NO SPOILER REVIEW: this was crazy but by far the best book 3 I’ve ever read in a long term series. I will be suffering until book 4.

To start off, this plot was absolutely full of action from the start to the end. I never once felt bored or felt like it was slow. In fact this book was such an improvement from Iron Flame (see what happens when we let authors cook up). I’m still not sure anything could ever beat the initial love of book 1 but this so close to it. Anyways, the plot had the perfect amount of battle, action, adventure, and of course romance. Twas never a dull moment. I’m so happy that some of my predictions came true but other things I could have NEVER come up with. Rebecca Yarros is truly a mastermind.

Next, the characters were PERFECT. I loved all of them so much (except for the bad people ofc). But we got so many more scenes with the side characters and so much information on them and I loved every second of it. There were so many emotions between them all but it was all balanced perfectly.

And Violet was such a badass in this book. I loved every second of it. I wish she would’ve been a little more like that in book 2.

The romance was of course amazing as always. I love Xaden so much, he’s perfect. And I love him and Violet’s relationship. Their moments were so amazing in this book especially without the overwhelming argument that had plagued it a little bit in book 2. The author included the perfect amount of spice in this book in my opinion. It wasn’t too overwhelming or too much and allowed for more focus on their emotional connection and the overall plot of the book without be overshadowed by physical relations.

A lot of people have been complaining about the world-building in this book but I personally thought it was great. We are learning with the main character so of course some parts aren’t going to fully be explained or revealed especially if Violet herself is learning it for the first time just like us. I do wish that some locations were included on the map to make it a little more visual but I do understand why they weren’t. There were some moments where I will admit that I was a little confused but that’s is 100% to blame on the fact that I haven’t read book 1 or 2 since 2023 so I struggled with some of the character names and terms. But overall it didn’t ruin or dim any enjoyment this book brought me.

I 100% recommend reading this to anyone who maybe didn’t love book 2 but enjoy book 1. Onyx Storm is such a step up from Iron Flame on all levels but especially the plot, writing, and characters.

Overall, this was an AMAZING BOOK 3 and I’m just so so excited for book 4. Sadly I think we will probably be waiting until 2027 but idc how long it takes. Let my queen relax and then slay. I love, love, love this series so much. Forever one of my favs. I never want it to end…but I also want all my questions answered!! Also please Rebecca, give me some mini novellas of other relationships and moments when the main series is done.

Anyways, yay for my first 5 star read of 2025. 

(Someone please DM me. I must discuss and I’m limited to what I can say in this review)