What I thought of Onyx Storm

Onyx Storm (The Empyrean 3) by Rebecca Yarros is out in the world, I finished 2 days ago and I still haven't recovered. Read my 5 star review.

Out: Everywhere

Onyx Storm starts with a prologue that just fans the flames of urgency that Violet feels (and so do we) to protect and find a cure for Xaden. It's as if Yarros is making sure we're invested. Don't worry, we're INVESTED...

The 1st person POV is on point as always with its matter-of-fact, endearing and simultaneously sassy quality that we love. Scenes are set with no frills, they just breathe with precision-placed details and action screaming of visual grandeur and intensity, a feast for our imagination. The narrative wafts of the characters' anguish thanks to the situation. I felt my heart squeezing quite often, along with excitement, laugh-out-loud amusement — the need to cheer, to scream, to cry.

The emotional impact of the writing contributes to the epicness of the storyweaving. The world of Fourth Wing broadens as Violet embarks on her new quest and we are bombarded with new characters, info, connections, powers. New theories will spring every few pages. All characters, and I mean all characters are differentiated, showing who or what they are even with a few words. There were moments when I thought the intrigue and anticipation would kill me until plans were brought to fruition, truths revealed, and feeling like I was experiencing a dozen tiny heart attacks all at once from the suspense. I sincerely cannot remember how many times I gasped at the far from predictable developments and surprises.

I freaking love Andarna and her 'I'll kill you for giggles' comments while Tairn 'disciplines' her. Not that Tairn doesn't throw out his own zingers. The Violet-Xaden banter is thriving, their relationship maturing. Xaden retains his sharp wit and fierce loyalness, well fierceness in everything while being as sexy as ever. Yes, book boyfriend material, even when tortured. Violet has grown so much and is a leader even if she thinks she isn't.

A special mention to Ridoc must be mad. He had me laughing so hard sometimes I couldn't breathe. He must be protected at all costs. I also want to be in the quest squad, Ridoc.

I admire how this book champions acceptance and respect. It also deals with duty, honor, sacrifice and acknowledgment. How politics can be dangerous, futile, or absurd. The cruelty and brutality of war and unfortunately too often in humanity. Having the courage to do what is right. And we must not forget the time-old favorite of "Do the ends justify the means?"

Rebecca Yarros has to stop playing games with my heart Backstreet Boys in the background. Actually never stop. I felt every possible emotion with this installment and adored every minute of it. By no means do I wish to be cured of this book spell I'm under.