safety measures regarding birth control and other protective methods. If either party decides to deviate from these practices, then it’s crucial they obtain consent or at least make their partner aware of the change. This open communication contributes to a healthier relationship.
Is all the information we need to figure out who Xaden’s venin “brother” is already in this book, or is there stuff purposely withheld that makes it so we couldn’t decipher it until Book 4?
The perspective is not directly shown, so it’s only suggested rather than explicitly stated, as we don’t experience the events through the eyes of that particular character. It’s just hinted at.
“Onyx Storm” got a limited collector’s edition run at Target tied to release. These special editions have become more popular in recent years and I’d love to get your thoughts on what makes for a quality collector’s edition and if it needs different art or bonus chapters to warrant that?
It seems there’s a great deal of secrecy surrounding the publishing industry, and I often wonder why special editions are produced, as well as what retailers look for when deciding which books to stock based on sales numbers. Personally, I believe collector’s editions can be appealing if you enjoy collecting items, just as I do with seashells and various other objects. If books are your preference for collecting, by all means, go ahead! However, I never want readers to feel compelled to purchase multiple copies of my books in order to fully understand the story.
While copyright and contracts limit what I can provide for free and when, any bonus chapters that I write will be made available on my website for free within a few months after publication. I encourage anyone who enjoys collecting to continue doing so, as it’s fascinating! However, I never want readers to feel pressured into buying multiple copies to uncover one story.
You’ve said you’re a plotter. I know that you’ve got the beats planned out through the end of the series, but how much of the entire series have you been able to share with Amazon and with showrunner Moira Walley-Beckett so that they can plot out what the “Fourth Wing” TV show would need to look like?
They’ve mapped out the five-book storyline, with Book 3 having some adjustments due to its structure, which they are aware of. However, they don’t have specific details between Books 4 and 5 yet, as they are about to brainstorm every detail for each book on their plotting board to ensure a smooth transition within the two books. They do have a general idea of what will happen in between books, but not the minute details. Moira is fantastic; she’s incredibly talented.
What has it been like working on the show so far, which was first put into development before “Fourth Wing” was even released in 2023?
In simpler terms, back then the idea was quite abstract for me, as we were merely trying to understand the possibility of an adaptation. However, after meeting Moira (who visited Vancouver for a signing, allowing me to interact with some readers), and reading multiple drafts of the pilot, I hold her in high regard. Her approach towards the book with such reverence and enthusiasm is truly remarkable. Reading it left me exhilarated, with very few suggestions. Handing over my book to someone is always nerve-wracking, but Moira has done a fantastic job, capturing the essence perfectly.
You’ve said you’re going to take a break before writing Book 4, and there is no release date set yet. Do you think the show could come out and get ahead of you?
The series won’t reach its fourth season before I complete Book 4. In other words, it can’t catch up to me, and I’ve discussed this with Moira already. It seems that many people are worried I might take a year off to relax on a beach, but what I truly desire is to have an eight-hour work day, five days a week. What I aspire to is reaching a stage where I go to work and stop working when my children are home, attending their hockey games, spending nights with my spouse in our bed, and structuring my life around deadlines and the need to write countless words daily.
You go back and forth writing a contemporary romance book in between “The Empyrean” books. Do you have your next contemporary lined up yet?
I indeed agree, and my enthusiasm is palpable. The thought seems to have struck me, and it resonated within me as if to say, “This is it, let’s get started.” It’s always a reassuring sign for me when a fresh idea emerges, indicating that I am not only functional but also recovering from exhaustion. In response, I can’t help but feel invigorated and eager to explore this new opportunity.
Do you ever see a connection between where you left off in “The Empyrean” books and what you choose to do in contemporary?
Indeed, that’s correct. The story “Variation” revolves around a ballet dancer grappling with a physical injury, while my work focuses on a character battling mental challenges. She’s trying to find her footing and wrestle with the question of how much effort she’s willing to put into recovering. She hasn’t yet made up her mind about whether to commit to recovery or give up her spot to someone else. It’s also about her struggle to reconcile what she believed was the peak of her career with what others tell her is her peak, and what truly matters in her life.
During that period, I ended up pouring a significant amount of my personal struggles, both mental and physical, into the creation of “Fourth Wing,” “Iron Flame,” and “In the Likely Event” within such a short timeframe. Simultaneously, I was penning “Variation” while bracing myself for “Onyx.” Essentially, my experiences and emotional processing often seep into these books. Managing social media found its way into “Variation.” Through “Variation,” I managed to limit my social media use and gain some distance, almost like giving myself a lecture: “This isn’t good for you.
“In the Likely Event” is set up as a movie at Netflix. What’s that adaptation process like compared to the “Fourth Wing” TV series?
When engrossed in a book, my complete focus is on it due to my ADHD and hyperfocus ability. This allows me to write swiftly. When I’m immersed in the book, I’m essentially crafting its world, rules, and characters. During the adaptation process, I communicate with the writer about what aspects of this world are significant to me, how it was constructed, my choice of playlists, and so on. It’s a condensed version because it’s more self-contained compared to “Fourth Wing.
Casting has not begun on the “Fourth Wing” TV series yet. There’s not even a casting director yet, correct?
I keep trying to say that, too! We are not at that point yet. We are not at that point.
You’ve said your one big stipulation with casting is that Xaden is a POC character, he is not white.
As a passionate cinephile, I’ve had engaging discussions on this topic with my colleague Moira, and I wholeheartedly acknowledge her understanding of its significance. It’s crucial for us, in our movie-making journey, to ensure that we never exclude marginalized individuals from our cast.
Do you have the title picked out for Book 4 yet?
I’ve got a secret up my sleeve regarding Book 4, but I’m being very cautious and guarded about it because I believe when something significant like this comes along, it can be like setting a train in motion. Once the train starts moving, even if you express concerns or try to halt it, people tend to sympathize and say, “Oh, I’m sorry!” The momentum is already there, and stopping it becomes difficult. To ensure my well-being and that of my children, I prefer not to start the train just yet. Consequently, I’ve kept all details about Book 4 close to heart, and nobody else has any information on it.
We got two new POVs in this book beyond Violet and Xaden: Rhiannon and Imogen. Why did you pick these two characters?
In my draft, I made a concerted effort to preserve Violet’s character development by emphasizing that she can’t be everything to everyone. This is a crucial lesson for her, as it’s unrealistic for any heroine to always be the sole solution in a given situation. Instead, effective leadership involves delegation, and this concept will be demonstrated in Violet’s mission where she focuses on one objective while a major battle unfolds without her presence.
From a storytelling perspective, I wanted the audience to remain engaged by exploring what transpires back home. Given the circumstances, it seems natural that Violet would trust Rhi, her most capable comrade, with this task. By delving into Rhi’s thoughts and emotions, we can observe how she grapples with self-doubt about her decisions, leadership qualities, and whether she’s fit for the role. This internal struggle will serve as a backdrop for Rhi’s evolving relationship with Feirge.
Delving into Imogen’s thoughts, I found myself drawn to her, as she possesses knowledge that few others do. She’s unique, almost otherworldly, and she’s been a beloved character of mine since the very first book. The transformation of Imogen, from her initial encounter with Violet in Book 1 to where she stands with Violet at the end of Book 3, is one of my favorite character arcs. I felt that this development should originate from her perspective. Moreover, there’s a scene where she relinquishes her dagger, a move necessary to boost our magical barriers. To me, this act symbolizes the selfless sacrifices made by the marked ones – continually surrendering their power to protect and defend others. It was particularly poignant for Imogen to make this sacrifice, as it resonated with me on a deeper level.
Any plans to explore even more points of view in Book 4?
I think I left myself some really great opportunities.
Violet and Xaden are married by the final chapter of “Onyx Storm.” Among the many questions we have about those missing 12 hours Violet can’t remember during which she got married is: did she take Xaden’s last name, Riorson?
Don’t you find yourself curious about it too? I have the feeling Violet shares this curiosity. There appears to be quite a bit left unexplained, and it seems reasonable to presume that when we continue with Book 4, we’ll delve into the events of those twelve hours.
Will we ever get to see the wedding scene, either from Violet’s or someone else’s point of view?
I would say that, my guess is she wasn’t the only one there.
Xaden stills uses “Violence” as his nickname for Violet a few times in “Onyx Storm,” but also uses “love” as a nickname a lot more throughout the book. Why is that?
It appears that their relationship has undergone a transformation, shifting from a phase where he sarcastically refers to her actions as violence, to recognizing that she is inherently violent. Now, instead, she embodies his love and he clings to it fiercely. In instances when he becomes venomous, the one thing he holds onto is this love for her – it’s the last vestige of his humanity. Thus, we can see a recurring theme where he addresses her with this term of endearment and holds onto it as his final connection to his humanness.
When Brennan first sees Violet in the final scene, his eyes bulge. Is that due to some change in her appearance?
Yes, indeed, Brennan’s sister has returned after being absent for twelve hours. Since we know there are missing riders, this development brings a sense of great relief and shock to Brennan, as he had feared she might still be among them.
Because there is a theory that her hair has gone full silver, and so that is why he’s first shocked when looking at her.
Interesting.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
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