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 epigraph is perfect. It tells us about the god of luck who turns out to be a bit…chaotic. The instant thought here is: orange dragons. They are unpredictable, right? I believe there is no denying that there is a link between the two.

No wonder there was colour on the isle; there is magic here. So there is a clear connection between magic and colours. Hedonis was the most monochromatic of them all. Are they linked to venin somehow?

“Color fills the crowd, but everyone sitting in the front row is dressed in identical sleeveless tunics the shade of apricots.”

Do you remember who has this shade? Orange dragons!

Well, the excitement is a little over as we moved onto the ominous promise Xaden asks Violet to make him. I’m so sorry to say this, but something tells me this is foreshadowing. I think further down the line, perhaps in Book 4, Xaden might just attempt to hurt one of Violet’s friends, or even her.

“This might be my favorite isle.” Trager takes Cat’s hand. “What do you think, Violet?” Awwww, ohhh, ughhhhh!

Annnd. Back to foreshadowing right now: “Which is it, Xaden? Am I too precious to get close? Or am I the one who needs to know which shadow is yours?” I believe this is the right time to note that no promises were made. Again, I think this will play out down the line at some point…

I can’t help but love Aaric and…Dain. They are actually rather adorable and I love the image. Dain trying to speak Zehylish, appearing as if he is in pain, then Aaric literally taking over the conversation as if he was born here. Brilliant.

“And Zihnal is certainly with those of us who chose today!” In a world where I firmly believe the gods exist and mingle as they seem fit, I truly believe that Zihnal is amongst them right now.

“Our queen is delighted you’ve sought us out and is eager to come to your aid. We have always revered dragonkind.” She tilts her head toward Silaraine. “And the gryphons, of course.”

Well, this feels too easy. Games or not, it feels unusual that an isle would want to come to their aid. What do they have to gain?

“There’s a trick here,” Xaden warns. “But there’s not enough power to read her.” Of course there is a trick. I would have loved for Xaden to be able to read her, but alas…

“If you do not accept that luck determines your fate, that Zihnal may gift you with great fortune or take it, then we cannot ally ourselves with you. We do not accept those who do not adjust their sails in a storm.” Lucky or unlucky, I do quite like her last sentence. Whatever Zihnal brings, they need to learn how to adjust their sails in a storm. And again, the fact that she used the water analogy makes me think that Zihnal’s symbol is definitely “water”.

What’s up with Mira? “One by one, they nod, ending with Mira on the right, who immediately rolls her eyes afterward.” Does she not trust Violet’s decision-making? Does she just want Violet to be stronger and give out orders instead? How did you read this? On this trip, she is a little…insufferable. Please let me know in the comments.

Aaric, you honorable prince: “And nullify Aetos’s reason for joining…what is it Ridoc calls us? Quest squad?” Aaric shakes his head. Speaking of Ridoc, if you had a chance to finish all three books, please make sure to read the Rioc theory I have on the site for you.

I am 100% certain that all the gifts mean something. I know for a fact that they each need to play a role in the coming book, and I honestly don’t really know what they all mean. There are no clues.

Mira – Wine. Possible explanation: Wine has long been associated with revelry, transformation and the divine. In ancient Greece, it was the province of Dionysus—a deity of ecstasy, chaos and chance. Receiving wine might suggest that luck favours those who embrace life’s pleasures and its unpredictable turns.

Maren – Two orange tunics. Possible explanation: Tunics were everyday garments in ancient Rome and Greece, but the choice of bright orange is intriguing. Something tells me that we might need these tunics to blend in with the people on this very isle. Or maybe to even fool others from other isles.

Dain – Slap. Possible explanation: A slap as a gift is paradoxical, hinting at a sudden, jarring awakening. It may be seen as a divine reminder that fortune can be as harsh as it is benevolent, or a lesson in humility—an unexpected shock that prompts one to reassess one’s path. I also think it’s the slap we’ve been waiting for to sort of ensure that Dain is definitely on the right path.

Garrick – rusted steel bucket. Possible explanation: While seemingly mundane and decayed, a rusted bucket might symbolise the container of one’s fortunes. Its deterioration suggests that luck is not static; it gathers the remnants of the past and reminds us that even discarded or neglected things may hold value if seen through the right lens. If you finished the book, make sure to read this theory and the comments below it.

Xaden – empty glass box. Possible explanation: An empty glass box is both fragile and transparent, evoking the idea of potential rather than possession. Much like Pandora’s box—but without its malevolent contents—it may suggest that fortune is not given, but created. The emptiness could be a canvas for one’s own actions to fill with meaning. I also think this will play an important role for holding Xaden’s soul (spoilers in the theory btw).

Violet – the compass. Possible explanation: Black compass with a dark chain. It doesn’t indicate north. It’s broken. A compass typically represents guidance and direction. However, a broken one that fails to point north might imply that the usual rules of fate and order do not apply when luck is at play. It could be a reminder that life’s journey is often guided by chance rather than certainty, challenging the recipient to navigate an uncertain destiny. My two cents? I think this “black” compass will lead Violet to Malek.

“It’s bad luck to throw away a gift from Zihnal,” Xaden lectures as Ridoc heads to the table. Not only that, but I believe these gifts will come in handy.

Ridoc – painted pair of lips. Lips symbolise communication, seduction and the power of words. A painted pair of lips may represent promises or secrets—perhaps hinting at the persuasive power of fate or the allure of a chance encounter. In myth, lips are often tied to the expression of divine will or passionate destiny. I think he was just kissed by Zihnall for all his good work.

Cat – gold necklace with a dangling ruby. Gold and ruby both carry connotations of wealth, passion and protection. This piece of jewelry might symbolise the richness that luck can bestow, but also the bonds it creates—both to others and to one’s own ambitions. Historically, precious stones were often believed to possess talismanic qualities, safeguarding the bearer against misfortune. But what is more, there are two characters we know who have rubies: the Duchess of Morraine and Theophanie.

Drake – the claw. Drake receives a kitten. A kitten embodies innocence, playfulness and unpredictability. Much like luck itself, a kitten is charming yet capricious, capable of both delight and mischief. In some cultures, cats are revered as bringers of fortune or omens, suggesting that even the smallest creature can wield the power of chance.

Trager receives the arrow. And just as we thought everyone was safe, we lost Trager. This gift is the most enigmatic. Arrows are swift and irrevocable—a common symbol of fate, destiny, or even love (as with Cupid’s arrows). And yet, it was love who brought Trager here, and as luck will (not) have it, it led to his demise.

Onyx Storm Read Along

• Onyx Storm Read Along: Prologue
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 1
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 2
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 3
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 4
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 5
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 6
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 7
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 8
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 9
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 10
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 11
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 12
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 13
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 14
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 15
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 16
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 17
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 18
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 19
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 20
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 21
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 22
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 23
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 24
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 25
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 26
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 27
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 28
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 29
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 30
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 31
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 32
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 33
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 34
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 35
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 36
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 37
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 38
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 39
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 40
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 41
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 42
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 43
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 44
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 45
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 46
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 47
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 48
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 49
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 50
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 51
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 52
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 53
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 54
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 55
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 56
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 57
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 58
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 59
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 60
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 61
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 62
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 63
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 64
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 65
• Onyx Storm Read Along – Chapter 66