WhileOnyx Stormwas received with high praise and hundreds of five-star reviews upon release, there were certain readers who felt aspects of the story were lacking — specifically having to do with Violet and Xaden’s ongoing romance. Their relationship arc has been fast-paced since the verybeginning of theEmpyrean Series, and the two characters developed a strong, almost obsessive connection early on in the narrative. As it turns out, this may be the source of several readers' complaints in Yarros' latest novel, as many felt Violet and Xaden’s relationship was either lackluster or had become borderline unhealthy.
Because the two characters get together so early into the five-book romantasy series' run, Yarros had to create new avenues of conflict between the two characters to naturally develop their romance arc from book to book. However, many of the roadblocks introduced throughoutOnyx Storm’s narrativedon’t really hold much weight — like Xaden becoming a professor, which effectively “ended” their relationship for just a few chapters. Their obsessive romance can feel a bit repetitive after three books, but it seems fromOnyx Storm’s plot twist ending, that Yarros is planning to shake things up in thenextEmpyrean Seriesnovel.
Onyx Storm’s Violet & Xaden Complaints Were Inevitable With Their Romance Starting So Quickly
The “Enemies” Part Of Their Enemies-To-Lovers Romance Is Short-Lived
While some may disagree with the complaints aboutViolet and Xaden’s relationship inOnyx Storm, they were practically inevitable with how the first novel set up the pacing of their romance. InFourth Wing, Violet and Xaden begin with a classic enemies-to-lovers dynamic, although it doesn’t stay that way for long.Their initial animosity towards one another, due to their family history and prejudices, quickly evolved into feelings of desirefrom both parties. However, this is, in large part, affected by their dragons being mated — leading the two characters to grow closer in their mutual need for survival.
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Because of this,Violet and Xaden become lovers far sooner than the popularized enemies-to-lovers trope should typically progress. Their romance inFourth Wingis phenomenal, but because they get together so early into the series, Yarros has to get creative in building conflict between the two characters in subsequentEmpyrean Seriesnovels — which doesn’t always land with readers. Now three books into the series, their love for one another has already been experienced and described in explicit detail — so there was littleOnyx Stormcould do to add more depth to their already-established relationship.
Fourth Wing Should Have Dragged Out Its Enemies-To-Lovers Story For Much Longer
This May Have Helped The Slower Pacing Of Their Relationship In Onyx Storm
Readers have become accustomed to the enemies-to-lovers trope within the romantasy book space, butmore often than not, authors don’t drag out the “enemies” part of their dynamic for long enough. Progressing the “enemies” dynamic too quickly oftentimes closes the door on potential storylines that could have further developed the characters' connection — and pacing at a slower rate typically allows for some much-needed yearning or pining to take place instead. Given the complaints aboutOnyx Storm’s romantic pacing, it could have benefited from dragging out Violet and Xaden’s enemies-to-lovers plot a bit longer.
Given the complaints aboutOnyx Storm’s romantic pacing, it could have benefited from dragging out Violet and Xaden’s enemies-to-lovers plot a bit longer.
Had the two remained enemies, or even reluctant allies, for a longer period of time,the lull in their relationship dynamics may have been avoided. Not everyone disliked Violet and Xaden’s romance in the latestEmpyreannovel, but it’s clear why some would feel their narrative to be a bit repetitive. Yarros has already described how obsessed the two are with each other, and many of the “obstacles” introduced inOnyx Stormdidn’t offer enough to grow their relationship. However,Onyx Storm’s endingcertainly sets the two characters up for a brand-new dynamic in future sequels.
The Next Empyrean Series Book Will Make Violet & Xaden Interesting Again
Onyx Storm’s Sequel Will Introduce An All-New Relationship Dynamic
Rebecca Yarros' ending ofOnyx Stormwas jaw-dropping, and Violet and Xaden’s secret marriage adds a whole new layer to their relationship in futureEmpyreannovels. Now that Xaden has turned asim, the next step inFourth Wing’s venin ranking,the two are likely to be separated for the majority, if not all the next book. This will add a refreshing dynamic to their relationship and bring back some of their early tensions and yearning to the narrative — and could even potentially reintroduce their enemies-to-lovers dynamic if Xaden can’t recall his previous feelings for Violet.
As explained by the Irids, continuing to channel can destroy a person’s soul, eventually leading them to become the evil and soulless venin that Yarros has introduced all throughout the series. It’s possible this will be the next roadblock in their romance arc, as Xaden and Violet could find themselves fighting on opposite sides of a war. But, asViolet’s second-signetallows her the ability to dreamwalk, it’s possible she could visit and speak with Xaden in this state instead. Either way, their relationship dynamics are bound to get even more interesting inOnyx Storm’s sequel.
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.
