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Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 22

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Written by: Cory

Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 22

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.

The chapter starts off strong with the epigraph, giving us incredibly useful information about the second Krovlan uprising. But that raises an important question—what about the first? This isn’t the first time Krovla has tried to rise up, so what exactly happened before?

Rumor has it that Cordyn supplied troops and weaponry for the second Krovlan uprising. Asher’s research led him to Deverelli, who turned out to be the broker of arms.

I cannot shake the feeling that weather is far more significant than it seems—especially on the isles. It’s mentioned far too often to be just background detail. Rebecca Yarros even explained that the isles are closer to the equator. So Luceras is cold, and the further south you go, the warmer it gets.

But why is this relevant?

Then there’s the fact that Deverelli still has crossbolts. Why? Why would an island without magic keep its weapons against dragons intact for centuries? Were they once drained of magic—perhaps by dragons? The colors here are noticeably less vibrant than on the continent, where magic still exists.

Which brings us back to the question: Are dragons evil?

On a lighter note—Daddy Tairn is still the best. I need an entire book of just conversations between him and Andarna. She’s such a chaotic kid.

“Do not go any deeper than your claws!” Tairn lectures, his tail nearly taking out a tree as he pivots to watch her go. “I swear, if you get in over your head, I’ll let you drown.”

I love him.

When Violet realizes that she’s the only one who can still communicate with her dragons, I can’t help but wonder—why isn’t Tairn saying anything about it? How is he not questioning how this is possible?

Even Mira stops to think about it:

“Do you think it’s because you’re bonded to two? Or is it Andarna?”

And then there’s the question of runes. Just because there’s no magic doesn’t mean they’re powerless. Runes, right? We know from Iron Flame that venin can use runes inside the wyvern. But we never quite established whether it’s possible to use runes in a place with zero magic.

“There’s no magic here.” He tugs me against him. “No power. No lure. No taunting reminder that I can save everyone if I just reach for it and take what’s offered. It’s only…peace.”

I love this exchange between Violet and Xaden. Seeing how relaxed he is without the pull of magic is fascinating. Initially, I wondered—would he become agitated without it? Would he feel weaker? But no—he’s calm. At peace.

And now I have so many questions.

Could it be that there are venin already on the isles? Living their lives without magic? Without temptation? Without hunger?

“For the first time since fetching the luminary, I seriously debate Tecarus’s offer.”

This moment says so much about Violet. How all she really wants is peace for the people she loves. How she would gladly give up magic if it meant Xaden could finally have peace.

If only it were that simple…

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.

5 responses to “Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 22”

  1. Zuzle Avatar
    Zuzle

    The entire history of Poromiel is a bit suspicious. When was Poromiel founded? At first, I thought it was around the same time as the Unification of Navarr. At least Krovla and Braevic. And 328 AU: Second Cygni Incursion; Cygnisen is absorbed into the Kingdom of Poromiel. But then we read that “Braevick absorbed Cygnisen under Porom the First.” This implies that at that time, Krovla was independent. It became part of Poromiel only after Cygnisen, so after 328 AU. And in 433, it tried to break away for the second time. … And I really don’t understand why it’s so important for Navarr that after the second Krovla uprising, they changed their leadership system and the general of all armies became the general of the riders. Why????

    Reply
    1. Cory Avatar
      Cory

      Exactly this! It bothers me so much. It almost feels as if Tyrrendor and Krovla, were somehow…independent, yes but united? They seem to share a lot.
      Clearly Fen tried to create something there again by promising Xaden to Cat. Very Habsburgs of them. Creating a connection again. A strong one at that.

      So was Krovla somehow in the same shoes as Tyrrendor? Krovla tried to break from Poromiel. Tyrrendor from Navarre.
      Also….feathertails?! Where the hell do they fit in all of this. I don’t believe it for one second that it was because they can be malleable.

      Reply
      1. Zuzle Avatar
        Zuzle

        “Dain’s eyes widen. “But the raiders spoke Krovlish, and descriptors follow nouns in Krovlish. They were hunting
        feathertails. Dragons.”… Riders? Krovlish? Not flyers, riders? Why the hell a rider would speak Krovlish? Are/were there riders in Krovla?

        Reply
      2. Zuzle Avatar
        Zuzle

        Oops, forget it, I just can’t read – raiders, not riders.

        Reply
  2. abe Avatar
    abe

    Oh, I love your idea that other venin fled to the isle for peace. I’ve said it before in my comments, there are venin who’d rather not be venin. Maybe the crossbolts are for wyvern. We think the isles were once drained because of their mute colors. It’s probably a wise choice for a dragonless/wyvernless place to have that type of defense in case they are attacked again.

    Reply

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