Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. Full disclaimer can be found here.
Disclaimer: No spoilers ahead! I promise not to ruin any plot twists or surprises—just a fair review of how Onyx Storm delivered on the theme of connection.
With the move, not much reading happened in February, but I did manage to finish Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros. I hadn’t intentionally picked it to fit the book challenge theme of “Connection,” but thankfully, it turned out to be a perfect match. As I read, I couldn’t help but think back to that memorable line from book two—”We don’t eat our allies“—which felt especially relevant in this installment. The novel dives deep into bonds of all kinds—between people, dragons, and even within oneself. While the book had its moments of brilliance, particularly in the second half, I couldn’t help but feel that some aspects of the story were too reminiscent of other franchises, especially Star Wars. This familiarity often pulled me out of the world Yarros built, making the exploration of connection feel a bit uneven.
“We Don’t Eat Our Allies”: A Lesson in Trust and Connection
Even though that line comes from the previous book, it was utmost in my mind throughout Onyx Storm as the group searches for just that—true allies. The story repeatedly tests the characters’ ability to trust and connect with others, whether it’s forging alliances with unfamiliar factions or deepening bonds with existing companions. The quote serves as a reminder that true connection isn’t just about surviving together; it’s about choosing to trust, to protect, and to see the humanity (or dragonity) in each other.
This theme is explored in the bond between Violet Sorrengail and her dragons, Tairn and Andarna. Their telepathic link and mutual respect go beyond the usual fantasy trope of magical animal companions, showcasing how real connection is built on understanding and loyalty—not just necessity. This part of the story was easily one of my favorites and fit perfectly with the theme of the book challenge.
Where Connection Felt Disconnected: Xaden Riorson’s Familiar Arc
Despite the strong portrayal of connections between dragons and riders, Xaden Riorson’s character arc often felt like a remix of Star Wars tropes. His brooding darkness, conflicted loyalties, and tense dynamic with Violet were so reminiscent of Kylo Ren and Anakin Skywalker that I almost expected him to complain about sand at some point. The dramatic flair, the inner conflict, and the slightly self-pitying vibe had such Anakin energy that it was hard to take some scenes seriously.
As a Star Wars fan, I can appreciate a good homage, but the similarities were a bit too on the nose for my taste. I found myself wishing for more originality in Xaden’s portrayal to balance out the otherwise rich world-building and relationships. The familiarity made parts of the story feel predictable, diluting the impact of the emotional connections the book was trying to explore.
Found Family and Loyalty: The Real Connection Highlight
One of the book’s saving graces was the sense of found family among Violet’s squad. Their messy, complicated bonds brought a lot of heart to the story and made the theme of connection feel more authentic. The loyalty, humor, and occasional bickering between squad members highlighted how connection isn’t just about destiny or grand gestures; it’s about showing up for each other in small, everyday ways.
This exploration of chosen connections—especially when contrasted with the more trope-heavy elements of the story—added much-needed depth and emotional stakes. It was these moments that kept me invested, even when the plot felt overly familiar.
A Rushed Ending and a Long Wait for Book Four
While the second half of Onyx Storm did manage to find its footing, I couldn’t help but feel like the ending was a bit rushed. Just as the story was hitting its stride, everything seemed to accelerate too quickly, leaving several threads feeling a bit frayed. With the news that book four isn’t expected anytime soon, this rushed ending felt even more disappointing. The abruptness left me wanting more resolution, especially after investing so much into the characters and their journeys.
Final Thoughts: A Mixed Experience on the Theme of Connection
Onyx Storm had its ups and downs, but it ultimately delivered on the February book challenge theme of connection—albeit in a sometimes roundabout way. When the book leaned into its original elements, it offered a rich exploration of how connection can shape our choices and give us strength in difficult times. However, the overreliance on familiar character archetypes, combined with a rushed ending, made the wait for the next installment feel particularly long.
⭐ Rating: 3.5/5
📖 Recommended for: Fans of character-driven fantasy, dragon lore, and stories that explore the complexity of connection—just be prepared for a few moments that might make you feel like you’ve accidentally switched to a galaxy far, far away, and for a cliffhanger that will test your patience.
See? I didn’t spoil anything for you! If you want to dive into Onyx Storm and see what happens next in Violet’s journey, click here to add the book to your Amazon cart. Happy reading!
Discover more from Not Quite Superhuman
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Really appreciating the monthly topics. For March’s focus on creativity: Sometimes creativity comes from playing the role of the “Wise Fool,” who looks at life in unconventional ways and challenges our assumptions. If you’re not familiar with the non-fiction book The Creative Contrarian by Roger von Oech, you might want to check it out! Von Oech suggests that activating our creative contrarian— even just 5% of the time— can help boost creativity and curb groupthink. The book features 20 “Wise Fool” strategies. Whether you try Lao Tzu’s “laugh at it” advice or Henry Miller’s “use your forgettery” philosophy, von Oech helps us explore the “Wise Fool” role to break old, ineffective thinking habits and create new ones for better organization, effectiveness, and inspiration. Lots of fun and excellent food for thought.