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Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 18

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Written by: Cory

Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 18

It goes without saying that THERE ARE MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD. If you haven’t read this chapter of Onyx Storm, please go read it first.

We’re going to start with the epigraph. Do we think there will be exploration beyond the Emerald Sea? Ice-tipped weaves—I can imagine Ridoc doing well here. And Heaton too. He can breathe underwater, after all…

As expected, adding Violet’s former lover into the equation was only ever going to lead to a similar quandary as we faced in Iron Flame when we learned about Cat.

“My father’s world rotated on the axis of my mother, and they didn’t meet until their third year.“ We also get confirmation that Lilith and Asher met while in the Quadrant—he as a scribe, she as a rider. It’s worth revisiting that Dunne theory right now, but only if you’ve finished the book.

“Thank you, Zihnal.” — It’s not exactly an Easter egg, but more of an observation. She thanks the God of Luck, yet it feels like it was her wisdom that truly helped her figure out the code for Asher’s book.

“If I now walk alongside Malek with your brother, then guard this manuscript carefully. But if the worst has happened and your mother has joined us, then you must protect this knowledge with your very life.”

He wrote this after Brennan had “died.” So at the very least, Asher didn’t know about Brennan.

Can we take a moment to appreciate how this is written? If I now walk alongside Malek.

The most direct interpretation aligns with Malek as a god of death. In Navarrian culture, to walk alongside Malek suggests someone has passed into the afterlife, joining those who have already died. But one could argue that “walking alongside Malek” might imply divine favor, status, or even an ideological alignment. If Asher believed himself to be a somewhat equal to Malek, could this phrase hint at something beyond mere death?

“You seek the weapon to defeat those you’ve only learned about through lore, then abandon your robes and ride for Cordyn.”

Asher knew about the weapon. Which means information about it must exist somewhere. There’s so much meaning packed into this letter.

“I made sure Dain would be capable should you need him…”

Dain was trained for a role in helping Violet. But the next part? That’s chilling.

“If he follows in the footsteps of his father, you must find the strength to let go of your affection for him.”

Whoa, two things here. First, even though General Aetos was Lilith’s second-in-command, she knew he wasn’t to be trusted—she knew he was a bad man. Asher knew it too. The politics here are getting so intricate and incredible. The diplomatic game Lilith had to play all this time to protect her family? Genius.

Second, Dain was set to follow in his father’s footsteps with Varrish’s help. But he didn’t. He killed Varrish, and his father disowned him in front of the entire Quadrant. Yet Dain keeps showing up. His loyalty is to Violet, right? RIGHT?

“You will be safe beyond the reach of magic there.” According to Tairn, there is no magic beyond the continent. Which is why it’s so surprising that the irids have left. This raises the question: Are dragons evil? This theory is a major spoiler minefield.

But then there’s more. “Trust only Mira.“ Not Dain, despite the fact that he was mentioned as a trained…language tool. Nobody else. Just Mira.

Narelle Anselm—a merchant in Deverelli. The isle that barred Navarrians from its land for centuries. Asher had his secrets. And so did Lilith. Aren’t we just so curious? Will Book 4 unravel more?

“I know what to bring with us,” Andarna adds. Something with magic, right? That’s what Andarna thinking here.
“I have come to the same conclusion,” Tairn growls, “but do not wish to spend my time with nursery gossips.”

What does this mean? Nursery gossip? I’ve read this paragraph over and over. Is he dismissing Asher’s letter? Or mocking the idea that she will be safe on an isle without magic?

And just as we finish this solemn and crucial letter, we get a very jealous Xaden. Finally. We’ve been waiting for this since Iron Flame. How do you like them apples, Xaden? Imagine how Violet felt during the whole Cat drama. And you told her nothing. Now it’s Vi’s turn.

Speaking of which, do you remember:

“And to answer the question, I’d feel jealous, which is something you have a unique ability to bring out in me. And then I’d kick his ass, partially because that’s what I do when someone challenges me, and more importantly, for implying there’s any other future besides the one where you and I are endgame.”

Just a little throwback to Iron Flame. Well, guess what? That’s precisely what happened.

“You could leave me or even meet Malek, and it still would be [yours, Vi’s heart]. I’ve made my peace with knowing there’s no getting over you.”

I don’t want to be that person, but this really feels like foreshadowing. Is Xaden going to leave and/or meet Malek?

After a fun and hot display of, well… classic Xaden and Violet, we get them discussing the most pressing matter at hand: heading to Anca first so they can go straight to the isles. And so, the adventure truly begins!

Onyx Storm Read Along

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Cory

Hello! I’m Cory, a devoted superfan of the Fourth Wing, Iron Flame and the Empyrean Series. My passion for these epic tales has led me to read and reread the books, each time uncovering new layers of information. I’ve created this site to share my insights and discoveries with fellow fans and anyone interested in exploring the rich world of Empyrean.

2 responses to “Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 18”

  1. A Yackulic Avatar
    A Yackulic

    This chapter was packed to the brim with foreshadowing. Yarrows is really setting us up for widow Violet these last few chapters.

    Reply
    1. Cory Avatar
      Cory

      Yeah…

      Reply

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