SPOILER-FREE REVIEW OF ONYX STORM

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Yeah, I'm one of those. I got the deluxe version of Onyx Storm, pre-ordered back when it was just a weird "Red Tower Book" listing on Amazon. My awesome better half also went out of his way to find the Target Exclusive edition a few days ago (thanks Cary, NC Target), and I had it reserved for hold as both an eBook and audio on Libby as soon as I got the notification that it was available to do so. I got the special edition of Fourth Wing on a whim when it released at my favorite indie bookstore (The Book Dragon in Staunton, VA - fitting, right?) and now I'm in too deep. Oh, well. I won't apologize. I'm also considering a dragon tattoo. Let's carry on...

OKAY BEFORE YOU KEEP READING.... just know that spoiler-free only applies to Onyx Storm itself. I can't really write a review without spoiling some stuff that happened in Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, so just beware of that.

SYNOPSIS (SPOILER-FREE)

With the battle underway and enemies approaching from all angles, Violet knows that she has to work extra hard to form allies and build an army against the odds. Journeying beyond the wards to do just that, Violet and her entourage must navigate unfamiliar territories, the loss of magic, and the truth springing out at every step. Secrets are uncovered and emotions are at an all-time high, but will it be enough to save the ones, and the one she loves?

MY THOUGHTS

Okay, so. This one is complicated to review. I am THE hype-girl for Fourth Wing. I love that book, it's on my God-tier, 6-star list. It gives me feels like Harry Potter and ACOTAR and I've already read it twice since it came out. RY did the thing with that book. As like all fantasy series, not every book can be my fave - and FW will always hold the key to my heart. That being said, the ranking for me is the same as the publishing order so far. Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, then Onyx Storm.

I'm not saying this didn't live up to the hype - well, I am, but that's not the book's fault. This could've been a book that gave you a million dollars when you opened it and the hype still wouldn't have been matched because the public went absolutely bonkers over its release. But, as the 4-star review would insinuate, it was good. I really liked it and am still head over heels for this series and this world. 4 stars leaves a little room for improvement, though (and if I'm being honest at this point in my fantasy-reading career.... it could totally be a 3.5, but like... I can't).

To start off on a negative note, there were a few things I disliked about this book, naturally. Firstly, I wanted MORE of the traveling! There are parts in this book where Violet and her entourage travel to different places to try to form allies (not a spoiler, like literally the plot of the book when you read the blurb) - and this was my fave part. That being said, it was too scarce, only taking up a few chapters. This gave me major Empire of Storms vibes and I wanted more, more, more.

Secondly, the romance is getting eye-roll worthy. We get it. Xaden is brooding and dark and he's going through some stuff and Violet loves him with all of her tender little heart, but like... be about something else girl. They are both so lovey and protective of one another that it's overriding the well-being of EVERYONE ELSE and literally pissing off the rest of the cast and I can totally relate to all of them.

Third, the ending. Whew, chile. Anyway.

I get the need for a cliffhanger ending at this point but this one happened within a few sentences and seemed forced. In my opinion, of course.

Finally, Violet was a little uncharacteristic in this one. In the first two books, Violet was independent and intelligent. Not saying she wasn't here, but she relies SO MUCH on Xaden's presence now that I'm starting not to recognize her. That and there are a few instances in this book where she was given super obvious clues as to what needed to be done to save everyone and she acted like she had no idea what they were about. I just feel like almost was a Scribe Violet would have never overlooked so much as she did here.

Okay so that was a lot of dislikes, but I promise in the grand scheme of things, they didn't affect the book as a whole as much as it seems they might. I loved a whole lot about this book, starting with well, obviously, the travel aspect. The introduction of new cultures and people was super interesting to me and added a bit of fun world building outside the walls of Basgiath. I enjoyed the glimpses of foreshadowing that were given to Violet's past and a small look into Xaden's upbringing. The trials during these travels were also fun to read and exciting to see play out.

The dragon banter in this book was top-notch, and possibly the best out of all the books so far. The riders all have their own little relationships with their dragons at this point and incorporating one-sided conversations throughout the book between different cadets and their mounts was super funny and gave an awesome aspect of personality to them, as well as added to the character development of the side characters.

One of the best parts of this book... the world and magic system. As stated above - one of my all time favorites. The dragons, the school, the revolution, the secrets. All of it is wonderful and unique and I have so much fun reading it all without getting to overwhelmed with too epic of a fantasy. Another of the best parts of this book... Ridoc. This was my favorite book of his. His character is so fully-realized and something I've noticed Yarros does well - side characters that steal your heart.

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OVERVIEW

Overall, of course I loved this book. For me, it's like that filler getting everything ready for an epic battle book that all fantasy series' have. I feel like a lot of the disappointment going viral is very much the result of 1. There being way too much hype for a book release and 2. A lot of new-to-fantasy readers reading this series with not the best understanding of how important installments like this are to the overall lore. Do I think some parts could have been done better? Yes. Could I have done them better myself? No. Obviously not. So, I will continue to stan the Fourth Wing world and rep my Basgiath War College merch and will also still highly recommend this series to everyone.

READ IF YOU LIKE...

• Shadow savior MMC

• Corrupt government vibes

• Emotional roller coasters

• Grumpy old man dragons

• Action-packed endings

• Easter eggs galore