Onyx Storm (Standard Edition) (The Empyrean, 3)

Um, okay, go off??? Onyx Storm is easily the most adventurous book in The Empyrean series and there was not one dull moment from start to finish.I won't say too much because I don't want to spoil anything, but here are a few of my favorite things about the book:1. The squad. Each character gets a bit of a spotlight, they share funny moments and bonding moments. No one gets left behind. No one fights alone.2. The representation for sign language, Ehlers Danlos, grief and loss, and recovery after a major health episode.3. GTIFLAT.4. Soaring beyond the walls of Basgiath. We explore previously uncharted territory with different climates and scenery, different people and, uh, animals. The new locations were vividly described and so fun to navigate.5. The expansion of the history and descriptions of events. There's no lack of world building, even being in the third book of the series.And a few things that I didn't quite love:1. The world building could be info-dumpy at times. There were so many new people and names, and even though I reread books 1 and 2 before reading Onyx Storm, I STILL felt confused at times.2. Xaden's... problem... felt a little too hot and cold. And then kind of "meh."3. How come Tairn is always so far away when shenanigans hit the fan??Anyway. I had a great time. The dragons are a riot (see what I did there???). The storyline is fun but also nerve-wracking. I think I'll enjoy it even more when I reread and listen to the Graphic Audio!

Violet Sorrengail’s journey is both compelling and inspiring. Her evolution from a hesitant student to a formidable dragon rider is portrayed with authenticity and emotional resonance. The challenges she faces, both external and internal, are crafted with such detail that I found myself deeply invested in her fate.The dynamics between Violet and Xaden Riorson are electric. Their relationship is a perfect blend of tension, passion, and genuine connection. Yarros has a talent for writing romance that feels both intense and real, making their interactions some of the most memorable moments in the book.The plot is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The stakes are higher than ever, and the pacing ensures there’s never a dull moment. The rich lore and the expansion of the world introduced in the previous books add layers of complexity that enhance the overall narrative.One of the standout aspects of Onyx Storm is the portrayal of the dragons. Their personalities shine through, and the bond they share with their riders adds depth to the story. The battles are vividly described, making them both thrilling and easy to visualize.Onyx Storm is a triumph. Rebecca Yarros has crafted a story that is both epic in scope and deeply personal. It’s a must-read for fans of the series and anyone who appreciates a well-told fantasy romance. I eagerly await the next installment and can’t recommend this book highly enough.

Stars -5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Excellent - Highly Recommended4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea"To the ones who don’t run with the popular crowd, the ones who get caught reading under their desks, the ones who feel like they never get invited, included, or represented. Get your leathers. We have dragons to ride."This one is tough for me to review because Onyx Storm took me on a ride—one that was exhilarating at times and frustrating at others.Let’s break it down.📖 The first 10% – Solid start. It pulled me back into the world, set the stage for what was to come, and had me excited to see where the story would go.📖 The middle 50% – This is where I struggled. The pacing dragged, and the introduction of so many new characters and places felt overwhelming. I love a good expansion of world-building, but parts of this felt like unnecessary detours rather than meaningful additions. There were moments when I just wanted to push through to get back to the heart of the story.📖 The last 40% – WOW. The payoff was worth it. The emotional intensity, the revelations, the action—I flew through the final stretch and found myself completely hooked again. There were moments that genuinely hit me hard, and yes, a few tears were shed.One of the highlights for me was Ridoc. His humor was much needed, especially during the slower parts of the book. He added that perfect balance of lightheartedness in an otherwise heavy and intense story, and I really came to love his character.As much as parts of this book frustrated me, the ending has me locked in for the rest of the series. I know I’ll be reading the next books, and I’ll likely do a full re-read before Book 4 to see if the middle reads better the second time around.Overall, Onyx Storm wasn’t a perfect read, but it had its moments of brilliance. If you love dragons, high-stakes magic, and a slow-burn, emotional punch, it’s still worth picking up.“I could reach the rank of Maven, lead armies of dark wielders against everyone we care for, and watch every vein in my body turn red as I channel all the power in the Continent, and I would still love you. What I did doesn’t change that. I’m not sure anything can.”Final Verdict: Stick through the slow parts—by the end, you’ll be glad you did.