Onyx Storm Theory: Who turned venin at the end?

Last updated:

February 19, 2025

Written by: Cory

I woke up in the middle of the night because I couldn’t sleep. Oh, Rebecca Yarros, you are so, so clever. She’s managed to divide the internet into two groups: those who think Bodhi turned venin and those who think Garrick turned. But what if it was Brennan or Aaric? Hear me out, hear me out!

Arguments that it was Brennan

The last chapter convinces us it must be either Garrick or Bodhi because Brennan is right in front of Violet, asking her what’s going on. Who would suspect Brennan, given how surprised he was to see Violet? Oh, this is getting really good.

I think I’ve also figured out The Fable of the Barrens: The Origin. Something tells me it will finally make sense now.

Not going to lie, this might seem like an unhinged theory, but please hear me out. I’m about to take you down a rabbit hole, and it’s going to be so much fun. Grab a cup of tea and get ready. Are you ready?

For this to make sense, we need to go back in time a little.

“And when you come with him, you will remember that I let you live today and choose me, not Berwyn, as your teacher.”
[…]
“Besides the fact that he’s subpar and you’d be chained to him, powerless to resist his orders?”

We’re introduced to this Berwyn guy—the Sage. But here’s what’s interesting: Brennan changed his name from Sorrengail, right? Did we ever catch Naolin’s full name? Could it be Naolin Berwyn? Berwyn Naolin? Could Naolin have changed his name to Berwyn?

I have a point here. Why would Violet be powerless to resist Berwyn’s orders? Unless he’s relentlessly coming after Brennan, forcing her to protect her siblings—and making her powerless to resist his orders in the process.

Stay with me. I know it’s a lot, and you might be rolling your eyes, but keep at it. Please give me a chance.

“A general can recognize another general, and that’s their leader,” says Tairn in Fourth Wing. Nice choice of words, Tairn, but could it be you recognize their Sage for an entirely different reason?

Now, you’re probably thinking, Wouldn’t Brennan recognize the guy? But actually, Brennan has never seen him. When Berwyn arrived, Brennan was mending the stone in Basgiath. He never laid eyes on Berwyn.

Also, another interesting point. How could possibly Berwyn know that Xaden will turn for love? Unless he, himself turned for love?

“And you won’t do it for something as trite as power or as easily satiable as greed,” he promises in a whisper, “but for the most illogical of mortal emotions— love. Or you’ll die.” He shrugs. “You both will.”

Now, let’s revisit the conversation between Jack and Xaden:

“Welcome to our fucked-up family. Guess we’re brothers now.”

Brothers. He doesn’t use the word siblings—but brothers.

Fast-forward to when Theophanie asked Xaden to bring Violet and “his brother.” At first, Xaden is confused, but Sgaeyl chimes in to clarify the term “brother.”

“You have another who calls you by the name,” Sgaeyl chimes in, her words sharper than her teeth. “Another—”
[…]
“She wants Jack.”

Theophanie then says something intriguing:

“And yet you didn’t bring the brother he wanted,” Theophanie sighs. “Berwyn will be disappointed.”
[…]
“Berwyn.”
[…]
“Yes. Hence the term brother,” Theophanie glances my way. “I won’t make the mistakes with you that Berwyn made with Jack. He spills his Sage’s secrets too easily.”

Are you ready for the kicker? Let’s discuss the ending.

“The bond between Berwyn and me is the kind that should never exist, and now that my Sage has another sibling he can use against me…I’m screwed.”

Read it again. Slowly. Do you feel the goosebumps?

The wording here is deliberate: He has another sibling he can use against him. Berwyn never used Jack against Xaden—but he did use Violet against Xaden. Another sibling…(another one of the siblings!)

Thank you to Zuzle, in the comments below who pointed out that Berwyn used Violet against Xaden and literally forced him to turn. Plus Theo did say before that Violet is the “leash” right? Against Xaden.

So how could Xaden have another sibling Berwyn could use against him? It’s Brennan! Berwyn used Violet, and now he’s using Brennan.

Berwyn recently killed a dragon with a dagger and wants to kill Sgaeyl. He said, “You’ll have to channel deep to replace the loss of her power.” Venin usually control dragons (like Varrish) or kill them to remove wards (like Baide). But dragons are a great power source—so why kill them? This feels personal. Berwyn wants to kill dragons because his own dragon severed their bond. Tairn. Killing Sgaeyl would hurt Tairn deeply.

My theory is that Tairn broke the bond with Naolin to save him when Naolin was trying to save Brennan. And it stands!

“I glance past Berwyn, past Sgaeyl and the venin, to my new brother […] How could he do this? Choose this after watching me stumble and fall over the last five months? How could he willingly walk the path I’ve fought like hell to leave? He’s the last person I ever would have expected to turn, and yet here we are.”

The last person. Someone who’s been watching Xaden for the past five months. Let’s recap who knows since December: Violet, Bodhi, Garrick, Imogen …and Brennan.

Later, Mira finds out. But this is our Easter egg: Brennan already knew.

“Like I’m the dangerous one?” She flips the dagger in readiness to throw, and power rushes into me. “Brennan, are you—”
“Don’t,” my brother says softly.
Mira pauses and turns at the tone of his voice, understanding creeping over her face. “You knew?”

Want even more proof?

“Xaden. I can’t mend him, Vi. I tried every day that he was here last week.”
“You know.”
“I know.”

Brennan knew. He’s known for months. And now, Berwyn has another sibling to use against Xaden. And it’s Brennan. Likely because of love—maybe he recognized Berwyn as Naolin, or Berwyn promised to take him to Naolin.

And Violet? She’s healed, and she has a ring on her finger. Who else but Brennan, the venin sibling with conveniently amber eyes, could have mended her without revealing himself?

Xaden married Violet to protect her from Brennan. Making her Duchess means she outranks Brennan and doesn’t answer to him.

And for the grand finale:

“But it was the third brother, who commanded the sky to surrender its greatest power, who finally vanquished his jealous sibling at a great and terrible price.”

It won’t be Mira. It’ll be Violet who vanquishes the jealous sibling. The terrible price? Killing her own brother.

And that’s it! My most unhinged theory to date, but I stand by it. It’s not Bodhi. It’s not Garrick. It’s Brennan. Xaden said “new brother”—or should I say “brother-in-law”?

Arguments that it was Bodhi who turned

New information given to us by Rebecca Yarros during her Q&A tour. When asked if she can provide us with any information about the new brother who turned, she said to pay attention to who is missing at the end.

Also, that whoever turned, it had feelings of inadequacy. They wanted more power. It’s always the case with venin. They turn because they need more power. The issue here is that when you read the book over and over, it’s always Bodhi that feels inadequate. Rebecca Yarros herself stated that he was raised to be the spare. We can tell that from the conversations Xaden has with Bodhi. Bodhi is missing…it does feel like he was the one who turned right?

“Anything I should know about?” Bodhi asks, two lines appearing
between his brows as Mira slings her pack from her shoulder.
“We’re good,” Brennan assures him as the foursome turns the corner and disappears.
“Good to feel needed,” Bodhi mutters, stepping closer as Mira
completes our own huddle. “Guess we’ll be taking the patrol, Imogen.”

Well, Bodhi certainly feels upset.

“I’m just glad you recognize you might have to,” he interrupts.
“We’ll find a cure,” I promise with far more certainty than I feel.
Bodhi’s mouth tightens. “I’d kill to go, but you need to take Garrick
with you.”
Neither of us say what he means.
Take Garrick in case you don’t.

Same thing, see? Bodhi is always…second.

Do you remember Iron Flame?

After Liam, Bodhi was and still is the closest thing I have to a brother, perpetually tagging along a step behind.

Well, perpetually tagging along a step behind. Is this perhaps the biggest clue that it was Bodhi who turned? A step behind, right?

“Sometimes I forget just how nearly perfect Bodhi is at everything,” I say to Xaden. No one thought of him during Battle Brief yesterday, and he should have been the first name that came to mind. Countering signets might not be the best offensive tool, but damn if it isn’t a hell of a defense.

Well? Even Violet forgot about how “nearly” perfect he is. Always the spare, always the second one.

“Absolutely not.” Shadows gather around Xaden’s boots. “You can’t
just take Cuir and leave school because you decide you’re fully educated.
You have to graduate.”
Wait. Bodhi wants to drop out?
“Says who?” Bodhi challenges.
“Besides the Empyrean and every regulation recorded?” The shadows spread. “Me!”

You can sense some tension here, right? Also, turning venin is a sure way to NOT have to go back to Basgiath and graduate.

“Because I’m now first in line?” There’s more than a little sarcasm in Bodhi’s response.
“Yes!” The shadows flee, racing for the walls.
[…]
“I’m not your backup plan.” Bodhi retreats two steps, then looks down the table at Brennan and me before glaring at Xaden. [..] I will stand by your side and be your right-fucking-hand for the rest of our lives, but if you want a member of our family to
hold that seat”—he points to the throne—“you’d better hold your own shit together.”

And finally.. do you remember when Bodhi was by Violet’s side wanting to help her and fight besides her? Well Violet told him no. Cuir removed Bodhi from there as well.

Violet then says “Tyrrendor’s succession is safe, but there’s no time to feel even an ounce of relief.“

But just moments later…

Cuir flies lower in formation, all picking off wyvern trying to dart by the city on their way to the valley beyond. Rhi and the rest of the squad will stop them before they get to the pass. Wait…Cuir? “Isn’t Bodhi supposed to be—”
“We all make our own decisions.”

Finally, we learn about Bodhi from Imogen’s POV.

Rain beats against the glass of my goggles as Glane climbs toward the three wyvern trying their best to rip Cuir apart.
[…]
Another lump of gray falls in a blur ahead of us, and I look up to see Cath and Cuir descending toward us. There’s a hole in Cuir’s right wing, and the laceration on his chest is going to leave a scar, but I can’t tell at this angle if Bodhi is wounded.

Later in the book, from Xaden’s POV we learn that there is an unconscious dragon guarded by seven wyverns and the new brother. Just above, Cuir seemed very much alive and conscious. Or is there more to this timeline?

Arguments that it was Garrick who turned

It never occurred to me that Garrick could be feeling inadequate. In fact, he’s always quite fun and the dynamic feels right. The only inadequacy that I can imagine here is that he was the one running out of “fuel” given that he was very tired and barely “walking” as seen from Imogen POV. He could have reached, of course…

Because if you remember ““I haven’t seen him since yesterday,” she says, her voice low, almost monotone. “Lieutenant Tavis?” “Among the missing,”[…]

We also have […]”I look away from what’s likely a fatal wound on a severed tail on a large brown.” But we know it’s not Garrick’s. Because minutes later he walks Imogen to Trissa.

But then, we also learn this: “I can’t walk again. Even if I made it to Aretia, I’d never be strong enough to get back,” he calls over his shoulder. “So, I’d better find some fucking way to do something.”

Garrick has always been Xaden’s second in command. But something just tells me it wasn’t him.

Edit to add. Lovely Emma in the comments said something that truly broke my heart about Garrick turning. I really do not want either Garrick nor Bodhi to turn and it breaks my heart to even consider it.

Emma says she’s been seeing some videos on the gifts received on Zehyllna and the symbolism behind them as well as how they relate to the recipients. Some of the meanings are easier to spot than others.

IIf you search for the symbolism of a rusted steel bucket, you’ll mostly find general interpretations like:

“A rusted bucket often symbolizes neglect, decay, abandonment, or a loss of functionality. Its rust represents the passage of time, deterioration, and a lack of care, rendering it useless for its intended purpose—holding water or other materials.”

Beyond this, some secondary meanings include:

Forgotten Potential – A rusted bucket can represent lost opportunities or untapped potential that has been neglected, making it no longer viable.
Broken Promises – In some contexts, it can symbolize a failed commitment or a promise that was not kept, as the bucket can no longer fulfill its role.
Emotional Burden – It may also signify the weight of carrying emotional baggage or heavy burdens that have become overwhelming, leading to exhaustion or deterioration.

It’s the themes of broken promises and emotional burden that resonate the most. In the final battle, we see him completely draining himself—like an emptied bucket—pushing himself to the brink of burnout. His second signet, which could have helped others escape, fails him, mirroring rust and decay. Additionally, it appears he was meant to go to Aretia for something—perhaps to retrieve more weapons—but was unable to do so, reflecting a failed mission.

Many have drawn this connection to Garrick’s state at the end. Before the final battle, when he delivered the message about Theo having Mira, he likely witnessed the devastating loss of his entire patrol. That alone would have been an immense emotional weight to carry. By the book’s end, he’s missing, and given Rebecca Yarros’ tendency to leave intentional clues, this might not be a misdirection—perhaps, this time, the obvious answer is the right one.

Would Garrick have been desperate enough to reach Aretia at any cost, like Xaden was in Iron Flame when he risked everything to save Violet? When Garrick says he “needs to find a way,” is he frustrated by the limitations of his signet? He couldn’t save his patrol before—his abilities might feel insufficient. And then there’s Xaden’s line about his “new brother” being the last person he’d expect to turn. Out of the three, Garrick fits that description best. We, like Xaden, wouldn’t have expected him to reach that breaking point.

After all, Garrick has seen Xaden at his worst—especially when Violet was in danger. There are moments in the book where he tells Violet just how unhinged Xaden became. This could be why Xaden makes that comment—because he’s seen what Garrick has endured over the last five months. They were always stationed together.

Arguments that it was Aaric who turned

Of course, some say that it was Aaric who turned. Missing, potentially feeling inadequate? But then again, I don’t feel like it. Aaric is a very confident and fun character. He’s very self assured. I don’t buy it. But when it comes to “another sibling” comment, Aaric does make a lot of sense. But then again, did Aaric know about him being venin at any point?! Certainly not for the last five months, right?

According to some fans, Aaric receiving a broken mirror could signify a “broken soul,” an idea rooted in ancient Roman beliefs. He may have foreseen his role in events, which raises the question of whether his ability to predict the future allows him to alter it.

“Molvic has been spotted along the cliffs,” Tain warns as he flares his wings, slowing our momentum.
Fucking Aaric. “If he gets himself killed—”
“He was seen flying south, away from conflict.” He spits every word in disgust.
What in Amari’s name could he be doing? “It’ s not like Aaric to run
away.”
“Nor Molvic.”

We do learn later that he comes back

My brows rise as Molvic emerges from one of the southern valleys.“The Spare brings the advance party from Zehyllna.” Tairn’s head
swivels as he relays the information. “A thousand soldiers and their horses.
They landed at the port of Soudra by accident instead of Cordyn and will be here in less than half an hour.”

Is Aaric one of the riders missing at the end? We don’t know. Could it be that Molvic is the unconscious dragon?

“now that my Sage has another sibling he can use against me…I’m screwed.”

The only problem I have with this is that Xaden has always referred to Aaric’s brothers are brothers! And never used the word siblings. Every time he is referring to the Sorrengails, he does use the world “siblings”.

Conclusion: who turned venin at the end of Onyx Storm

Where does this piece of information leaves us, with Brennan being the brother who turned? Well, Rebecca Yarros definitely threw a spanner in the works by telling us to pay attention to who is missing. Because are we thinking about who is missing when? At the very end? Or one of the four who is missing?

When Violet asks about Teine: “Quickly recovering under Brennan’s care at the top of the pass.” Tairn swings me up toward his snout, then tosses me onto his back.

We also learn from Rhi: “Tairn flew into the cloud cover
moments before the windstorm hit, carrying Teine in chains and escorted by Marbh, and the last status report from Cath had both Riorson and Durran spotted near the city walls.”

Marbh is very much located, as well as Brennan. But Riorson and Bodhi? BOTH spotted near the city walls.

But then, from Imogen POV, we see that Bodhi too. “Bodhi
is on his hands and knees across the town square, retching”. Outside, “the sky darkens further” -> sort of implying that Xaden had already begun his shadow spectacle.

Now if we go and check Rhi’s POV, we find Ridoc and Sawyer both fighting with Rhi. Again, we have eyes on them…

Now again, we have from Xaden’s POV: “heart from the wyvern who has Dain and Cath backed into a corner, rushing over Imogen as she looks to the sky“

We can account for Dain and Cath not being venin and his explanation matches exactly what Imogen was saying above that the sky is darkening and Imogen is looking at it.

Which means we can account for: Dain, Ridoc, Sawyer, Bodhi. Aaric technically too, seeing as he brought the infantry. And Garrick…But it looks like moments before Imogen started looking up the sky, she had eyes on Garrick:

“I can’t walk again. Even if I made it to Aretia, I’d never be strong
enough to get back,” he calls over his shoulder. “So, I’d better find some fucking way to do something.”

Did Garrick just make it to the canyon? I don’t think so. Let me give you the timelines again:

Final timeline

I think chapter 61 and 62 run at the same time.

Then the story continues, and I think chapters 63, 64, 65 run at the same time.

Rhiannon POV chapter 61

: “Tairn flew into the cloud cover moments before the windstorm hit, carrying Teine in chains and escorted by Marbh, and the last status report from Cath had both Riorson and Durran
spotted near the city walls.”

We have Seventeen wyvern.

The wyvern shrieks, and a paler shade of gray spreads along its scales, emanating from Ridoc’s hand.

Sawyer finishing a kill hundreds of feet below us.

Seven of the wyverns got through.

Violet’s POV chapter 62

“Rain sizzles as it hits my face, and I spot Glane and Cath high above a line of gryphons on the northern wall while Cuir flies lower in formation, all picking off wyvern trying to dart by the city on their way to the valley beyond.”

“Where are they?”
“She has withdrawn from me,” – Assuming this is the time Xaden was “summoned”.

My brows rise as Molvic emerges from one of the southern valleys.
“The Spare brings the advance party from Zehyllna.” – We have eyes on Aaric too.

“Glane launches toward Cuir despite the order to shelter.”

Imogen POV chapter 63

“as Glane climbs toward the three wyvern trying their best to rip Cuir apart.”

As you can see literally, everything is happening at the same time. Which means that Xaden and Sgaeyl are missing, having already been summoned to the canyon.

“There are still too many wyvern despite the inhuman amount Sorrengail just dispatched, and where the fuck is Riorson?”

“There’s a hole in Cuir’s right wing, and the laceration on his chest is going to leave a scar, but I can’t tell at this angle if Bodhi is wounded.”

“Garrick crouches on the step above us, his hazel gaze locking on mine and filling with so much misery,” – At this point Garrick has not channeled. His eyes are hazel. No red to be seen.

“I follow him past the little room where Felix works beside
cases of alloy-hilted daggers, all imbued, all humming with power.” – Felix is also not missing.

“Bodhi is on his hands and knees across the town square, retching.” – Not in the canyon.

“I can’t walk again. Even if I made it to Aretia, I’d never be strong
enough to get back,” he calls over his shoulder. “So, I’d better find some fucking way to do something.” – This is the ONLY moment I feel like maybe, just maybe we have something. Maybe Garrick went to the canyon…But it’s a jump…Especially because it feels like Xaden was already missing. Just as this was happening and Imogen was trying to save Quinn, at the exact same time, Violet was now trying to kill Theo, basically chapter 64 running in the background so to speak.

Because…THIS from Imogen POV: “Outside, the sky darkens further”

Xaden POV: “Violet will free Tairn. That’s the only outcome I allow to exist.” See? this is also happening at the same time as Chapter 63 and 64.

“[…]to my new brother and the unconscious dragon lying in the valley beyond the canyon, guarded by seven wyvern. How could he do this? Choose this after watching me stumble and fall over the last five months.”

Who are we missing? Everyone seems to be accounted for. Except for…Brennan. In all of these POVs, we’re missing Brennan. The last time he was spotted was when Cath saw both Xaden and Riorson near the city walls. BEFORE Xaden was summoned. and BEFORE Cuir was fighting for his life and Glane saving him despite the orders to ground.

What do you think|?

Honestly, while I would love to say with complete certainty that Brennan was the one who turned. Maybe, just maybe, she’s trying to get us all confused! Success! We’re all confused…

One thing’s for sure: I still don’t believe it was Bodhi, Garrick or Aaric. But at this point… who really knows?

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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.

155 responses to “Onyx Storm Theory: Who turned venin at the end?”

Mirja
January 28, 2025 at 2:44 pm
Hi Cory, I have to think about it after reading the end of OS again. It is complex. It would be very impressive and exciting if Berwyn is Naolin. I’ve just read the scene when Brennan told Violet He couldn’t mend Xaden. There was grief in Brennans voice, like he knows how it feels to lose the Person who you Love.
Reply
1. Cory
  January 28, 2025 at 11:56 pm
  I agree. That’s one of the things that threw me off as well. He knows!
  Reply
  1. Jodie Houghton
    January 31, 2025 at 8:14 pm
    But we don’t know if he knew for the past 5 months. It could have been a recent development.
    Reply
    1. Cory
      February 1, 2025 at 6:12 am
      Possible, of course. He’s the only one who told Violet that he knows but we don’t know when he found out. I think this was intentional to throw us off.
      Reply
Zuzle
January 28, 2025 at 2:59 pm
This! Today I think it IS Brennan. ( First Garric, then Bodhi, yesterday it was Aaric). I basically agree. The use of the word “sibling” makes sense and distinguishes it from “brother.” But it doesn’t really make sense to me that Brewlyn would have used Mira. After all, Theophania used Mira (and she seems more like his rival than an ally). So, in the sense of “another sibling (Sorrengail)” that Brewlyn used against me, it would be Violet. First Violet, and now he has Brennan too If Tairn recognized Naolin and didn’t tell them anything, then he’s a jerk.
Reply
1. Cory
  January 28, 2025 at 11:59 pm
  YES! I’m so glad you agree because I lost a cycle of rest over it haha.
  You are right, you know. I was dead tired when I wrote it, thinking about Mira while missing the obvious.
  “another sibling” – > obviously Violet. DUH! Berwyn has been using Violet against Xaden all this bloody time!!!
  Hey, we’re friends and all, but I draw the line at insulting my favorite dragon here, ok? 😀 But yeah, that’s a pretty jerk move…
  Reply
  1. Mary Dixon
    January 29, 2025 at 4:34 am
    I thought Berwyn had been around for centuries? Time for a re-read! Because then Naolin would be too young to be Berwyn. But you still have me scratching my head about Brennan.
    But didn’t it seem like Xaden knocked out only Berwyn and the “ sibling” with his venin shadows, just 2 people/monsters;) meaning pancheck is the sibling. Pancheck could still be a royal pain in the ass with his rank as far as being used against Xaden…
    Can you tell I don’t want any of the 5 we know to be venin!!!
    My thought was that if pancheck had seen him stumble then Xaden had secrets. Which did make me mad!
    Reply
    1. Cory
      January 29, 2025 at 11:59 am
      “I thought Berwyn had been around for centuries? Time for a re-read! Because then Naolin would be too young to be Berwyn” -> This right here.
      I wonder about it. But then when I read the dreams again in Iron Flame, there are different venin there, it’s not the same dude.
      So I do wonder, can it be Naolin? I don’t know for sure, that part is still a bit…hazy. not going to lie.
      But I’m pretty certain about Brennan. He is the other sibling, Berwyn can use against Xaden.
      Nah, I think Panchek and dirty Daddy Aetos were both venin for a long long time. As Jack said, sages and mavens could fill the hallways and nobody would able to tell. The question is: how do they change their appearance so they don’t have those eyes huh?
      I was never fond of Brennan, so he can venin himself 😛
      Reply
      1. Bethany3cat
        January 30, 2025 at 5:27 am
        Hi, Cory!
        My first time at your site, and I love it! I got here by asking Google, “What did Violet ask Imogen to do?” Thank goodness for you since, for some strange reason, I audiobooked Onyx Storm, and my reading comprehension is slightly lower — although the “balance” is that I can get my story fix despite being too busy to read because I can go about doing other things.
        Anyway, I had to chime in for reasons beyond complimenting you, LOL. I too have a theory about the one who became venin and was last person Xaden would expect: Dain Aethos. He supposedly emptied himself out before the battle in order to help Sloane save Mira (although still confused about the handprint), but maybe,
        later on, he reached for the power accidentally and slipped.
        Although his anger and sense of betrayal toward Daddy might have pushed him over beforehand. In fact, if Dain was already venin when Sloane siphoned power and pushed it into Brennan, maybe some of the taint from Dain triggered Brennan’s fall. On that note, I considered something to be off when Brennan was compl.etely all right after “Making” Mira survive a fatal blow — in fact, he told Violet something odd like, “I’m okay. He gave me more than I needed.”
        Anyway, there’s where my thoughts are turning. But after a good night’s sleep, I suspect my mind will be filled with a rabbits’ warren of conflicting and confusing possibilities as I process the story so far and contemplate all the unknowns at this stage in our story!
        Has Yarros implied how many books she thinks will be in the series? I think I will caution my friend who just got the book to hold off on reading it and wait for the next and enjoy them together.
        Ciao!
      2. Cory
        January 30, 2025 at 9:06 am
        Hi Bethany!
        Welcome to the site, and thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad you found your way here—it’s always exciting to connect with fellow fans, especially when diving into all the intricate details of the Empyrean series. Audiobooks are such a great way to experience the story, but I totally get wanting to double-check certain moments—there’s so much happening, and Rebecca Yarros loves layering in those little breadcrumbs!
        Now, your theory about Dain possibly being the unexpected venin? It’s very possible. Do you remember the theory about Cath? How bad was her breath? I think that was a sign of corruption somehow.
        The idea that he could have accidentally tapped into that power, or worse, been driven to it by his emotions surrounding his father, is something I hadn’t fully considered—but now
        I def find that there was so much meaning in the moment Sloane siphoned from Aetos and gave “more than needed” to Brenna. Er…
        As for the series length, Yarros has confirmed it will be a five-book series, so there’s plenty more to come! If your friend has the patience to wait, reading the books together might be a great way to experience the story (and avoid the agonizing cliffhangers). But for those of us who just have to know what happens next… well, the wait is all part of the fun, right?
        This is exactly the kind of theorizing that makes the fandom so much fun. Looking forward to hearing where your thoughts take you after some sleep (or possibly more mind-blown moments).
        😊🔥🐉
  2. Paulina
    February 10, 2025 at 12:36 pm
    Have you ever considered that the person who turned could have been Melgrin? The book is so much about the balance of power and we see a second shadow-wielder as a balancing act to Xaden turning venin. With Arriv manifesting precognition it felt like that could be a counterbalance for Melgrin turning venin.
    Reply
    1. Cory
      February 13, 2025 at 12:20 am
      Ugh, I do think Melgren is evil and possibly venin too. But I think he’s the brother, right? Because Xaden spoke softly about him
      “Choose this after watching me stumble and fall over the last five months. How could he willingly walk the path I’ve fought like hell to leave?”
      Reply
Zuzle
January 28, 2025 at 3:02 pm
That Naolin is a venin—I’m practically certain of it by now. I still can’t wrap my head around how Naolin could have made it to General in just five years. Could it be that Tairn recognized him and didn’t say a word?
Reply
1. Cory
  January 29, 2025 at 12:11 am
  I mean as you said yourself, if Tairn recognized him and didn’t say a word…
  But then again, they advance based on merit right? That’s what Jack said. Not like in the ranks of Navarre.
  So chances are, Naolin is exceptionally powerful.
  Reply
Lauren
January 28, 2025 at 4:49 pm
Wow. What a theory!!!! The more I read, the more you have convinced me. I thought no way it could be Bodhi, that was too easy. But could it really be Brennan? I almost think it’d be TOO good, it’d make for a really great story. Personally, I don’t think that ties in with the theory of Naolin being Berwyn very well, and it would make me bummed that Violet would have to defeat her brother, BUT what a GREAT story that would make!!!
Reply
1. Cory
  January 29, 2025 at 12:18 am
  I trust RY 100% that she will make it amazing. Either way. But I lost a cycle of rest over this, reading over and over and over and I’m convinced. I now cannot for Book 4 to see if I’m right.
  Reply
Syd
January 28, 2025 at 11:33 pm
And maybe that’s why her dad said to only trust Mira in his research/letter! (Unless I’m remembering incorrectly.) Not because he thought his son was dead, but because he knew his son could not be trusted.
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1. Cory
  January 29, 2025 at 12:34 am
  It’s fun isn’t it? Trust only Mira. And just how true is that? Of course, the fact that Brennan was considered dead doesn’t help here “If I now walk alongside Malek with your brother[..]”
  But I’m certain this is us needing to read between the lines. Trust only Mira!
  Reply
ACatNamedToast
January 28, 2025 at 11:36 pm
I have always had a strange feeling about Brennan, I do think your idea of him being Venin is a really good theory. Brennan was constantly there the last 5 months watching everything Xaden went through. It has seemed throughout the books that Brennan is someone that X does trust, so the idea of B turning “evil” is sad. It isn’t completely out of the realm of things and I do think it is important to also note that Lillith said multiple times Violet and Mira would need to be able to trust and depend on each other
Reply
1. Cory
  January 29, 2025 at 12:36 am
  I think he was always off…There was always something off. He always seemed to care for Violet, mending Violet, being there for us. But also not.
  He is a brilliant strategist. And I think he strategized and will continue to do so to protect his interests.
  And I would rather not sound cruel, because I do understand Brennan’s rationale for not returning: but he kinda abandoned his sisters ONCE, when they were in need. I don’t think he will have any issues, doing it again.
  Reply
Jenni
January 29, 2025 at 4:00 am
Ok but wait! When Brennan is healing Mira through Sloan/Dain Vi notices as he walks away that he doesn’t have a mark on his neck—further solidifying your theory that Brennan is the one that turned.
Reply
1. Cory
  January 29, 2025 at 4:02 am
  I think that was there to show us that Sloane didn’t leave a mark on either of them: not Dain nor Brennan. No? Did you interpret this differently?
  Reply
Grace
January 29, 2025 at 4:10 am
I really like this theory because I can’t get the scene out of my head (chapter 59) where Brennan heals Mira. After Brennan heals Mira, Violet asks if he is all right and Brennan says “Mairi gave me a little more than she needed to. I’m fine.” — what if Brennan turned just because he liked the feeling of having more power? Or what if he wasn’t drawing power from Sloane/Dain at all and was pulling from the earth instead. Because a few lines later Violet says “I watch as Brennan walks away. Weird. There’s no mark at the back of his neck like he carries on his palm. There hadn’t been one on Dain’s wrist, either”. Dain played along as if power had been pulled from his wrist so was he aware of what Brennan was doing? I don’t blame Sloane because she wouldn’t know what she was/wasn’t doing because she didn’t train her signet at all.
Reply
1. Cory
  January 29, 2025 at 12:03 pm
  Well, I mean it could be. Maybe he did like having extra power. Or maybe he saw Berwyn who might be Naolin. Or Maybe Berwyn convinced him to turn to bring him to Naolin.
  So many variables here.
  So wait “There’s no mark at the back of his neck like he carries on his palm.” -> Do we think this is a new mark?
  Reply
  1. Harry
    January 31, 2025 at 5:39 am
    In iron flame, Violet noticed a rune shaped scar on Brennan’s palm. Dain also has the handprint from Jack.
    So I don’t think this mark is left from a siphon, but does happen when a venin draws from you.
    So yes- maybe Naolin loved Brennan and he turned venin while trying to save him after the battle.
    They say Naolin burnt out, but maybe Brennan is just covering for him.
    I do think Brennan is the most likely candidate for the newest ‘brother’- it’s either him or Ridoc or Sawyer, but my instinct is it isn’t them.
    Xaden would be more outraged if it was Garrick or Bohdi and he wouldn’t feel uncomfortable referring to them as his brothers.
    But then again- who is Berwyn’s son that Pancheck mentioned? Is it Jack? If so, he’s most likely not Naolin…
    I don’t know what I think now…
    Reply
    1. Cory
      January 31, 2025 at 7:12 am
      Yes -> https://www.empyreanriders.com/articles/onyx-storm-theory-who-exactly-is-berwyn/
      I initially thought it’s Bodhi. It would make a lot of sense since Xaden married Violet “urgently” to give her Tyrrendor.
      But nope, I don’t think so. It was Brennan. I know it in my soul.
      I agree also, Xaden seems frustrated? But not outraged.
      I think the “other son” is Jack, yes. I think they become a gross dark family with bonds.
      Reply
      1. Harry
        February 1, 2025 at 10:33 am
        See I interpreted ‘son’ as a biological connection- because he refers to Xaden as ‘my initiate’ not ‘son’… but if that were true, I have no idea who the son is.
        I had a thought about Brennan though- I’m assuming that the new brother turned during the battle- yes? And Brennan would have had to return to Aretia fairly quickly afterwards. If he had turned only a few hours prior- he would still have the (faint) red rings around his eyes. Surely someone would have noticed?
        So maybe the person who turned is one of the 3 riders still missing. We only know Garrick is one, no clue on the other two.
        Something else I recalled: during the battle, Xaden was summoned south of Draithus by Berwyn. Aaric was seen flying south prior to the battle starting (this was noted but not explained).
        I thought it couldn’t be Aaric because he didn’t know about Xaden, but now I’m questioning it… maybe being around Xaden and seeing him struggle with his emotions was enough? Maybe he saw Berwyn was going to be there and thought he could stop him? He did repeatedly try to fight in Unnbriel…
        Or maybe we’re just overthinking it and it is Bohdi after all 😂
      2. Cory
        February 3, 2025 at 1:17 am
        Oh but that’s the cool thing about Brennan. He has amber eyes! Already!
        But yeah, I see your point. Hmm…
        Do we really think that RY would go down the easy way? And turn Bodhi or Garrick? It feels…easy!
        Many people think it was Aaric actually, who turned. But then again, Xaden’s comments about “his new brother” who stood by his side, seeing him struggle for all the past 5 months..
      3. Cory
        February 3, 2025 at 1:17 am
        I do wonder if we’re all trying to discover “the secret” and it’s just Bodhi. Done. haha
      4. Harry
        February 3, 2025 at 7:39 am
        Amber eyes or not, he would still have red rings around them if he’d just channeled for the first time. It’s literally the ONLY thing making me doubt it’s him.
        It would be different if he had been venin for ages and was already past initiate stage- then he’d be able to hide it. But then he wouldn’t be a ‘new’ brother.
        I do think Bodhi and Garrick are the easy options, but then I haven’t read enough of RY’s work to know whether she is skilled enough as a writer to really twist perceptions.
        The only other options of people who knew are Ridoc- who you could argue seemed more powerful during the battle; or Sawyer, who might feel he needed an edge now that he’s less than whole. But neither of those justify the urgent marriage.
        The need for the wedding always leads me back to Brennan or Bohdi.
        Unless, someone else knew that WE didn’t know about.
        I mean Xaden told Brennan (without Violet being privy to the conversation until later)- what if he told someone else too? Someone like Felix???
      5. Cory
        February 5, 2025 at 8:07 am
        Apparently, in one of the interviews, RY did say to pay attention to who is missing.
        A lot of people say Aaric.
        FELIX??? Wait a second.
        The last person who expected to turn. It could be. Another sibling? Felix has a sibling…Suri, right?
        Did Felix know tho? That he is venin? I cannot imagine that he did.
      6. Harry
        February 10, 2025 at 10:35 am
        I’m just saying, it really could be anyone that Xaden might trust. 98% of the story is from Violet’s POV and we didn’t know that Brennan knew about Xaden turning until Brennan said something to her. It’s possible Xaden told someone else and didn’t mention it… it would be a fairly easy way of stumping the readers.
        I have to say, upon re-read I don’t think it’s Brennan. When Tairn returned to Violet during the battle he said that Brennan was busy mending Teine at the top of the pass.
        I also don’t think he would leave Mira in the state she was.
        I’m not saying there isn’t more going on with Brennan than meets the eye. I definitely think he’s keeping secrets. I just don’t think he’s the one who turned anymore. I think he’s just covering for Naolin.
        And again, I do think Xaden would be more outraged if it was Bodhi or Garrick.
        Bit the need for a hasty wedding doesn’t make sense for it to be Ridoc or Sawyer. So I’m left thinking it was someone with authority who may have known without it being explained to the reader.
        Or it’s Aaric 🤪
  2. Brooke
    February 1, 2025 at 7:53 pm
    I think the lack of marks is meant solely to show that siphons don’t leave marks when they use their power. Which means that Brennan’s rune scars are NOT from siphoning as previously assumed. My guess is that Brennan did actually die and Naolin channeled from the earth to resurrect him (remember his changed name meant resurrected). The rune scars imbue Brennan with life much like runestones do in the wyvern. I think if venin-Naolin (possibly Berwyn) dies then so too does Brennan. This is also why Brennan is not scared about Xaden being venin and can sympathize with Vi about her lover being venin (because his was too).
    At least that was all my thoughts before I read your Brennan turned venin theory. It’s certainly intriguing and very clever; something that I will surely obsess over for the next week and during re-reads :). But I don’t think both theories can be true. Currently, I’m inclined to lean away from Brennan turned venin because he was flying Mira and Tiene back to Aretia around that time and I don’t think he could have been in both places at once (and also Mira would have been in that scene in Xadens POV). Or am I misremembering the timeline? Will definitely have to reread and this theory will be in the back of my mind the whole time!
    Reply
    1. Cory
      February 3, 2025 at 12:28 am
      Hi Brooke, this is a great theory!
      I agree about Sloane. I think when venin drain, they leave marks. When siphons do, they do not.
      There has been a lot of emphasis on the little stones inside wyvern, so the point that Naolin did resurrect Brennan and put those runes on him? Ugh, scary.
      But also, how could Naolin know? Runes were not taught at Basgiath, right? Both Naolin and Brennan went to fight against Fen’s rebellion.
      So this opens up a whole new can of worms (in a good way, let’s brainstorm!)
      Before you do the re-read, who do you feel turn? Bodhi?
      Reply
      1. Brooke
        February 11, 2025 at 6:31 pm
        I can’t think of a reason Naolin couldn’t have been from Tyrrendor originally and/or knew of the knots from his family rather than Basgiath (like Xaden). Additionally, there were many Tyrrish that were loyal to the crown during the rebellion. Also, throw back to beginning of Fourth Wing when they mention that something recently changed that the venin got back the knowledge of runes and started making wyvern again. Considering Fourth Wing really marked the beginning sightings of wyvern in centuries it stands to reason they had only started to be made within the last few years (given how much goes into making them). What if Naolin gave them that knowledge when her turned venin? He clearly was strong/knowledgeable enough to resurrect Brennan with them so makes sense he would also be the one to bring back the art of making wyvern to the venin. All this really supports the theory of Naolin being Berwyn or some other major venin villain we have yet to meet. And I think the tragedy will be in that killing him will also kill Brennan (assuming the rune magic works like wyvern).
        Because Brennan was taking Mira back to Aretia with a dragon escort I don’t see how he could have been the one to turn venin. I haven’t reread OS yet but my initial thoughts are either Bodhi for all the reasons mentioned (but I agree it seems too obvious) or Ridoc. I’m currently leaning Ridoc because there were mentions of severely wounded brown dragon (in Imogen’s chapter I think) and whoever turned venin had a passed out dragon. Also the emphasis on NEW brother and “thinks me his brother” makes me think it’s not someone Xaden is already close to. Also Rebecca just made Ridoc AND Aotrom much bigger characters in OS so I think she’s setting us up for heartbreak.
      2. Cory
        February 12, 2025 at 11:00 am
        “so I think she’s setting us up for heartbreak.”
        NOOOO! NO NO NO NOPE. Please. We love Ridoc uffff
        But yes, it’s possible that unfortunately Naolin might have given them runes. We don’t know anything about him. PLUS, Brennan has a rune scar. So Naolin did know runes…
Kira
January 29, 2025 at 5:47 am
““Not yet. And four on one hardly seems fair.” Theophanie glances at Brennan, then Bodhi. “I didn’t ask for either of you to attend.””
I thought it was Brennan too but Brennan is with Violet and Xaden in the field when they first meet with Theophanie and she says they didn’t bring the brother he wanted. But Brennan was there so it couldn’t be him.
Reply
1. Cory
  January 29, 2025 at 11:57 am
  She was asking for Jack. So she can kill him. I don’t think Theo knows more than she needs to know.
  As for Brennan, I think he turned at the end. Otherwise Xaden would have been able to “sense” him. UNLESS, that rune on Brennan’s palm and his amber ass eyes have been lying to us for ages and he’s been a giant venin for ages. But then again, I feel like Theo would have said something.
  Reply
Mirja
January 29, 2025 at 6:40 am
We need a scene with Tairn and Berwyn to find out if Naolin and Berwyn are the same persons. I think Tairn hasn’t seen Naolin again so far in the books. It seems Andarna could see Violets dreams, but Tairn not. If Berwyn is Naolin and he got venin to save Brennan perhaps he wants to get healed as well to go back to Brennan?That would be suprising. I remember Berwyn wants to have something from Xaden. What could that be?
Reply
1. Cory
  January 29, 2025 at 11:53 am
  Only in FW we have that. When Tairn made that comment. But apart from that, neither Tairn nor Brennan have seen him…But Sgaeyl did, right?
  I mean Sgaeyl must have known or seen Naolin.
  Why wouldn’t they tell Tairn? (and by they I mean Xaden and Sgaeyl)
  Edit: Tairn was there with Xaden watching the whole thing and fighting when Violet was with Brennan mending the stone. Yeah, he saw him again…
  Or does the same apply “we do not speak of the ones who came before?”
  Reply
2. Zuzle
  January 29, 2025 at 12:26 pm
  Tairn was definitely there when Xaden fought with Berwyn in Basgiath. Xaden describes it in his chapter.
  Reply
3. Mary
  February 8, 2025 at 9:45 pm
  Bodhi turned venin, the new brother. Yarros is brutal with her characters, always willing to sacrifice to advance the story. Up through the first two books until the last chapters of Onyx Storm, Bodhi pretty much goes along with whatever Xaden wants. Suddenly they conflict openly with Xaden wanting an heir and Bodhi wanting to be a warrior. More importantly, Bodhi discovers his signet, reversing other signets, does not work against venin and he doesn’t have a second signet , so no magic to fight with in this war.
  Reply
  1. Cory
    February 8, 2025 at 10:44 pm
    Team Bodhi? 😀 I agree that Bodhi realized his signet is pretty pointless. I just feel like Bodhi is the “obvious” solution. But of course, totally possible.
    Reply
    1. Megz
      March 15, 2025 at 12:59 pm
      But don’t you also think his signet is going to be more powerful as a venin? Especially when he realises it doesn’t work on them? So he would be more powerful having turned?
      Reply
      1. Cory
        March 16, 2025 at 3:07 am
        I do! I think it will be mega powerful and scary
Zuzle
January 29, 2025 at 12:34 pm
Tairn was definitely there when Xaden fought with Berwyn in Basgiath. Xaden describes it in his chapter.
Reply
1. Cory
  January 30, 2025 at 1:22 am
  Tairn was. Just Brennan wasn’t. I was trying to explain that Brennan hadn’t seen the guy.
  Reply
Jennifer
January 29, 2025 at 1:18 pm
Love this theory!! I have to agree especially since Naolin had/has siphon signet and Sloane is the balance.
My question is wasn’t Naolin Tairn’s previous rider? Wouldn’t they recognize the Sage Berwyn as Naolin (Sgaeyl, Tairn, Xaden, other dragons) or has his appearance been so distorted? Is that why Tairn didn’t die, because Naolin was turned to save Brennan?? If Violet can see dreams she’s seen the Sage as well.
Reply
1. Cory
  January 30, 2025 at 12:58 am
  Xaden was not a rider when Fen led the rebellion. So Xaden wouldn’t know.
  Sgaeyl was not in active serve either. Her previous rider was Xaden’s grandad (right?)
  Tairn is the only one. And he no longer speaks of the ones who came before.
  Brennan has never seen Berwyn until NOW. They never crossed paths weirdly enough.
  Violet has never seen Naolin either.
  It all checks out. But of course, we can’t know for certain. But I think so, I think he’s the Sage.
  Reply
  1. Sherrie
    January 30, 2025 at 4:16 pm
    But they see him did. He is the one from Resson. Tairn saw him. A general can recognise another General. Xaden always said he was the same sage from resson, the one in his dreams, and the one from Basgiath who he threw into the ravine – who now – Berwyn – Has the scar down his face from the fall.
    Reply
    1. Cory
      January 30, 2025 at 11:41 pm
      No, no, I completely agree. What I mean by ‘nobody but Tairn would know’ is that no one has ever actually seen Naolin BEFORE Resson—except for Brennan and Tairn. So nobody would recognize him
      Xaden has not seen Naolin because he wasn’t a rider. He would have heard the name Naolin but not seen the guy. Same with Sgaeyl technically. She was not in active service when Tairn was.
      Only Tairn ever made comments about him, and Brennan (who naturally would have known who Naolin is) never saw him until, technically, the end of Onyx Storm.
      Do I make sense? 😄
      Reply
Mirja
January 29, 2025 at 3:00 pm
I will keep this all in mind while reading the last chapters again. I forgot about Resson. And in Basgiaths battle Tairn was in the air while Xaden fought against Berwyn. I found another quote from Tairn which is interesting, he turned his head to Andarana and said: “Your inability to follow simple orders will kill her and I won’t lose her like the one who came before her!”
It seems as this means that Violet was nearly burnout but I think it is because Theophanie is there and wants to force Violet to turn venin. And when we think about Tairns reaction to Xaden he calls him always the dark one and doesn´t give him any chance after turining venin. Perhaps this is the experience because Naolin turned venin.
Reply
1. Cory
  January 30, 2025 at 12:49 am
  Oh I love this quote! This is gold. Are you re-reading slowly? I’m re-reading at snail pace and I’m finding a lot of fun Easter Eggs. I will continue with the theories today!
  Reply
  1. Mirja
    February 6, 2025 at 8:23 pm
    I´d re-read the German version slowly. Now I have got the English book and I try to find differences. Sometimes there are small things which are significant. In the English book is so a nice picture of Vi and Xaden on the roof of Riorson house whith chocolate cake. This gives me some hope for the end of book 5.
    Reply
    1. Cory
      February 7, 2025 at 11:47 pm
      Uffff, you have no idea just how much I want them to win the war and just chill with chocolate cake overlooking their city.
      Reply
      1. Mirja
        February 9, 2025 at 1:52 pm
        We need some hope! We have to wait for the next books for a long time. It was so heart breaking on Xadens birthday wenn Vi gave him the present and the letter. Thank you for revision of this theory and collecting all the quotes and facts for whom is the new brother!
      2. Cory
        February 10, 2025 at 2:01 am
        I need to add a few more for Garrick to be fair!
KatKat
January 29, 2025 at 5:31 pm
Anyone else thinking about the scenes where Mairi noticed her hands didn’t leave any handprints on Brennan when she channeled on him? No, just me?
Reply
1. Cory
  January 30, 2025 at 12:47 am
  Tell us more. I’m struggling with that part.
  “and watch as Brennan walks away. Weird. There’s no mark at the back of his neck like he carries on his palm. There hadn’t been one on Dain’s wrist, either.
  Reply
  1. Hanna
    January 31, 2025 at 6:54 pm
    It’s also weird that Dain said to Sloane that she couldn’t kill him by syphoning even if she wanted to. I mean she killed General Sorrengail by syphoning. So that would support the theory that both Dain and Brennan are venin.
    Reply
    1. Cory
      February 1, 2025 at 6:09 am
      OH UGH! We still remember that Cath smelled bad, yes? There’s more to this.
      But then ok, they cannot be initiates or asims. Because then Xaden would be able to smell them. Also Jack would have been able to tell that Dain is venin.
      I feel like we would have known…
      Reply
      1. Hanna
        February 2, 2025 at 10:02 am
        Oh true, haven’t thought about that
Carly
January 29, 2025 at 6:20 pm
My unhinged theory is that it’s Aaric who turned and I can’t really explain it, but it’s just a feeling (and one I’m sure is way off, but I had to say it since no one else is). But you have me thinking a LOT more about Brennan. There’s definitely something fishy going on with him.
Reply
1. Cory
  January 30, 2025 at 12:47 am
  Brennan is def fishy! I think our boy Aaric is the balance we needed.
  Reply
2. Harry
  January 31, 2025 at 5:44 am
  But Aaric didn’t know that Xaden was venin, and Xaden said the new brother had been watching him stumble the last few months.
  Reply
  1. Cory
    January 31, 2025 at 7:02 am
    Agreed!
    Reply
    1. Hanna
      January 31, 2025 at 6:56 pm
      And the question is: If Aaric is the balance, do we think something will happen to Melgren as their signets are so similar?
      Reply
      1. Cory
        February 1, 2025 at 6:10 am
        I’m questioning two things here: either Melgren is venin. OR, The Sage (Berwyn) is a precog.
  2. Empyrea
    February 27, 2025 at 4:47 pm
    But Aaric has precognition, so can he have seen that Xaden is venin? When he asks ‘Are you in over your head Violet?’ that had me thinking that he has.
    And Xaden now seems to be able to read people’s thoughts, so did Xaden see at some point that Aaric knows but hasn’t said? (Though I guess he’d’ve told Violet if he did.)
    However I don’t think it’s Aaric – he literally left his family in order to fight against venin. (Although Xaden does say it’s the last person he’d’ve expected!) So much to think about – it’s fun!
    Reply
Sam
January 29, 2025 at 6:59 pm
Oh! My! Gosh! I love this theory! Well, you know what I mean – I don’t love it if Brennan turned, but I think you’re right! I think it’s Brennan. A couple things I noticed: Violet’s arm is in a splint, so she isn’t mended when she sees the ring. I think that means that Brennan doesn’t really know what’s going on because he was lying unconscious with Berwyn. And also, Xaden wouldn’t want Brennan to know his plan of marrying Violet if the plan was to have Violet outrank Brennan. BUT would Xaden trust leaving Violet near Brennan if he’s turned? Did Xaden do it because he basically had no choice but to leave and did what he could to protect her with rank? Or maybe knowing the venin want Violet and Andarna alive is enough to protect her if he leaves? Ahhh! So many questions. Also,Xaden is incapable of killing Berwyn and obviously incapable of ignoring the “summons” because he’s the Sage that caused Xaden to turn venin and now they’re tied together. That’s why Theo says that Violet would be chained to Berwyn. Not because he would be using her siblings against her, but because he would be her Sage. As if Theo would be better to be chained to than Berwyn…no thanks. One more thing: I am VERY curious to know what Berwyn has that Xaden needs. It’s one of those lines that RY does so well. She sneaks it in, all by itself, and leaves it there without any clues. Or are there clues?! I don’t know! Maybe on my next reread of the series, I’ll figure something out. HA! Doubt it.
Reply
1. Cory
  January 30, 2025 at 12:41 am
  Hi Sam,
  Thank you so much for adding the details. You are right, she is not mended. Hm…
  Ok, Ok, I’m getting so excited.
  I have so many questions about bonds between Sages and initiates. But yeah, Xaden is an asim now, right? He cannot ignore the call anymore. It’s horrible.
  But how do some sages and maven can blend in with the normal folks without those giant red ass eyes? Is it the serum?
  Can you please please point me to the “line”? I can try and analyse it further as well to see if Berwyn does have something Xaden needs.
  Reply
  1. Sam
    January 30, 2025 at 2:11 am
    I have so many questions about the venin too. I may never get it all sorted out, but that’s probably because we just don’t know enough. Yet. And yes! How do they hide their crazy eyes?!
    The line I was referring to is on page 523. It’s not a stand-alone like I was thinking. It’s actually right at the end of a paragraph just over halfway down. “But beyond the physical impossibility of it, he has something I need.” And then the stand-alone line is, “And I’m no longer an initiate.” So…Berwyn has something Xaden needs, but couldn’t have when he was just an initiate and now he can have it or can get it because he’s an asim…I think? I really have no idea what it would be.
    Reply
    1. Cory
      January 30, 2025 at 8:54 am
      Right? Jack did say that sages and mavens are very good at hiding themselves. That is so scary.
      Ok. so who is the other initiate who feels the same? Ohoh? It feels like there is so much more to it.
      And indeed, what is the thing he needs? Maybe a cure? Maybe information?
      Reply
WildGnome
January 29, 2025 at 7:14 pm
Ok, I thought the new brother could potentially be Brennan as well… Or even Dane who may have read somebody’s memories about Xaden earlier. But the fact that Berwyn killed the ‘new brother’s’ dragon means that whomever it is, would not be able to blend in with the riders anymore. A rider dies with their dragon unless turned venin. With the exception of Violet who bonded 2 dragons.
Meaning they wouldn’t be there when Violet returned. Effectively, eliminating both Brennan and Dane.
Has anyone considered the possibility of Sawyer or Riddic possibly being the new brother?
Reply
1. Cory
  January 30, 2025 at 12:23 am
  That’s a good one, but my understanding is that he killed Panchek’s green dragon.
  The only other riders that has a green is Bodhi.
  Ridoc -> brown
  Sawyer – red
  Dain – red
  Brennan – orange
  Garrick – brown
  Reply
  1. Hanna
    January 31, 2025 at 7:02 pm
    I also thought that it was Pancheck’s green
    Reply
Laurie
January 29, 2025 at 11:47 pm
I love your theory, I think you convinced me. A thought that corroborate your it is that throughout this book it has been said by both theophanie and xaden that “magic knows” and that there must be balance between the signets of dark wielders and of riders. If Sloane manifested the same signet as Naolin (being a syphon), then perhaps it’s because he is venin himself?
Reply
1. Cory
  January 30, 2025 at 12:17 am
  I think so! I think Berwyn is Naolin somehow! <3
  Reply
  1. Harry
    January 31, 2025 at 5:49 am
    But there are multiple people with the same signets (fire/ice/wind etc.)
    I think it’s the really rare signets that only have one in a generation, or balance one on each side.
    Makes me curious about Melgreen since Aaric is now a precog.
    Reply
    1. Cory
      January 31, 2025 at 7:02 am
      RIGHT? I’m wording a whole theory for it. I think he is one of the leading venin weirdly enough. Violet has been foreshadowing this for ages.
      Reply
      1. Harry
        February 1, 2025 at 10:38 am
        The only hesitation I have with Melgreen being venin is Codagh. I mean- he’s an elder and THE most powerful dragon.
        Besides, Melgreen’s signet is limited to battle, and now battles that don’t have marked ones. He’s pretty screwed really.
      2. Cory
        February 3, 2025 at 12:29 am
        I do have a lot of reservations about him being venin. At the same time, Tairn and Codagh do not like each other at all…
        It feels like one likes power, the other just wants stability and for magic to be restored.
Cathy
January 30, 2025 at 2:18 am
Love this!!! It would also make sense why Tairn gets sooo upset whenever anyone mentions Naolin. He chose Naolin and now he’s this evil mage so it reflects poorly on Tairn because he chose wrong, which we know is a huge mark on a dragon’s pride and character. Tairn also calls him “the one who came before,” and doesn’t ever confirm that he is dead.
The rune on Brennan’s hand seems like a missing puzzle piece. It has been brought up now in several books; Violet assumed it was because of the siphoning and transfer of power from Naolin, but acknowledges that Brennan and Dain didn’t have marks from Sloane which implies the rune is NOT from that magic transfer. Which calls into question what IS it for? Masking his eyes and veins?? Is Brennan able to mend himself like Nolon mended Jack and so each time he channels he mends himself? So many questions!
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1. Cory
  January 30, 2025 at 8:56 am
  Tairn is very pride! Dragons don’t make mistakes, right? And yet…they do…
  I am confused about Brennan a little. On one level, there is a rune like items on his palm. But then again, now it’s a mark.
  Which one is it? Both? Different palms?
  UGH! I didn’t consider the possibility that Brennan could mend himself. Brennan is so shady, I’m so sorry.
  Reply
  1. Empyrea
    February 27, 2025 at 4:50 pm
    Maybe it’s possible with venin powers for Brennan to mend himself after channelling, but when Mira breaks his nose when she finds out he’s alive, he complains about it cos he says it’s really hard for a mender to mend themselves.
    Reply
Zuzle
January 30, 2025 at 9:05 am
“I´d kill him if I could. Fuck, I thought I had. I wonder how many iniciates feel the same about their Sage. At least one that I know of. ” Who is “the one”? Did he mean the new brother? Is he just assuming? Clearly, he didn’t have much time to discuss it with him. Or does he already know about someone else who turned before and had the chance to share their experience with him?
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1. Cory
  January 30, 2025 at 9:10 am
  Two major questions which will keep me awake at night:
  – I think he might know someone else…not the new brother. Another initiate. I cannot imagine that he’d already discuss it with him. Because let’s face it. “new brother” no way of knowing if he feels the same way. I mean, Xaden is an inntinnsic. Another could be Jack?
  – What the hell does Xaden needs from Berwyn?????? WHAT is it? So yeah, I’m re reading paragraphs and trying to make sense of it.
  Reply
Sam
January 30, 2025 at 1:19 pm
I’ve thought about that comment a lot, too. I think it can be taken two ways. Either, Xaden knows another initiate who wants to kill their sage OR he’s talking about himself being the ONLY one who wants to. (Rhetorical questions incoming – I don’t think we can know yet.) If he’s not talking about himself, how many other initiates has he met!? How and when did he meet them?! Why?!!? Are there venin membership meetings he’s required to attend??! Or…does it have to do with his second signet and he’s been able to see that another initiate wants their sage dead? I doubt there are many venin who don’t want the power and are obsessed with it like Jack. If Berwyn is Naolin and Brennan has turned, Brennan doesn’t want to kill his sage. I saw a comment on another one of your articles that maybe Xaden will take down the venin from within. That made me think maybe Xaden is talking about himself as the one initiate, but now I’m not sure. Hm…maybe now that Xaden isn’t an initiate he COULD kill his sage, but doesn’t want to because of the thing he needs? He needs that thing first and then he will. But if killing their sage means moving up in rank, then a lot more initiates would want to, so maybe he still can’t kill Berwyn. I’m just talking in circles now, sorry!
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1. Cory
  January 30, 2025 at 11:49 pm
  Hi Sam, I’m also going around in circles with this comment because honestly? It doesn’t make sense.
  Well, I mean, it does make sense, and I’m sure it will make sense.
  Alright, so we’re thinking that was rhetorical? That would be a brilliant way to throw us off.
  Unless he sensed someone else, but then again, I feel like he would have told someone to at least be careful. Bodhi, Garrick, Violet?
  Can we please take a moment to read this again tho?
  “That’s good. Bad. Fuck, I don’t know. What even am I?
  Hers.”
  I think this was beautiful. Despite the chaos, he still loves her <3
  Ok, so what does Xaden need from Berwyn?? I can think of nothing else but the cure. Or maybe how to kill dragons with that dagger.
  Reply
Mirja
January 30, 2025 at 8:47 pm
I’ve Just finished me reread. The theory that Berwyn is Naolin let me calm down a little bit. I think the reason for many of the problems is Tairn. I suppose Brennan nearly died seven years ago. Naolin was bis lover and saved him, to do this he turned venin for love. Tairn cut the bond to Naolin and this was terrible for both of them. Now Naolin=Berwyn wants revenge of Tairn and dragons in general. He first took Jack in FW to try to kill Violet. Jack hates Violet cause Tairn bonded her and he wanted Tairn before threshing. But Jack failed to kill Violet. In IF Berwyn is after Xaden. Xaden sacrifies himself so save Violet. In OS Xaden is working hard to resist Berwyn and the seeks to channel. And I’m sure Berwyn is in OS after Sgaeyl cause she is Tairns mate. If Berwyn Kills Sgaeyl Tairn will die. Violets death would be an additional success for the venin in general in this war. But now Xaden saved Sgaeyl, she was the reason to turn to an Asim, cause she is Xadens existence. I read carefully the scene when Sgaeyl saved Violet of Theophanie. I’m quite sure she would not break her bond to Tairn as mates for only human. We shouldn’t forget, they are dragons. They broke the bond to save Tairn and Sgaeyl. The effect that it’ll safe Violet as well is more important for Tairn than for Sgaeyl. So I think it is Revenge against Tairn of Naolin. According to the brother, in the German version there is used the word brother and not sibling. I still think Bodhi ist the new brother. I agree that something about Brennan is unusual, he is quite relaxed that Xaden turned venin and in the last scene when Violet returns as well. But there were some hints to Bhodi that he will stay at Xadens side, he wants to prove himself. He doesn’t want to be the duke. And he seems to be frustrated, his signet doesn’t work against venin. There is something strange with Bodhi and how he acts with Violet.
Reply
1. Cory
  January 31, 2025 at 1:26 am
  I’m still doing it mine. I have so many new theories, I’m having fun!
  Tairn is the problem -> Hi, it’s me, I’m the problem is me 😀 that is suitable right now. Given how much RY LOVES a good Swift analogy.
  So yes yes and yes. I’m been preaching that Tairn severed the bond with Naolin when Naolin turned venin to save Brennan for an eternity! YESSSSS.
  I do think Naolin holds a serious grudge against his previous dragon.
  Jack was the perfect pawn right? He wanted Tairn (hungry for power). What better candidate to turn venin and have him work against Violet and Tairn?
  Again, 100% that’s why Naolin wants to kill Sgaeyl.
  Do you agree that they broke a bond? I don’t think Sgaeyl and Tairn broke the bond for Violet and Xaden but for themselves first and foremost. Although do you remember that Violet made a remark “dragonkind protects dragonkind, right?” and Tairn said “please inform me what laws I’m not prepared to break” -> trying to find the exact quote.
  Overall, you still team Bodhi? Hmmm…I don’t deny it that it’s still plausible, but I feel like maybe it would be a lot more fun for Brennan to be the venin dude.
  Reply
Johanna
January 30, 2025 at 8:49 pm
Hi! I just found your website and think it’s amazing!
This is not related to the post above (apologies!), but I just wanted to throw in a completely different thought and theory that it would be so fun and interesting to hear your thoughts about at some point:
The quote in Onyx Storm that stood out to me the most was this one, when Violet is out with Aura and that group on the mission in Anca: ”I’m struck with the oddest urge to try and pluck strands from the very sky and weave runes.
“It feels like there’s more power out here than usual,” I tell Tairn as we dive along a ridgeline.
“There’s actually less — the venin saw to that.”
What do you think this means? I searched around for the quote online and found this Reddit post with a
(in my opinion) pretty intriguing theory. What are your thoughts on sourcing magic from the sky instead of the ground:
Again, thank you for an incredible website!
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1. Cory
  January 31, 2025 at 1:30 am
  Hi Johanna, thank you so much. I think this website strips external urls because of the plugins?
  I’m working on a theory about dragons being…bad? Something tells me that dragons are not entirely honest and they stole magic from the Gods.
  I don’t think the Gods are happy at all, which would explain why Tairn is so “anti God” you know?
  Also there is something else interesting here. Irids are magic and indeed, Violet can command the sky. She can talk to Tairn and Andarna 1000% because of Andarna’s magic. Dragons are dependent on the magic from the continent, thus, from the ground. The same as venin. While they are different, they are not THAT different. It’s almost like…one of them uses magic a little more sustainable than other, but ultimately, they use it nonetheless.
  What my theory is: are the 6th species of dragons…fallen Irids? Corrupted Irids? Irids have all the colors, and yet, the 6 species are solid colors.
  Reply
Carla
January 31, 2025 at 2:26 am
Hi Cory! I read this theory and I could have not agree more.
After hearing AND reading that godsdamn chapter about Xaden, many times. I too think its Brennan. The word that didn’t make sense to me was “NEW” brother. (thank you for pointing it out as well!!!) At first I was like: oh could be Bohdi or Garrick that turned into new venim, but I don’t think he will call them “new brother” to any of them.
I think that Garrick and Bohdi are either with Xaden or after him, they have always been loyal to him. Let’ s remember that his New brother and the sage are unconscious after the onyx storm. I think Imogen finds violet alone and she asks her to errase her memory, I dont think Imogen was part of the marring ceremony, would be to dangerous for her to know what happened if Violet purposely asked to errase her mind knowing there will be questioning and mind reading. Unless she can errase her own memory? No idea there.
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1. Cory
  January 31, 2025 at 7:22 am
  Hi Carla, welcome welcome!
  I honestly thought it was Bodhi. I was so certain. But nope, the word sibling…too much meaning there.
  I agree with you, I think Imogen is not in the know. I think she knows something is up, and that’s it. I am also curious how her signet works. Can she wipe her own memories? The same way as Brennan can mend himself (but with more difficulty).
  Reply
  1. Hanna
    January 31, 2025 at 7:16 pm
    It will be interesting to find out what happened in those twelve wiped hours, maybe Violet couldn’t handle the hurt of knowing that Brennan turned venin and to protect herself, she and Xaden decided to ask Imogen to wipe her memory?
    Reply
    1. Cory
      February 1, 2025 at 6:11 am
      Imogen did say “what you asked me to do”. Xaden has been very open to Violet. I think this was their plan. No doubt Book 4 will be about it, and then we will move into seriously dark realms. I think something horrible will happen by the end of the book.
      Reply
Rita
January 31, 2025 at 1:10 pm
Concerning Sloane’s siphoning and Dain and Brennan not having a mark : Sloane siphoned Cat in the tunnels and Cat didn’t have a mark. Neither it was said that Lilith had a mark after being siphoned. Violet deducted the rune on Brennan’s hand was from his “ressurection”, mas no one else mentioned it. I think the rune on his palm ir for something else we still don’t know. Because if Brennan was really venin all this time, Xaden would have noticed, either by “venin feel themselves” or through the intentions reading signet
I’m rereading the final chapter’s today, I need to understand ore…
Reply
1. Cory
  February 1, 2025 at 6:06 am
  Hi Rita,
  I don’t think Brennan was venin all this time. I think he turned recently (at the end of the book)
  I think the mark is an indication that someone channeled from him rather than the other way around. Venin who channel leave mark on people and not the other way around (venin don’t seem to have marks after)
  Reply
Nicole
February 2, 2025 at 9:42 am
Finally! No one is talking about this! Though I think my original reason – Vi mentioning it was “weird” there was no mark after the siphoning to save Mira – isn’t actually as valid anymore as proven above, I still think it’s Brennan & I think it’s recent. I can’t think of why he’d do it other than to save Mira or as suggested to somehow join his partner who is venin, not dead. I definitely think it’s been suspicious how Tairn speaks about his previous rider, so him being venin tracks.
BUT thinking about the siphoning part, Sloan mentions Dain shouldn’t have that much power. I don’t think he’s the new venin because he hasn’t been there in the know about Xanden, but it’s sus.
I also sadly agree that the bond between Tairn & Sgaeyl is likely broken. But could Andarna fix/break any bond? If so, could that include the bond between venin (i.e. Xaden & the Sage)?!
Lastly, someone has a very thorough IG post about how irids & Vi channel through the sky not ground. It explains so much.
Reply
1. Cory
  February 3, 2025 at 12:08 am
  Hi Nicole, I have a theory about dragons channeling from the ground: https://www.empyreanriders.com/articles/onyx-storm-theory-are-the-dragons-evil/
  I also don’t think Dain is the new venin.
  AND YES YES! Thank you!!! I’m so glad you are also on the same page. Naolin is not dead! He’s 100% venin
  Reply
Mary
February 3, 2025 at 7:10 am
Why weren’t Brennan’s eyes red if he just turned venin in the last 12 hours though? Don’t they stay red for several days after they turn venin/channel? I don’t want it to be Brennan! I love Brennan. But I love Garrick and Bodhi too and wouldn’t want it to be either of them either. Errrr.
Reply
1. Cory
  February 5, 2025 at 8:05 am
  Do you love Brennan? Nooooooooooo, he always seemed shady to me.
  Although I did always enjoy how he mended Violet.
  But I never trusted him, I don’t know why.
  I think both Garrick and Bodhi were the obvious choice, right? Which makes me feel like it has to be Brennan with his amber eyes.
  Reply
KalaS
February 4, 2025 at 11:23 pm
I totally think it’s Brennan, too. For all the reasons you outlined, but also because he was first on the scene when Violet was returned. You know how venin can sense each other? And just as Violet was coming to, she caught a glimpse of a shadow…obviously Xaden. Brennan knew he was there, too!
And I think Sloane’s comment to Dain about, “someone like you shouldn’t have such power,” is sooo confusing! I’m rereading the book to look for more connections between those two. But I wonder if she was somehow conflating Brennan’s power/inclination with Dain’s? Maybe Dain has a second signet, too, somehow, and it’s even more “inntinsic-y” than his first? This is the question that is honestly niggling me the most!!
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1. Cory
  February 5, 2025 at 7:53 am
  I’m so confused by that comment made towards Dain.
  But I’m also certain Sloan x Dain will be a thing and Dain is NOT venin.
  Maybe Cath is very powerful? Also what does “someone like you” mean? Do you think that he can read memories and he is powerful and scary?
  Reply
Keira
February 5, 2025 at 6:10 am
YES!! Thank you! I’m glad I’m not going crazy to be thinking it’s Brennan too! From the first read he was just on the radar. There are so many theories about it been Garrick or Bodhi that I thought I was thinking too deeply… but it was always missing that final piece of the puzzle but Brennan? It just fits. There is so much mystery and unknown around him that it makes me so suspicious especially throughout OS. He ticked almost every single box and hint that was dropped. And you outlined my thoughts exactly in this post!
And I’m sorry but Garrick and Bodhi are almost the too obvious choice? If that makes sense. She likes to keep us on our toes after all, it could be so simple we’re bound to doubt it’s true or she’s deliberately made it subtle enough to hide behind the obvious front runner options.
…No one else I know has finished it yet, I’ve read it twice, bordering on a third time lol cause keep finding more info… and I’ve been bottling it all up waiting for any of them to finish!! So casually just living out my theories with fellow fans and theorists online like your post in the meantime hahaha
Okay I’m done lolll and thank you!
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1. Cory
  February 5, 2025 at 7:51 am
  Hiiii!!! YESSS. I’m so happy that you think so.
  Bodhi is the obvious choice right? C’mon, he’s the second in line. He was acting all like a spoiled aristocrat 😀 telling us that he doesn’t want it etc
  It was Brennan! 1000000% Brennan. Another sibling to use against Xaden. <3
  P.S. Also re-reading the book. It’s perhaps the best one yet with so much politics, intrigue and easter eggs!!
  Reply
langford rae
February 5, 2025 at 2:51 pm
I think a big piece of the puzzle is chapter 58. Dain has more power then he should is clue number 1. Mari then channels this power into Brennan who uses it. An important definition here is that Mari doesn’t use the power merely allows it to flow between the two. In using that power Brennan turns inadvertently by using Venin power to augment his own. Clue number 2 is that neither of them is left with a mark from the power transfer.
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1. Cory
  February 8, 2025 at 12:20 am
  I want to understand this better: Brennan turns inadvertently by using Venin power to augment his own
  But we don’t think Dain is venin, right?
  Reply
Ella Simone
February 6, 2025 at 8:16 am
My initial reaction and gut instinct when reading said it was Brennan that turned, with the only doubt being around not knowing how long he’s known for. For sure the more obvious possibilities are logical re maybe Bodhi (he really doesn’t want to be duke and turning as a way to counter venin signets makes sense from a plot perspective, but I think this is too simple) and maybe Garrick (he was nearing burn out and loves Imogen, but I think this would mess with his and others character arcs in disruptive ways), but Brennan would definitely be a better twist (and makes sense with all your deciphering in the theory above – especially if the Naolin-is-venin theory is correct, though I’m not really convinced Naolin-is-Berwyn because the timeline doesn’t work). Can’t wait to see how this plays out – bring on Book 4!
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1. Cory
  February 8, 2025 at 12:06 am
  Apparently, the author said that he turned because he felt inadequate. Only Bodhi has ever felt inadequate, right? In Onyx Storm.
  There is also the possibility that it might have been Aaric but…I just don’t know at this point.
  Reply
  1. Ella Simone
    February 21, 2025 at 5:48 am
    Yep, agreed that Bodhi is the best fit for RY’s comment about the person who turned feeling inadequate, but this also works for Garrick beating burn out and being frustrated that he can’t help more, as potentially for Brennan who 1. His lover Naolin “died” (or more likely, turned venin for) saving because Brennan was unable to heal/mend himself, 2. He didn’t have sufficient power to save/heal/mend Mira on his own, and while I’m sure he was grateful for Sloane’s siphoned power it probably would have left him feeling inadequate. I’m on team Brennan for the turning and think it makes for a way more interesting plot than the more obvious choices of Garrick or Bodhi, but also sad regardless of who it is because whoever it is I think isn’t making it to the end of the series.
    Reply
    1. Cory
      February 22, 2025 at 2:15 am
      My heart is in pieces. I was not so upset about Xaden turning. But I really am if it’s Bodhi or Garrick.
      Reply
Jenn B
February 8, 2025 at 4:15 am
Wow! Thank you for this!
What started off as what you called an “unhinged” theory, is now what sounds like the ONLY logical answer! Aside from all the very valid passages you identify, Brennan is a well-developed, focal character in the book with deep ties to Violet, Xaden (he KNEW Xaden was venin and tried to heal him, and was so calm about it, what?!?), and Naolin (who has severed but still ties to Tairn and Sgaeyl). So that alone gives his character so much more momentum to be the new brother.
In Xaden’s POV in OS he says that the Sage is supposed to be “dead”, which it’s always been inferred that Naolin died but I agree, he probably drew great power from the earth out of love to save Brennan and thus became Berwyn. And so why would Brennan NOT turn venin for the person who saved his life….Naolin/Berwyn? And this would also explain why Theo said Jack was the wrong brother because Berwyn of course wanted to see Brennan. Xaden also says about the Berwyn, “I. Can’t. Kill. Him. I could not more raise a blade to his throat than I could Violet. The bond between Violence and me is the kind of magic that has no explanation.” So here it seems he’s not talking about his love for “Violet”, but he can’t kill “Violence” because of their mated dragon’s bond and the magic bond between them. So I feel like somehow Xaden can’t kill Naolin/Berwyn because he used to be Tairn’s rider. Again, there are just way too many connections that all point to Brennan turning.
Also I can’t get out of my head when Xaden talks about the shadows protecting the people Imogen loves. In this sentence the word “she” which I think refers to Imogen is italicized, “I’m at the pass, plucking wyvern off one by one, listening with satisfaction as their bodies hit the ground in front of the people ‘she’ loves.” And who does Imogen love? Garrick since Quinn dies. So the brother is not Garrick, he’s with Imogen at this time and not close to Xaden and Berwyn. Plus Garrick, like Bohdi is too minor of a character at this point, both have only ever been loyal to Xaden, and neither have wanted more power.
The only thing that tugs at me about this theory is the hint RY gave at the book tour where the Fantasy Fangirls interviewed her about who the new brother is and RY says to “Look for who is missing, and someone who feels like they don’t have enough.” To which again Brennan is right there when Violet wakes, and I can’t find any proof of Brennan that he’s been wanting more power. Maybe RY is just trying to send us on a goose chase, LOL. In another interview she said that someone who betray Violet and who bigger than her own brother? Lastly, let’s not forget his biggest shadiness yet, Brennan let Violet and Mira think he was dead so……. he clearly has no reservations holding deep lies from his sisters. When he saw them he showed ZERO remorse for letting them think he was dead. Which is probably why it was so satisfying when Mira punched him in the face!!
Yup, it’s Brennan.
Reply
1. Cory
  February 8, 2025 at 6:00 am
  Jenn, hi!!!
  I just got your comment minutes after I had to add a looot more to the theory.
  I also feel it’s Brennan but exactly! Because of that thing she said “looks for who is missing at the end” it makes me doubt it now. It makes me feel like it’s Bodhi and I’m just left really damn confused.
  Reply
2. Cory
  February 8, 2025 at 6:01 am
  BTW. She said similar things about Violet’s signet right? It’s going to be boring. But it’s not! It’s not boring at all.
  It’s epic! It’s insanely spectacular and very powerful. And we’ve only seen like 10% of it, right? So it does make me feel like she’s trying to throw us off!
  Reply
  1. Jenn B
    February 8, 2025 at 4:51 pm
    Brennan was SUCH an interesting theory but alas after reading your update I’ve 180’d back to Bodhi. It’s rather poetic that I’ve never given Bodhi any pause or importance! Hahaha, poor Bodhi. But your new passages and what RY said in her interview, I’m now 100% convinced it’s Bodhi.
    After all the subtle but not so subtle digs at Bodhi the scene that seals the deal for me is Xaden’s POV. Even though Berwyn is talking to Pancheck who has a green dragon, this is just to throw us off. Berwyn says he has another son WHILE he’s a green dragon, and who has a green dragon? Bodhi! How more poetic could Bodhi become his son than in the moment when Berwyn kills Cuir – it’s the ultimate sacrifice. Plus we all know what Berwyn’s other “son” Jack did to Baide.
    Some other supporting chapters is the one with Violet, Bodhi and Theo. Theo says, “Odd choice of companion, seeing that you reek of his kin.” I’m guessing she’s talking to Violet and obviously Bodhi and Xaden are related but I don’t know why she thinks it’s an odd choice due to kin. Theo then says to Bodhi, “Tell me, do you not grow tired of being a less-powerful version of your cousin?” which is an important insult because it’s coming from a venin. So now we know the venin are well aware of Bodhi’s feelings of being less powerful. Makes sense they would target Bodhi just as they targeted Jack when he was jealous of Violet.
    Then there’s Bodhi’s balancing signet that doesn’t work on Theo but when Bodhi uses it Violet says gravity shifts, her perception of everything changes, and the heat she feels is something she only feels with one other person (guessing Xaden). So why is Bodhi’s signet affecting Violet? There’s so much more going on there. Theo also adds when Bodhi says he’s protecting his cousin and province she says “and her” – ummm Bodhi’s in love with Violet!!! I have a feeling there will come a moment in the end when Bodhi, Xaden and Violet are going to be in one room and Bodhi’s signet is going to help Violet turn the powers for good. We know Violet is the key to tipping the balance of powers, something that hasn’t happened in 600 years.
    Thank you so much for this site. The end of OS was so emotional for me but focusing on these theories have helped ease the angst. AND it’s so much fun!
    Reply
    1. Cory
      February 8, 2025 at 10:54 pm
      I completely agree—it’s the most “obvious,” but that’s exactly why it works. It feels like the natural way to propel everything forward, especially when you consider why Xaden rushed into marrying Violet. It wasn’t just a romantic gesture; it was strategic, ensuring Tyrrendor’s protection over her. He wanted to propose properly, to make it all official, but Bodhi’s involvement cut that plan short.
      I’m beyond grateful for your kind words —this series has been such an emotional rollercoaster, and theorizing together makes it all the more special. Love diving into these theories with you! 💜
      Reply
      1. Jenn B
        February 9, 2025 at 7:20 am
        Yes! Xaden went from “protect Bodhi at all costs because he’s next in line” to a shotgun wedding in Dunne.
        But there’s still so much with the theory of “What’s going on with Brennan!?!?” His dragon’s name Mahrb means “dead” or “dead person” in Gaelic! Yikes! That’s a far cry from a mender and perfect for someone who came back from the dead and turned venin!
Haley
February 9, 2025 at 7:46 am
Hi Cory! I found this on pinterest and got literal goosebumps!! https://pin.it/1dikcWMBr
What do you think it means? “command the sky”- could it go into your other theory about getting power from the sky and ground?
Reply
1. Cory
  February 10, 2025 at 3:53 am
  One brother bonded the dragon. One bonded the gryphon and one grew jealous enough and drew directly from the source.
  I do wonder about it a lot. Because I think the one who commends the sky, Violet…there is more to it than just what we understand. And honestly, right now…I’m a little confused about it.
  The Fables demonize dragons even right?
  But what we do know is that Tairn gave Violet the power of the sky: “Now tell me, which chose you first? The one who gifted you the power of the sky? Or the irid?”
  Reply
Michelle
February 10, 2025 at 3:13 am
So, I am inclined to agree with you that Brennan is a strong possibility. If you look at the text in Xaden’s POV at the end, you see him as he feeds from the source and unleashes his shadows, which “skim past the one who now thinks himself my brother”, and then he notes that the shadows are “rushing over Imogen as she looks to the sky”. To match the scenes in time and place, you have to back up to Imogen’s POV, after Garrick walks them to Professor Trissa. Imogen steps outside and says: “ I unsheathed my last alloy-hilted dagger and stared up at the wyvern-filled sky.” At that point she had just shouted at Garrick’s back, and spotted Bodhi retching on his hands and knees. So that places both Bodhi and Garrick near her, NOT with Xaden.
I agree that Brennan is a possibility except for the fact that Rebecca Yarros said to pay attention to who is missing at the end. So who else needed more power and was missing at the end?
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1. Cory
  February 10, 2025 at 3:45 am
  Shoot. You are right: Bodhi is on his hands and knees across the town square, retching.
  The only other is Garrick, right? Nearing burnout.
  And HE really is missing. I mean Imogen specifically asks this.
  The only issue I have to Garrick being venin is that there is a walker venin. Garrick was the counter. Now it feels like they are very fast tipping the balance, since venin would get TWO walkers.
  We don’t know where Dain is. But the sibling doesn’t make sense then.
  We don’t know about Felix. He has a sibling, Suri.
  Aaric…but he’s returning with soldiers. He is not venin.
  Reply
  1. Michelle
    February 10, 2025 at 5:01 pm
    Garrick is there with Imogen too. (pg. 511 in my copy) She shouts “where are you going” at Garrick’s back, and then unsheathes her dagger, looking up at the sky.
    Back in Xaden’s POV (pg. 522 my copy) he draws from the source and his shadows knock Berwyn and “my new brother” unconscious. After that his shadows surge from the canyon, killing a wyvern that has Dain and Cath backed into a corner, and THEN rushing over Imogen as she looks to the sky.
    That makes it sound like Bohdi, Garrick and Dain are all written as being somewhere else — not in the canyon with Xaden.
    Reply
    1. Cory
      February 13, 2025 at 12:22 am
      There is one single rider we don’t know anything about…
      Sawyer!
      We know of Ridoc. He’s freezing wyvern like a badass. We know where Aaric is (bringing soldiers).
      Reply
Kat
February 10, 2025 at 11:20 am
I totally believe it was Garrick. He fulfills the two things that Rebecca mentioned in her Q&A tour:
1. He was among the missing, and it was explicitly stated with Imogen asking about him at the end.
2. He was feeling inadequate or rather powerless in Imogen’s POV: “I can’t walk again. Even if I made it to Aretia, I’d never be strong enough to get back. So, I’d better find some fucking way to do something.”
I could totally see him turning venin, not only because of those two things, but also because he is Xaden’s best friend and is always by his side, he could’ve also done it thinking he could ‘protect’ Xaden or something like that.
Also, Xaden says: “How could he do this? Choose this after watching me stumble and fall over the last five months.”
This all could also apply to Bodhi, yes, but I feel Garrick is more likely to be it. Although, now that I think of it; why would Xaden marry Violet to leave her Tyrrendor if Bodhi was next on the line, except if Bodhi is no longer ‘available’? I don’t know, both seem like a plausible possibility.
Brennan on the other hand… Nah, I don’t think so. Brennan hasn’t known about Xaden being venin and struggling since the beginning, only towards the end. So Xaden saying the 5 months thing definitely means it has to be someone who has known about him all along, leaving Garrick and Bodhi as the only possible choices.
However, I do think there is something weird going on with Brennan. His scar (was it on the wrist?) was heavily hinted at in this book… Violet was focusing on it a few times, also when Sloane transferred him Dain’s power, and then Violet was thinking about him not having a scar on the back of his neck this time. This is definitely going to be something to talk about on the next installments. Could it have something to do with Naolin turning venin to save him?
Also, the possibility of Berwyn being Naolin… I would love that, but I don’t think Tairn seeing him and not recognising him or not saying something to Violet about it exists. Have Violet and Tairn been in his presence though? If not, there’s still that possibility that Tairn hasn’t seen him and therefore could not recognise him.
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1. Michelle
  February 10, 2025 at 10:47 pm
  I thought that at first too, but see my above comment. Garrick was with Imogen while Xaden was with his “new brother” per each of their POV’s. So the “new brother” can’t be Garrick, Bohdi, or Dain if you read those two chapters as happening at the same time. Unless RY is trying to throw everyone off, and she didn’t mean for the image of “Imogen looking to the sky” in each of those two chapters to indicate that the events are happening at the same time.
  Reply
AEM
February 11, 2025 at 3:03 pm
I’m not saying Dain turned in the end but what if he turned venin earlier? When Sloan siphons his power she makes a comment that he “shouldn’t have this much power” and when she’s scared about taking too much power, Dain says “you can’t kill me.” Then Violet notices theres no mark on Dain or on Brennan after the siphoning. Could they both be? But they turned earlier?
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1. Cory
  February 12, 2025 at 11:12 am
  I really hope not, honestly. Just when I started to like Dain…
  Reply
AG
February 13, 2025 at 3:32 pm
Yep, I agree with you. Brennan has been venin since he was resurrected. ““There’s no mark at the back of his neck like he carries on his palm. There hadn’t been one on Dain’s wrist, either.” Naolin is like Sloane and was a conduit of magic. He took from the earth to resurrect Brennan (turning them both venin) which is why Brennan always knew what Xaden was.
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1. Cory
  February 16, 2025 at 12:21 pm
  Ugh shudders… that’s going to be difficult to swallow when Violet finds out.
  Reply
Emma
February 17, 2025 at 12:03 pm
TBH – I can’t call it between Garrick, Bodhi or Brennan – they all have strong reasons to channel.
But I want to add something else for Garrick and why I think he has just as strong a reason. You had mentioned that you didn’t really feel that Garrick felt inadequate and it was only at the end, from Imogen’s point of view that he seemed to struggle etc. I completely agree with this as well. However, I have been seeing a few videos on the gifts received on Zehyllna and the symbolism behind them as well as how they relate to the recipients. Some of the meanings are easier to spot than others. I had added my thoughts on Dain’s slap onto your Ending Explained post, but there have also been some thoughts on the rusted bucket that Garrick received.
If you put rusted steel bucket symbolism into a search engine it mainly comes up with the following general description:
“A rusted bucket often symbolizes neglect, decay, abandonment, or a loss of functionality due to the visual representation of time and weathering, where the rust signifies deterioration and a lack of care over time, making the bucket useless for its intended purpose of holding water or other materials.”
Sometimes it comes up with secondary descriptions that can include:
Forgotten Potential – “A rusted bucket could symbolize a lost opportunity or potential that has been neglected and is no longer able to be utilized effectively.”
Broken promises – “In some contexts, a rusty bucket might represent a broken promise or a failed commitment, as the bucket is no longer capable of fulfilling its role.”
Emotional burden – “A rusted bucket can also signify the weight of carrying heavy burdens or emotional baggage that has become too much to handle, leading to a sense of being worn down. ”
It is the bit about the broken promises and emotional burden that hits me. We do see that he is completely emptying himself out in the last battle (like a bucket), getting close to burnout (that bucket is becoming worn down), and not being able use the functionality of his second signet to help others get out (becoming rusty & decayed) and it also looks like he was needed to go to Aretia for something – more weapons maybe – which he is unable to do (a failed task). I know others have seen this parallel to with the bucket in how Garrick is at the end. Also, just before the last battle – when he delivered the message that Theo had Mira, he would have witnessed his entire patrol being wiped out. I think he has gone through a lot of emotional baggage at the end of the book ( a weight of carrying emotional or heavy burdens). Would he have been so desperate to get to Aretia under any circumstance, like Xaden had been to save Violet and give her more time in Iron Flame, that he would have channelled. When he said that he needs to find a way to do something, was he frustrated with the limits of his signet – he also couldn’t save his patrol previously (pay attention to someone who feels like whatever they have been given is not enough). With Xaden’s comment that his ‘new brother’ was the last person he would have thought to turn, out of the three, I think this would more describe Garrick because, like us, he wouldn’t have imagined his best friend as getting to that point. And I think out of the three, Garrick had seen Xaden at his worse especially when Xaden sensed Violet was in danger. I remember bits in the book, where Garrick told Violet that Xaden had completely lost it when he was with him. This might relate to the comment – after he had seen what Xaden had been through for the last 5 months. They were always stationed together.
I don’t know think I might be convincing myself it is Garrick. Though I do agree that as he is mentioned on the last page as being missing, it does make it a bit obvious from Rebecca’s clues, but maybe this time Rebecca is being obvious.
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1. Cory
  February 19, 2025 at 2:30 am
  Come on Emma!!!!! Why the hell are you doing this to me?
  WHY!!!!
  I don’t want to do this to Imogen. She’s just lost her friend. Now she might be losing her change to Garrick. NO!
  I refuse. Throw Brennan to the wolves. We don’t like Brennan, we don’t care for Brennan.
  Please, both Bodhi and Garrick are so kind. We love them so much. Freaking bucket!
  Damn it, and he’s def missing!!!!!!!! ARGHHHHHHH
  I will update the post with your info. It’s fantastic research even tho I’m really upset right now.
  Reply
2. Cory
  February 19, 2025 at 3:54 am
  I updated the article with a timeline. What do you think? I think we can account for Garrick…
  Reply
  1. Emma
    February 19, 2025 at 10:21 am
    I’m so sorry 🙁 I really like Garrick as well. I am hoping that the bucket symbolism is just an indication of Garrick’s character, that he is willing to empty himself and do everything he can to protect (fight to the bitter end sort of thing) and that is it.
    Definitely holding out all hope that when Imogen sees the sky darkening, that this is Xaden’s shadows coming across the city. That Rhi, Imogen’s and Xaden’s chapters all over lap each other and this would account for both Bodhi and Garrick moments before. If the chapters over lap, I am 100% believe that they are both accounted for.
    Kind of secretly hoping that it is a complete curve ball and it turns out that it was someone like Llewellyn that turned instead (you never know). Don’t want it to be Brennan either.
    But I do have hope, if the worst happens, and it is either any of the 3. If any of them channelled it wouldn’t have been for absolute power – not like Theo or Jack or possibly the Sage, they would have channelled out of love – like Xaden. Garrick because he was closed to burnout and wanted to continue to save and protect everyone; Bodhi because he wanted to save and protect Violet like he promised Xaden but was frustrated that he couldn’t; and Brennan because he possibly might have been struggling to save Teine and keep Mira alive along with his frustration that he had not been able to save Xaden.
    My hope comes from the part with the Irids on the beach – when Andarna says to the “Do you not care that people will die?” and one of them replies “Perhaps they should … Perhaps the corrupted ones should devour the land in its entirety. Only when they’re faced with starvation they will confront the evil they’ve become. Either they’ll die off and the land will regenerate, or they’ll confront the abominations they’ve become and change.” Andarna asks “How do they do that?” And then is it said, “Their offspring could evolve, perhaps.” It is a bit of long shot, but maybe this wouldn’t mean a physical child, but maybe it’s those who get to the point when they channel, it is not because of absolute power that they channel, but it is out of desperation, love or protection. It looks like Xaden has kept hold of his love for Violet at the last second – it is the emotion that he clings to in the end. Could this be an evolution or a change. Probably a long shot, but I will keep hold of it.
    Also, I don’t know if you remember, but I tried to convince you that Dain hadn’t stolen Violet just before Iron Flame came out – I think I was 100% sure at one point – most of the time, I am way off!!!
    Reply
    1. Cory
      February 20, 2025 at 2:53 am
      Emma, you clever girl! Their offspring could evolve, perhaps.
      YES! YES! They always talk in family terms. Siblings and sons. “Their offspring”
      Xaden is in a weird way, someone’s brother now and someone’s son…their offspring!!
      Reply
  2. Emma
    February 19, 2025 at 1:26 pm
    Just read your article on who’s missing at the end. Yep – I’m now back to square 1. Haven’t a clue who is missing now. 🙂
    Reply
    1. Cory
      February 20, 2025 at 2:06 am
      UGH!!!! so annoying! I don’t think we can figure it out.
      Reply
      1. Emma
        March 13, 2025 at 3:07 pm
        Ok – I have thought more on this and I’m actually now about 90% convinced that it is Brennan who is the new ‘brother.’ – lol
        The obvious choices would be Bodhi or Garrick, but I think they are just too obvious. Bodhi not wanting to be Xaden’s heir as well as not being strong enough to stop Theo etc. Garrick, drained at the end, looking to find another way to help as well as being the only one who has been confirmed as missing in the last chapter. I just have a feeling that these are too easy and obvious candidates.
        But when it comes to Brennan. Like you, I been thinking that Rebecca’s clue on who is missing at the end doesn’t really mean the last chapter – it is bit ambiguous – it could also mean the battle as well and Brennan just vanishes after he heals Mira so no one knows exactly what he’s been doing during it.
        It is also that comment on ‘another sibling’ that can be used against him that I never picked up on before. I’ve been watching some of the highlights from the interviews with Rebecca after the release of Oynx Storm and there was one answer she gives when asked about, I think, her favourite death scene, and the bit that stands out to me in the answer is when she talks about the interaction between Dain and Violet in the torture chamber before Dain stabs Varrish – that when you read it at first you think that Dain is going to kill Violet (he says something like she has brought this on herself – can’t remember the exact wording), but when you re-read it, you realise that what he is actually saying (in hindsight) that if she had only trusted him, none of this would have happened – Liam would still be alive etc. So definitely she always writes things that could be interpreted in, at least, 2 ways. And this comment I think is the same. If you read it on face value, it could be Bodhi or Garrick, but here that other sibling being compared to would be Jack and I don’t really see Jack as being some who could be used against Xaden – he wouldn’t care what happened Jack. But if it is revealed to be Brennan, reading it back in hindsight, the comment would reference as you mentioned above as Violet’s sibling and that he can be used against him just as Violet can be.
        The 10% I am not sure about is the connection mentioned that Xaden can’t kill Berwyn – is there something in the connection between the Venin that we don’t know about yet.
        On the whole, I think it would make a better story if it is to be Brennan. Someone that Violet would not see coming and it could be a huge impact for a cliff hanger for book 4 especially if he is really close to Violet throughout.
      2. Cory
        March 18, 2025 at 2:26 am
        Haha I love it how we all change our minds. But I’m still team Brennan.
        It can only be Brennan, Garrick and Bodhi based on timeline. But I’m super certain it’s Brennan.
        Hear me out. What if…Brennan didn’t turn. He has been venin all along.
        That’s how he knew about Xaden. He could sense him, right? We don’t know how Brennan came to know about it all.
        And there is more.
        “Wards are still up here, or we would feel it.” Brennan tilts his head.
        Do you see? So I wonder if Brennan knew of Xaden but Xaden didn’t know of Brennan. And then, at the very end, he did. He revealed himself.
        He says “new brother” but is he “new”? How could he do this, asks Xaden. But he doesn’t know when, and where and why.
        Just to thro more wood on the fire 😀 He does have amber eyes, our Brennan.
Robski
February 17, 2025 at 6:18 pm
I think it’s Bodhi who became a venin because in the Xaden’s POV chapter Berwyn desiccates some GREEN dragon…Bodhi’s gragon is green
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1. Cory
  February 18, 2025 at 12:44 am
  But Pancheck also has a green dragon 😀
  Reply
  1. Robski
    February 18, 2025 at 7:05 am
    True😄
    Reply
    1. Cory
      February 18, 2025 at 7:05 am
      We’re ALL so confused aren’t we?
      Reply
      1. Emma
        February 18, 2025 at 9:01 am
        I think the green dragon that was killed was Panchek’s.
        In Xaden’s chapter when Panchek says, “This is not what we agreed to!”, he was “stumbling backward towards his own shrieking, netted dragon.” Further on, when Berwyn snarls, “Did you not ask for power?”, while holding two alloy-hilted daggers of his own, he approaches Panchek. And when Panchek replies that Berwyn isn’t going to hurt him, he is reaching for the net over his dragon. It is at this point that Berwyn says, “I have another” and then stabs deep between the dragon’s scales. It sounds like Berwyn was next to Panchek, who was trying to free his dragon, when he stabbed the dragon.
        It looks like it is Panchek’s dragon.
      2. Cory
        February 18, 2025 at 10:07 am
        Oh no, I agree fully! But the fact that he did it with a dagger?!
Rikki
March 6, 2025 at 8:40 pm
Hi Cory – I love your side! You put so much work into it – it is just amazing and such a pleasure reading all the theories. I was reading the book in german – so the translation is maybe not so good but with all your arguments, I think it is Brennan. He has a rune in his hand or something and Xaden is saying: And yet I feed on, digging deep into the source of magic itself and pushing outward at the same time, finding the identical heartbeats that make up the wyverns and slicing through the scales with shadows, tearing out their runestones. I begin with the one who dared to sink his teeth into Sgaeyl’s shoulder, bypassing the one who now thinks he is my brother, then destroying the six that block the entrance to this canyon.
Runestones – bypassing the one who thinks is my Brother – Brennan because he also has a runestone in his Hand and xaden is talking a lot about runestones in this context. What do you think? Does it make sense?
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1. Cory
  March 9, 2025 at 5:53 am
  Yes! It makes sense. I do Wonder if that was related to Brennan and his rune!
  You know, that’s not how I read it.
  I thought he is talking about his shadows, bypassing the one who now calls himself his brother. But the way you interpret this is waaaaaay waaaaaaaaay better!
  Reply
2. Cory
  March 9, 2025 at 5:53 am
  P.S. Thank you so so much for your kind words.
  Reply
Imogen
March 9, 2025 at 11:33 pm
I think a Venin is channeling power/ life into Brennan, which explains his rune scar. Could this mean Brennan’s life is tied to a Venin—possibly the Sage? the same as the Wyvern? Is that why he didn’t die? Could this also be why Xaden can’t kill the Sage—because doing so would kill Brennan, making him the sibling being used against Xaden?
I also think the sage knows the cure and this is what Xaden needs from him.
Violet has been hinting at the possibility of Melgren being Venin since the beginning.
Violet speculated that the cure might be found “in a forgotten book or some dark wielder’s head.” Xaden later told her, “You could walk into Melgren’s dreams, and he couldn’t stop you.” Could this be foreshadowing that Melgren knows the cure? And Violet being a dream walker is how she discovers it!
So many possibilities!!
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Emma
March 18, 2025 at 9:02 am
I had thought recently that almost had me 100% convinced that it was Brennan – this is on top of the sibling reference, but looking at the the part in the book that had me convinced, it wasn’t as strong as I first thought – but thought I would share it anyway.
In her interview with Lexi and Nicole (Fantasy Fangirls), when asked about the brother, Rebecca’s exact words were “someone who feels that whatever they have been given is not enough.” You can look at that to mean that they felt they were inadequate in some way etc. But I remember the part after Sloane siphoned power from Dain to Brennan, Brennan mentioned that Sloane had given him “a little more than she needed to.” And then following that, it was found that Teine was not waking and Tairn had to fly him away leaving Violet to face Theo with Bodhi.
I just had a crazy thought that maybe what Rebecca was alluding to when she said that whatever they were given is not enough, it might have been the extra power that Sloane had given him was not enough to help and save Teine and maybe Brennan had to channel to save him and further save Mira. I just always remember that unconscious dragon next to the ‘brother’ and am wondering if it could be Teine and not the ‘brother’s’ own dragon.
But the theory tends to get weaker when I look deeper, mostly when it is not exactly clear how much danger of not waking up Teine was in and how much of the care that Brennan was giving him that Tairn saw – did Tairn just bring him to Brennan and leave immediately afterward and only knew that he was ok because he could feel it on the way back to Violet. It might have given Brennan a window to channel without Tairn seeing (if Brennan was out of options) – I think Brennan would have done everything he could to save Mira. It was just a thought I had – but not too sure about it when I look further.
Sorry – posting here because the thread ran out above – at this point – I am not too sure whether Brennan has been venin all along, but really not ruling it out – like you, I am convinced that it is Brennan, and also there is the lack of red in his eyes at the end which makes me question whether he had just channelled 12 hours beforehand – unless there was a way to conceal this in some way. Who knows. Can’t wait to find out 🙂
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1. Cory
  March 23, 2025 at 10:53 pm
  I’m sooo excited that you are now team Brennan. I love the theory actually. I hadn’t considered that it was to also save Teine. Technically Teine wasn’t waking but we do not know why, right? He was just in chains, that’s all we know, with some scales missing.
  Speaking of which, I have a theory that they are also trying to replicate Violet’s armour :O I hope not…
  Reply
  1. Emma
    March 25, 2025 at 8:27 am
    Ooh – I didn’t pick up on the missing scales. I wondering if they are trying to create some sort of armour. It does kind of look like the venin are building up their arsenal. I’ve been thinking about the dagger that was used to kill ‘Panchek’s’ dragon. It looks like venin now have their own version of the runed alloy dagger – a dagger that can kill a dragon with one strike. Are they coming up with anything else.
    Reply
Mc
March 22, 2025 at 6:56 am
Well I do find the bodhi theory interesting because yes he’s the obvious choice. He wants to be with xaden follow xaden fight for xaden we get it. BUT is that choice too obvious? In my eyes if he wanted break away from Xaden for once it would be now. Now he is no longer under Xaden’s shadows- literally and figuratively. If he wanted to stand out nows the time….plus that second signet of his is still secret. He said he didn’t have one just like xAden…does he have one of Xaden’s signets maybe? Is he literally the backup?
But your Brennan theory is not that off…. I re-read a few things, and nearly every time Brennan heals like-anything-even minor things, he’s sweating, wiping sweat from his brow.
Violet states he *can mend anything-he can mend but at what cost?
SO Brennan is not very powerful….i don’t recall ever reading that Nolon was sweating all the many, many times he healed Violet or anyone else. It seemed like nothing for him to do anything at all. It was only until they made him try to mend jack that his body started taking a toll….i still don’t understand that….but then Varrish did a lot of things that made no sense so idk!
His signet is rare but his power is very limited….
And if you recall what Sloane said about Dain having too much power… so we know that riders power varies, maybe depending on dragon size or age or something?? whatever it is the power is not equally distributed. And i do recall reading something about if a powerful rider bonded a weak dragon there were issues…so if marbh is weaker dragon then this leaves Brennan vulnerable….
I don’t want it to be Brennan but there are to many unanswered questions and I agree with you that the timelines for Garrick/Bodhi do not add up! I have said it so many times but it just echoes to the void! Garrick and Bodhi are right there when the sky starts to darken, twice Imogen says it there’s just no way they could have gotten to the valley where Xaden ***Already*** was!
And the “sibling” was there BEFORE Xaden! So no it does not make sense for it to be one of them. They were doing their jobs and staying with their squad.
Brennan is the only one who was unaccounted for during all that time-yes he was taking Mira back but he probably still had time to get to the valley. I really, really don’t want it to be him because he’s always seemed so kind to me, and I doubted the whole Naolin/Brennan fling thing because I believed what Kaori said about Naolin that he wanted to curry favor with the General, and he wanted to be “god like”. I don’t think it had to do with a love thing. But I do find it suspect that Brennan being a kind of a catch in Aretia and at 30ish he hasn’t found anyone yet? Like even a friend-wink wink? I find that odd too. The rune mark also suspect. There’s no doubt about it Brennan has secrets. He make sit out like its private stuff but that passage by Violet about him not having a mark on him from the siphoning was underlined in the kindle book, so that has always meant pay attention to it!
Why I DONT think its Garrick – Yarros isn’t the type. I don’t know that she has it in her to ‘essentially’ kill Garrick too, she already killed Liam-for good and he was very, very loved. Xaden is down, I don’t think we will be getting Xaden/Venin POV’s cuz that seems like it would spoil the plot right? but who knows…also there was the whole foreshadowing of Imogen/Garrick thing so there’s that tho I don’t see Garrick giving up his promiscuous ways that easily lol! Plus I adore Garrick although I kind of got Garrick/Violet vibes the whole book but maybe it was just me lol!
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Johanna
April 3, 2025 at 8:24 pm
I was so convinced that the new brother must be Garrick but after my reread of OS I’m now pretty sure he is not. The venin already have a distance wielder ( he’s with Theo when they try to rescue Jack an he’s with her at Aretias temple of Dunne.). That rules out Garrick as potential venin right? Because of the whole balance idea.
I’m also leaning more to Brennan now.
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Hello! This site is dedicated to the Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros. I’ve made this place to explore the rich world of Empyrean, full of characters, theories, and places. Each post is carefully researched and updated with the newest details from the series. This site is also a great spot for discussing theories about the Empyrean Series. 🐉
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