Onyx Storm Reveal: Xaden’s Major Challenge as He Becomes Venin

In mere weeks, readers will be immersed in the captivating world of Onyx Storm, the newest installment in Rebecca Yarros’ acclaimed The Empyrean Series. As anticipation builds, the author has released a series of tantalizing teasers, including an exclusive three-page excerpt featured on Cosmopolitan UK. A central concern for fans revolves around Xaden’s potential transformation into a venin, a cliffhanger from the previous book, Iron Flame, that has left readers on the edge of their seats since its 2023 debut. Yarros’ recent updates have provided further clarity on the formidable challenges awaiting Xaden in Onyx Storm.

One particularly intriguing teaser shared on Yarros’ Instagram presents a brief encounter between Xaden and Jack Barlowe within the ominous dungeons of Basgiath. Although the timing of this exchange remains uncertain, it is speculated to unfold within the initial chapters of Onyx Storm. During this conversation, overheard by Violet, Jack ominously hints that Xaden’s control will be subjected to intense scrutiny, suggesting that violence against Violet or their friends could be a potential reality — a notion Jack appears to accept as inevitable.

New Insights from Onyx Storm Reveal Xaden’s Control Will Face Serious Tests

Jack’s Transformation in Iron Flame Highlights the Fragility of Control

Onyx Storm book cover featuring an orange flaming circle background — Custom image by Ana Nieves

Across the previous novels in the series, Yarros often underscores Xaden’s remarkable talent for maintaining control—a skill that not many young dragon riders can master. However, given Xaden’s exceptional powers, his desire for control has been formidable. Yarros’ latest sneak peek indicates that this control may shatter in Onyx Storm. As Jack Barlowe observes, once a rider becomes venin, maintaining control becomes a fleeting endeavor. The transformation into a venin may not follow a clear, simple trajectory, and the intricacies of how quickly one advances through venin ranks are yet to be unveiled.

Jack’s dialogue with Xaden, revealed in the latest teaser, suggests his acute awareness of the ease with which one can slip into uncontrolled venin behavior. In Iron Flame, Yarros attempts to redeem Jack’s character; his life-saving actions concerning Violet on the rooftop of Basgiath are key examples of this redemption arc. Yet, the stark contrast between Jack’s early behavior and his evolution by the end of Iron Flame raises significant concerns. If Xaden cannot rein in his desire for power, he risks sharing Jack’s grim fate.

Xaden’s Transformation into Venin Poses Threats to Violet and Friends in Onyx Storm

Foreshadowing from Yarros’ Teaser Could Hint at Future Turmoil

Jack’s unsettling remarks illuminate a substantial worry regarding Xaden’s newfound identity as a venin: his potential inability to govern the longing for additional power, whether it stems from the source or others. In their exchange, Xaden fervently declares he would never harm Violet, yet Jack’s comments might foreshadow a troubling incident on the horizon. The conclusion of Iron Flame raises the stakes for Xaden and Violet’s relationship, with his fears surrounding the potential for harm threatening to create rifts between them in Onyx Storm.

Readers should approach this teaser as a carefully crafted suggestion from Yarros, possibly hinting at the devastating events that loom ahead in Onyx Storm. The anxiety about hurting Violet or his allies could compel Xaden to distance himself from Basgiath—and perhaps even from Violet—completely. Given Xaden’s profound love for her, it is probable that he will risk everything to shield Violet and others from harm. This intricate web of emotions points to potentially heart-wrenching developments in the approaching narrative.

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