Podcast Summary: Dear Fantasy Reader - Ep. 8 Onyx Storm Deep Dive: Ch. 21-24 | Easter Eggs, Theories & Key Moments

Release Date: April 3, 2025

Welcome to Episode 8 of Dear Fantasy Reader, where hosts Hannah, Kinsey, and Carly embark on an in-depth exploration of chapters 21 through 24 of Rebecca Yarros' captivating fantasy novel, Onyx Storm, the latest installment in the beloved Empyrean series. This episode delves into intricate plot developments, character dynamics, hidden easter eggs, and compelling theories that enhance the rich tapestry of the series.

1. Quick Announcements

• Book Club Launch: The hosts announced the inception of the Dear Fantasy Reader Book Club on Patreon, featuring monthly livestream meetings where members can discuss and fangirl over selected books. Details are available on Discord and Instagram.

• New Merch: Exciting news about the release of their podcast merchandise was shared, including a pink and gold book logo shirt available in soft light purple. Patreon members receive exclusive discounts.

• Listener Appreciation: A heartfelt review from listener MissMikayla7 highlighted the hosts' engaging energy and insightful discussions, prompting the hosts to express their gratitude and encourage others to leave reviews.

Notable Quote:

Carly [02:58]: "MissMikayla7... ‘The energy they bring to this podcast is unmatched.’"

2. Chapter Recap: Chapters 21-24

Chapter 21:

• Journey to Takarys Palace: Quest Squad embarks on their mission, with Zaden clarifying his visit as a duke, aiming to avoid conflict with General Eidos regarding his association with Violet.

• Arrival at Isle of Devarelli: The team encounters a land devoid of magic, leading to the disruption of communication with their dragons and griffins. Here, Zaden finds peace but must focus on strategic tasks, such as testing runes in a magicless environment.

• Meeting Nero: A pivotal moment occurs when Nero mistakes Zaden for Dain due to their shared past relationship orchestrated by Asher Sorrengel, leading to an exchange of crucial research books.

Chapter 22:

• Easter Egg Analysis: The hosts dissect the chapter's epigraph, revealing ties to the Second Crovlin Uprising and Asher's critical research, suggesting deeper political intrigues and betrayals.

Chapters 23-24:

• Midnight Massacre: The sudden betrayal and elimination of Crovlin rebels by promish forces underscore the ruthless nature of political alliances and the precarious balance of power.

• Unsent Correspondence: Lilith Sorrengale's unsent letters hint at unresolved familial tensions and undisclosed plans that influence Violet and Meera's current paths.

3. Analysis and Discussion

Zaden's Evolving Abilities:

• Mind-Reading Revelation: Zaden's inadvertent use of his intrinsic ability to read Violet's thoughts beyond intentions marks a significant character development. The hosts discuss the implications of his growing powers and the potential risks of his abilities being exposed.

  Notable Quote:

  Kinsey [08:25]: "We've all theorized that Zaden can read thoughts and not just intentions."

• Potential Exposure and Consequences: The unchecked growth of Zaden's abilities may render him vulnerable to enemy forces, potentially positioning him as a double agent or leading to his demise if discovered.

Dragons and Magic Dependency:

• Loss of Magic in Devarelli: The absence of magic affects not only the riders but also their dragons, revealing a newfound dependency on magic for basic functions like flying. This parallels the Venin's addiction to magic, suggesting a deeper environmental and societal impact.

  Notable Quote:

  Hannah [15:13]: "It makes me wonder what the dragons use magic for if it's not to literally exist."

• Moral Ambiguity of Dragons: The discussion highlights the dragons' potential role as antagonists due to their hoarding of magic, challenging the traditional perception of dragons as purely benevolent creatures.

Epigraphs Insight:

• Historical Context and Betrayal: The epigraph analysis connects past uprisings and betrayals orchestrated by figures like Asher Sorrengale, shedding light on the underlying tensions that shape the current narrative.

  Notable Quote:

  Kinsey [46:53]: "This epigraph is interesting because we know from Violet in chapter 20 that they maintained a relationship up until the last century."

4. Favorite Moments and Quotes

Favorite Characters:

• Devarelli Zaden: Both hosts express a renewed appreciation for Zaden's character in Devarelli, highlighting his relatable and charming demeanor.

• Taryn: The protective nature of Taryn, especially towards Andarna and Violet, resonated deeply with the hosts.

Memorable Scenes:

• Nero's Mistaken Identity: The comedic and heartfelt moment when Nero confuses Zaden for Dain, facilitating the transfer of vital research books, stands out as a highlight.

  Notable Quote:

  Kinsey [41:27]: "It was so good."

5. Easter Eggs and Foreshadowing

Runed Gemstones:

• Lilac Quartz Protection Rune: The use of lilac quartz (amethyst) for sunlight protection hints at a deeper significance of gemstones in the magic system, potentially linking them to Violet's energy-based signet.

  Notable Quote:

  Hannah [24:12]: "Lilac colored quartz, which is also known as amethyst, is more effective at protecting against gamma rays than concrete is."

Dragon Hatching Grounds:

• Geographical Significance: References to the original hatching grounds of different dragon breeds, such as the Irids in the Barrens, embed subtle clues about the dragons' origins and their impact on the magic landscape.

Communication Runes:

• Violet's Idea: The suggestion to create a communication rune foresees future developments where runes facilitate vital connections between characters, especially in a magic-deprived environment.

  Notable Quote:

  Kinsey [69:04]: "What we really need is a freaking communication rune for the others, if such a thing exists."

6. Theories Discussed

Bodhi as a Zaden Stand-In:

• No Name Tags Theory: The hosts propose that Bodhi, who resembles Zaden and lacks distinguishing features, may be a deliberate stand-in to protect Zaden's identity or as a decoy in hostile territories.

  Notable Quote:

  Kinsey [76:27]: "So thinking about his uniform, Violet thinks, there's no name tag, no patches... It could be Bodhi being used as a Zaden stand-in of some sort."

Irids' Role in Magic and Color:

• Magic-Color Connection: The theory suggests that the Irids, with their multicolored appearance, might be the true source of magic, implying their actions contribute to the drained and muted landscapes of the Isles.

  Notable Quote:

  Kinsey [78:21]: "If magic is the only reason that something has color... Irides must have more magic than all of the other dragons because they possess all of the colors."

Tokaris' Suspicious Connections:

• Political Ties and Hidden Agendas: Tokaris' deep connections to Devarelli and his embodiment of its luxurious culture raise suspicions about his true intentions, potentially positioning him as an antagonist with ulterior motives.

  Notable Quote:

  Kinsey [65:13]: "It makes me wonder if Asher made a deal he couldn't keep with Daca, and if we're gonna find that out."

7. Conclusion

In this episode, Dear Fantasy Reader offers a comprehensive examination of Onyx Storm chapters 21-24, unraveling complex character arcs, political intrigue, and the evolving magic system within the Empyrean series. The hosts' insightful discussions and interconnected theories provide listeners with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Rebecca Yarros' intricate world-building. As the journey through the Empyrean continues, listeners are encouraged to engage with the podcast through Patreon, join the book club, and contribute their own theories and insights.

Next Episode Preview: Join us in the next episode as we dive into chapters 25 through 28 of Onyx Storm, exploring further developments, uncovering new easter eggs, and expanding our theories.

Stay Connected:

• Join the Book Club: Engage with fellow fans and participate in monthly discussions on Patreon.
• Merchandise: Grab your exclusive Dear Fantasy Reader gear from the show notes.
• Social Media: Follow us on Instagram and Discord for updates and additional content.
• Support the Podcast: Leave a review on your preferred podcast platform and recommend us to your fellow Empyrean enthusiasts.

Until Next Time: "Prepare yourselves to rescue a hot-headed prince from the consequences of his own actions as we continue our journey through the Empyrean series." – Dear Fantasy Reader