“Iron Flame & Onyx Storm: An Obsession Rekindled”

“Iron Flame & Onyx Storm: An Obsession Rekindled”

Iron Flame and Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

What. A. Ride.

Just like Fourth Wing, I was not disappointed with the second and third books of the Empyrean series. Iron Flame and Onyx Storm delivered another rollercoaster of emotions equal parts excitement, heartbreak, and pure adrenaline. Once again, I found myself thrown back into the chaos of Basgiath War College, and honestly? I didn’t want to leave. (Mentally healthy? Probably not. Worth it? Absolutely.)

Rebecca Yarros knows exactly how to weave a story that keeps you on edge. Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, she flips the script and your heart. I devoured both books in under a week, escaping my toxic job and diving headfirst into a world of dragons, magic, romance, and brutal war. These books have completely solidified my love for the Empyrean series, making it one of my top obsessions.

Iron Flame and Onyx Storm had me constantly asking: How? Who? When? Where? WHY?! The tension never lets up, and with an unspoken war brewing just beyond the gates of Basgiath, you can feel the weight of everything that’s about to unfold. Characters evolve. Stakes skyrocket. And the betrayals? Let’s just say…I’m still recovering.

I picked up Iron Flame immediately after finishing Fourth Wing, I had to know what was going on. Why did beloved Liam have to die?! So much unfolds in the second book: Violet surviving her second year, the heartbreaking truths behind her brother’s faked death, and the real reason her mother forced her onto that parapet. It was intense, emotional, and had me on the edge of my seat. We also meet new characters, confront old lovers, and find plenty more villains to hate. In my opinion, Iron Flame was just as good as Fourth Wing. It’s packed with action, gut-wrenching moments, and delivers a nonstop emotional ride.

Then there’s Onyx Storm.

I loved how much more Ridoc was involved. He’s always been the funny one, but Onyx Storm shows there’s so much more to him he’s not only hilarious but fiercely intelligent, brave, and incredibly loyal. Honestly, he might be the most loyal one in the entire group.

But the one who surprised me the most was Aaric, the king’s youngest son. Aaric might only be a first-year, but he moves and acts like a seasoned third-year. He knows way more than he lets on and, because of his royal background, is constantly underestimated. After finishing Onyx Storm, I realized Ridoc and Aaric have become my two favorite characters and if anything happens to them in the next book, I will never forgive Yarros.

As expected, Onyx Storm ends on another cliffhanger (thanks, Rebecca), and it looks like we’ll be waiting a few years for the fourth book. But honestly? I already know it’s going to be worth the wait and hopefully bring all the answers we’ve been desperate for.

If you thought Fourth Wing was intense, just wait. Yarros cranks up the heat (pun fully intended) and doesn’t let you breathe until the final page and even then, you’ll be left desperate for more.

I know some readers have had mixed feelings about Iron Flame and Onyx Storm, and I totally understand their opinions. But me? I’ll always recommend this series.

So yeah. I’m obsessed. Again.

And if you need me, I’ll be over here rereading passages and spiraling until book four drops.

Let me know your thoughts on the series!