10 Hidden Gems to Notice Before You Dive Into Onyx Storm

Hey, book besties! We’re already halfway through 2025—how’s your reading journey been? Have you hit any BookTok faves, fell hard for a new series, or rekindled an old love? And hey—have you even cracked open Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros’s sizzling third installment in The Empyrean? If not, this is your burst-of-tea moment. 🍵

Maybe you're jumping in fresh, or planning a summer Empyrean re-read—either vibe works. We’ve got 10 can’t-miss breadcrumbs that’ll give your reading sessions that extra rollercoaster feel. Let’s unwrap these together, friend‑style, because with these in your back pocket, you’re not just reading—you’re living Onyx Storm. 💫

The Seventh-Dragon Surprise

Remember when Andarna bonded with Violet in Iron Flame? That wasn’t just hype—it revealed she’s the legendary seventh dragon breed, and Onyx Storm dives into why that matters on a mythic scale

Color-Coded Clues

Ever notice how dragon‑rider pairs often share symbolic hues? Xaden’s blue, Jack’s orange… and Brennan’s dragon color is a bookmark for his role in the plot ahead 

The Mysterious Isle Drops

Scattered mentions of the Isle Kingdoms weren’t filler—they’re woven into Violet’s upcoming search for dragon lore, especially tied to Andarna’s true heritage .

Mind‑Power Secrets Everywhere

Violet’s not the only one with hidden gifts. Second signets? Dream-walking? They’re quietly popping up all around—Garrick, Imogen, Aaric… even Violet surprises with hers in Onyx Storm

Xaden’s Power ≠ Accident

His talent for reading intentions isn’t just dramatic—it’s his hidden Inntinnsic signet, setting the stage for his choices and conflicts ahead 

Wardstone Politics

The wards that protect Navarre? They’re not just magic—they’re strategic flecks of power and politics. Onyx Storm turns the dial up on who controls them—Kat, Basgiath, Tyrrendor…and what that means for the war

Dain’s Emotional Growth

If you were rooting for Dain in Iron Flame, his character blossoming continues in Onyx Storm, as he grapples with loyalty, power, and self-worth 

The Irid Dragons Surprise

Just when you thought you’d seen all the dragons… enter the irids, a pacifist breed with deep judgments about Violet and Andarna—ready to redefine everything you thought you knew 

Brace for the Final Twist

Violet and Xaden’s signet combination is a once-per-century storm—Yarros set it up since Fourth Wing, and now it’s about to explode in Onyx Storm 

Epic Cliffhanger Vibes

Sure, there’s a major battle and a shocking ending—Violet is married (?!), Xaden vanishes into shadow magic, and we’re definitely left hanging . Theories range from “Is Xaden’s soul in that ring?” to “Who are the missing riders?”—and spoilers, there's so much to dig on BookTok now.

“I would pay attention to who's missing at the end” — Rebecca Yarros 💀

Whether you're discovering Onyx Storm for the first time or planning a summer re-read marathon, these Easter eggs will turn every page into peak romantasy. Expect emotional punch, world-reveals, and THAT ending full of unanswered questions—and I mean worth it.

Bonus Tip: Want to rep your fandom while you reread? Our Empyrean merch line includes dragon‑symbol mugs perfect for marshaling your tea, cozy Onyx Storm-themed tees, or stickers to mark your favorite spellbinding quotes.

May your re-reads be fierce, your theories wild, and the fandom strong. 🖤