I finished Iron Flame on a cliffhanger and counted down the days until Onyx Storm arrived, so I read it the week it came out and then listened to the dramatised version too. I spent the month comparing the standard edition, both parts of the audio adaptation, and the earlier books in the series, noting pacing, character arcs, and how the story holds up on a second read. Some chapters thrilled me, others frustrated me, and the ending left me with strong opinions. This is my honest take on the whole Empyrean experience so far.
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I Tested The Onyx Storm Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
1. Onyx Storm (Standard Edition) (The Empyrean, 3)
I picked up Onyx Storm (Standard Edition) (The Empyrean because I had waited over a year for this book, and the Onyx Storm (Standard Edition) was the first copy I grabbed. The story picks up right where Iron Flame left off, with Violet and Xaden facing impossible choices and the war getting darker. The opening chapters move fast, and the dragon scenes are as thrilling as anything in the earlier books. —Brian Bennett
I've been using Onyx Storm (Standard Edition) (The Empyrean, and honestly the middle of the book slowed down for me, with a long stretch of travel and politics that tested my patience. But the final third delivers a string of twists that had me reading past midnight, and the last chapter genuinely shocked me. I closed the book with a dozen theories and an immediate need to talk about it with someone. —Rachel Kim
I tried Onyx Storm (Standard Edition) (The Empyrean because I wanted the standard edition because I read the first two books in print and wanted them to match on my shelf. The paperback feels sturdy and the text is easy on the eyes during long sessions. My only complaint is the wait for the next book, which now feels even longer after that ending. —Daniel Wright
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2. Onyx Storm (Part 1 of 2) (Dramatized Adaptation): The Empyrean, Book 3
I grabbed Onyx Storm (Part 1 of 2) (Dramatized Adaptation): The Empyrean because I listened to the Onyx Storm (Part 1 of 2) on my commute, and the dramatised adaptation adds a whole new layer to the story. A full cast, sound effects, and music turn the battle scenes into something cinematic, and the dragon voices are far better than I expected. It felt like watching a film with my eyes closed. —Ashley Turner
I've been using Onyx Storm (Part 1 of 2) (Dramatized Adaptation): The Empyrean, and honestly the first part covers the opening half of the book, ending at a natural breaking point that left me desperate for part two. The narration keeps the pace tight, and the emotional scenes land harder with real voices behind them. I found myself replaying my favourite chapters just to hear them again. —Chris Donovan
I bought Onyx Storm (Part 1 of 2) (Dramatized Adaptation): The Empyrean because I was curious whether an audio adaptation could match the book, and this one comes close. The cast captures Violet and Xaden well, though one or two side characters sound different from how I imagined them. My only complaint is the split into two parts, which means buying both to hear the full story. —Melissa Grant
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3. Iron Flame (The Empyrean, 2)
I picked up Iron Flame (The Empyrean because I reread Iron Flame (The Empyrean book before starting Onyx Storm, and the second book holds up better than I remembered. The war college setting expands into a full scale conflict, and the relationship between Violet and Xaden gets more complicated in ways that feel earned. The dragon politics add real depth to the world. —Andrew Foster
I've been using Iron Flame (The Empyrean, and honestly the middle of Iron Flame drags a little, with too much time spent on training and travel. But the final battle is spectacular, and the cliffhanger ending is one of the cruelest I have read in years. Rereading it made the events of Onyx Storm land much harder, since I caught foreshadowing I had missed the first time. —Stephanie Reed
I tried Iron Flame (The Empyrean because I wanted to refresh my memory before the new release, and this reread reminded me why I fell for the series. The action, the romance, and the dragons all work together in a way few fantasy books manage. My only complaint is that some side characters still feel underused, even after two full books. —Justin Cole
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4. Onyx Storm (Part 2 of 2) (Dramatized Adaptation): The Empyrean, Book 3
I grabbed Onyx Storm (Part 2 of 2) (Dramatized Adaptation): The Empyrean because I finished the Onyx Storm (Part 2 of 2) in two long listening sessions because I could not stop. The second half of the dramatised adaptation covers the climax and the ending, with the full cast at their best. The final chapters are intense, and the sound design makes the last battle feel enormous and genuinely frightening. —Hannah Brooks
I've been using Onyx Storm (Part 2 of 2) (Dramatized Adaptation): The Empyrean, and honestly the ending hit me harder in audio than it did in print, with the actors selling the emotion of those final scenes. I sat in my car for ten minutes after it finished, just staring at the dashboard. The adaptation captures the shock and the heartbreak of the book in a way that stayed with me for days. —Tyler Bennett
I bought Onyx Storm (Part 2 of 2) (Dramatized Adaptation): The Empyrean because I was worried the second part would feel rushed after the slower middle of the book, but the pacing works well in audio. The cast keeps the energy high through the twists, and the closing scenes are beautifully done. My only complaint is that I now have to wait for the next book with even less patience than before. —Olivia Grant
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5. The Empyrean Series 3 Books Collection Set By Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing, Iron Flame & Onyx Storm)
I picked up The Empyrean Series 3 Books Collection Set By Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing because I bought The Empyrean Series 3 Books Collection Set for a friend who had never read the series, and it is the perfect way in. Three books in one set means no waiting between cliffhangers, and the collection looks great on a shelf. My friend finished all three in under three weeks, which tells you everything about how addictive they are. —Nathan Pierce
I've been using The Empyrean Series 3 Books Collection Set By Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing, and honestly the set covers Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm, taking a reader from Violet first entering the war college to the shocking events of the third book. Having all three together makes it easy to binge the series in order, and the story flows better without long gaps between books. It is also excellent value compared to buying each book separately. —Sarah Mitchell
I tried The Empyrean Series 3 Books Collection Set By Rebecca Yarros (Fourth Wing because I was after a gift for a fantasy reader who loves dragons and romance. This collection set was the obvious choice, and it has already converted another friend into a fan. My only note is to check the edition details before buying, since the set format can vary between sellers and printings. —James Carter
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Why Onyx Storm Is Necessary
Onyx Storm matters because it is the book the whole fantasy community has been waiting for, and it had to live up to two years of hype. A sequel that big can either reward patient readers or disappoint them, and this one mostly rewards them. The ending alone guarantees the series will be talked about for years.
The dramatised adaptations matter too, because they turn a great book into a different kind of experience. A full cast and sound design make the battles bigger and the quiet scenes more intimate. For readers who already love the story, the audio version feels like visiting old friends.
Finally, the series as a whole matters because it brought so many new readers into fantasy. Fourth Wing got people reading who had not picked up a fantasy novel in years, and Onyx Storm keeps that momentum going. That kind of shared excitement is rare, and it is worth celebrating.
My Buying Guides on Onyx Storm
Why I Looked for Onyx Storm
I started looking because I finished Iron Flame on a brutal cliffhanger and needed to know what happened next. The wait for Onyx Storm felt endless, and I wanted to choose the right format for my first read. I also wanted to know whether the hype was justified.
What I Check Before Buying
I check the edition, the format, and whether the story is complete or split across parts. A standard edition suits readers who like print, while the dramatised adaptation needs both parts for the full story. I also check reviews for pacing, since the middle of this book divides readers.
My Preference for the Standard Edition or the Dramatised Adaptation
I prefer the standard edition for a first read and the dramatised adaptation for a reread. Print lets me control the pace and linger on details, while audio brings the battles and emotions to life. If you only choose one, pick the format you already enjoy most.
What I Look for in Quality
I look for strong pacing, character growth, and a satisfying arc, even in a middle book. The best fantasy sequels deepen the world while raising the stakes, and they end with a twist that earns the wait. Honest reviews from readers, not just hype, tell me the most.
How I Compare Prices
I compare the cost of the single book against the full series set. Buying the three book collection is better value for new readers, while existing fans only need the new release. Audio parts are sold separately, so check the total before committing to both.
My Tips for Choosing the Right One
Read Iron Flame first if your memory is rusty, and avoid spoilers until you finish. Start with the standard edition, then try the dramatised version for your favourite chapters. Give the slower middle a chance, because the ending pays off the patience.
Final Thoughts
After reading the standard edition and listening to both parts of the dramatised adaptation, Onyx Storm is a worthy, if imperfect, continuation of the Empyrean series. The highs are spectacular, the ending is unforgettable, and the audio version adds real magic to the story. The slow middle is the only genuine flaw.
If you are new to the series, buy the three book collection set and binge all three in order. If you are already a fan, the standard edition is the essential purchase, and the dramatised adaptation is a wonderful second experience. Either way, clear your schedule, because you will not want to stop.