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The Empyrean [Dramatized Adaptation] #3, Part 2
Onyx Storm (Part 2 of 2) [Dramatized Adaptation]
After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons. No more time for uncertainty.
Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust.
Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him.
Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything.
They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth.
But a storm is coming...and not everyone can survive its wrath.
Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!
Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust.
Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him.
Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything.
They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth.
But a storm is coming...and not everyone can survive its wrath.
Adapted from the novel and produced with a full cast of actors, immersive sound effects and cinematic music!
9 pages, Audiobook
Published July 2, 2025
About the author
Rebecca Yarros
89 books226k followersRebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and coffee addict. She is the New York Times bestselling author of over twenty novels, including Fourth Wing, The Last Letter and The Things We Leave Unfinished. She’s also the recipient of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence for Eyes Turned Skyward. Rebecca loves military heroes and has been blissfully married to hers for over twenty years. A mother of six, she is currently surviving the teenage years with all four of her hockey-playing sons.
Want to know about Rebecca’s next release? Check her out online at www.rebeccayarros.com.
Want to know about Rebecca’s next release? Check her out online at www.rebeccayarros.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 782 reviews
July 4, 2025
I'm clearly a masochist since I consciously chose to break my heart all over again.
P.S - Idk how ppl say they prefer the actress for the normal audiobook over the one who player Violet in this adaptation. It's the opposite for me. The one in the normal audiobook sounded off and a bit older but Khaya Fraites, who played Violet here sounded PERFECT for her character. The cast was perfect and it could not have been better!
P.S - Idk how ppl say they prefer the actress for the normal audiobook over the one who player Violet in this adaptation. It's the opposite for me. The one in the normal audiobook sounded off and a bit older but Khaya Fraites, who played Violet here sounded PERFECT for her character. The cast was perfect and it could not have been better!
February 10, 2025
5/5✨️ 2/5🌶
Wtf was that ending....Rebecca, we have to wait 2 years.
Wtf was that ending....Rebecca, we have to wait 2 years.
August 15, 2025
noticed a few more things I hadn't the first time I read this! can't wait for the next book!
I can't wait for my bookclub to start our rereads of this series so we can all see our thoughts! I hope there are so many tabs and highlights! 😍
I can't wait for my bookclub to start our rereads of this series so we can all see our thoughts! I hope there are so many tabs and highlights! 😍
July 21, 2025
Holy cliffhanger!!! Hope Rebecca writes the next book(s) quickly 😩😩😩🐉
July 7, 2025
3.25⭐
ok i think my timing of reading this was off because i did not enjoy this as much as i would've loved to.
It was fairly entertaining and definitely dramatic but i was also like oh this is so long. i felt that i was convincing myself that im enjoying it very much 😭 is it a me problem? idk
well, that ending though? youre telling me ive to waitttttt now? im invested but the graph of me liking this series is going down because i remember fourth wing being an absolute 5 star read for me.
And what is actually sad you know, im struggling to really connect and enjoy books. maybe im not choosing the right ones as per my mood.
ok i think my timing of reading this was off because i did not enjoy this as much as i would've loved to.
It was fairly entertaining and definitely dramatic but i was also like oh this is so long. i felt that i was convincing myself that im enjoying it very much 😭 is it a me problem? idk
well, that ending though? youre telling me ive to waitttttt now? im invested but the graph of me liking this series is going down because i remember fourth wing being an absolute 5 star read for me.
And what is actually sad you know, im struggling to really connect and enjoy books. maybe im not choosing the right ones as per my mood.
September 2, 2026
Hope, Venin, and the Cost of Loving Xaden Riorson
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💛💚❤️🖤
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😋🙂😁😘😎
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Graphic Audio Dramatized Edition – Full Cast Narration
Character Backgrounds and Plot Summary
Listening to Onyx Storm Part 2 felt like being dropped straight back into the emotional wreckage left after the first part which I finished about a month ago. Violet is still reeling from the loss of her mother, but the bigger shock is seeing Xaden with those red rings in his eyes, the unmistakable sign that he has begun turning venin. I felt the same jolt Violet does when she first realized it because the story makes it clear this is not a symbolic danger. Early on, Xaden proves how far the corruption has progressed when he tells her he can now sense venin the way they sense him, a moment that made my stomach drop.
The plot pushes Violet and her squad into a mission that is both political and deeply personal. They cross the Arctile Ocean to the Isle Kingdoms, and each stop tests them in a different way. The duel in Unnbriel stood out to me because Violet’s burst of unexpected speed hints at her developing a second signet. It is one of the first times she realizes her bond with Andarna is changing her in ways she cannot fully control. Another moment that stuck with me is in Hedotis when Garrick is poisoned during a wisdom test. Violet uses her father’s hidden research to identify the toxin and save him, which felt like a quiet but powerful reminder of how much she has grown since Fourth Wing.
The emotional core of the story, though, is Violet’s determination to save Xaden. Their reunion scenes are tense because he is fighting the addictive pull of dark magic, and every time he uses it, he risks losing himself. The stakes become even sharper when the irids reject Andarna and declare that no cure exists. That revelation hit me hard because it is the moment Violet’s hope cracks, and you can feel her desperation shift into something heavier.
Highlights and Limitations
One of my favorite parts of this dramatized adaptation is how the action scenes feel almost cinematic. The infiltration at Basgiath, where venin disguised as scribes try to free Jack Barlowe, is chaotic in the best way. Violet fighting in the tunnels while Xaden arrives in a swirl of shadows is exactly the kind of scene that works beautifully in audio.
I also loved the quieter character beats. When Xaden confronts his estranged mother Talia in Hedotis, the tension is sharp enough to feel through the headphones. It is one of the few moments where his emotional guard slips, and I appreciated that the adaptation didn’t rush past it.
If I had one personal limitation, it’s the way Xaden keeps blocking Violet from their bond. It’s understandable — he’s terrified of hurting her, terrified of what she’ll see, terrified of the darkness pulling at him — but it also means the story repeatedly leans on the same emotional barrier. Every time Violet reaches for him through their bond and finds only a wall, it undercuts the intimacy that has always been the heart of their connection. Instead of deepening their relationship, it sometimes stalls it, creating a cycle where Violet is desperate for honesty and Xaden is desperate to protect her by shutting her out. I wanted more moments where the bond revealed something raw or unexpected, not just another instance of him closing the door. It’s powerful, but it’s also a beat the adaptation returns to so often that it risks feeling repetitive.
Narration
This dramatized cast brings a level of immersion that surprised me. Megan Poppy’s delivery during Violet’s duel in Unnbriel captures both fear and determination, and I found myself leaning in during that entire sequence. Torian Brackett’s performance as Xaden is especially strong in the scenes where he struggles with the venin pull. There is a moment when he admits he can sense the venin, and Brackett’s voice tightens just enough to convey how terrified he is of becoming something Violet cannot love.
The full cast format shines in the Isle Kingdoms arc. The cultural ceremony in Zehyllna feels alive because every character has a distinct voice, and the layered sound design makes the environment feel real. I also appreciated Laura C. Harris’s portrayal of Andarna. Her tone shifts subtly when Andarna’s power flares, especially during the wardstone alteration sequence, and it adds emotional weight to Violet’s fear that her bond is changing.
Final Opinion
Overall, Onyx Storm Part 2 delivers a gripping continuation of Violet and Xaden’s story. The dramatized adaptation amplifies the tension, especially in scenes where Violet is forced to choose between duty and the man she loves. The ending left me stunned. Xaden’s final surrender to dark power and disappearance is devastating, and waking up to Violet realizing she is married but abandoned is one of the most haunting beats in the entire series.
I walked away from this audiobook feeling wrung out in the best way. It is intense, emotional, and full of moments that made me care even more about these characters. If you’re already invested in the Empyrean series, this adaptation is absolutely worth the listen. I can’t imagine getting tired of this world yet. I wish the series was complete.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💛💚❤️🖤
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏🌍
Character development: 😋🙂😁😘😎
Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration type: Graphic Audio Dramatized Edition – Full Cast Narration
Character Backgrounds and Plot Summary
Listening to Onyx Storm Part 2 felt like being dropped straight back into the emotional wreckage left after the first part which I finished about a month ago. Violet is still reeling from the loss of her mother, but the bigger shock is seeing Xaden with those red rings in his eyes, the unmistakable sign that he has begun turning venin. I felt the same jolt Violet does when she first realized it because the story makes it clear this is not a symbolic danger. Early on, Xaden proves how far the corruption has progressed when he tells her he can now sense venin the way they sense him, a moment that made my stomach drop.
The plot pushes Violet and her squad into a mission that is both political and deeply personal. They cross the Arctile Ocean to the Isle Kingdoms, and each stop tests them in a different way. The duel in Unnbriel stood out to me because Violet’s burst of unexpected speed hints at her developing a second signet. It is one of the first times she realizes her bond with Andarna is changing her in ways she cannot fully control. Another moment that stuck with me is in Hedotis when Garrick is poisoned during a wisdom test. Violet uses her father’s hidden research to identify the toxin and save him, which felt like a quiet but powerful reminder of how much she has grown since Fourth Wing.
The emotional core of the story, though, is Violet’s determination to save Xaden. Their reunion scenes are tense because he is fighting the addictive pull of dark magic, and every time he uses it, he risks losing himself. The stakes become even sharper when the irids reject Andarna and declare that no cure exists. That revelation hit me hard because it is the moment Violet’s hope cracks, and you can feel her desperation shift into something heavier.
Highlights and Limitations
One of my favorite parts of this dramatized adaptation is how the action scenes feel almost cinematic. The infiltration at Basgiath, where venin disguised as scribes try to free Jack Barlowe, is chaotic in the best way. Violet fighting in the tunnels while Xaden arrives in a swirl of shadows is exactly the kind of scene that works beautifully in audio.
I also loved the quieter character beats. When Xaden confronts his estranged mother Talia in Hedotis, the tension is sharp enough to feel through the headphones. It is one of the few moments where his emotional guard slips, and I appreciated that the adaptation didn’t rush past it.
If I had one personal limitation, it’s the way Xaden keeps blocking Violet from their bond. It’s understandable — he’s terrified of hurting her, terrified of what she’ll see, terrified of the darkness pulling at him — but it also means the story repeatedly leans on the same emotional barrier. Every time Violet reaches for him through their bond and finds only a wall, it undercuts the intimacy that has always been the heart of their connection. Instead of deepening their relationship, it sometimes stalls it, creating a cycle where Violet is desperate for honesty and Xaden is desperate to protect her by shutting her out. I wanted more moments where the bond revealed something raw or unexpected, not just another instance of him closing the door. It’s powerful, but it’s also a beat the adaptation returns to so often that it risks feeling repetitive.
Narration
This dramatized cast brings a level of immersion that surprised me. Megan Poppy’s delivery during Violet’s duel in Unnbriel captures both fear and determination, and I found myself leaning in during that entire sequence. Torian Brackett’s performance as Xaden is especially strong in the scenes where he struggles with the venin pull. There is a moment when he admits he can sense the venin, and Brackett’s voice tightens just enough to convey how terrified he is of becoming something Violet cannot love.
The full cast format shines in the Isle Kingdoms arc. The cultural ceremony in Zehyllna feels alive because every character has a distinct voice, and the layered sound design makes the environment feel real. I also appreciated Laura C. Harris’s portrayal of Andarna. Her tone shifts subtly when Andarna’s power flares, especially during the wardstone alteration sequence, and it adds emotional weight to Violet’s fear that her bond is changing.
Final Opinion
Overall, Onyx Storm Part 2 delivers a gripping continuation of Violet and Xaden’s story. The dramatized adaptation amplifies the tension, especially in scenes where Violet is forced to choose between duty and the man she loves. The ending left me stunned. Xaden’s final surrender to dark power and disappearance is devastating, and waking up to Violet realizing she is married but abandoned is one of the most haunting beats in the entire series.
I walked away from this audiobook feeling wrung out in the best way. It is intense, emotional, and full of moments that made me care even more about these characters. If you’re already invested in the Empyrean series, this adaptation is absolutely worth the listen. I can’t imagine getting tired of this world yet. I wish the series was complete.
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December 1, 2025
☹️☹️☹️
July 17, 2025
5⭐
*spoilers, third book*
“I am yours and you are mine, and there’s no law or rule in this world or the next that will change that.”
A fierce and emotional storm of love, loss, and loyalty that left me reeling.
Onyx Storm picks up right where Iron Flame left us—heart racing, jaw on the floor, and emotions in shambles. Violet Sorrengail’s world has grown far beyond Basgiath, and the dangers feel sharper than ever. The safety of the wards is gone, the war is closing in, and the line between human and monster has never been blurrier. Xaden is grappling with what he’s become, and Violet’s determination to save him—and everyone she loves—pushes her past every limit she’s ever known. It’s dark, tense, and deeply emotional in the best ways possible.
💗 what I loved:
• The emotional depth. I went in ready to be wrecked, and Rebecca Yarros still found new ways to destroy me. The heartbreak hits hard, but so does the hope. Violet’s courage and her unrelenting love for Xaden feel so human it hurts.
• The world expanding. The new settings and lore feel layered and full of meaning. I loved seeing how the mythology around dragons and Venin evolved, and how it all ties back to the stakes we’ve known since book one.
• The twists. There were so many moments that caught me off guard—not because they came out of nowhere, but because I was so emotionally swept up I didn’t even think to look for them. I love when a story can still surprise me like that.
• The Graphic Audio experience. Absolutely stunning. The voice acting and immersive sound made every fight scene and emotional moment hit harder. It felt like watching a movie I could feel through my headphones.
• The romance. Violet and Xaden continue to have one of the most electric, gut-wrenching dynamics I’ve read in a while. It’s not just about passion; it’s about endurance, trust, and fighting for each other even when everything’s falling apart.
💔 what fell short:
• A slower middle section. Some parts dragged a little for me—mostly when the plot leaned heavier on political talk or long stretches of travel. Nothing major, but I definitely noticed the shift in pacing.
• A few cluttered threads. There’s a lot happening in this book—new characters, new powers—and it sometimes made me pause to reorient. Still, everything comes together well enough that I didn’t mind much.
Final Take: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Onyx Storm was everything I wanted it to be—intense, emotional, and gut wrenching. It gave me dragons, war, heartbreak, and hope, and left me desperate for whatever comes next.
──. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁
Jun 11 - July 16, 2025
1198 mins total
Graphic Audio part 1 + 2
*spoilers, third book*
“I am yours and you are mine, and there’s no law or rule in this world or the next that will change that.”
A fierce and emotional storm of love, loss, and loyalty that left me reeling.
Onyx Storm picks up right where Iron Flame left us—heart racing, jaw on the floor, and emotions in shambles. Violet Sorrengail’s world has grown far beyond Basgiath, and the dangers feel sharper than ever. The safety of the wards is gone, the war is closing in, and the line between human and monster has never been blurrier. Xaden is grappling with what he’s become, and Violet’s determination to save him—and everyone she loves—pushes her past every limit she’s ever known. It’s dark, tense, and deeply emotional in the best ways possible.
💗 what I loved:
• The emotional depth. I went in ready to be wrecked, and Rebecca Yarros still found new ways to destroy me. The heartbreak hits hard, but so does the hope. Violet’s courage and her unrelenting love for Xaden feel so human it hurts.
• The world expanding. The new settings and lore feel layered and full of meaning. I loved seeing how the mythology around dragons and Venin evolved, and how it all ties back to the stakes we’ve known since book one.
• The twists. There were so many moments that caught me off guard—not because they came out of nowhere, but because I was so emotionally swept up I didn’t even think to look for them. I love when a story can still surprise me like that.
• The Graphic Audio experience. Absolutely stunning. The voice acting and immersive sound made every fight scene and emotional moment hit harder. It felt like watching a movie I could feel through my headphones.
• The romance. Violet and Xaden continue to have one of the most electric, gut-wrenching dynamics I’ve read in a while. It’s not just about passion; it’s about endurance, trust, and fighting for each other even when everything’s falling apart.
💔 what fell short:
• A slower middle section. Some parts dragged a little for me—mostly when the plot leaned heavier on political talk or long stretches of travel. Nothing major, but I definitely noticed the shift in pacing.
• A few cluttered threads. There’s a lot happening in this book—new characters, new powers—and it sometimes made me pause to reorient. Still, everything comes together well enough that I didn’t mind much.
Final Take: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Onyx Storm was everything I wanted it to be—intense, emotional, and gut wrenching. It gave me dragons, war, heartbreak, and hope, and left me desperate for whatever comes next.
──. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁
Jun 11 - July 16, 2025
1198 mins total
Graphic Audio part 1 + 2
July 22, 2025
ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE.
Just like I knew it would be! I’m in awe of Khaya Fraites for real. She is so amazing and I honestly don’t think Violet can be done by anyone else. Not to mention the other narrators in this book since we get a few different POV’s at the end. Just so incredibly well done. Everyone conveyed the emotions of the last half of this book so well and I can’t say enough good things. Honestly I would give it 10 out of 10 stars if I could.
I recommend this graphic audio wholeheartedly. Happy listening all!
Just like I knew it would be! I’m in awe of Khaya Fraites for real. She is so amazing and I honestly don’t think Violet can be done by anyone else. Not to mention the other narrators in this book since we get a few different POV’s at the end. Just so incredibly well done. Everyone conveyed the emotions of the last half of this book so well and I can’t say enough good things. Honestly I would give it 10 out of 10 stars if I could.
I recommend this graphic audio wholeheartedly. Happy listening all!
July 21, 2025
Crying all over again. Ugh...
September 18, 2025
Amazing. Currently trying to fix my broken heart again 💔 Better on the reread and caaaant waaait for the next book to come out already.
October 2, 2025
ೃ⁀➷ 3.5⭐️
Bon je vais commencer par le négatif hehe
C’est pas une critique pour le livre mais plutôt pour l’audio théâtralisé; les gémissements à chaque baisé c’était tellement malaisant que des fois j’étais obligée de baisser le son de mes AIRPODS tellement j’avais peur que les autres entendent…
Sinon le cast était super franchement les voix s’accordaient trop bien avec les personnages.
Ensuite j’ai trouvé quelques longueurs dans le sens où j’avais l’impression que certaines scènes (bcp) étaient rajoutées simplement pour qu’il y ait plus de pages. Chaque action n’apportait rien à l’histoire. D’ailleurs, je pense que vous pouvez lire seulement la deuxième partie du livre et quand même vous y retrouver, car les 60 premiers pour-cent n’étaient que du vent de mon point de vue.
Ensuite pour les personnages, Violet m’a un peu saoulé. Je la trouve devenue prétentieuse et égoïste.
Xaden lui c’est son côté terne, ténébreux, sombre, triste et déprimé qui ne m’a pas plu mais à la limite là, vu sa situation, je peux l’entendre c’est même un bon développement de situation COHÉRENT.
Pour les dragons je n’ai pas d’opinion simplement parce qu’il N’Y A PAS ASSEZ DE MOMENTS AVEC LES DRAGONS. Où sont-ils ?? On ne sait pas. Je suis là pour ça, pas pour le smut cringe.
L’intrigue était hyper prometteuse. Je ne vais pas spoiler donc je ne vais pas détailler mais j’avais hâte de découvrir ce tome et au final je suis déçue. C’était ennuyeux et long. Pour rien.
Sinon j’ai bien aimé le fait que se soit full action, même si ça n’allait nul part :)
En revanche à 60%/70% tout s’imbrique et la franchement c’était top j’ai trop aimé les dernières heures d’écoute.
Read
September 15, 2025Gah.... still so many questions! We need and ETA! I love the variety in this book and the different places they visit. I appreciate the change of locale and variety this one brings. Though there are too many new names. 🤪
October 14, 2025
Once again, another fun listen — but I do have to complain. It’s incredibly annoying that they broke the book into two parts, “Part 1 of 2” and “Part 2 of 2.” That meant I had to use two Audible credits just to get one book, which honestly feels a bit ridiculous.
This book picks up right where Iron Flame left off, with Violet and Xaden back at Basgiath, trying to help with the ongoing war and everything that comes with it. I really liked how the story delved deeper into Violet’s relationships — not just with Xaden, but also with her siblings and the people around her. It explored more about the war, the politics, and even the other continents, which I truly enjoyed reading about.
In this book, we finally get to learn about the seventh breed of dragon — the Ares Andanus breed — and uncover more details about it. I won’t go into spoilers, but it was fascinating to see how it fits into the larger world. We also get more insight into Violet’s past and her parents’ history through their journals, which is a change from the previous books, where we mainly saw journals from the professors about the dragon breeds. This shift gave the story a more personal perspective while still expanding our understanding of the world. While the story is still told entirely from Violet’s point of view, these added elements let us see what other people think and how the world works beyond her direct experiences — something I really appreciated.
I really liked the pacing in this book — it flowed well and was genuinely enjoyable to read. However, I didn’t enjoy the romance as much this time. It felt like a lot. I know The Empyrean series leans toward fantasy romance, but I expected a better balance between the two. There were so many scenes focused on Violet and Xaden’s relationship that it sometimes distracted from the main plot. When they should have been strategizing about the war or finding ways to defeat the dark wielders, they were often talking about their love life instead. Don’t get me wrong — their relationship is important, but at times I found myself wishing the story would focus more on saving the world. Still, everything tied together nicely in the end, and it ultimately worked — I just think some of the romance could have been toned down.
I really enjoyed the action scenes in this book. Not many young adult authors can write battle sequences well, but Rebecca Yarros did an excellent job here. The depictions were vivid and exciting, and the world-building felt even richer than before. Overall, I liked nearly everything about this book.
The ending, though, was a total cliffhanger — and now I can’t wait for the next installment. I have no idea when it’ll be published, but I’ll be waiting patiently because I need to know how it all ends. The final battle in this book was especially well written — intense, emotional, and satisfying. I loved the way everything came together in those final chapters. Still, that ending left me desperate for more. I just hope the author manages to deliver a strong conclusion to the series, because wrapping up something this big is never easy.
This book picks up right where Iron Flame left off, with Violet and Xaden back at Basgiath, trying to help with the ongoing war and everything that comes with it. I really liked how the story delved deeper into Violet’s relationships — not just with Xaden, but also with her siblings and the people around her. It explored more about the war, the politics, and even the other continents, which I truly enjoyed reading about.
In this book, we finally get to learn about the seventh breed of dragon — the Ares Andanus breed — and uncover more details about it. I won’t go into spoilers, but it was fascinating to see how it fits into the larger world. We also get more insight into Violet’s past and her parents’ history through their journals, which is a change from the previous books, where we mainly saw journals from the professors about the dragon breeds. This shift gave the story a more personal perspective while still expanding our understanding of the world. While the story is still told entirely from Violet’s point of view, these added elements let us see what other people think and how the world works beyond her direct experiences — something I really appreciated.
I really liked the pacing in this book — it flowed well and was genuinely enjoyable to read. However, I didn’t enjoy the romance as much this time. It felt like a lot. I know The Empyrean series leans toward fantasy romance, but I expected a better balance between the two. There were so many scenes focused on Violet and Xaden’s relationship that it sometimes distracted from the main plot. When they should have been strategizing about the war or finding ways to defeat the dark wielders, they were often talking about their love life instead. Don’t get me wrong — their relationship is important, but at times I found myself wishing the story would focus more on saving the world. Still, everything tied together nicely in the end, and it ultimately worked — I just think some of the romance could have been toned down.
I really enjoyed the action scenes in this book. Not many young adult authors can write battle sequences well, but Rebecca Yarros did an excellent job here. The depictions were vivid and exciting, and the world-building felt even richer than before. Overall, I liked nearly everything about this book.
The ending, though, was a total cliffhanger — and now I can’t wait for the next installment. I have no idea when it’ll be published, but I’ll be waiting patiently because I need to know how it all ends. The final battle in this book was especially well written — intense, emotional, and satisfying. I loved the way everything came together in those final chapters. Still, that ending left me desperate for more. I just hope the author manages to deliver a strong conclusion to the series, because wrapping up something this big is never easy.
July 14, 2025
Huh??? I liked the first half but it kinda all went downhill for me from there
October 17, 2025
So this second half was not as great as the first half only because it was a little repetitive so I’m going 3 ⭐️.
Great ending with lots of suspense and major cliffhanger.
Great ending with lots of suspense and major cliffhanger.
February 19, 2026
3.78 🌟 I finally did it…I finally finished many moons later 😂
do i think the plot from the first 60% kinda dragged and was just one big field trip… yes.
was I also confused when the pov switched to rhi and imogen’s…yes.
but did it help that I mainly did this book as an audiobook…yes lol. especially the dramatized version 🎧
the 30% definitely had me hooked as more pieces started to fall in place and things were revealed and that ending, huh!? imma need answers !!! where is Xaden! where is the memories! where are the other riders !!!
I do hope that books 4 & 5 will be much better pacing… but I will be continuing the series… I can confirm haha. I love my boi Xaden!! I just want him happy!! gonna need that next book asap Rebecca!!!
do i think the plot from the first 60% kinda dragged and was just one big field trip… yes.
was I also confused when the pov switched to rhi and imogen’s…yes.
but did it help that I mainly did this book as an audiobook…yes lol. especially the dramatized version 🎧
the 30% definitely had me hooked as more pieces started to fall in place and things were revealed and that ending, huh!? imma need answers !!! where is Xaden! where is the memories! where are the other riders !!!
I do hope that books 4 & 5 will be much better pacing… but I will be continuing the series… I can confirm haha. I love my boi Xaden!! I just want him happy!! gonna need that next book asap Rebecca!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2025
Although the ending deeply upsets me.... it also gives me hope and excitement for what comes next in book 4. I will patiently away an HEA in book 5 and will hang on tight for the ride! Lots of theories and expansion were made possible in book 3. I cannot wait to see what our characters do to seek answers and prepare for the war that is upon them! The devotion Xaden and Violet have towards each other... what I can count on is their love for one another no matter what happens to either of them.
November 29, 2025
3/5 ⭐️
(Rating the adaptation not the book itself)
(Rating the adaptation not the book itself)
October 28, 2025
Review is for audio only, not the series itself!
For the most part, this audio version of the series was good! I had a few issues with some of the casting choices. Some of them seemed WAY different than I expected. Which could be a me thing? But I just feel like some of them maybe didn’t match. But eventually I got used to them. Also some of the narrators are just straight up bad.
At some point did Mira switch from an actual person to AI? I swear at some point she went full robot. I think I started to notice it maybe towards the middle of Iron Flame or maybe the beginning of Onyx Storm. I guess it would’ve been when she started coming around more. Please tell me I’m not crazy and someone else noticed it.
My biggest issue with this is THE FUCKIN KISS MOANS. Omfg. Like. Who approved that?! It was so bad 😭 Almost sent me into psychosis. I get that they have to make someone kind of noise for kissing but shiiiiiiit. That ain’t it.
This isn’t part of my review but I swear to god the narrator for Xaden was Lucas Scott (not Chad Michael Murray, Lucas specifically) 😂
For the most part, this audio version of the series was good! I had a few issues with some of the casting choices. Some of them seemed WAY different than I expected. Which could be a me thing? But I just feel like some of them maybe didn’t match. But eventually I got used to them. Also some of the narrators are just straight up bad.
At some point did Mira switch from an actual person to AI? I swear at some point she went full robot. I think I started to notice it maybe towards the middle of Iron Flame or maybe the beginning of Onyx Storm. I guess it would’ve been when she started coming around more. Please tell me I’m not crazy and someone else noticed it.
My biggest issue with this is THE FUCKIN KISS MOANS. Omfg. Like. Who approved that?! It was so bad 😭 Almost sent me into psychosis. I get that they have to make someone kind of noise for kissing but shiiiiiiit. That ain’t it.
This isn’t part of my review but I swear to god the narrator for Xaden was Lucas Scott (not Chad Michael Murray, Lucas specifically) 😂
March 18, 2026
Omg listening was actually better than reading it.
Aaric is my new favourite character, followed by Ridoc 🥰
Aaric is my new favourite character, followed by Ridoc 🥰
August 16, 2026
Crying, screaming, throwing up. Idk why I decided to break my heart for a second time. I need to know what happens next and this unknown fourth book release date is killing me
June 14, 2026
Now I remember why I put this off for so long!
July 20, 2025
i knew i would end up enjoying onyx storm even more when the dramatised audio came out. this did not disappoint!! i personally need more dain content 🫣
July 12, 2025
I listened to the Graphic Audio. Such an excellent rendition!
This was a great story. The fight scenes were intense and a lot of surprises. I was a little bummed at the end thinking this was the last book and they left me with questions but then I realized this is going to be a 5 book series and all was right in the world again LOL!
The only thing I didnt love was the second POV towards the end. It threw things off a little for me and I didnt really understand why it was necessary. Maybe I missed something?
This was a great story. The fight scenes were intense and a lot of surprises. I was a little bummed at the end thinking this was the last book and they left me with questions but then I realized this is going to be a 5 book series and all was right in the world again LOL!
The only thing I didnt love was the second POV towards the end. It threw things off a little for me and I didnt really understand why it was necessary. Maybe I missed something?
March 8, 2025
Why have the Gaelic words that RY stole and appropriated for her fantasy series NOT received PROPER pronunciations for the audiobooks as RY promised??? No hate to the cast bc VAs work their asses off and they HAVE to get their content from the authors. SO REBECCA YARROS. What happened to the promises you made the Scottish community last year??? Hmmm??? Exactly. Y’all. She does not care 🤦♀️
July 17, 2025
This is the best graphic audio of the series yet.
I cannot say enough good things about this series and the voice acting was top tier. I was SOBBING over character deaths, completely sucked into the romance and will be listening to these on repeat until Empyrean 4 comes out!
I cannot say enough good things about this series and the voice acting was top tier. I was SOBBING over character deaths, completely sucked into the romance and will be listening to these on repeat until Empyrean 4 comes out!
Read
July 22, 2025I want to know what the dragons are hiding.
September 18, 2025
The voice actors are so good idc idc
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