Unpopular Opinion: Come for the Dragons, Stay for the Plot
I’m slightly behind on this one, but not for lack of obsession! I think I just fall on a different side of the fence when it comes to why I love this series. To my fellow readers: your opinions are valid, and in this space, we listen without judgment.
However, I have to be honest—the steamy scenes didn’t do much for me, and the dramatized audiobook made the kissing sound effects feel a bit obnoxious.
That being said? The plot, the dragons, and that ending absolutely deserve a solid four stars.
Onyx Storm picks up exactly where Iron Flame left off. The characters are reeling from the ramifications of that last brutal battle, grappling with secrets and the discovery of new signets. Everyone is searching for clues to build a stable, safe world, which sends Violet and the squad on a high-stakes quest. They are traveling from place to place, deciphering riddles to fix seemingly impossible problems.
(I’m trying to stay vague here to avoid spoilers!)
The tension is high: a Venin with hair suspiciously like Violet’s is making everything difficult, and Xaden’s dreams are becoming increasingly intense. It truly feels like a perfect storm is brewing with every chapter.
As always, the dragons remain the absolute highlight. The connection between the riders and their dragons is the heart of the story. This third book is a total emotional rollercoaster, and my heart genuinely breaks for Andarna.
My only real grievance? A specific character death. Rebecca Yarros, I’m looking at you! I’d much prefer seeing the villains meet their end rather than losing the characters with the biggest hearts and the best growth.
Rant over. Now, I will begin the impatient wait for Book 4 so I can continue this journey with my favorite human.
