Rebecca Yarros has revealed that her third Empyrean book is called Onyx Storm, and there are several possible meanings behind the title of the Fourth Wing sequel. New details about the series have been sparse since Iron Flame‘s release in October 2023. However, Red Tower Books has finally announced a release date and official title for the follow-up to Iron Flame. Per the publisher’s Instagram update, the next installment will arrive on January 21, 2025 — and it will feature a deadly mission befitting of the name Onyx Storm.
But Yarros typically injects elements of her story into her book titles, even if the connection is occasionally obvious. For Fourth Wing, the title clearly stems from Violet’s place in the Riders Quadrant at Basgiath War College. Iron Flame gets a bit more creative, as it references the black flame — or iron flame — that appears when wardstones are activated, allowing Navarre to protect itself from outside threats. Onyx Storm is also likely to reference a major element of the third book’s story. Looking at what it could mean, it may even allude to more than one character or theme.
Until Yarros’ next Empyrean book arrives, there’s no definitive answer about what its title means — but there are enough clues to guess that Onyx Storm could have multiple meanings. Onyx typically takes on a black shade, and that repeatedly proves an important color in Violet’s journey. Both of the dragons she bonds have black scales, with Andarna modeling her color after Tairn’s. It’s possible that the title of the third Empyrean book references them through its name, or it could revolve around Violet’s lightning signet. It could just as easily allude to Xaden, whose shadow signet is another huge part of Yarros’ story.
Yarros told Variety that her book titles usually “come to me when I’m plotting.” This means that Onyx Storm must connect to some major element of the upcoming sequel, like a character or ability within her world. With so many that make sense, it’s possible Onyx Storm‘s title combines multiple aspects of the book. There are a few that work with the title partially, and they could make even more sense depending on what happens in the next Fourth Wing sequel.
With the title bringing up black imagery, Onyx Storm could allude to Violet’s dragons, Tairn and Andarna. Tairn is introduced as a massive Black dragon in Fourth Wing. And the much-younger Andarna sees her scales turning black in Iron Flame, though she later reveals she’s not actually a Black dragon but a lesser-known breed that changes colors. With so many questions about the type of dragon Andarna is, it’s possible that Onyx Storm will take a deeper look at the series’ dragon lore and Violet’s companions specifically.
If this is the case, it raises questions about the storm part of the title. However, Onyx Storm‘s teaser trailer may answer that question. With Tairn, Violet, and Andarna seemingly embarking on a dangerous quest, they might be facing a storm of sorts. Violet’s dragons could also be the storm in question, attacking whatever stands in their path with the force of a tempest. Violet’s signet also supports Onyx Storm referring to her group, as her ability allows her to control lightning.
Speaking of Violet’s signet, the third Empyrean book’s title could reference her power over lightning — though it’s unclear where the “onyx” descriptor would come from. It’s possible Violet’s second signet could turn her combined abilities into an “onyx storm.” However, it’s hard to imagine what type of signet could do that besides shadows. Of course, the title could be a play on Violet and Xaden’s combined abilities. It’s an accurate description of what their lightning and shadow powers would look like side by side, especially from an opponent’s perspective.
It’s also possible that Violet’s lightning signet could change, especially if she were to turn venin. With Xaden becoming venin at the end of Iron Flame, anything seems possible — and such a twist could make Violet’s power darker in nature. This is probably the least likely meaning behind Yarros’ new book name. While Violet’s signet is akin to a storm, the “onyx” part of the title is way more likely to reference Xaden Riorson.
The title Onyx Storm could have more to do with Xaden Riorson than Violet Sorrengail, as Xaden’s shadows — which he controls through his signet — would fit the “onyx” description perfectly. His powers could be considered a storm even in the first book, as he demonstrates his ability to kill with them during one of Fourth Wing‘s most action-packed moments. However, it’s also possible that turning venin could turn Xaden into a storm. He already has two incredibly powerful signets, and his shadows and mind-reading abilities may become more dangerous now that he’s venin.
It’s also worth noting that Xaden’s eyes are often described as “onyx,” with Violet offering up lengthy descriptions of her love interest throughout Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. This could be another clue that the third Empyrean book’s title is about Xaden. After all, a large chunk of the story is likely to center on his character, especially after Iron Flame‘s surprising ending. With Xaden becoming an increasingly large threat to both his enemies and certain powers within Navarre, it’s not unthinkable that Yarros would describe him in this way.
There was speculation about the meaning of Iron Flame‘s title when the book was first announced, but the true explanation for its name didn’t make sense until after it was published. This could be the case for Onyx Storm as well, with the third book’s name alluding to something readers don’t know about just yet. While numerous characters and abilities could connect to the next Empyrean novel’s title, none of them fully fit the bill — at least not yet.
Readers will need to wait to learn more about the true meaning behind Onyx Storm. It could take them by surprise, expanding the lore within Yarros’ world even further than Iron Flame did. With the teaser for the upcoming Empyrean book featuring storm clouds, its title could even allude to an actual storm. There’s no telling what trouble Violet will run into on her dangerous mission, and only time will tell how it relates to the story’s name.
Source: Instagram, Variety