Onyx Stormwill be released in January 2025, and Yarros is dropping plenty of teasers to keep anticipation for its release at an all-time high. Recently, theories as to what will come next have only intensified—asRebecca Yarros revealed a new Xaden POV inFourth Wing’spaperback editionand the back-cover blurb forOnyx Storm. However, the bestsneak peek atOnyx Stormahead of its release comes from the winter edition of Cosmopolitan UK—complete with a three-page excerpt detailing early events from the book.
For the better part of a year,Iron Flame’scliffhanger endinghas left many to question the state of Violet and Xaden’s relationship, and what will happen with Xaden turning venin.While this excerpt doesn’t answer every burning question, it does give clues as to how the early book might play out—and it appears to be full of action from the get-go. Thankfully, the three-page excerpt eases some of the biggest fears regardingIron Flame’sXaden twistand supports a few major theories that could affect the overall plot.
What Happens In The New Onyx Storm Excerpt
The Book Is Full Of Action From The Very Start
TheOnyx Stormexcerpt seemingly picks up early in the novel—as it follows the events that transpired towards the end ofIron Flame—and begins with a sense of urgency.The excerpt begins with Violet and her squad visiting Sawyer in the infirmary, where it is revealed that venin are already inside the walls of Basgiath. As Violet and her squad race to defend the school, they come to realize that the venin have been masquerading as Scribe initiates all along, coming and going unnoticed.
It is later revealed the venin were trying to free Jack Barlowe, but Yarros does not clarify as to why they would deem his character so important. During this sequence, Violet also notices a venin with a long silver braid, who then mysteriously vanishes into thin air. As they fight the venin who remain,Violet learns the venin will not harm her, as they claim they need her—which she believes is to help control Xaden. The excerpt later concludes with Xaden’s arrival, and he quickly dispatches the rest of the venin in mere seconds.
The Venin Have Infiltrated The Scribe Quadrant
They May Have Been Inside The Walls From The Start
There have been many hints throughout the series that there could be venin hidden among the ranks of Navarre, andthe excerpt proves they have been infiltrating the Scribe quadrant. During the events of the excerpt, Violet and the others are shocked to find a venin disguised as a scribe, and quickly ask a few cadets to warn the others in the Archives. Yarros has yet to reveal how long the Venin have been operating in this manner, but their presence creates an air of suspicion around the Scribe quadrant and its already questionable practices.
Given the number of circumstances surrounding the Scribe quadrant, it’s likely that their role in future books will be heavily tied to that of the venin.
Throughout the books, Violet comes to realize that the Archives don’t hold a complete collection of literature found in Navarre—and it’s later revealed that they destroyed pieces of history, including the existence of venin.The fact that the venin choose to disguise themselves as scribes raises suspicion as to who else could be involved.Yarros has frequently hinted that Violet distrusts Markham, but his character’s true ambitions have not been revealed thus far. Given the number of circumstances surrounding the Scribe quadrant, it’s likely that their role in future books will be heavily tied to that of the venin.
Xaden Is Able To Completely Block Violet
Violet Explains His Walls Are Impenetrable
Throughout the sequence of events detailed in the excerpt,Violet attempts to speak to Xaden through their bond but finds that he has blocked her out and his walls are completely impenetrable. While this isn’t necessarily the first time either of them has blocked the other out to concentrate, it is odd that Violet finds this instance so different from the others. However, given they are under attack from the Venin, it would make sense for Xaden to shut off their bond to help himself focus.
Xaden has always been very skilled in this area, and in previous books, has even helped Violet train to protect her mind from those around her—such as Dain with his ability to see memories through physical touch. It may be that Xaden’s transition into Venin helped to strengthen his signet abilities, but also those of lesser magic and mind-blocking. Whether Xaden is aware of just how effectively he was able to block Violet out, it is surely a hint thatXaden’s transition into Venin has changed him in more ways than one.
The Alloy Daggers Lose Power After Killing A Venin
Will Alloy Be Repairable After Being Drained By A Venin?
Much ofIron Flamespends time explaining the importance of alloy daggers, not only to power and stretch the wards of Navarre, but also to use as a weapon against the venin. When imbued with power,the alloy becomes the only way to defeat a venin rider—but as this excerpt explains, the daggers lose power after every kill. Violet explains that she can feel the power that has been drained from the dagger itself, very similar to how venin can drain life from the earth and the people they fight.
How often orhow soon the alloy will lose its power will likely depend on the venin’s rankand the power it currently holds. DuringIron Flame, Violet mentions that some venin seem to have significantly less power, likely making them initiate over a higher ranking officer or general. This is sure to play an important role inOnyx Stormas the book seems to be veering towards an all-out war with the venin outside Navarre—and within its own ranks.
There’s A Venin With Silver Hair - Is She Connected To Violet?
Violet Was The Only One Who Saw Her
Once Violet descends into the interrogation chamber, she takes note of how many venin are currently attempting to break Jack Barlowe out of his cell. However,one venin in particular catches Violet’s attention—one with a long silver braid, colored very similar to her own. Only Violet seems to notice this specific venin, and one has to wonder what Yarros is hinting at through their rather quick interaction.
New Onyx Storm Reveal Gives A Major Clue To Violet’s Second Signet, Supports Huge Fourth Wing Theory
The latest Onyx Storm reveal may have hinted at Violet’s second signet, supporting a popular Fourth Wing theory about her power from Andarna.
Violet’s unique hair color has been frequently compared to the life-draining abilities of the venin, and Yarros has yet to explain the reason for it throughout the series.The idea of another silver-haired character could support the theory that Violet’s dad was Venin, hence Violet’s hair color, but her appearance could also be a clever use of foreshadowing on Yarros' part. As Violet was the only one who noticed the silver-haired Venin, some theories believe this scenario was influenced by her second-signet, and Violet was revealing some sort of truth regarding the venin.
How Did The Silver Hair Venin Disappear?
The Venin May Have Different Powers Than Rider’s
Throughout the series, Yarros has explained that there are a few common signets riders can possess,but there are other signets, like Violet’s, that are far more rare. Given the books have only detailed a few of the rarer signets in action, it’s safe to assume there are many more Yarros will disclose in future books. In the excerpt, the silver-haired venin completely disappears after Violet notices her, something even Violet is shocked by.
There’s a likely chance this could be a new type of signet power that will come into play throughout Onyx Stormand could signal that the Venin develop different types of abilities than those of the riders. One comparable signet would be that of Quinn’s astral projection—keeping her body in one place, but projecting an image of herself elsewhere. While this may not be exactly what Violet experienced, it opens up the possibility that a Venin’s powers are more evolved than those of the rider’s.
The Venin Want To Capture Violet - But Why?
Violet’s Signet Means Something To The Venin
Yarros has made it known that the venin are envious of Violet’s powers, and they often refer to her as the ‘lightning wielder’ or ‘the one who controls the skies’. ThroughoutIron Flame, Violet felt that the venin’s interest in her began due to the battle in Resson. But during this scene,Violet ponders whether they want her to control Xaden. While this may be plausible, many other circumstances prove otherwise. InIron Flame, we come to find out that Violet and Xaden have been having similar nightmares, which is unusual.
The ending of Iron Flame also gives us a sneak peek into the interaction between Xaden and the venin general, which eerily follows that of their nightmares.While the venin general singled out Xaden first, it was clear his ultimate goal was to get to Violet. Yarros has been teasing Violet’s importance to the venin throughoutIron Flame, and with this scene playing out so early inOnyx Storm, Violet will likely find out her importance to the venin pretty quickly.
Xaden’s Still A Good Guy - And Seems More Powerful Than Ever
There’s Hope For Xaden In Onyx Storm
Thankfully, the newOnyx Stormexcerpt has eased readers' fear towards Xaden’s venin state, as his eyes are no longer red—proof he has not again drawn power from the source. The initial stages of turning venin are apparently a bit easier to fight against, and Xaden, for the time being, seems to be handling the temptations well. His character is clearly seen to be fighting for the well-being of Navarre, and thanks to his venin abilities, his powers appear to have been amplified.
Xaden has always had one of themost powerful signets found throughoutFourth Wing,but his shadows seem to have gotten even more powerful. What’s even more impressive, is once Xaden enters the interrogation chamber, it is only a matter of seconds before every single venin has been killed—courtesy of his shadow-wielding. Violet also notices this, and mentions that while Xaden may be an initiate (in terms of venin rank), he is nothing like the others—he’s better. This will surely play a big role inOnyx Storm.
Onyx Storm
Violet Sorrengail faces new political intrigue and battles old enemies while uncovering the secrets of her second signet. As she strives to save Xaden from venin corruption, her relationships with allies and dragons are tested, leading to intense confrontations and unexpected revelations in a world of dragons and magic.
