Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons.

No more time for uncertainty.

Because the battle has truly begun; and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust.

Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre.

The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves - her dragons, her family, her home, and him.

Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything.

They need an army.
They need power.
They need magic.

And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth.

But a storm is coming... and not everyone can survive its wrath.

This book will not be one of my top reads of the year but I wasn't dissapointed in it. It kept my interest but didnt make me go WOW at any point. Certain scenes got me feeling a bit more than others, but nothing brought me to tears or anything. Over all I'd say this was a solidly average read.

Things I did enjoy though were the wordbuilding aspects, learning more about the magic and religions and other regions. These parts kept me interested and wanting to read more.

The relationships that developed and grew in this book were great. Ridoc is hands down one of my favorite characters now.

The relationship between Violet and Xaden remains feeling shallow for me. I get they are in love but their love only seems to be as deep as their physical connection. There are no moments of tenderness for them, even when opportunities rise, they use it to just be physical, which fine but it leaves the relationship feeling cheap.

I will definitely be reading the next book just to get answers for the plethora of questions Yarros left behind in the wake of this book. Though Onyx Storm will not be a book I'm running to tell people to read.

I am both upset and pleased. 🥲 I would say this is my favorite book of the series so far. SO much happens in what feels like so little time?? The pacing felt great and while some things were answered, there’s still plenty more to be learned. I am EXCITED for the next books!!

Better than book 2. You can really tell she took her time getting this one right and going through multiple edits. There weren't a whole bunch of side quests to distract from the main goal. Each character was used for their strengths and not thrown in for the plot or just because they're a fan favorite. I do like that we got to see more of the bonds between the other riders and their dragons this time. Everyone was used wisely and the plot flowed well. I still love my dragons and their riders and can't wait to read what happens next !As excited as I am for book 4, I want her to take her time so that we get a strong story.