Ep. 9 Onyx Storm Deep Dive: Ch. 25-28 | Easter Eggs, Theories & Key Moments

Summary

Dear Fantasy Reader Podcast - Episode 9 Summary: Onyx Storm Deep Dive (Chapters 25-28)

Release Date: April 10, 2025

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Introduction

In Episode 9 of Dear Fantasy Reader, hosts Hannah, Kinsey (Mason), and Karly embark on a comprehensive deep dive into Rebecca Yarros' "Onyx Storm", the latest installment in the beloved Empyrean series. This episode meticulously analyzes Chapters 25 through 28, exploring intricate plot developments, character arcs, and subtle foreshadowing that enrich the fantasy narrative.

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Chapter Recap

Chapters 25-28 witness significant upheavals and critical turning points:

• Zaden and Violet’s Relationship: After a tense buildup, Zaden and Violet finally consummate their relationship without fear of Zaden channeling magic. However, their moment is abruptly interrupted when King Cortland intercepts them, leading to a disastrously bad dinner date where Cortland's guards attack. In a fit of defensive rage, Zaden channels magic through Violet’s conduit, resulting in the killing of multiple guards and visibly altering his appearance with amber flecks in his onyx eyes.

• Political Maneuvering: Zaden offers an alliance with Devarelli, which leads to tense negotiations. Violet negotiates the Emilian Citrine in exchange for reopening diplomatic channels, while King Cortland attempts to strike a secretive and suspicious deal with Violet.

• Quest Squad’s Return: Upon returning to Basgaeth, the Quest Squad tackles Papa Asher Sorrill’s research, revealing Zaden’s temporary disappearance and his transformed appearance. The chapter concludes with the tragic death of second-year turn Vennon, ordered by Professor Carr under King Cortland’s directives.

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Analysis and Discussion

The hosts delve deep into the unfolding events, dissecting character motivations and plot intricacies:

• Zaden’s Allegiances and Abilities:

  • Hannah questions whether Zaden is collaborating with Arric, noting his statement:

    "Your king kidnapped our asshole of a prince. And there's a large part of me that wouldn't mind him staying here and annoying the shit out of you for the rest of his miserable life. But that would make things difficult back home for someone I have complicated loyalty toward. So I'm going to need the prick back."

    • (07:30)
  • Karly and Mason discuss the implications of Zaden channeling magic again, speculating whether he has fully realized his powers or if external influences (like Auric) are at play. They debate the normalization of Zaden’s channeling and its potential consequences.

• King Cortland’s Suspicious Dealings:

  • The hosts explore Courtland’s attempt to bartered magical artifacts and his hidden motives, pondering what Fen Ryerson’s involvement entails and how it affects the broader political landscape.
  • Hannah ties this to previous theories about Neyrelle’s connections and Carly connects it to potential economic manipulations involving trade cuts with the continent.

• Professor Carr and Pancheck’s Betrayal:

  • The assassination of second-year turn Vennon by Professor Carr, under King Cortland’s orders, raises alarms. The hosts discuss Carr’s possible involvement with Venon and question his true intentions, suggesting he might be a traitor working alongside Pancheck.

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Characters Check-ins

• Zaden: His transformation through channeling poses questions about his loyalty and the extent of his magical abilities. The amber flecks in his eyes symbolize a deeper, possibly darker change.

• Violet: Continues to navigate the complexities of her relationship with Zaden while balancing her responsibilities. Her strategic negotiations reflect her growth and resilience.

• Halden: Displays potential knowledge of Zaden’s use of magic, raising suspicions about his motives and possible vengeance.

• Pancheck and Professor Carr: Their roles as antagonists become more pronounced, with their betrayal endangering the Quest Squad’s mission.

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Favorite Moments and Quotes

Hosts share their favorite highlights from the chapters:

• Carly: "Riddick says, 'You two totally broke it, didn't you? Like that armoire no one was supposed to notice getting hauled out of her room during first year.'" (35:01)

• Hannah: "Zaden says, 'I've seen him in battle before, seen the icy rage that comes over him, even the killing calm. There's nothing, really. I've had worse on the sparring mat.'" (39:32)

• Mason: "Riddick's classic line, 'Good thing. I fuck like a third,' was the best quote of the book." (38:05)

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Epigraph Analysis

Chapter 25 Epigraph:

"The most useless word in the language of aristocracy has always been and will forever be love. Marriage is a necessary evil to secure the line, nothing more. Save love for your children."
Confiscated correspondence of Fen Ryerson to unknown intended recipient.

• Hannah speculates that this letter might have been intended for Zaden, tying it to moments before their departure for Devarelli and Violet’s discussions about her father's letter.

Chapter 26 Epigraph:

"In the first 24 hours of removal from Source Magic, the subject, an asym, presented as even tempered. But withdrawal quickly revealed the subject's true nature, requiring the subject's immediate transfer to stage Two of the study, her results can be found with group 33B under the category Death by Fire, and subsequently group 46C under the category Death by poison."
A study in the Anatomy of the Enemy by Captain Dominic Prischel.

• Kinsey relates this to Zaden's potential descent into madness upon removing Source Magic, suggesting a connection to the Venin's lethal methodologies.

Chapter 28 Epigraph:

"There are times I look at parapet, at the very act of threshing, and marvel that dragons have not been to Unbriel. What we call treacherous is their idea of primary school. Unbriel Isle of Dune."
Second Lieutenant Asher Daxton.

• The hosts debate the implications of dragons on Unbriel and the historical significance of their absence, pondering the technological and magical advancements that tenured Empyreans possess.

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Easter Eggs and Foreshadowing

• Connection to Previous Events: References to the armoire from Fourth Wing being broken signal a callback to earlier character interactions, enhancing continuity.

• Magical Artifacts: The mention of the Blade of Orisha and its potential magical properties hints at future plot developments, especially concerning Zaden’s use of it to create Violet’s ring.

• Dragon Lore: Discussions about Floronia moths and venom hint at future uses of potions or poisons against enemies, foreshadowing upcoming conflicts.

• Library Secrets: Suspicious mentions of Queen’s library locations suggest hidden knowledge or forbidden secrets that could play pivotal roles in upcoming chapters.

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Theories

1. Halden’s Awareness of Zaden’s Magic:

• Carly theorizes that Halden pretended to be unconscious to mask his knowledge of Zaden’s magical use, preparing to exact revenge.

2. Sloane’s Role as a Siphon:

• Kinsey believes Sloane will be crucial in helping Zaden by using her siphon signet to remove Venin’s stolen magic, possibly restoring balance.

3. Dragons’ Fate Upon Rider’s Death:

• Mason posits that dragons die when their riders die in magic-less areas, linking back to King Cortland’s motivations and future tragic events.

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Conclusion

Episode 9 of Dear Fantasy Reader offers an in-depth exploration of "Onyx Storm" Chapters 25-28, unraveling complex character dynamics, political intrigues, and magical lore. The hosts successfully dissect critical moments, enrich their analysis with notable quotes, and engage listeners with compelling theories that set the stage for future installments in the Empyrean series. As always, the passionate discussions and meticulous breakdowns make this episode an invaluable companion for fans eager to delve deeper into the magic and mystery of Rebecca Yarros’ fantasy world.

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Subscribe now to Dear Fantasy Reader and join your favorite Quest Squadmates every Thursday for thrilling book discussions, theories, and fangirl moments!

Transcript

[T Mobile]

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[Mr. Moore]

When the Moore family ditched cable Internet and switched to Sidly Fiber, they got so much more. Mr. Moore got more upload speed for next level gaming and live streaming to the masses with reliable service. Mrs. Moore is no longer her family's IT guru, leaving her more time to stream games into overtime.

[Mason Moore]

Let's go.

[Mr. Moore]

And young Mason Moore got more done quickly uploading HD product demos and video conferencing without FreeSync.

[Hannah]

The numbers look good. Brad, you're on mute.

[Mr. Moore]

Switch from cable Internet to Zibli Fiber and get more of what you love for $65 less per month than cable@ziply fiverr.com.

[Hannah]

Dearest fantasy readers, welcome to the Dear Fantasy Reader Podcast where we travel through the pages of our favorite Romantasy novels. I'm Hannah.

[Mason Moore]

I'm Kinsey.

[Carly]

And I'm Carly.

[Hannah]

Join us as we take flight into the world of the Empyrean series, diving deep into Onyx Storm, breaking down characters, scenes, foreshadowing and lore, fangirling over Shadow daddies, building theories as we go and more.

[Carly]

With that content warning and spoiler alert, we will be covering anything and everything Empyrean series to this date and any content Rebecca Yarrows has given us. So if you haven't read four Swing Iron Flame and Onyx Storm in its entirety, go do that and we will be here waiting when you are done.

[Mason Moore]

Also, due to the nature of these books, this podcast is rated R in content and language.

[Hannah]

As Rebecca Yarrow speaker says, readers who may be sensitive to these elements, please take note and prepare to face the storm. We have dragons to ride. Quick info before we jump in. We were so inspired by a review that called our POD a book club with the besties that we are officially launching the Dear Fantasy Reader Monthly Book Club, which I'm so excited about. Each month we'll take recommendations and select a few books for our tier 3 Feathertail Patreon members to vote on. The picks will usually be Romantasy or Fantasy, with a few fun exceptions, and they'll always be available on Kindle Unlimited with audiobook options. Whenever possible. We'll host a live book club meeting on the last Wednesday of every month exclusively on Patreon, where Tier 2 Dragon Riders and Tier 3 Feathertales can join us as we dive into spoilers, answer your questions, and obsess over our favorite moments, characters, quotes and theories. We've also set up dedicated book club channels in our Discord just for members, so you'll get a private invite link to join the conversation all month long and who knows, some months the author may even join us for a live Q and A or a surprise bonus interview if you would like in on all of the book club fun. All you have to do is become a Tier 2 or Tier 3 Patreon member and feather Tales. Don't forget you get to vote on the book each month. Check out our Instagram Patreon or Discord for all the details on the Dear Fantasy Reader Book Club, including April's official pick. Our first livestream is happening on April 30, so now's the perfect time to jump in. And also we have launched Merch as a reminder, our Patreon members get exclusive discounts and you'll find the link to our storefront in the show notes as well.

[Carly]

This week's Star of Navarro Award for a review that made our hearts soar goes to book fairy 13 who wrote I found this podcast on Instagram during their Onyx Storm prep season which was insanely well researched and now I'm fully obsessed. It feels like the most fun and in depth book club with your besties. I love how the hosts balance fangirling with well supported theories that blow my mind. So many ended up being right. Every episode is packed with thoughtful analysis, details I missed, and the best kind of unhinged side conversations.

[Hannah]

I'm looking at you.

[Carly]

You can really tell how much time and effort they put in. This podcast is a hidden gem and deserves way more attention. If you love the Empyrean series and are trying to cure your Onyx Storm hangover, this is the podcast for you.

[Hannah]

Okay, thank you, thank you, thank you.

[Carly]

So much Book Fairy. Your feedback and support means so much to us. If you are also enjoying the show, please consider leaving us a review. It's a small thing that makes a big difference.

[Hannah]

And as a reminder before we dive in, if you would like to jump around to any section of any of our episodes, you can Find the timestamps for each down in our show notes. First objective breaking into the Archives vault for a summary report of chapters 25 through 28 with our squad mate Kinsey.

[Mason Moore]

After 25 long chapters, Zaden and Violet finally get it on without fear of Zaden channeling magic. But before they can ruin all the furniture in the room, literally everyone interrupts the moment by informing Zaden that King Cortland decided to keep Halden, and since Zaden is the only other nobility within Quest Squad, he is being summoned by Takaris for help. Zaden takes Violet to the worst dinner date in history and justifies her presence in the palace by introducing Violet as his consort. They learn that Haldon offended King Cortland by offering the Blade of Orisha in exchange for using Deverelli as a base in their search for the Irids. Knowing the dagger wasn't his to give, King Cortland stabs Haldon in the hand as Duke of Tyrandor. Zaden steps in and offers to ally with Devarelli, much to Haldon's annoyance, but that wasn't as annoying as the head of Halden's guard being served to King Cortlandt's panthers on a dessert platter, because apparently nobody ever taught her or Halden that you shouldn't steal.

[Hannah]

Annoying is not the word that I would have put for that, but disgusting.

[Mason Moore]

How about that? In a last ditch effort to bargain for peace, Zaden offers his father's sword, but Cortland orders his guards to kill everyone but Tokarys. This is when the dinner party goes from bad to worse. Cortland's guards attack Zaden and Violet and in a fit of defensive rage, Zaden channels from Violet's conduit, killing all the guards, and he is left with red rimmed eyes. Violet summons Andarna for help and Andarna appears with one of Courtland's panthers safely trapped within her mouth. Violet takes over negotiations, providing the Emilian Citrine in exchange for reopening diplomatic channels with Deverelli in their search for the Irids. Violet also agrees Haldon will forever be banned in Deverelli and offers Cortland and Darnishell as compensation for Haldon's crimes. Before ending negotiations, King Cortland attempts to make one last secretive deal with Violet. Quest Squad returns to Basgaeth and Violet, her squad and Bodhi all dive right into Papa Asher Sorrill's latest research. Zaden was missing for an entire week, and by the time he returns to Signet sparring his gold flecked onyx eyes are permanently amber flecked due to his most recent channeling. Before Violet can think about it too much, they witness a second year turn Vennon on the mat, and per Pancheck's command, Professor Carr immediately kills her.

[Hannah]

Grab your leathers, Quest squad, as we are officially rescuing a hot headed prince from the consequences of his own actions.

[Mason Moore]

Way to go, Halden.

[Hannah]

Diving right into our analysis and discussion section where we walk through the most important and interesting plot points and moments in this section of chapters starting with Zaden and Auric. So a lot of people use the following quote as evidence that Zaden has been working with Arric and knows of his signet. And I want to know what you guys think. Quote, your king kidnapped our asshole of a prince. And there's a large part of me that wouldn't mind him staying here and annoying the shit out of you for the rest of his miserable life. But that would make things difficult back home for someone I have complicated loyalty toward. So I'm going to need the prick back. And Violet feeds us Auric as who he's referencing here. What do we think? What do we make of this?

[Carly]

The loyalty thing is what's suspicious to me. The complicated loyalty thing. If they aren't working together in some capacity, what? Why would he have loyalty?

[Mason Moore]

Yeah, not only that, but it's complicated loyalty. So to me I'm thinking maybe Zaden. I mean he is responsible for Arryk already losing one of his brothers. He literally killed the other prince. So maybe because he killed one brother, he doesn't want to feel responsible for being the death of Halden as well. And that's like where that complicated loyalty resides. And we know that Zayden didn't really want his title back, so it could also be like I didn't want to be Duke. I know you don't want to be king, so like it's kind of like helping each other out in a sense. But I just felt like this was really weird.

[Hannah]

I can't imagine them not at some point working together. And if they did, which would be really interesting, then I can't say no, not yet, when there's a line like this. So I think if they are actually working together, this is evidence of that. And it would have started back here, which I think it'd be really interesting. But I do have a follow up question on the topic of Auric already manifesting. Zaden mentions that quote, the oldest Sorengel sent the largest med bag I've ever seen. For the next expedition. And this may or may not be a stretch, but I'm wondering if Auric had anything to do with this, seeing as to how fucked up everyone got on the Quest Squad trip. Like, maybe Auric gave Brennan a heads up. You're gonna need a lot of supplies.

[Carly]

Yeah, I think Auric, if he didn't fully know, he was starting to understand what his signet was by now. And I think maybe if he didn't understand, Zaden was realizing it because maybe he was, like, mentioning things as Aiden that, like, oh, you should be careful for this or that. And then those things were happening. Zaden also makes this comment about how him and Violet only have this one evening together, even though they don't know how long they're going to be in Devarelli. And then it turns out that really was their one evening. They only had one evening together, and they have to leave after that. So I find it suspicious. I think Auric was starting to realize. I think he was.

[Mason Moore]

Personally, I agree. I think he definitely. I felt like he started manifesting back when the flyers were first fighting with the riders in the quadrant. There's been a lot of things where he's been extra observant, happens to be in the right place at the right time, and he's. I don't know. I just feel like if he didn't know he had Precog, he at least is like, wow, I have really great intuition. So I think this is definitely because of him.

[Hannah]

Well, and that's what Rebecca told us on tour, right? She was like, if you go back, there are hints that he was using it, but he didn't know. He just thought it was gut feelings at first, and then he went on to realize it. So the question really is, has he realized it yet? And I think we're getting clues that he has, but really, it's like, for me, the moment he for sure has is when he pulled that kid out from in front of the door, which is still a couple chapters away. So I'm like, I'm not as certain right here, but it's coming up.

[Carly]

Yeah.

[Mason Moore]

Yeah. So next I want to talk about Courtland and how he stops Zaden from pulling the dagger out of Halden's hand for him, saying, quote, do it for him, and any chance of us striking a deal is off. I need to know you can uphold your end of the bargain, even when it's unpleasant to do so, just as your father did. Zaden nods once, his face an unreadable mask. But his leg tenses under my Hand. Guess my father wasn't the only one keeping secrets. What bargain did Courtland make with Fen Ryerson and what was unpleasant about it?

[Hannah]

I literally put this in all caps in my notes, because what? So, to me, this confirms my theory that we were talking about last episode, that Neyrelle likely knew of Fen from him reaching out to Deverelli during the rebellion for support. Which makes sense, but it's really nice to have validation of that.

[Carly]

I don't lie.

[Hannah]

But then it's like, what deal did he make? And as you said, what was unpleasant about that?

[Mason Moore]

And did he break the deal?

[Hannah]

Well, did he even have a chance to? Or was he kill? You know, like, when we know he died? Like, how far along was it?

[Carly]

You know, I wonder if this deal had to do with him declaring the rebellion when he did and trying to fight the Venom and stop the Venin. Because Devarelli is highly reliant on trade. That is a major part of their economy. And if the Venom get out of so out of control that the continent is no longer a safe place for them, that would be bad for them. And so I've wondered if it has something to do with the timing of when Fen decided to declare the rebellion when he did, and the way that he did so publicly instead of secretly trying to draw attention to this issue. Because we do know that eventually, Devarelli does cut off trade with the continent completely. Even poor Emil. We find that out in Iron Flame. So I kind of wonder if those two things are connected.

[Hannah]

Do we have a timeline on when that happened?

[Carly]

I don't remember exactly when they cut off Trey, but I do remember an Iron Flame when Violet is getting dressed for that facade of a dinner at Dacharesis, that they tell her, like, oh, they haven't allowed trade now for a while because of the situation on the continent. It's gotten too dangerous for them. So I wonder if those things are connected.

[Hannah]

So you're saying you think that Cortland potentially told Fen. Like, in exchange for whatever Fen was asking, you have to declare yourself an illegitimate rebellion. Like, you have to make it known and not do it so secretively anymore?

[Carly]

Yeah, I think he wanted him to make it more public, to try to draw attention to this issue and try to convince people that there actually was a real issue. So I think that's possible. I think, economically, it makes sense for Devarelli to want to solve this problem.

[Hannah]

It would potentially contradict with King Cortland's statements, which do not have to be true to be fair, about how they, like, remain neutral in all things. And he was referencing specifically the Venin. But I like the theory.

[Carly]

Yeah. I mean, I think the government would still remain, like, neutral in the poor Emil and Navarre and all of that, like, their situation. But creating a deal where you have to solve this problem. But what did Fen get out of it? Is the question. What did Fen get? And I don't know. Clearly it wasn't enough. Because he's dead.

[Mason Moore]

Clearly not.

[Hannah]

Well, I have a feeling we're going to get to know at least some more context about it, given how vague this was. This was definitely foreshadowing something deeper going on, which I'll come back to when we talk about Fen's letter in the epigraph section.

[Mason Moore]

All right. Anyone have any new insightful thoughts on Zaden channeling again?

[Hannah]

Yeah. So I think the only thing that I didn't say the last time this shit happened is that I thought that when I first was reading the book, that if he channeled again, that that automatically made him asym. And so every time that he channeled small amounts again and again, it was confusing to me that it didn't have, like, a deeper consequence. And it felt like, to me, it lowered the stakes of him channeling. I don't know if y'all felt like that.

[Carly]

I definitely kind of felt like it was like, I don't know, like a ticking time bomb. Almost like there's this feeling of, like, how many more ticks till we get to the bomb? You know? So there was that kind of feeling of it for me, because I knew that there was going to be, like, a final catalyst. I didn't know what it was gonna be. I still liked that moment. I thought it was really interestingly written where he uses, like, the alloy from her conduit to channel from that. I'm like, that's creative. Like, I thought of that. And I love the little bit of foreshadowing you get from it where she, like, touches the conduit and she can actually feel it. Like, she can feel the energy humming off of it. And she, like, thinks it's her imagination. She's like, oh, I just must be so used to feeling that way. But that being said, I liked that scene. I liked the way it was written. I am a person who really does like to understand the strict boundaries and rules of a world. So it would be nice to know. It's like you get this many shots of energy from the ground before.

[Hannah]

Yeah. It's like, how much can he get away with? And it just kept Feeling like, oh, my God, this is it. This is the moment he's fully going. And then it was like. It was like a not fun edging. Yeah. How many times am I gonna say that on this podcast?

[Mason Moore]

My stomach just dropped.

[Carly]

I felt like it was gonna be at the end of the book. I think that. So for me, I wasn't thinking that that's what was gonna happen.

[Hannah]

I didn't even have a single thought in my head that that was gonna.

[Mason Moore]

Even at this point, by this point, you still didn't think it would happen.

[Hannah]

She kept getting away with it. And I was like, oh, well, then until they find a Curie, he's just gonna keep teasing and that he's not gonna fully turn. Cause at that point, I was like, okay, well, when does it actually happen? Because when he first channeled with the bed, I was like, oh, he already crossed the line I would have expected to be that. And then it just kept happening, and it kind of was just, like, normalized, I guess. So I.

[Mason Moore]

Every time he channeled, I'm like, well, there's the point of no return again. But when he did it this time in a place with no magic, I was like, he is toast. Like, I just. My stomach dropped. I knew there was no way I was with Carly. I was. I just knew by the end of the book, he's going all the way. There's no way to prevent that, unfortunately. And so I was pissed at him. I was upset. I was annoyed. I was not a happy camper.

[Hannah]

Well, I think I should clarify. I did also think, like, okay. With him leaving for the week. I was like, oh, he's turned. But then he came back and everything. She just continued kind of, like, normal with the amber stuff, the amber eyes. And I was like, okay, it's just another one of those things. But I definitely did not expect how it happened at the end with the getting called to that situation.

[Carly]

Yeah. I will say, though, I did like that scene a lot, though. It didn't annoy me. Cause, I don't know, maybe it's just because I'm just such a sucker for the touch her and die trope. That's the way that scene felt to me.

[Hannah]

And I want to be clear. It's not the scene. It was just the repetition of, okay, but how many times is this going to be? Yeah, but they does in different forms.

[Mason Moore]

I should clarify. I didn't find the scene itself.

[Hannah]

No, I liked the scene a lot.

[Carly]

Yeah.

[Mason Moore]

I just was, like, disappointed. Like, I'm like, satan, please. Like, I. Again, I also love Touch her and Die. But I'm like, you could have. You're a good fighter. You could have killed people with your swords. Like, you had your dragons right outside. Like, he just escalated. I mean, he's pretty dope. I don't know. But I was sad for him.

[Carly]

I understand.

[Hannah]

Anyways, there was a lot going on in this scene, and I want to talk about, like, this moment that, for whatever reason, Rebecca had off page, even though she kind of, like, answered it with the squad. Anyways, King Cortland offers this second deal to Violet. And this is the info that we get about it. Sawyer says he wanted you to trade your and Zaden's services for weaponry. I thought Devarelli was neutral. They don't even have an army. And Violet says they have one. They just call them guards, which is interesting. So, yes, they have weaponry to trade. They just don't advertise it. And Cat goes on to say, wanting you as a weapon is weird. They don't have magic. You're scary with lightning sortingale, but without it. Which is exactly what I was thinking as I was reading it. So I'm pretty much wanting to know why you guys think that the scene was written the way that it was.

[Carly]

It is weird because, you know, we have this, like, mysterious deal Courtland wants to make, and then Violet mentions it to her squad, and it's like, yeah, why? Why would he want to make a deal with you to use your magic if you're not supposed to be able to use your magic out there, Right? Like, or to be a weapon of some sort for him. And it's because he saw Dade and use magic, but the team doesn't know this. The squad doesn't know this. So it's like, why would she even bring up this deal that wasn't made to her squad? That seems suspicious. That seems like somehow they were able to use their magic to some extent out there, and the only way that they did that was the way Zaden did it. And so I wonder if this team was put in here to support Kinsey's theory that Cat might be starting to suspect that Zaden is Venon and that she's calling out, this is weird. You don't have magic out there. Why would he want you as a weapon? And that, like, she's going to call back to this moment to, like, realize something weird happened out there, because there are not one. I mean, Cortland saw this whole thing happen, potentially. Tokaris is going to find out about it. Tokarys is There. He's not in the room when it happens. But Courtland heard about it. Holden is allegedly unconscious when this is happening. There's just too many, like, weird points here where I'm like, this could come back to haunt them, this. This moment. So I think maybe that's why she's mentioning it here. So later on it can be brought up that this just doesn't make sense. Why would he want you. What's going on here? What was he really asking for? What really happened on Deverelli.

[Mason Moore]

Exactly. And you also have to consider Zaden is their instructor now. He is not being stationed elsewhere to fight anybody. But he is missing for eight days until he returns to Signet sparring. And so, like, what is the excuse that he could have that doesn't suggest that he could have turned Venon? Like, maybe Cat is catching onto now.

[Hannah]

I'm assuming he was just like, oh, duties. But I suppose, yeah, no, I guess that makes the most sense to me because it felt like Rebecca could have given us that same information from the King himself, keeping it on page. So there was a reason that the squad was involved. And I couldn't quite, quite piece together what that role that played. But that makes sense. Which could be really interesting for what that means as far as the next book.

[Carly]

Yeah. Because even if going into book four, everybody knows or assumes Zaden is now Venon, because there's a lot of assumptions being made about him. But nobody, I think, has actually seen him. So it's like they can't prove it. But if Cat figures out that not only Xaden was Venom, but Violet knew trust issues, she could use that against her for sure.

[Hannah]

Oh, Cat, I really like you now.

[Carly]

But like.

[Mason Moore]

Like a black male to like, to get power for herself, maybe.

[Carly]

I mean, I. I don't know that that's still not her goal.

[Hannah]

We know she's now even closer to the Romish throne. So, like.

[Carly]

I'm just saying, it's all suspicious. The way that whole thing is written is odd. I don't know why she would bring it up with her squad unless it's supposed to kind of come back to haunt her later. It seems better to just not mention that at all. They would never know.

[Hannah]

You would think that's why it just. Yeah.

[Carly]

Yeah. So, next topic. The person I find super suspicious. Bode. Do we think Bode has a second signet he's hiding?

[Mason Moore]

Yes.

[Carly]

Here is a section that makes people think potentially he does says quote, what's your second signet? I lower my voice even more. He Lifts his brows, then glances in Garak's direction. Don't have one. As in don't have one that I get to know about but will eventually see you wield or don't have one. Have one. A corner of his mouth lifts into a wry smile that reminds me of his cousins. Don't have one. Just like Zaden. Why?

[Hannah]

First of all, another mention of how much he reminds her of Zayden.

[Carly]

Okay, I knew you were gonna point that out.

[Hannah]

Yeah, no, that just, like, processed in the moment. Okay, so I haven't decided if I think he does or not, but I do not see this as evidence that he does. According to Rebecca, this was not him being sarcastic, which is actually how I read it on my first read. But she said in a Variety interview when asked. So when Violet gets interested in this particular topic, talking about March twins having second signets, and asks Bode if he has a second signet, he answers an interesting way by saying, I don't have one. Just like Zayden, which they're clearly paraphrasing. But as we, the reader, know, Zayden does have a second signet. Does Bode know? Which is what people are using to justify their reasoning, right? And Rebecca responded, quote, violet is the only one who knows about it. She is the only one who knows because in that world, it's a death sentence. End quote. So to me, that either means that he doesn't have one or he doesn't actually know about having one yet, which I. Which is just, like, doesn't seem probable to me. So I'm personally inclined to believe that he does not have one.

[Mason Moore]

Even though Rebecca answers this question in the interview, I don't really think it discounts Bode having one. She just says, bode doesn't know about Zaden. So I have a hard time believing that he doesn't have a second signet, because just the whole book I was like, I think he has one. I don't know. Like, this wasn't the only reason why I thought it. Yes, Zayan has two signets, but just because Bode doesn't know that Zayden has two signets doesn't mean that he's not just lying to Violet and hiding his own second signet from her. I think that it's in there as dramatic irony for us readers because we know Zaden has it, and Bodhi might, but he could just be lying to hide his own secrets from her. And he specifically looked at Garak, so he knows that Violet knows that Garak has it.

[Hannah]

It wouldn't make sense to me that if he does have one, that Rebecca would write him to say this the way that he did. She has clarified. He doesn't know about Zayden having one, so he really believes Zaden doesn't. And he says, I don't. Just like Zayden, I'm still leaving room for it. I think it would be particularly more interesting if he does. But it just muddles the water for me.

[Mason Moore]

I mean, I thought that Garrick wasn't a distance wielder because Zaden had told Violet there hasn't been a distance wielder in centuries. So we can't always take people at their word.

[Carly]

In the book, I think he does have one and he just doesn't know it personally. There is a line in Iron Flame where Violet says, like, it's impossible to have a signet that you don't realize that you don't know about, that you haven't trained. And I think this is going to be something that could be used to challenge her assumptions and understandings of signets and magic and how it works.

[Hannah]

I'm just saying if he found out mid battle and then burn himself out, it could explain him retching. Yeah, I like the idea because it wouldn't conflict with this line if he didn't know, like, it still would work for me.

[Mason Moore]

And he found out that his original signet didn't work against Venon. So there's that need to maybe potentially channel a new signet. So I don't know. He basically was useless in that entire battle besides, like actually fighting with the sword and weapons. But his signet didn't work, so.

[Carly]

Which I also find suspicious.

[Mason Moore]

Highly, highly suspicious. I will never forget that Bode was retching. I'm like, sir, why?

[Hannah]

Because it definitely sets up for, like, were you channeling? Because what the fuck else were you doing? But anyways, we'll say that.

[Mason Moore]

Were you channeling? Were you burnt out? Who knows? Moving on.

[Hannah]

So I want to talk about how Panchec is the one who ordered Professor Carr to kill the writer that turned Venon on the mat and wondering what we make of this now that we know that Panchak was working with Venon.

[Mason Moore]

It makes me wonder which Venon rank Pancheck is because was he quick to have her killed so that she couldn't expose him? But at the same time, wouldn't he have done that exact same thing for Zayden? Zayden was out of the room when this all went down, so she could have also exposed Aaden in that moment. But regardless, the cadet was obviously Venom. There were so many witnesses, and it would have been suspicious of Panchak to not order her killed. But I would like to point out that I personally think this is more telling for Professor Carr. I think he's somehow involved because Violet said that he moves faster than I've ever seen him. And Violet has regularly mentioned in the past, all throughout this book, that Venon are very, very fast. And they're so fast. They're so fast. Why would he move faster than she's ever seen him move, ever? And he is responding to Panchik, who we know is a traitor. We know he's working with the Venn, and he's most likely Venon himself.

[Hannah]

I was about to say, I'm not convinced that Panchk is Venon, but he's.

[Mason Moore]

Definitely a traitor and he's working with him.

[Hannah]

Which then begs the question, why would you be working with them if you aren't Venon? But I like the idea that Carr is also. We should keep an eye out, because Carr is the one that went with Panchak. I think Kaori did at the end.

[Carly]

Yeah. Yeah. And I don't trust Kaori.

[Mason Moore]

Me neither.

[Hannah]

I want him to be good.

[Carly]

I know.

[Mason Moore]

Car has been on my hit list. He's suspicious.

[Hannah]

Who hasn't been?

[Mason Moore]

I know. But when I finally finish rereading Onyx Storm, I do want to go back and reread all of 4th Wing and Iron Flame and be like, did that man bleed? Did he bleed?

[Hannah]

Yeah.

[Mason Moore]

That's what I'm gonna look out for. Because if he didn't, I don't really.

[Hannah]

Know that We've seen him in a position where he would have, though.

[Mason Moore]

Yeah.

[Hannah]

Which could be intentional.

[Carly]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I also don't love Professor Carr. Like, he's. I find him to be, like, an interesting character, I think, but as a person, he's a terrible person.

[Mason Moore]

Yeah. I had another thought. What if. Because by the time Violet starts training with. Is it Felix? He's like, wait, you didn't even start with any of the basics. All he cares about is how much lightning you're putting out. What if, let's say Car is a Venom, he did it intentionally because he knew that Violet is, like, the only person capable of killing them without a dagger. So he's like, I'm gonna fuck up her training. I'm gonna make sure that she can't aim. She burns out quickly. Like, to me, that could also make sense. Like, he is sabotaging the good side. Against the Venin, they would have to.

[Hannah]

Be mavens or sages, because Zaden would have been able to sense whoever is a venant that's an asym or an initiate, which means long term.

[Carly]

I mean, I think it would be like some. I don't know if irony is the right word for him to be a teacher and a sage.

[Hannah]

I love that.

[Carly]

It wouldn't surprise me if that was in there. But I do agree, though, the way that scene is written is very suspicious given what we know about Panchak at the end. I'm with you, Hannah. That I'm not like, 100% that Pancheck was venting because I'm like, what was the point of killing his dragon?

[Hannah]

Yeah, the tease, the threats at the end just lead me to believe that he was not and they were trying to force him to turn, which then begs the question of why.

[Carly]

And it kind of seemed like Panchec was bartering with them and wanted to keep his previous life at Bazgaeth. And I'm with you on that. But I do think that that whole scene is written really suspiciously. And it could easily be that Panchec knows that Kara is Venon because he's working with the Venon and Carr is already Venon.

[Hannah]

Well, then it kind of begs the question of, like, if Carr is Venin and Panchec wasn't, why was Carr not the traitor, like, the informant?

[Mason Moore]

Maybe it would have been, like, too obvious. Like, if he gets caught and questioned, then they'd be able to figure it out.

[Carly]

Well, maybe Carr's not high enough up to know everything Panchak knows. And maybe Panchak was more valuable to them.

[Mason Moore]

We're keeping our eyes on you.

[Hannah]

What if Panchak became the informant because he found out about car and they have something fishy going on between them? Look at us. We've unlocked it, solved it.

[Mason Moore]

We know everything. Just kidding.

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[Mason Moore]

Alrighty. Time to head on over to our healers quadrant to take a temperature check on our characters, our favorite moments and standout quotes. Who was hot for you this week, Carly?

[Carly]

Zaden. I'm all about touch her and die so he can get it.

[Hannah]

I didn't put Zaden this week. I put in Darna. I just enjoyed her more this week.

[Carly]

She was great.

[Hannah]

I do love a touch her and die moment, but I want it to be more reasonable for whatever reason. And this week it wasn't as much I thought.

[Mason Moore]

And Darna was great and so was Riddick. We got his classic quote, but we'll get to that later. Who was not hot for you guys? I guess we all had the same person.

[Hannah]

Yeah.

[Mason Moore]

Should we count this down?

[Carly]

We're bad at this.

[Mason Moore]

Three, two, one. All in.

[Hannah]

I'm like, he doesn't even deserve a countdown.

[Mason Moore]

Nah, it's like any chapter he's in, he's not hot.

[Hannah]

But Zaden made the knot for you, Kinsey.

[Mason Moore]

He did. I hope this is the last and only time that he is on my not hot list, but I.

[Hannah]

Is he not gonna be on your not list? The last set of chapters for two.

[Mason Moore]

I mean, I guess he could be.

[Hannah]

Yeah, I know.

[Carly]

You better know it.

[Mason Moore]

He could be.

[Hannah]

That's like this on steroids.

[Mason Moore]

I was upset with him. Okay. We're fighting right now, Zayden and I, so he did hit my not list. But Carly, you also had someone on your not list besides Zayden.

[Carly]

Oh, yeah. It was also tokarys. Cause I mean, he's such an opportunist. I just. He's an interesting character, but I just have so many thoughts on him.

[Hannah]

We have an Easter egg that will kind of expand on why he's your knot this week too.

[Carly]

Yeah.

[Mason Moore]

All right, our favorite moments. I guess we can start with Hannah.

[Hannah]

This time and Darna and the panther. Yeah. Great class.

[Mason Moore]

That was great. Yeah.

[Carly]

Yeah.

[Mason Moore]

You can see Dane and Sloane. Definitely not flirting.

[Hannah]

Her blushing after they're like bickering. Oh.

[Mason Moore]

Oh, yes.

[Hannah]

That's when I knew was like, I.

[Mason Moore]

Cannot wait for this to continue on. I also have another favorite moment, but I am saving that one for our Easter egg section.

[Carly]

And Carly, in addition to the whole Andarna and the panther thing, which was just absolutely perfect. I think in our initial reactions episode, I went on and on about it.

[Hannah]

Yeah.

[Carly]

But also just Holden getting stabbed was a pretty close second because I was just like, yeah, you know, he just needs a good stabbing.

[Hannah]

Yeah. It kind of freaks me out to think about. But it was Kind of satisfying to see him get some sort of consequence as he deserves.

[Carly]

Yeah.

[Mason Moore]

Favorite quotes.

[Carly]

I have the. You see, that's my little one. I knew you again. I went on and on about that in our initial reactions episode.

[Hannah]

I can't help myself.

[Carly]

And then, yes, the table is broken now. What do you need?

[Hannah]

Yeah, that was a good ride.

[Mason Moore]

It was so good.

[Hannah]

Okay, so we've had this running tally and we're switch things up. If we hadn't already been doing this, I'm still going to pick like, a top. And if you guys guessed one of mine, but it wasn't my top one, then you don't get a point. We got to make this a little bit harder. Okay. Because I do put every single Zaden.

[Carly]

Quote on every week. Okay.

[Hannah]

So first one I have listed is my loyalty is to Violet first, above everything everyone else. Zaden says, then Tirandor, then Navarre in the moments it's worthy. Usually when Violet is in residence. And then of course, all of the marriage references. My consort, Violet Sorengail. And later. And consort. We aren't married. He fucking smirks. I've noticed. But girlfriend is missing that permanent tone. Oh, and then when Violet said that it's not the time for this, and Satan says when would be, it was right there. I don't know why I thought it would be later. Books. And then we get Riddick. Oh, my gosh. This line. Good thing. I fuck like a third. What an icon.

[Mason Moore]

Such an icon. That was probably the best quote of the book.

[Carly]

It was really good.

[Mason Moore]

So good.

[Carly]

I still think I love. Yes, the table is broken. More, though.

[Hannah]

Really?

[Mason Moore]

Yeah.

[Hannah]

Wow.

[Carly]

I love that line.

[Hannah]

I didn't even put that on my list. I'm quite impressed.

[Carly]

I love that line. I remember that one, too. Specifically when my husband read it. I remember hearing him.

[Mason Moore]

I had that one on my list as well.

[Hannah]

Carly, what was your final pick for my favorite quote? Both of you.

[Mason Moore]

So I did have the permanent tone one because I know that we had one previously, but I think that your top one is actually my loyalty is to Violet above everything else. And usually Navarre or Navarre only if she's in residence. That's what I had as your number one. But my number two was the girlfriend is missing that permanent tone.

[Hannah]

Carly.

[Carly]

Same thing.

[Hannah]

Yeah. It's the first one.

[Mason Moore]

Yeah.

[Carly]

Yeah.

[Hannah]

I tried to. I tried to make it harder. You guys just know me so well.

[Carly]

I know I have a highlight color in my notes, and I'm like, that's going to. To be Hannah's this week. Honored.

[Hannah]

I hope it's pink.

[Carly]

It is?

[Mason Moore]

Yeah.

[Hannah]

Oh. To be known is to be loved.

[Mason Moore]

All right, and then for my quotes, I have this interaction between Violet and Zaden. She says, we could really use Dane right about now. And Zaden says, I could live the rest of my life without ever hearing you say that again.

[Hannah]

Yeah, I had that one on mine, too, but I took it off when I saw it. It's on yours.

[Mason Moore]

I know. I had to take so many off of my list because you guys had so many of mine too.

[Hannah]

They overlap so much. I mean, they're so good.

[Mason Moore]

They're so good. And then I loved when Zaden said, ouch. Never thought you'd reject me and Violet. Similar to the that's my baby. She said, now and darn it doesn't eat our allies. It's a whole thing our elders are trying to teach her. But you know how adolescents are. Never really know if they feel like listening on any given day. And finally, to match with one of my favorite moments, Dane says, I don't coddle first years anymore, so train your signet. And I'm like, yes, that's good. Tell her what to do.

[Carly]

I had that one marked in my notes. I'm like, kenzie's gonna pull this one.

[Hannah]

Yep, I will. I had that one marked for you. And that's my little one marked for Carly.

[Mason Moore]

We know each other so well.

[Carly]

Hannah knew me so well that it was already in our notes for us.

[Hannah]

I was like, I don't even have.

[Carly]

To put this in here.

[Hannah]

Like, oh, love that for us. Makes me so happy.

[Carly]

Now, let's stop by the scribe quadrant for our epigraph analysis of the most thought provoking epigraphs. The chapter 25 epigraph reads, the most useless word in the language of aristocracy has always been and will forever be love. Marriage is a necessary evil to secure the line, nothing more. Save love for your children. Confiscated correspondence of Fen Ryerson to unknown intended recipient.

[Hannah]

So this epigraph really makes me wonder when it was confiscated and why it was not addressed. Slash, why wouldn't Rebecca want us to know who it was supposed to be sent to? Because the unknown is.

[Carly]

That's.

[Hannah]

That's really interesting. And I wonder if this letter was actually meant for Zayden. And it reminded me of this moment before they left for Devarelli, where Violet is telling Zaden about her dad's letter and how following his complicated instructions to tiles was not an easy choice for her. But Zaden says, quote, it is if my dad left me a letter.

[Carly]

And.

[Hannah]

I Just think it could be really interesting if his dad did write him a letter, but he just never got it.

[Mason Moore]

I could see that. My first thought, though, went to Talia, because, for one, we don't know if she's alive yet. We didn't know her name. We weren't really expecting her to show up on the aisles at this point. But it would make sense if she's an unknown recipient because Nevarre doesn't know that he's communicating with people in the Isles. I don't think they were aware that she's. I mean, we don't know either if she's from there or if she just escaped there, but I think it could make sense in that context, because they're not supposed to know she's A, alive and B, where she's located. So you can't exactly say to my ex wife who lives on this island I'm not supposed to be talking to, because I'm running this rebellion and getting allies from all these other places. But.

[Carly]

But I don't know. That makes sense. I think I'm leaning towards two possibilities, and that is that it was to Llewellyn, because it matches up with kind of the vibe of things. He was telling Violet what her expectations should be of being with a duke or to Karys, because he negotiated the arranged marriage with Zaden and Cat. So I think that would also make.

[Mason Moore]

Sense, which would also be a no, no. Like, you wouldn't be wanting to talk to Peromial either at this point.

[Carly]

But I will say I feel like this just gave me more insight into Talia and her experience of being Fen's wife, because I don't think that that was, like, a loving marriage.

[Mason Moore]

Not at all.

[Hannah]

We hear from both of them that sort of mindset.

[Carly]

Yeah, well, and interestingly, like, I talked to my. My brother about Talia. We kind of discussed her as a character, and he actually, I feel like, has a lot of empathy for her and the situation that she was in, more so than I did, which surprised me. I just felt like this epigraph was doing a lot of heavy lifting to tell us what the experience of living and being married to Fen must have been like for 10 years. I'm not saying it forgives that, but I do think understanding characters is interesting.

[Mason Moore]

Definitely. All right. The chapter 26 epigraph reads, quote, in the first 24 hours of removal from Source Magic, the subject, an asym, presented as even tempered. But withdrawal quickly revealed the subject's true nature, requiring the subject's immediate transfer to stage Two of the study, her results can be found with group 33B under the category Death by Fire, and subsequently group 46C under the category Death by poison. A study in the Anatomy of the Enemy by Captain Dominic Prischel.

[Hannah]

So, Kinsey, you have previously asked on the pod in, I don't know, a couple episodes ago, at this point, what would happen if Zaden now, as an Asym, went to the Isles. And I think that this answers it, that he would go insane. Right. Like. Or they're, like, vague about what this. What actually happened, but to the point where they were, like, putting them to death.

[Carly]

Right.

[Hannah]

But this is saying that the Venin in this study was put to death by fire, but seemingly that didn't work. So then they moved them to the group that's put to death by poison. And I'm wondering if that is connected to the poison that is in Asher's research, which at this point is actually quite a few different things. But throwing that out there.

[Mason Moore]

Yep. I already think it's a poison.

[Carly]

So, yeah, I read this, and I was wondering, did they use fire to weaken them so that they could poison them, or did they poison them so that they could burn them to death?

[Hannah]

That actually makes me think of what Andarna had said about her fire working to weaken them. Yeah, but she implied it, and her wording was just so suspicious. But then it's like, normal fire is not supposed to work on Venon. Right. So then it's like, why do they have this whole Venin group where they think that that's going to work? You'd think that the wording would have just been like, they were put to death by poison. Also, within the same chapter, we get information about Floronia moths, which Violet says are poisonous. And that makes me wonder if this is an Easter egg for the poison that they're using that's mentioned in this epigraph. Again, like I was saying, against the venom.

[Carly]

Rebecca Yarros has talked about how the epigraphs are her most valuable real estate. And we know she loves some Taylor Swift level Shenanigan Easter egg, so.

[Hannah]

That's right.

[Carly]

I think you're onto something. Yeah, I think. I think you're both onto something.

[Mason Moore]

Yeah.

[Hannah]

This is probably actually one of the more obvious things. We make some connections that are like, swifty level connections. All right. The chapter 28 epigraph reads, quote, there are times I look at parapet, at the very act of threshing, and marvel that dragons have not been to unbriel what we call treacherous is Their idea of primary school Unbriel Isle of Dune by Second Lieutenant Asher Daxton.

[Mason Moore]

I would like to point out that in this epigraph, Violet's father is only a second lieutenant, which means he currently holds the lowest military rank in Navarre. We also get confirmation later on in this chapter from Violet that her father was only 23 and fresh out of Basguythe when he wrote this. She noted, my father's observations on the Combative Isle are sharp, almost clinical, but lack his usual insight. There's a marked difference between this book, written when he was 23 and straight out of the Scribe Quadrant and the manuscript he left for me in his office. Asher is likely unmarried at this point because his last name is still Daxton, and we know that he later changes it to Sorrengail. By the time he makes Captain, it's likely they hadn't even had Brennan yet, much less Violet, who's nine years younger than Brennan. Which is interesting to consider that it means Asher was well aware of the Isles long before he ever sought out a cure for Violet via dedication.

[Hannah]

I just want to know how the hell a 23 year old fresh out of the Scribe Quadrant got to the Isles that they're supposedly like Nevarians are not supposed to be allowed to be visit. I kind of had chalked it up and assumed it was later in his life and it was like, oh, he had like secretive, top level permission to go do this research. No.

[Mason Moore]

At 23, no experience.

[Hannah]

Yeah. I also think it's really weird that Violet doesn't even know when he did. Like, she thinks that to herself, which means, like, even with the information she got, which is this. She got this information from his research and she's still questioning when he went. I don't know if that's more of like a plot hole. Like, why does she not know that?

[Carly]

Well, maybe she just means specifically when. When he was that age and rank. I guess she's assuming he didn't go for like a whole year. Like, maybe he just went for like a couple months or something, and so she's just not exactly sure when it would have made sense. Maybe given some other timing of life events around that time. It's odd.

[Hannah]

Well, and as far as what the actual epigraph is about, it seems like it's telling us that the dragons are in fact the ones that decide how brutal the Quadrant is. Did either of you question that this whole time? Were you under the assumption that the dragons were making the humans do it, like, this bad?

[Carly]

I've always been assuming that Bazgaya is as brutal as it is in agreement with the dragons, that this is part of their desire for how they're going to weed out people they don't want as writers.

[Mason Moore]

Which is interesting when you consider the accommodations that Taryn ends up making for Violet. Other people are like, you'll just splat on the earth if you fall off. But with Taryn, he's like, I'll catch you, like, dozens.

[Hannah]

He's also on the side of the revolution. So it's also like. That makes sense.

[Mason Moore]

That's true. I think this epigraph also shows how formidable the Isle of Unbriel is. They're hardcore as fuck. They worship the goddess of war and yet they don't even have dragons. They're just training for themselves. Not to necessarily, like, prove their worth. They're not attending a military college to become Dragon Riders. They're just hardcore for the sake of being hardcore.

[Hannah]

Yeah, well, and it's not even that they want to prove their worth to a dragon. They don't even see dragons as something to be worthy of. They want to dominate them. Like, they ask for the eggs so that they can domesticate. I don't even think it's the word that. It just doesn't cover it. Like, they're like enslaving them, essentially. And that idea is so interesting to me when we think about specifically, they're priestesses, right? And so they're dedicated to a God. And then we get this belief from Teryn. He's like, you're puny gods. He doesn't bow down to them. And it's like the dragons view the gods as below them. And it's like these humans who worship a God see the dragons below them. And it's just such an interesting contrast in perspectives.

[Carly]

It also makes me wonder, like, why do they want dragons? We don't know that they're at war with anybody. Like, that was the whole reason why, you know, the dragons are originally bonded people allegedly was so that there was this war going on with the Venin and that they're trying to stop that. What use would Umbriel have for dragons? Like, they want them really badly, but what would they use them for? Is their goal to go, like, take over the other islands? Like, what is their ultimate goal? I think it's weird that Asher is saying that the dragons have never been to this island, but yet they have crossbolts everywhere. Why are they so prepared?

[Hannah]

That's a really good point.

[Mason Moore]

They're just always preparing for war. I mean, they're worshiping the War God.

[Hannah]

Yeah, well, and it's also like, it just could be Asher doesn't know that they have. Like, maybe he's making the assumption because it's magic less out there that they haven't been. But like at some point some dragons had to go out there to know what Taryn knew to expect. At least it seemed like he knew to expect that they would, you know, not have access to. Like, I don't know. Maybe. Maybe I'm overthinking that now take flight with us to the hatching grounds for our Easter eggs. And moments of foreshadowing, including moments that stood out during this re may or may not spiral into theories very likely knowing us starting with chapter 25 in.

[Mason Moore]

Our favorite moments section. This is what I was alluding to earlier. We get a callback to the moment Violet and Zaden first have sex after seeing the broken table in Tokaris Devarelli Home. Riddick says, quote, you two totally broke it, didn't you? Like that armoire no one was supposed to notice getting hauled out of her room during first year.

[Hannah]

Yes. I love this. I love callbacks like this. And Rebecca Easter egged this for us before Onyx Storm came out, which we discussed in our Onyx Storm prep season. In an Instagram comment on a reel about Garrick and Liam helping Zayden move the armoire into her room, which was a meme, Rebecca commented, I legit just wrote a line referencing this scene today with a laughing emoji. So this was that line.

[Mason Moore]

And we are so happy.

[Hannah]

I like feel like in the know, I'm like, I read that and I was like, oh my God, I know the day she wrote that.

[Mason Moore]

Yeah. Honestly, I was like there's the line, there's the line. And it was so good. Of course it was Riddick.

[Hannah]

Absolutely. I mean she. He's her. He's her. Go to for some solid funny lines. Okay, chapter 26. Some notable info here that could turn out to be an Easter egg. Violet notes that quote, the palace is unlike anything I've ever witnessed. Not only is the four story structure carved into the hillside, but so is a hundred yard meadow ahead of it. It's truly spectacular, a feat of engineering when it was accomplished a thousand years ago. And testament to their traditions that it's still their seat of power and hasn't faded to ruin like so many of the ancient castles of kingdoms past on the continent. So this makes me wonder about the past kingdoms on the continent and how many there have been while Devarelli has remained strong for a thousand years. Even more interesting to me though, is that they have a meadow cleared large enough for two to four dragons for an island that's supposedly terrified of them.

[Mason Moore]

Hmm. Zaden said his loyalty to Violet is above everything everyone else. Even though he did leave Violet after he turned Asim, we know his loyalties will not change. Hopefully this justifies his future actions if when Zaden has to do something awful for the Venin. But no matter what, I think that he'll make sure that Violet is protected.

[Hannah]

Well, it also points out that Zaden making Violet a duchess was less about protecting Tyrandor and more about protecting Violet. Which he has said himself in almost the same exact words. I will drive this point into oblivion. I love, love, love that about Zayden. Okay, so when Courtland said that he wanted to keep Holden but to Karas said he couldn't, Courtland responded, weren't you telling me you wanted to keep that one? I think it's really interesting that Takara's told Courtland that he wanted to keep Violet after Takara's told Violet not to let Cortland know what a rare value she was. And he literally told him that she's a lightning wielder. Which goes back to why Takaris ended up on Carly's not list this week.

[Carly]

I don't trust Acharys.

[Mason Moore]

That's fine. I don't either.

[Carly]

I also don't like him, but I find him.

[Hannah]

He's interesting. I don't particularly care for him either, though. I also think that it's notable in this chapter that King Tori and Halden have been bartering magical artifacts with Deverelli the last century for services. And Violet herself connects that they are Vennon related.

[Carly]

And I think one of those things they bartered for was the serum that blocks the Venin and the writers from magic.

[Mason Moore]

Speaking of magical objects, Violet held her conduit and thought, the familiar weight of the orb is comforting in my hand, and I swear I can feel a hum, a swift rise in heat that I know is only in my head, but it's soothing all the same. This obviously foreshadowed Zaden using the conduit just a chapter later. But it keeps me up at night wondering what would have happened if Violet used her conduit instead of Zaden. Would she have been fine since it was imbued with power from her own dragons? Or would she have unintentionally turned on accident?

[Carly]

Additionally, regarding magical objects, I find it suspicious we have the Blade of Orisha that they have traded. Devarelli has it. So it's possible that that is a magical object. Which also could potentially mean that if Zaden took a stone from it to make her ring, maybe that's now a magical object. And next, when talking about the crossbolts in Deverelli, Taran says they are made not to rotate this way, but to defend the shoreline. They woefully underestimate our intelligence. Why would they make the defense system only work in one direction against dragons? It doesn't make sense. I'm wondering if it's for a sea creature.

[Hannah]

Oh, we have gotten a Kraken reference.

[Carly]

I know. You know what? I'm gonna hold onto that Kraken reference.

[Mason Moore]

Forever until the end of the series. Until we get a new series or.

[Carly]

Until we find out there's a new series. Yeah, yeah, exactly. I'm not giving up. Even when the series is over, there's gonna be a Kraken somewhere someday.

[Hannah]

Yes. And for chapter 27, we have to mention Andarna's shell. Violet thinks, quote, the shades of color graduate from the darkest onyx on bottom to the brightest silvers on top. Now, obviously, we can infer that the onyx and silver are symbolic, but while on the Onyx Storm tour, Rebecca was asked, quote, do the eggshell colors have any significance? And Rebecca responded, no. You can watch that clip for yourself to hear exactly how she says it, if you would like. It's linked down in our show notes, so really no need for theories on that one, I guess.

[Mason Moore]

But while on the topic of Andarna's shell, I want to point out that when Violet was touching Andarna's shell and picturing Andarna biding her time for hundreds of years, listening, waiting, Violet felt a charge of energy run up her arm, causing Violet to lift her brows at the sensation.

[Hannah]

I noticed this as well. And I would like to point out that Rebecca consistently uses the word energy, synonymous with magic and power, describing the wards, hatching grounds, dragon fawns, her own powers being violets, etc, as energy.

[Mason Moore]

And I just still do not know how Violet has not pieced this together yet. She is the smartest person of her generation. But I think this should have clued us all in that she can definitely use Andarna's magic on the Isles if the communication wasn't already there. Clear enough.

[Carly]

Another notable moment was Taryn and Andarna's reaction to Zaden channeling. It says, quote, taryn bristles along the bond and. And Darna shudders. They're Having, like, a physical reaction to. Almost like they can sense what has happened. It's. It's odd. I don't know what is going on here, but I want to point out that they seem to feel this, even though Violet doesn't have her bond with Zaden anymore. So they shouldn't be able to feel it.

[Hannah]

Well, and Darna really shouldn't be able to feel Zaden's through the bonds anyways.

[Mason Moore]

So he does also say in, I think, chapter 25, I don't want to hurt Sigale, but what if every time he channels, he is physically causing pain to all the surrounding dragons? That's weird. Back to Zaden's eyes. Watch. Quote. I've seen him in battle before, seen the icy rage that comes over him, even the killing calm. I've witnessed the transformation from man to weapon. Watch strategy overtake compassion, just like we're trained for. But this, whatever's swirling in those onyx eyes is a tempest I've never beheld. It's one step past fury, as though Dune herself has stepped into his eyes and now peers back at me. He's Zaden, but he's not Zaden, I whisper. It's nothing, really. I've had worse on the sparring mat. They're all fucking dead. His vow lifts the hair at the back of my neck, and the guards rush the table simultaneously with their weapons drawn. Okay, so we get the icy rage, a tempest that is foreshadowing his Onyx Storm. Later on, we get Dune's fury through Zaden, and we also get the hairs rising up on the back of Violet's neck. This one moment is also particularly interesting because it also calls back to our moment in Fourth Wing, where he barges into Violet's room just as Andarna is stopping time. And he said the same exact thing. You're all dead. And Violet described him as, quote, zaden fills the doorway like some kind of dark avenging angel, the messenger of the queen of the gods. The difference here is that she associates Zaden with Amari in Fourth Wing and not Dune, like he is in Onyx Storm. But also, he wasn't a Venon in Fourth Wing, but I just found it really interesting that he is comparable to a God in both instances. And you're all fucking dead. Now moving on to chapter 28, Violet writes down a mid February date on her paper, which tells us it has only been two months since the ending of Iron Flame, and they have four months left until Orisha's wards inevitably do fall, and Theophany Attacks.

[Hannah]

We also have this moment of foreshadowing where Violet says, I adjust the blank leather cover disguising Dad's books and reread the passage on trial by combat for different levels of entrance to Unbriel's court, foreshadowing the Unbriel combat trial. But also, it felt important that Rebecca told us who all was reading what. So here is the list. Riddick is the one reading the continent's most redacted volume on Unbriel's warlike customs. Dane is reading dictionaries specifically quote Dad's separately bound dictionary for Unbriel. Violet also thinks, but when did he visit the isles? Or have the time to transcribe the rudimentary dictionaries that have quickly become the Bane of Dain's existence. Quinn is reading a volume Queen Maria sent on Venin and their medicinal uses, which is an exact quote. Venin's medicinal uses.

[Carly]

I don't like it.

[Hannah]

The only thing I think is, like, their blood.

[Carly]

I don't know, but I don't like it.

[Mason Moore]

Weird.

[Carly]

Anything you could think of? I don't like it.

[Hannah]

Yeah, because like, what? Okay, so, all right, let's get past the fact that they somehow are venom. Have medicinal uses for what?

[Carly]

I don't know.

[Hannah]

What are they using that for? I don't. Anyways, Auric is reading a tome on mythology. Something seems really suspicious about that. And then Bode and also Garak are reading a collection of early fables from Breivik.

[Mason Moore]

And about what Bode is reading, I thought it was notable that Violet said he's looking for tales of dark wielders cured by love or good deeds, or dancing naked under a full moon after drinking the venom of a rare snake only found on the farthest isle during a lunar eclipse or something. We know later on from Brennan that Zaden actually did try all of the weird stuff in an attempt for a cure. Rip so even though we might not trust Bodhi, and I still do not, he probably did find some kind of ritual for Zayan to try in this book. Unless Bode lied and he gave fake rituals instead.

[Hannah]

I. I just want to say that I did laugh at this line, but it felt like Rebecca was laying out a bunch of fan theories and just, like, laughing at us. That's what that line felt like. Yeah, we got another Zaden reading Actual thoughts moment quote. I missed this. Eileen into the bond. Like, I can somehow burrow into it if I try hard enough. Bury myself in us. In terms of intimacy. This is even better. Her thoughts are cut off. And Zaden says out loud, then, sex. Zaden finishes, and I find myself nodding instead of lecturing him about reading my intentions. But that wasn't. My eyes widen. Has he been honing his signet like Riddick? End quote. I'm so fucking tired of them. Why is Violet so surprised that his signet would evolve? Have we not had two books of evolving signets? I feel like. I know I've been preaching about evolving signets for three seasons now, but, like, I feel like it's not a theory. This is not a theory. It has been spelled out to her.

[Carly]

Well, I think it's that she's surprised that he's training it right, because she's saying, has he been honing his signet like Riddick? And Riddick's been like, seriously training it. And I. I think she's wondering here, like, is he training this to become more.

[Hannah]

That makes sense. But then it's like, why so surprised?

[Carly]

Yeah, it's weird that she's surprised about it.

[Hannah]

That makes sense. Except for the fact that this is not the first time he's done exactly this. Like, he's been doing this back in Iron Flame, this exact same thing.

[Mason Moore]

It's highly unlikely that he's telling Imogen to go wipe her memories every single time it happens, because then he'd have to explain himself. So it's just weird. All right. During Battle Brief, Professor De Vera asks Violet about the Venon's strategy of moving southwest. Violet says, quote, they somehow know about the Rishin Wards and they're moving into position for the inevitability of them falling, but then thinks, but how? This is foreshadowing again of a traitor amongst leadership. Because that's definitely information the Venin should not be able to know on their own. And we know now that Panchec was aiding the enemy.

[Hannah]

We also got another suspicious mention of the Queen's library location. Given how difficult it was to get our hands on these books, it's wild to think that Garak could probably walk straight from here to wherever her library is.

[Mason Moore]

Where's the library?

[Hannah]

Where is the fucking library? And why won't you tell us?

[Mason Moore]

I want a library card. There. Damn it. Just kidding. Alright, there are multiple moments in chapter 28 where arc gives Violet weird looks. And I think he does that whenever he's using his signet. First, when Sloane is arguing with Violet about wanting to be involved without honing her destructive signet, Arc lifts a brow at Violet and takes note of her speechlessness. Then later, he narrows his eyes at Violet and Walks away after she says she's not in over her head. At the end of Onyx Storm, Auric knew Sloane would be needed and that she would disobey orders to join the battle. Because of this, he gave Sloane the package that contained the dagger to kill Theophany. Sloane was also there to use her siphon signet to save Mira, which is interesting because in this conversation, Sloane was refusing to train her signet because she believed that it is only destructive and it kills and it harms people. But Auric knew better, and he just wasn't saying anything. He was just giving people weird looks.

[Hannah]

We also have this moment of foreshadowing quote, not unless you want to hear about how Ryerson House needs roof repairs from Zaden. Now, this was foreshadowing the cufflinks made of the Ryerson House turret. When Violet gives it to him in chapter 45, she says, quote, you mentioned it needed repairs and I asked Brennan to have it made for you from one of the broken pieces, referring to this moment.

[Mason Moore]

Aw.

[Hannah]

Next, Violet is calculating in her mind the time it would take to travel and report back to the Cenarium between Isles and we get this line quote, the Empyrean will side with whatever choice you make, and Darna promises. But Taryn is quiet, no doubt occupied with finally being able to talk with Sigale after their period of forced silence. End quote. So Violet is assuming that this is why Taryn is silent, but is that actually why? He literally could have just huffed in response, like confirmation, but all of a sudden he's quiet. We get nothing from him. It seems to me, almost seems to me, I should say, like he knows that the Empyrean would not side with whatever choice Violet would make.

[Carly]

But.

[Hannah]

But maybe doesn't want to dissuade Violet. It's just very suspicious.

[Carly]

The list of suspicious stuff is ever growing.

[Hannah]

I don't want to think about it.

[Carly]

The next suspicious thing is Zaden's eyes. Violet describes how his eyes have now the gold flecks have gone amber after that last time. He channels these chapters and she's telling Bode how they're still amber. You know, they're not going back. And she's very concerned about this. And I think it's notable to point out that Brennan's eyes are also described as amber. It's weird.

[Mason Moore]

It is weird. However, we don't know what Brennan's eyes have been this entire time since before he was resurrected. So I feel like if it's a different color than his natural color violet Would have probably said something back in Iron Flame. Well, really? Back at the end of fourth Wing?

[Hannah]

Yeah.

[Carly]

Oh, yeah. I think she would have noticed if his eyes were like, suddenly a different color. But I think that there's gonna be some weird connection here.

[Hannah]

I don't think it's a coincidence that he happens to have amber eyes. But I do agree with. If he wasn't born with that, you'd think Violet would have pointed it out.

[Mason Moore]

Yeah, well, Brennan, we never stopped being suspicious of you, so.

[Hannah]

No, I'm just somehow more suspicious of Mira now. It's interesting.

[Mason Moore]

Yeah.

[Carly]

Funny how it all switched in Onyx Trust Nobody. That could be the tagline for this book. And finally, let's talk theories. Time for your signet sparring professors to help you hone your farsight and precognition. Signets. I would like to start with my theory on Halden. I think he knows Zayden used magic in Devorelli. He is unconscious, he's knocked out, and he wakes up at a very convenient time acting like what just happened? What's going on? I think maybe he was pretending to be unconscious. And I think he's gonna know that Xaden somehow used magic out there and he is going to use it against him because we know he has a vendetta.

[Hannah]

That's gonna be messy.

[Mason Moore]

I fully accept this theory. I said this before Onyx Storm. But I think Sloane will play a key role in helping Zaden. And I stand by that. Even knowing that there might not be a cure for VENON in chapter 28, Sloane says, I just want to help in a way that doesn't suck the magic out of something. And I highly doubt you lot would have been content to sit aside last year while your second years went off and saved the continent. If she can suck the magic out of something, then would she be able to remove that magic and return it back to the source? I'm not sure how she can return somebody's soul, but maybe removing the stolen magic is a good place to start.

[Carly]

I don't disagree with you. I think Sloane being a siphon is going to be an important part of the story. I think there's a big reason why she's a siphon. Because so far I just don't even feel like we've totally seen how that signet can be fully utilized. And I want to see that too.

[Mason Moore]

Plot twist. It was just so that we'd get the Dane eyes here moment.

[Carly]

I don't think I'll take that with that.

[Mason Moore]

I'm fine with that. But yeah, I just thought it was weird. She's like, suck the magic out. I'm like, so can you suck out bad magic?

[Carly]

Hopefully.

[Mason Moore]

Hopefully.

[Carly]

And my last one for this week is that dragons die with their riders in Deverelli. So they are told in Deverelli that if they kill the riders, their dragons will die with them. And they're convinced of this in Deverelli. And I think it's because dragons do in fact die with their riders in places with no magic. Because when Jack kills Bade, he says he replaced the magic so easily after he killed Bade. And I think when riders die, dragons have to pull more magic to replace the loss of that bond. And when they don't have magic, they can't and they die.

[Mason Moore]

I like that.

[Hannah]

I accept that. It makes what King Cortland said, like, his assumptions make a lot more sense. Cause that was a suspicious thing for, like, why does he. Why does he think that they die?

[Carly]

Yeah.

[Mason Moore]

It's pretty cocky to like, attack these riders with three massive. I mean, Taryn is massive.

[Carly]

Yeah.

[Mason Moore]

These huge dragons outside. Because it must have happened before. I think it makes sense.

[Hannah]

If this theory is true, the way that we would find out is by a writer dying out on the isles and hence their dragons. So then it begs the question of who.

[Carly]

And it's gonna be tragic. Yeah.

[Hannah]

What a way to end off our.

[Mason Moore]

Hopefully not a dragon we care about. Yeah. And that wraps up our Deep dive episode of Onyx Storm, chapters 25 through 28. Thank you so much for listening. Before we go, we want to give a special shout out to our newest Feathertail Patreon member, Laurel A. Thank you so much for supporting our podcast and helping us to continue creating high quality content. If you'd like to hear your name in a future episode, you can join our Feather Tales tier three and we'll make sure to shout you out in our next recorded episode as a Feather Tale.

[Hannah]

You'll also get exclusive ad free full video episodes with the option of audio only, early access to our regular season episodes, access to our book club Discord and livestream meeting, voting privileges for our book club and various PDF resources, including Carly's weekly Onyx Storm annotations and more. If you'd like to join but would prefer to keep your name private, just let us know. You can check out our Patreon linked in the show notes to see all perks across all three tiers. We also have a base tier for general support donations as well. Please note that Apple now charges a 30% fee for Patreon memberships on iOS devices, so we highly recommend using a web browser or desktop to become a member so you aren't charged that fee. And if Patreon isn't for you, there are still plenty of ways to support us. Leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify subscribing, recommending us to your fellow empyrean readers and simply tuning in to each episode goes so far.

[Carly]

Thank you again for listening. Don't forget to join us for our next episode where we deep dive chapters 29 through 33. If you haven't already, check out our first season chapter by chapters deep dive on fourth wing through the Lens of Iron Flame. There are over 30 hours of binge worthy content to explore where we pick up all of the things that Iron Flame changed about Fourth Wing, including all the times Zaden used his intentic abilities.

[Mason Moore]

As always, we encourage you to email us all of your thoughts, theories and suggestions. Feel free to DM us over on Instagram or join us over on our free Discord Group chat. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. It would mean the world to us.

[Hannah]

Until next time, Dearest Fantasy readers, prepare yourselves to get the story behind Violet's silver Hair. Kinda. But also not really as we continue our journey through the Empyrean series.

[Mason Moore]

Yeah, not really. Answers.

[F]

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