Starting Onyx Storm came with a certain kind of dread—I knew the cliffhanger was coming, and book four isn’t even on the horizon yet. But I’m committed now, and of course, I want answers to the million questions left hanging at the end of this installment. 

 

I liked this more than Iron Flame, which felt rushed to me. The pacing in Onyx Storm was steadier, and it finally set up bigger stakes for what’s to come. (In fact, this is where I wish Iron Flame had ended.) 

 

The saving grace of this book? The expanded world and the space it gave for characters like Dain, Ridoc, and others to have actual moments. Dain’s arc in particular felt like a quiet redemption, and I’m curious how it will continue. Still, being back in classes again felt odd and a little underwhelming given everything at stake. 

 

The push and pull between Violet and Xaden continues—less miscommunication than before, but still enough back-and-forth that I found myself sighing a few times. Their chemistry is still there, but it didn’t feel like it evolved much. 

 

There’s a lot that still doesn’t make sense, and the plot felt like it lost its thread more than once. Big efforts that led to very little payoff. A lot of sacrifices, not a lot of progress. 

 

But this is the story now. I’m here. I’m going to see it through.