Everything You Need To Know Before Onyx Storm

Summary

Fantasy Fangirls Podcast Episode Summary

Episode Title: Everything You Need To Know Before Onyx Storm
Release Date: January 13, 2025
Podcast: Fantasy Fangirls | QCODE
Current Series: Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros
Books Recapped: Fourth Wing and Iron Flame
Upcoming Book: Onyx Storm

---

Introduction

In the episode titled "Everything You Need To Know Before Onyx Storm," hosts Nicole and Lexi from the Fantasy Fangirls podcast provide an extensive refresher on the first two books of the Empyrean series—Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. This episode serves as an essential guide for listeners gearing up for the third installment, Onyx Storm. The sisters delve deep into character arcs, plot developments, and set the stage for upcoming events in the series.

---

Inner Circle Debrief: Book Summaries

Nicole kicks off the recap with a detailed summary of Fourth Wing. She outlines Violet Sorrengale's induction into the Deadly Dragon Riders quadrant at Bestgaeth War College on Conscription Day. Highlighting key moments, Nicole narrates Violet's sorting into the North Wing under the shadowy leader, Zaden Ryerson, and the ensuing intense training regimen. She vividly recounts the Threshing ceremony, where cadets bond with dragons, leading to Violet's pivotal encounter with Liam Mari, her loyal bodyguard.

Moving to Iron Flame, Nicole summarizes the aftermath of the Battle of Bezgaeth, introducing new characters like Burton Veresh, the Vice Commandant with a notorious reputation. She describes the strained relationship between Violet and Zaden as they navigate their roles amidst escalating threats from the Venin. The recap continues with major plot twists, including the revelation of Zaden's betrayal, the tragic deaths of key characters like Liam Mari, and Violet's harrowing journey to Oratia where she reunites with her resurrected brother, Brennan.

Notable Quote:
Nicole shares her excitement:
"It would not be the ultimate empyrean recap episode without one of Nicole's classic battle briefs." [06:32]

---

Step Into The Cauldron: Insights, Foreshadowing, and Theories

Lexi transitions the discussion into deeper analysis, exploring the intricate relationships and power dynamics within the series. She speculates on Zaden's motivations and his transformation into a Venin, pondering the implications for his relationship with Violet. The sisters theorize about the mysterious Daddy Atos, suspecting his involvement with the Venin due to his strategic manipulations and connections to key events.

Nicole delves into the significance of the Wardstones, the magical barriers protecting Navarre, and the emerging threats posed by the Venin's infiltration. They discuss the potential resurgence of ancient lore, particularly focusing on the first six Dragon Rite Fighters and the enigmatic seventh den represented by Andarna. The hosts hypothesize about the forthcoming conflicts and alliances, emphasizing the critical role of Violet's second signet, which remains shrouded in mystery.

Notable Quotes:

Nicole on Zaden's betrayal:
"But wait, there's a little sus that Zaden and co got sent to this exact location where the Venon are coming, right?" [11:04]

Lexi on Daddy Atos:
"I am definitely in agreement that Daddy Atos maybe, maybe in league with the Venin, but isn't one himself." [40:21]

---

Sip Tea With The Suriel: Lore Exploration

The sisters take a moment to explore the deeper lore of the Empyrean universe. They discuss the historical context of the second Crovaland Uprising, as uncovered by Papa Sorrengale's research, and its connections to the current events in Bestgaeth. The importance of Feather Tales and their role in activating the Wardstones is examined, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between dragons and their riders.

Nicole and Lexi also delve into the origins and significance of the Empyrean government, pondering its influence on the ongoing Venin invasion. They touch upon the ancient journals of Warwick and Lira, seeking to understand the hidden truths that propel the narrative forward. The exploration of the seventh Dragon Den and its pivotal role in combating the Venin underscores the escalating stakes as the series progresses.

Notable Quote:
Lexi emphasizes the importance of lore:
"We cannot talk about the First Six and not give a tldr on the wards that protect Navarre." [47:12]

---

Character Updates and Theories

Nicole and Lexi provide updates on key characters and their current statuses:

• Violet Sorrengale: Grieving her mother's death and grappling with her second signet, Violet maintains her trust in Zaden despite his Venin transformation.

• Zaden Ryerson: Now a Venin, Zaden struggles with his new identity, fearing he may cause Violet's suffering. His complex relationship with Violet remains a focal point.

• Xaden Ryerson: Believed to have killed General Venin, Xaden is in a precarious position, suspecting that the Venin might not be truly vanquished. His connection to the Venin and potential motives are hot topics for discussion.

• Daddy Atos: Suspected to be in league with the Venin, Daddy Atos's mysterious actions and strategic moves raise red flags about his true allegiance.

• Brennan Sorrengale: Resurrected after being mended, Brennan's return adds layers to the family dynamics and the overarching conflict with the Venin.

• Sloane Mari: As the only First Year in the Second Squad with a manifested siphon signet, Sloane's growth and relationship with Violet are key points of interest.

Notable Quote:
Nicole reflects on character alliances:
"We are positive that we're going to get some kind of like, surprise. This character you've known all along is Venin." [40:12]

---

Theorizing the Future: Anticipations for Onyx Storm

Looking ahead to Onyx Storm, Nicole and Lexi outline several burning questions and theories:

1. Venin Infiltration: With Jack Barlow's revelation that Venin are among the Navarian wards, the sisters predict increased paranoia and distrust within Bestgaeth.

2. Violet's Second Signet: The manifestation of Violet's second signet remains enigmatic. The hosts speculate it could relate to her core traits—information seeking and protection of loved ones—possibly categorizing her as an Intensic.

3. Warder Failures: The fading wards and the challenges of maintaining them signal impending crises, potentially leading to large-scale conflicts.

4. Empyrean Leadership: The divided leadership within the Empyrean points to possible power struggles and shifting alliances as the battle against the Venin intensifies.

5. Ancient Prophecies: The secrets held within the first six riders' journals and Papa Sorrengale's unfinished research hint at ancient prophecies or lost knowledge that could turn the tide of war.

6. Character Resurrections and Traumas: The resurrection of Brennan and the traumas endured by other characters set the stage for psychological and emotional battles in the upcoming book.

Notable Quote:
Lexi on future conflicts:
"Navarre is kind of an asshole around that, so I don't think so. I really think the Promish have gotten the shittiest end of the stick for 600 years." [50:12]

---

Wrapping Up

As the episode concludes, Nicole and Lexi express their excitement for the upcoming Onyx Storm release, inviting listeners to join their Fantasy Fan Club for exclusive content and community engagement. They also announce the next book series to be covered post-Onyx Storm—the Kindred's Curse Saga by Pen Cole—ensuring fans have something to look forward to after the Empyrean series.

Notable Quote:
Nicole wraps up enthusiastically:
"Thank you also so much to our content researcher Brooke, who helped us put this episode together, and. And of course, our executive producer, AKA our sanity manager, Hayden. We literally do not know what we would do without you." [58:57]

---

Conclusion

"Everything You Need To Know Before Onyx Storm" is a comprehensive and engaging episode that not only recaps the critical events of the first two Empyrean books but also delves into intricate theories and character analyses. Nicole and Lexi adeptly balance detailed summaries with insightful discussions, making this episode a valuable resource for both new readers and longtime fans gearing up for the next adventure in the series.

Transcript

[Nicole]

What's the best time of day to get a deal? All day with Jack in the box's all day.

[Lexi]

Big deal meal.

[Nicole]

You get to choose from four entrees like the supreme croissant and five tasty sides, plus a drink starting at $5.

[Lexi]

So hurry in or take your time. You've got all day at Jack.

[Nicole]

Every bite's a big welcome welcome welcome to the Fantasy Fangirls podcast where two sisters dive deep into beloved fantasy lore, characters, themes, theories and more.

[Lexi]

I'm Lexi. I'm Nicole and today we are officially diving back into the Empyrean series for the lead up to Onyx Storm. Wheel it Can't Sit still. We are so excited. This episode is your ultimate TLDR refresher for everything you need to remember from Fourth Wing and Iron Flame as we all get ready for Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros, the third installment of the Empyrean series. So if you need a refresher on where characters stand by the end of Iron Flame, some of those really important plots that you know are going to be important in Onyx Storm, we got you. But first things first, listen up for our spoiler warning. Since we're discussing everything you need to know before reading Onyx Storm, it should go without saying that this episode includes spoilers for 4th Wing and Iron Flame. Interviews with Rebecca Yarros are also fair game, but we are not going to focus on the official Onyx Storm teasers and excerpts that we've received because today is more about getting ready to start Onyx Storm versus speculating what exactly happens in it. If you want our deep dive on the Cosmopolitan excerpt, please do go check out that episode. We have so much to say about that link is in the show notes and we are definitely not bringing up anything from the multi chapter previews or any leaks. This is a no leak zone here.

[Nicole]

Okay, so with all of that said, if you don't know what we mean when we say Papa Soren Gale's research, then please go finish the series. We will be here when you're done. And then you'll also have 21 episodes of Fantasy Fangirls Deep Diving, 4th Wing and Iron Flame to tide you over until the premiere of Onyx Storm next.

[Lexi]

We at Fantasy Fangirls are adults who say adult things about adult books. In other words, friends, this podcast is.

[Nicole]

Rated R. Part of this episode we'll be recapping the first two books. So Lexi, do you know what that means? Dragons and sex and dragons having sex. So do be mindful of those little listening ears.

[Lexi]

Additionally, we are so excited to see you at upcoming live events. We are partnering with Barnes and Noble for the Onyx Storm Midnight release party on January 20th in Glendale, Colorado. Then we'll be at Rebecca Yaris's Onyx Storm Tour in Denver, Colorado on February 2nd. We are so excited about that.

[Nicole]

We have so much in store as podcasting partners at Romanecy Bookcon in Los Angeles in February and in Orlando in October of this year.

[Lexi]

We'll also be featured guests at Enchanticon in St. Louis, Missouri August 15th through 17th. And we'll be back at the Dragon Gauntlet in Boyne City, Michigan September 12th and 13th.

[Nicole]

Check out our website's full calendar at fantasyfangirls.com calendar for more information. Tickets plus our podcast episodes and Fantasy Fan Club virtual events.

[Lexi]

And lastly, if you love Fantasy Fangirls, if you are so excited for Onyx Storm and want more empyrean themed events like Trivia, a live Q and A book club and even more content plus a community to share this passion with and just so much more, please check out the Fantasy Fan Club, our new official Fantasy Fangirls membership.

[Nicole]

We have three tiers that you can join the Cadets which includes access to our Super Bopping Discord, our live Q&As from Lexi and I Book Club, exclusive, exclusive author interviews, trivia, community events, promo codes for live events plus 20% off all merch that is for $6 a month. Or you can join the Dragon Riders which includes everything from the cadet level plus early access to ad free episodes, our full episode outlines and special voting privileges. That is for $10 a month. And of course we have the Iron Squad which includes everything from the previous two tiers plus more behind the scenes content, a welcome gift, giveaways, private Discord channel and your name. Shout it out on the podcast. That is for $25 a month.

[Lexi]

Join the party at fantasy fangirls.com fanclub. The link is also in the show notes and really and truly, thank you so much for supporting this podcast.

[Nicole]

Before we dive back into the Empyrean and go straight into Nabar. You know how everyone's doing those like New Year's ins and outs lists. My in is healthy hair. Lexi and I both have colored hair. Lexi has her purple, I have my blue and something that doing major colored hair does is that it can damage your hair. Thank you. Goodness. We have prose to not only keep our color in way longer but also to make sure our hair is healthy and hydrated.

[Lexi]

Since 2017 Prose has transformed traditional hair and skincare with a made to order model that reduces waste, celebrates unique beauty over one size, fits all beauty standards, and works better than off the shelf alternatives. Developed in Paris and bottled fresh in Brooklyn and Los Angeles, Prose combines the expertise of in house cosmetic chemists with an advanced AI algorithm that personalizes your formulas based on more than 80 unique factors.

[Nicole]

Prose is backed by more than 500,000 five star product reviews and a clinical study that proves personalization works better. So whether you're looking for stronger strands or even brighter skin, discover the difference of custom hair and skin care that is made just for you. And with the Prose promise, if you don't love your first order, it's on Prose. There's literally never been a better time to switch to custom.

[Lexi]

Prose is so confident that you'll bring out your best hair and Skin in 2025 that they're offering an exclusive trial offer of FIT55.0% off your first hair care subscription order at pros.com fantasy fangirls so take your free consultation, get your one of a kind formulas and see the difference custom care can make with 50% off at p r o s e.com fantasy fangirls and now it is.

[Nicole]

Time to get on our flight leathers, cross the parapet and prepare to head back to Best Gaieth. I'm so excited. I've been waiting for this.

[Lexi]

It would not be the ultimate empyrean recap episode without one of Nicole's classic battle briefs. In case you don't know, in our deep dives we always begin each episode with this Battle Brief segment where Nicole summarizes what happens in the stretch of chapters we're covering. And since today we're covering all of 4th Wing and Iron Flame. Nicole, how do you feel about a two book battle brief?

[Nicole]

Let's do this Book one. Fourth Wing Violet Sorrengale, who was training her whole life to be a scribe, has been plunged into the Deadly Dragon Riders quadrant at bestgaeth War College. Our story opens up on Conscription Day where Violet walks the parapet, a 200 foot high balance beam that would absolutely kill Lexi. But Violet calms herself down by talking out loud about the 400 year war between Navarre and the evil poor Emile. Violet makes it across Gold Star and after saying a quick hey there hi there ho there to her old best friend, or as we like to call him, God damn it Dane, Violet has been sorted into Ravenclaw. I mean Second Wing. But what's this? The beautiful, handsome, brooding, tattooed Shadow Daddy wing leader Zaden Ryerson, who's had it out for the Sorengails, moves her into Gryffindor. Just kidding. He moves her into his wing, the north wing. Hey, isn't that the name of this book? But now it's time for school. So get ready for a classic months long training montage filled with deviously poisoning her opponents on the mat. Climbing up the Deadly Gauntlet with the what Lexi?

[Lexi]

Giant hanging balls.

[Nicole]

Daily classes with the absolutely positive 100 correct information that has never ever been censored by leadership. Right? And of course I, the wing leader, who according to gfdd, God damn it, Dane, is definitely out to kill her. Fast forward to Threshing, one of the lethal days for all first years where cadets must go out into the valley and bond one of the coveted and roast happy dragons. Violet notices a group of overly confident douche canoes who are taking a unconventional approach to threshing by going off to murder the tiny golden feather tailed dragon. What could go wrong? Violet comes to the tiny golden one's aid and fights off the dragon assassins until something huge lands behind her. And no, Lexi, it's not the dragon Giant hanging balls. It is our favorite curmudgeon dragon with an I choose you. Pikachu the dragon. Taryn and Violet go back to the flight field to add themselves to the dragon roster. But that tiny golden dragon, she won't leave Violet alone because she also chooses Violet, Sor and Gail, both dragons. But this game of Twister isn't over yet. Her curmudgeon of a dragon is mated to Sigale wing leader Zaden's dragon. And now their lives are interdependent. And if Violet dies, it sets off a chain reaction that would lead to Xaden's death too. Which means our Shadow Daddy has to keep Violet, his definite mortal enemy, alive. Oh no. Forced proximity. Gosh darn it. There is one more threshing surprise. God fucking damn it. Dane kisses Violet and Violet realizes this dude, not for me. After several unbonded cadets attempt to kill Violet in her sleep, Zaden said, you're going to get me killed if you keep this up. So he assigns her a bodyguard. Golden Retriever, Goodest boy, Liam, Mari. But the Force proximity trope has been working over time because while they're very mated, dragons are off. Bang, bang. Banging dragon bangin. Violet and Zaden share a passionate first kiss. So passionate that it sets off lightning in the corner. Several more months of training go by and final exams are underway in the form of war games. Violet, in her drive to Protect her bodyguard. Goodest boy Liam gets a surge of power and unleashes her signet. Killing Jack fucking Barlow with a lightning bolt. Yeah, lightning wielder. But don't worry, Lexi. Jack fucking Barlow. He's definitely dead. Later that night, wanting to forget all her new deadly problems, Zaden goes to Violet's room and bang, bang, bangity bang. I said armoire goes bang. Sorry lovebirds. We've got to interrupt this sex marathon though because final exams war game Round two comes a knockin'zaden. Gets a group of all marked ones together to go off beyond the Nevarian wards. Two at where they meet up with the evil promish Griffin flyers. But what's this? Zaden's a traitor to Navarre and has been sneakily taking weapons from Navarre to the enemy.

[Lexi]

Oh dear.

[Nicole]

But wait, there's more. Those same Griffin flyers have been losing to the absolutely not folklore Venin power hungry dark wielders who have been leaving their contacts in for too long. And to make matters worse, there's a horde of Venin heading this way. But wait. It's a little sus that Zaden and co got sent to this exact location where the Venon are coming, right? Well remember that old best friend gfdd? Turns out that memory stealing limp dick sold Xaden out to leadership and got them all flagged for death. God fucking damn it Dane. Our crew fights for their lives against the horrifying red eyed Venin and their two legged wyvern. And sadly not all make it out of this fight alive. Including our goodest boy bodyguard Liam. It has been our honor.

[Lexi]

No.

[Nicole]

After Violet takes a poison dagger to the kidney, she rallies just enough strength to win the battle by commanding the sky using her lightning powers. But where can these victors take the on the brink of death, Violet to go get healed. Zaden has a plan. After she wakes up in Oratia, which is supposed to be burned to ash, Violet discovers she was mended. But by who? By he's supposed to be dead. Violet's older brother, Brennan. Welcome to the revolution, Violet. Book two. Iron Flame. The crew that fought at Athpene travels back to Basgaeth with our not so baby, Andarna. Nope. She is now a sassy teenager no longer. Golden Dragon. Having arrived just in time for graduation. And to convince leadership that they are indeed not dead. Getting Daddy Atos Beneshed to the coastal outposts. But the new vice commandant is introduced. Welcome Dolores Umbridge to the stage. Just kidding. It's Burton Veresh Tldr Homeboy is bad news. Literally being kicked out of his previous job for being too excited about torture. So they put him in charge of lots and lots of students instead. Xaden learns his new post graduation assignment is going to have him and Violet doing long distance. And with their dragons getting to only see each other every seven days. And after weeks of Violet asking for more information and Xaden unable to share all of his sneaky secrets, our lovebirds are at an impasse that only escapes steamy shower could fix. But one question can be answered. How do they get their own wards in Oratia? Because it turns out they've got a broken wardstone that no one seems to be trying to fix. However, our brilliant fucking woman Violet found out that there are two diaries from some of the first six the OG Wardstone makers that could tell her how to raise the wards. Let's get the diaries, shall we? Archives heist time. But it turns out that these diaries are more confidential than Mia Thermopolis, Princess of Genovia's. Which leads to Violet getting caught and tortured for days by the Vice commandant. But don't worry, she has the hallucination of her dead friend, bodyguard extraordinaire Liam to keep her company. Finally. God damn it. Dane is brought into Google. Search Violet's memories and get her talking. But as an I'm sorry for sending you and your friends to your death last book apology gift, Dane instead stabs Caesar. I mean Verish Zaden arrives. And after killing their way out of the torture chamber, Xaden, Violet and GFDD spill the tea to all the cadets about leadership covering up the Venin. And those who say fuck this shit, I'm out. Leave with the crew to Erasia. Hey Brennan, you said you needed more riders. What else do they need? Weapons and a luminary to make them so. It's time for a field trip to Poromil. But in addition to negotiating for a luminary, we get to know a new character. God fucking damn it. Cat. Not a real cat, but instead a Griffin Flyer sheer robe aficionado and Zaden's bitch of an ex betrothed. One short See, I can kill Venon. Demonstration later. The deal is struck. The revolution can have the Luminary if they also take the Griff Griffin Flyer. Students who survived their school getting overtaken by Venon. Yikes. Griffin flyers and Dragon riders under one academic system. It's the best of both worlds, right? It looks like leadership is taking more inspiration from Hannah Montana. Because it's the climb up The Cliffs of Dralore. Violet's confidence is shaken thanks to Cat's skillful ability to use her mind work and enhance Violet's jealousy. So her kind, courteous partner Zaden shows Violet just how much she and only she is on his mind. And throne bang. Throne bang. Throny bang. I said, did he just speak mind bang. But the secrets aren't over. And boy oh boy, what a secret Satan has been keeping. Turns out that in addition to wielding shadows, our shadow daddy is also an intrinsic daddy. The only banned signet that is an immediate death sentence for any dragon rider. Enough trouble in paradise. We've got an ending battle to get to. The Venin are en route to attack Bezgaeth. So her crew rushes back to the school just in time for. Wait, who's that? It's definitely not dead Jack fucking Barlow, who has also gone vented and just destroyed the Nevarian wards in the process. Bad jfb. But what's the only way to get the wards back up? The seven dragon dens must breathe fire on the Wardstone. Wait, there's only six dens? And Darna says hold my teenage appropriate non alcoholic beer. But first the Wardstone has to be imbued. So Mama Sor andale is going to sacrifice herself.

[Lexi]

No, you can't. There must be another way.

[Nicole]

There isn't. Mama Sorengail forfeit the last of her life force to power charge the Wardstone. The Wardstone is now humming away and all seven dragon types breathe fire onto it. And with that tragedy and the venom, yeeted out of Navarre. That's the end of the book, right? Right. No. Violet went to seek out Xaden. And when his eyes meet hers, there's a red rim around them. Our morally graced Shadow Daddy has officially joined JFB and gone Venon. Welcome to our fucked up family. Yes, we're brothers now. Dun dun dun. Oh boy.

[Lexi]

Nicole, that was amazing. You must have taken your AG1 today because you absolutely nailed that.

[Nicole]

Well, thank you. And you know I did. Because AG1 is part of my every single day routine. So that I always ensure to start my day off on the right foot. AG1 is a foundational nutritional supplement that supports energy, digestive regularity, immune support, and even a healthy mood. One will help you be ready to take on whatever 2025 has in store for you. For me, adopting AG1 has been my daily routine. Game changer. It helps me feel like I'm starting off every day doing something. Me and my health. All I do is take a scoop I put in my water or my smoothie like I did this morning, I give it a good shake or a good blend and I'm ready to go and do a two book battle brief.

[Lexi]

AG1 is ready to help you simplify your health goals in 2025 and to help you live that 8020 life like Nicole and I do always try to so this new year, try AG1 for yourself. It's the perfect time to start a healthy new habit. And that's why we love partnering with AG1 for this podcast. And AG1 is offering new subscribers every a free $76 gift when you sign up, so you'll get a welcome kit, a bottle of D3K2 and five free travel packs in your first box. Nicole and I do not travel without our AG1 travel packs, so make sure to check out drink ag1.com FFG to get this offer. That's drink ag1.com FFG to start your new year on a healthier note all right friends, now that we're feeling good about what happened in Fourth Wing and Iron Flame it, it's time to set the stage for where things left off. For key characters and plot points as we head into Onyx Storm, let's start with our beloved second squad.

[Nicole]

As far as we know, all of the second Squad riders made it out of the Battle of Bazga at the live. Not all of their limbs made it out alive, for instance, like Sawyer, who pulled a hiccup and lost his leg after being attacked by a wyvern.

[Lexi]

Since his leg is gone, there is nothing left to mend, so he cannot magically get his leg back. Sawyer underwent surgery after the battle and is currently in the healer's care, but given his signet is metal wielding, we're hopeful he'll be able to walk and even ride again with a metal leg that he can potentially control. Since Taran confidently struts his stuff in Violet's saddle, maybe the other dragons will be more open to his dragon accommodating him as well.

[Nicole]

I love that is like as far as canon in my head that that is going to happen. Then we have Sloane Mari, who is the only first year in second Squad whose signet has officially manifested and she is a Siphon, which is the same power that Teran's previous writer Naolin, who burned out using his power to save Brennan's life six and a half years ago, had towards the end of Iron Flame, Sloane used her siphoning signet to imbue the bestguath Wardstone with Lilith and her dragon. I'm Ser's life forces. We can imagine for Sloane, that needing to use her power like this was quite dramatic, even if it ended up killing the woman who was responsible for Sloane's family's executions. Speaking of, Sloane still has her late brother and our beloved Liam Mari's letters that he wrote her. Last we heard, Sloane had caught up to the October letters, which is when Zaden assigned Liam as Violet's bodyguard in Fourth Wing. Learning about Violet through Liam's letters has actually started making Sloane warm up to Violet, at least not hate her outright.

[Lexi]

As for the rest of the Iron Squad, Rhiannon Riddick, Imogen Quinn, and first years Auric Link thinks Avalon and Baylor are alive and not badly hurt. Getting to live another day While we're mentioning people who are alive and kick in, let's go ahead and say Garrick and Bodhi survived the battle too, okay?

[Nicole]

I would have rioted if Garrick had died before we got to know anything about his signet and why Rebecca Yara's loves him so much.

[Lexi]

Then there's Violet, who's been through quite the ordeal. She hasn't quite had time to process the big download from Indarna and is mourning her mother's loss. She also doesn't know it, but her second signet, the one from Andarna, has manifested according to Rebecca Yarrows. More on that later though. While Zadian has revealed to her that he turned Venin, we know from the end of Iron Flame that despite her initial shock, Violet is sticking by the man she loves and still trusts him. We know this because hours after he shared the secret, she was asleep in bed next to him. So we can infer Onyx Storm won't open with any I can't be with you because you're Vin in friction. At least. Least for right now.

[Nicole]

Let's talk about everyone's favorite Shadow Daddy now turned Venon Daddy Xaden may be still breathing, but he has this extra challenge in his life. During the battle right before the wards went back up, Zaden pulled from the Source and thus turned Venon in order to try to defeat the Maven, also known as the General Venin, who Zaden believes is after him. Note this is the same General Venon who Violet and us assumed to be the Sage. This is the same Venon who had the staff at the Ressin battle back at the end of Fourth Wing, and who haunted Violet's dreams in basically all of Iron Flame. Back to Xaden, believing the Venin specifically the General wants Him. Do we know why?

[Lexi]

No.

[Nicole]

I'm really looking forward to finding out though. The only guess I have at the moment is because of how powerful Xaden is. And they're trying to collect the powerful riders like their Pokemon cards. Which would also include why they seem to want Violet. There's that line from the previous two books about you're the one who commands the the sky. I'm assuming that's just like a. You're the one who's a super extra powerful writer. So with our knowledge right now, that's the best guess I got.

[Lexi]

I'm right there with you. With the Venon wanting Zaden because he's powerful. But I really do think they specifically want Xaden to lure Violet to the Venin. Yes, she is very powerful because she commands disguise. Her power is also one of the very few things that can actually kill Venon. The general had taunted Zaden that he would turn for love. And Zaden did end up turning because if he failed, the general said he'd go after Violet. We have a lot of questions around Xaden's connection, for lack of a better word, with this general. How does he know why this General Venon wants him? What's been the communication in the dreams he's had? How similar are they to the ones Violet has had with the same General Venon? I'll leave it at this. Rebecca Yarros has teased we will learn more about all this with the Venin, why they want them and the dreams in Onyx Storm.

[Nicole]

Now Xaden believes, emphasis on believes, that he has killed this General Venon. At the end of Iron Flame, he says, quote, quote, snap whatever tether he had on me and killed him. His body fell into the ravine. And now I keep watching the river like it's going to pop back up, even though I know he's miles downstream by now. We are unconvinced, mainly because they seem a little more indestructible than that.

[Lexi]

Well, especially this General Vennon, who has hinted that he is centuries old without going too far down a theory hole. We, meaning Nicole and I, also think this is General Daramor, who was from the Barrens and led the enemy forces in the war 600 years ago. But yes, bottom line, we definitely don't think he's dead.

[Nicole]

There's no way. There is no way. The gale Xaden's dragon, is livid with Zaden and currently not speaking to him. But Zaden can still wield his shadows. And in fact, it seems like he's got a nice Venon power boost. We also have to wonder if this increased signet strength also impacts his other power, because remember, I will never forget that we learned in Iron Flame he has two signets due to Sigeil previously bonding with his grandfather, although according to the Writer's Quadrant records, it's his great uncle and his second signet is an intensic, or at least as Xaden puts it, a type of intensic who can read people's intentions. The only other person who knows of the second signet is Violet, because if people knew he was an intensic, he would be killed outright.

[Lexi]

All of this to say Zadian is grappling with being a Vinna now. He's worried that he's going to be the biggest cause of Violet's suffering. And in his of book POV chapter he sought out Jack, who's back in the dungeons and requiring the power blocking serum. Zaden went to him determined to learn the cure so he cannot be a Venin, but Jack's like nope, there is no cure, only hunger for more power. So welcome to the Venon Club. Which makes Aiden go no Shifting our attention to what leadership is dealing with after the Battle of Bisgaeth, Melgren and Avera are negotiating the terms of the Orisha cadets returning to Bestgaeth. This is something I'm especially curious about heading into Onyx Storm. Not just what these negotiations are or whether per Meal flyers fit into it, since some of them are technically Orisha cadets, but also what is the dynamic going to be between the cadets who stayed at Buzgaeus and the ones who by definition turned traitor and went to Erasure a few months ago? There's probably going to be some tension and power struggles.

[Nicole]

Pause before we get into the other best guy political leaders, I want to do a quick check in on the revolutionary leaders, AKA the Assembly of Aratia, which is made made up of seven individuals including Zaden and Brennan, Violet's older brother who were at the Battle of Buzgaeth. But it's unknown if the other five revolutionary leaders also came to the battle.

[Lexi]

I'm leaning toward none of them, partly because we just don't hear anything about any of them. But also we know their less than fuzzy feelings about this guy and its leadership and they were not wanting to help. And I think Brennan was the only one who came because he wanted to help his siblings.

[Nicole]

I feel like if anyone came it would have been Felix because he seems the most humane of all of them, but because he was so close to Violet. I feel like we would have heard his name mentioned for sure. So I. That's kind of a bummer, Felix. Back to our Bisgaeth political players. However, let's talk about Professor Markham, the head of the Scribe quadrant who knows the truth about the Venin and has been most certainly controlling the narrative that that, you know, Venon don't exist. And he's of course leading the charge with propaganda against Poromil M4RKIM's last known location was in Kaldir with the King, but this was before the cadets left for Aratia, AKA the end of part one of Iron Flame. But he is absent at the ending battle at Bestgaeth, which is a little Sus, I'm not gonna lie.

[Lexi]

While we're on the topic of Sus characters, Daddy Etos, or if you're not familiar with fantasy fangirls, Colonel Atos, Dane's dad. We haven't seen him on the page since Second Squad returned from War games at the start of Iron Flame. When Lilith learned that he cleared an entire outpost and nearly got her daughter killed, she sent him to a coastal outpost as punishment, which we know those outposts historically get the least action. However, we can assume Daddy Atos orchestrated the assassination attempts on Violet and the other Wresten survivors throughout the first half of Iron Flame.

[Nicole]

Why?

[Lexi]

Because his parting words to Violet were secrets die with the people who keep them. And that is the exact message the assassins relate to her in both attempts.

[Nicole]

Quick theory, because if he is at one of the coastal outposts, we can strongly assume we are going to be going to the Isle Kingdoms in Onyx Storm. Just with all of the mentions that we've had in specifically Iron Flame. What if Violet runs into him on her way to the Isle Kingdoms and that's how we get Daddy Atos back in the story?

[Lexi]

Because I don't think he's been at the coastal outposts because everybody was pulled elsewhere and I think that he actually is at Biscay, which I'm getting to in a short while.

[Nicole]

Oh, I'm so sorry.

[Lexi]

Even more interesting about Daddy Atos is his connection to the Venin. One of the would be assassins had eyes, quote rimmed in red and he was described as abnormally fast, which makes us very inclined to think this first year was a Venin. So we have to ask if ETOs knew this, but what's more, he is the one who set Zaden up at Athain back at the end of Fourth Wing. We know the Navarian made box found At Resin was a lure for Venin. So Daddy Atos must have a tie to these Venin luring boxes, which we'll get to shortly because they are also very important at the Battle of Biscayth, thanks to Jack fucking Barlow. Last thing on Daddy Atos. This is what you were kind of referring to here, Nicole. He's not present. During the final battle that we know of, military was pulled from other outposts to go to Samara, which was the large border outpost where General Melgan thought the Venom attack was going to be. Then, once they realized the attack was actually at Best Guy, it took half a day to fly from Samara to Bisgaeth to join in the battle. Which might mean Daddy Atos is already back at Bestgaeth after leaving his coastal outpost to first go to Samara, then Bezgaeth. But that's just pure speculation. As a secret bad guy colonel who was General Sorengail's aid, I wonder if Daddy Atos will weasel his way up the ranks and we'll see him in more of a leadership role. Role in Onyx Storm.

[Nicole]

Moving to General Lilith Sorrengail, who sacrificed her life for the well being of Navarre, her and her dragons. I'm Ser's power and life forces were siphoned to imbue the Wardstone, enabling it to be lit by all seven dragon dens. We also learn in the chapter 66 epigraph from Nolan to Lilith that they were trying every method they know of, but quote, there is no cure, there is only control. Which raises a lot of questions about when this missive was written. Nolan was a lieutenant colonel in the epigraph. However, presently in our story, he is a colonel. So how long has Leadership been searching for a cure and for lack of a better word, experimenting on Venin? And why was Lilith specifically seeking a cure for Venin? The fandom's got a lot of theories. We got a lot of theories, but we're not going to get into them this episode. So let's keep going.

[Lexi]

Mira and Brennan. Hey, Nicole. Knock knock.

[Nicole]

Who's there?

[Lexi]

Not Mira.

[Nicole]

Violet.

[Lexi]

And the readers notice Mira has disappeared in the aftermath of their mother's death. And at the end of the battle, I'm personally convinced she snuck off to retrieve some of their mother's valuable things before they're burned, as is custom to burn all of one's belongings when they die. We also know that since the Venom fiasco at Viscount Dacaris's Emporiumil, Meera can create wards outside the Nevarian wards, meaning she doesn't have to solely rely on extending from existing wards, which she previously only thought she could do. She can actually create her own for our back from the dead big brother Brennan mended the broken wardstone and is giving out orders after the battle. That's the last we saw of him. It'll be interesting to see how it plays out with Brennan's return to Buzgaeth, even if it's temporary and he eventually goes back to Arisha, which has been his home for the last six years. Now around Buzga leadership and professors, he's bound to be known again as Brennan Sorengale, which makes me very excited that maybe we'll finally learn more about what exactly happened between him, Ben Ryerson, who according to records shot and killed him, and Naolin. We can't forget about the rune shaped scar on Brennan's palm. What does it mean? We speculate that it's connected to his resurrection. Should we be concerned with a correlation that Wyvern are created with complex runes? I personally don't believe this means Brennan is under control of Venn in the way Wyvern are, but there is something about runes and life forces, both for Brennan and for the Wyvern here.

[Nicole]

All of this talk about Brennan makes me think about how traumatic his past year has been and honestly, how much trauma we're all going under in the next few weeks. I'm pretty sure we could all use some therapy to help out with this process. Luckily, this show is sponsored by Better Help. What do you want your 20 to be? Every January brings a new 365 blank pages waiting for you to write in. Is 2025 the year you're ready for a plot twist or the year you've been wanting to revise. Life isn't about resolutions that fade away by February. It's about picking up the pen and becoming the author of your own life. Think of therapy as your editorial partner, helping you write new chapters and create the meaningful story you deserve to live.

[Lexi]

I started my therapy journey this past year in 2024 and it was instrumental in helping me with all of the big changes that have been going on in both of our lives. And we have so much store for 2025. And while it is so exciting, it's also very scary. And that is where my therapist comes in to hold my hand and walk me through all of it too. Oh man.

[Nicole]

Better Help is fully online, making therapy affordable and convenient. Serving over 5 million people worldwide, access to a diverse network of more than 30,000 credentialed therapists with a wide range of specialties easily switch from one therapist to another at no extra cost. Write your story with Betterhel Help. Visit betterhelp.com FFG to get 10 off your first month. That's Betterhelp H-E-L-P.com FFG really quickly, let's rapid fire some other important people in this story, starting with our girl Jinia, the Queen of the Scribes, if you will. A brief recap. Jenna is one of Violet's friends from the Scribe quadrant and throughout Iron Flame assists Violet in researching, for lack of a better term, forbidden knowledge on the creation of the Wart and the first during the final battle, Jinia was the key translator who discovered that there are supposed to be seven fire breathing dragons. She is also the only one who could read Moranian, which is what Lira's journal was written in. But she did not put two and two together that Indarna is the seventh dragon. Instead she was like this is an error. I know battle's happening, but error, error. By the end of Iron Flame, it is also implied that she and Sawyer are in a relationship of sorts, which we are so here for.

[Lexi]

We totally hard launched them in our Empyrean study guide.

[Nicole]

People were like are they actually confirmed? And we're like they are. Now let's talk about Dane, our GFDD himself. Writers are known to have tattoos and Dane is rocking two brand new spanking new ones which are Jack fucking Barlow's handprints from when he touched Dain. This was happening while Jack Barlow destroyed the wards. He killed his dragon and then he drained Dane. Good day for Jack fucking Barlow. We see D at the end of the Battle of Basgaeth when Rhiannon is telling Violet how all of the Wyvern have fallen from the sky. So we do know that he is alive and we are assuming well in the second half of Iron Flame, he and Violet are slowly healing their friendship. After Dain took one of Violet's memories which led her and a group of Marked ones to their first venon battle at the end of 4th Wing, resulting in Liam and Soleil's death. But after Dain stabbed the Vice Commandant Varysh in the end of Part one of Iron Flame and then left with Violet and co to go to Orisha, he is firmly on the side of the revolution, even Zaden giving him the stamp of approval. But all of this to say I do trust no one, especially those with their dragon breath that smells so Dain is looking a little sus but he's. I don't know, maybe that's just my resulting I'm also in the middle of my fourth ring reread, so it might be a little bit of recency bias.

[Lexi]

Dain has redeemed himself according to everybody in the book. However, Kath his dragon does notably have bad breath, and the only other dragons that have bad breath are directly connected to Venin, so that's where it gets us. Totally separate, but potentially something to keep an eye on about Dain is that he has a gift for languages, including Crowvlish, which might be helpful if they venture into Poromil.

[Nicole]

Also if they venture into the Isle Kingdoms, because maybe they speak a different language. Dain also helped Violet translate Warwick's journal, which was written in Old Luceresh.

[Lexi]

Remember that this is the journal of one of those first six, Warwick Warwick, who purposely did not mention the seventh Den the helpful way Lira's did. And I don't think we've seen the last of Warwick's journal, which I will bring up in Papa Sorrengail's research of course. Let's wrap this section up with Cat and the Griffin Flyers. Last we know of at least some of the poor Emile Flyers is that they are now at Bisgaeth after the battle. Remember that the Flyer Academy in Zolia was overtaken by Venon months ago and now the Revolution Emporium's Flyers have been working together and using Orisha as headquarters. The Flyers who had previously been at their now overtaken taken academy came to Orisha and were absorbed by the Best Gaieth turned Revolution Dragon Riders. These Flyers and their Griffins who came to help with the battle were especially helpful tracking down the then and luring boxes and getting the injured to the healers.

[Nicole]

Now that we've got a good foundation as to where everyone stands, let's get into some key factors that we are studying, theorizing and keeping an eye out for as we head into Onyx Storm. First up, the Venin Dun Dun Dun Lexi, who do you want to start start with?

[Lexi]

I don't want to start with him, but we have to. Jack Barlow, this asshole who will not stay dead killed his dragon bade to deactivate the Biscayeth Wardstone by spilling her blood on the lit Wardstone to extinguish the Black Flame. After he gave his evil villain monologue, Zadie knocked him out and Nolan forced the power blocking serum into him.

[Nicole]

Now quick pause. This is the serum that was used as a new development on the second years in Iron Flame and our crew assumed that this was actually designed in the first first place to control Jack the Venin. Which, I'm not gonna lie, Jack the Venom kind of sounds like a rocker name.

[Lexi]

Don't say anything cool about him.

[Nicole]

That's why we have Jack fucking Barlow.

[Lexi]

So now Jack fucking Barlow is in Best Gaia's custody and supposedly back under their control. Leaving readers wondering why, oh why Nolan has spent months working so hard to mend Jack's soul and cure him of being Venin in the first place. That's a huge question mark as we head into Onyx Storm. But during his evil villain monologue, Jack revealed several bits of useful information, including number one, it was oh so easy for him to control his dragon. And we now know the telltale sign of his dragon under Venom control was her cloudy eyes. Jack also didn't die when his dragon died, which was previously unheard of for writers. Think of it like a battery recharge. He showed signs of dying along with his dragon until Jack got a power boost from channeling from the sword source. Then he was good again. Number two, Jack revealed he is working with other Venin. For instance, we can gather. He promised to deactivate the wards and make Navarre defenseless so the waiting Venin could invade. Plus, he planted lure boxes around this guy and up the path to the veil for the Venin. Jack was told that Violet is the one they want, though he doesn't understand what makes her so special. Oh, and there's also that little detail that there are Venin hiding in plain sight among everyone. Because yes, while Venon aren't at full strength and they can't animate their wyverns within vars wards, it is possible to become a Venin within the wards. That's big point number three. Which by the way, Jack became a Venin sometime between threshing and his challenge with Violet in fourth wing. Within the wards, Venin can still feed from the ground enough to survive. Which changes everything the dragons and our crew thought possible.

[Nicole]

Let's go back to those Venon lures though. We learned from the battle of Ressen at the end of fourth Wing that certain types of runed boxes boxes attract Venon. And they are Nevarian craftsmanship. That's weird. To lure the Venon in to overtake Bezgaeth and the Veil, Jack fucking Barlow planted an unknown number of rune boxes throughout the college. While Dane was google searching Jack's memories, he found out some of these boxes locations to find and destroy them. But our forces still have not been able to track down a dozen or so of these lures. That's bad. That's real bad. Now with Zaden being vent, I wonder if he's going to be able to find the extra ones. At bestgaeth, we know that Garruk's dragon Kruth is also highly sensitive to runes, so odds are he will be able to track them down as well. While we have a lot of questions around this Venon luring rune box, the most important one is who the fuck in Navarre is making these and why is it Daddy Atos, or at least him being in charge of making them? Or he's like high up the chain? Because I'm pretty sure that's. That's a hill I'm willing to die on.

[Lexi]

Well, now let's get into the heart of Jack's big reveal. The Venin are already among us within the wards. For lots more thoughts on this, tune in to our episode about cosmopolitan Onyx Storm excerpt. Right now, let's focus on the undercover Ven and top contenders.

[Nicole]

We're positive that we're going to get some kind of like, surprise. This character you've known all along is Venin. So who are our prime suspects?

[Lexi]

I think the number one prime suspect is Daddy. Hi. But is he a Venin or in league with the Venin, so not necessarily one himself?

[Nicole]

If I had to put money on it, I would pick Daddy Aetos. But if he is a Venin, he would have to be an initiate, which is the lowest level of Venin because he doesn't have red veins or perma red eyes. And I don't think Daddy Atos, at least from what we know about him, I don't think he'd be cool with being the lowest level Venom.

[Lexi]

I think that's why we're both in agreement that Daddy Atos maybe, maybe in league with the Venin, but isn't one himself. I. I definitely see him thinking he's an important partner, but really the Venin are pulling his strings and he's just their puppet. We do know. Or I suppose strongly, strongly assume Daddy Atos had the Venin lure box planted at Resin to set Xaden up. Separately, but definitely, possibly related. He was familiar with the Bestgaeth Wardstone because Dain says his father took him to see it.

[Nicole]

I definitely think the Venin could kill him as like a. All right, you're no longer useful to us. Goodbye, Daddy Atos. And you know what? I wouldn't be too sad to see him go. Bye bye. I don't think there are any undercover Venin as cadets who went to Erasure, or at least I'll say ones that we're really familiar with. So I don't think it's anyone in second squad or like Emery, Heaton, Bodhi, etc. If there are undercover Ven and going to Orisha, they're probably unnamed characters from Iron Flame that we'll get to know in Onyx Storm.

[Lexi]

Then of course there's the scribes. Maybe not M4rkim, but someone else among the scribes who could be Venon.

[Nicole]

You mean like possibly Nasia? Or at least Nasya is the victim of a bunch of Venon scribes. Nasya is the scribe who is always on guard outside of the archives and is always asleep in Iron Flame to the point where Violet's just like and on cue, there's Nasia. What if the Venin drugged Nasia to knock him out and then snuck in and out of the archives and that's how they discovered how to destroy the wards? Or that's how they discovered discovered some really important information that we're going to learn later. My strongest guess, however, other than Daddy Atos, is the other members of Nevarian military From the bonus chapter 27 in Zaden's POV from 4th Wing, I am pretty convinced that Venin are working within the outposts to weaken the wards along the Braevic and Cygnisean borders. These are also the two Paramilian provinces that border the Barrens, mostly because of how many mentions we get of the wards falling from these outposts. Posts in Battle Brief and like I mentioned in chapter 27 all right friends.

[Lexi]

We'Re taking a quick break to let you know that this show is sponsored by Squarespace. With my background as a marketer, I know how important a website can be for a growing business. I mean, hey, look at fantasy fangirls. Our website is essential to getting the show in front of new listeners. Squarespace is the all in one website platform for entrepreneurs to stand out and succeed online. Whether you're just starting out or managing a growing brand, Squarespace, Squarespace makes it easy to create a beautiful website, engage with your audience, and sell anything from products to content to time. All in one place. All on your terms.

[Nicole]

For new or experienced entrepreneurs, you'll love the customer buying experience that Squarespace provides. Make checkout seamless for your customers with simple but powerful payment tools. Accept credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay and ineligible countries offer customers the option to buy now and pay later with afterpay and Clear Pay plus Squarespace lets you sell exclusive content on your website by adding a paywall to sell courses or files that your customers can download, like PDFs, music, or ebooks.

[Lexi]

And then for us on Fantasy Fan Girls, we love going into the backend and checking out Squarespace's fantastic analytical tools. I love my analytics so much, it empowers me to get insights on top traffic sources, understand how our reach is growing, see what really resonates with people the most so we can then learn where to focus New Engagement Engagement if.

[Nicole]

You want to supercharge your website, go to squarespace.com for a free trial. And when you're ready to Launch, go to squarespace.com FFG to save 10 off your first purchase of a website or domain.

[Lexi]

Switching Gears I wouldn't be me if I did not bring up Papa Sorrengail's research. Because if you're new here, I have been hung up about this research since we learned about it in Fourth Wing. So let's lay out all the puzzle pieces that we know of in hopes of some dots connecting and on Except Storm, Papa Sorrengail was writing a book about Feather Tales and researching the second Crovlin Uprising. The only tome in the archives that mentions the power of Feather Tales is missing as we learn from Daddy Atos, which makes me absolutely believe it is with Papa Sorngale's research. He never finished his research on the second Crowland uprising, which happened 200 years ago. According to Lilith, Papa Sorrengail uncovered in his research that Warwick did not want anyone else to hold the power of the awards like Liryre did. But you know who has been very curious about Papa Sorgale's research? Daddy Atos. He and his best buddy Verish were obsessed with Andarna and how she's a feather tale. They are also eerily connected to the Venin, as we've mentioned, when Verish pointed out that it was ironic that Papa Sorrengail was writing a book on feather tales who haven't been seen in hundreds of years. And then his daughter bonded with one. And Darna, notably, is silent when Violet asks if it's indeed a coincidence, which must mean that Andarna somehow, someway knew about Papa Sorrengail's research, and she already knew that Violet would be her writer, which makes sense because she and Papa Sor and Gail were both alive for less than a year at the same time. This direct connection to Andarna makes me wonder if Papa Sorrengail uncovered the secret behind activating the wards with the Seventh Dragon Den, since his research also mysteriously involved the First Six's journals and the second Crovaland uprising somehow fits into all of this too. That's my really short version of Papa Sorngale's research. Before I wrap up Papa Sorrengail's research here, we know that Violet knows where his research notes are. Quote in the one location he spent the majority of his after hours time. Which means it is not in the Archives, but it is somewhere in the Buzgayeth facility.

[Nicole]

Divinity, let's move on to these first six riders. First off, who are they? More than 600 years ago, this group of six bonded with dragons to protect the humans and the dragons hatching ground from the Venin, thus forming the first Empyrean. As part of this mutually beneficial protection, the first Six carved and weaved wards into what is now known as the Buzgaeth Wardstone. However, we should note that the first Six were not the first Dragon Rite Fighters. They were just the first to, you know, survive. Two journals of the first Six were introduced in Iron Flame. We have Warwick's journal, who gave false information, or at least just mildly confusing information, and Lira's journal, who truthfully described how to activate the Wardstone because she believes the knowledge should be shared and not kept secret by Navarre. That is how Violet figures out that Indarna is of a seventh Dragon Den, and she needs the other Six, in addition to Indarna, to set fire to the Wardstone in Iron Flame to resurrect the wards.

[Lexi]

We cannot talk about the First Six and not give a tldr on the wards that protect Navarre.

[Nicole]

The wards are extended further at the outpost with imbued alloy, which is conveniently the only thing that can kill Venon. Also conveniently what seems to be going missing at the outpost, thus making it possible for Griffin flyers to attack. Zaden and his crew are careful about taking the alloy but not making making it so that the wards fully fall, as we see in Zaden's POV of chapter 27. But someone appears to be removing the Ward extension alloy at the outposts, which is why the wards are falling more and more regularly, especially along the eastern outposts. Currently, the Nevarian wards are extended to their maximum, being able to cover most of Navarre, but not all of it, like for instance, Oratia, which is probably why they attempted to erect a Second Ward stone there. It is unknown as to why the first Six only activated the Wardstone in Besgaeth, though well, they did need all.

[Lexi]

Seven dragon dens to breathe fire on it. So I believe the seventh dragon den left before they could do so. Why did the seventh dragon den leave? No one knows yet. In fact, it's a good time now to dive into Andarna and the seventh den. As for the color of this mysterious seventh den, we know that Andarna's color reflects the colors of her surroundings. Violet also describes her mental bond with her as pearlescent. And Andarna was able to choose to look black because she wanted to be Tarn. And Darna confirms that the reason she was left behind was in case she'd be needed to breathe fire on the Wardstone. Or at least that's what she can remember because it's been centuries. She states that she, quote, waited 650 years to hatch for Violet, the girl who had the mind of a scribe and the heart of a writer. So somehow Andarna knew a year and a half before Violet that she'd be a writer. Hmm. I just can't wait to learn more. Andarna also roasted event, and when they are known to be dragonfire. While she decapitated the venom 2, its head was smoking. Which it shouldn't be doing that if it's fireproof. Leading us to strongly assume the Venin are not immune to the seventh den. Separately, but probably definitely not separately, there is a mysterious weapon that defeated the Venin 600 years ago. So all of this to say, get ready for the seventh den dragon to be a big factor in this story.

[Nicole]

Now let's dive into some rapid fire memory refreshers and questions that we have. Heading in into Onyx Storm number one, the Orisha wards are fading. Violet managed to get partial wards up in Orisha, but according to Lilith, they will not last because the majority of Buzgaeth left turned Erasure riders are now back in Buzgaeth. I am super curious as to how this alliance with the flyers is going to work. If the flyers even stay at Buzgaeth, they won't be able to channel. But if they go back to Aratia, or even anywhere they won't have wards, there's a Venin aplenty. So are they going to figure out some way to get the Griffin flyers to channel in the wards? Are they going to. Which I highly doubt it. Navarre is kind of an asshole around that, so I don't think so. I really think the Promish have gotten the shittiest end of the stick for 600 years.

[Lexi]

Number two, the second half of Violet's hair is silver and we don't know why yet, but Rebecca Yarros has told us we will eventually find out and Violet that we'll have to grapple with the reason why. She did not specify that it's an Onyx storm, but eventually we will learn in the same breath we have to bring up what we do know about Lilith when she was pregnant with Violet. Lilith almost died from a sickness while she was pregnant with Violet and she blames the fever for stealing all of her daughter's coloring and her strength. There are a lot of theories out there that Venon were involved in the supposed sickness. Now that Lilith is dead, it'll be interesting to see how this truth comes out about Violet's silver hair.

[Nicole]

Number three More people are dying on the parapet these last few years. We know that Violet's year is the smallest to walk the halls of Bestgaeth since the first six Woof. Are their students dying faster because of the assholes who pushed them off the parapet like Jack fucking Barlow tried to do? Or are more and more students who are quote unquote dead turning Venin thus making it seem like classes are getting smaller?

[Lexi]

Number four on that note that may or may not be related, fewer and fewer dragons are willing to bond each year. We also know that the Empyrean AKA Dragon leadership have been divided for a while about what to do about the Venin invasion now that it's basically an all out war with the Venin and they almost managed to overtake the veil which is the dragon sacred hatching grounds. Does this mean the Empyrean is going to unanimously take action? This series is titled the Empyrean. Does this mean we're going to see more emphasis on the role of this dragon government as we head into the second second half of the series?

[Nicole]

We also cannot forget about Xaden's mysterious mother. Her marriage contract with Zaden's dad Fen Ryerson stated that an heir had to survive until the age of 10 and then she was free to yeet. So that's what she did when Xaden was 10. She up and left and he hasn't seen or heard from her since. There's a lot of questions and theories about who she is, where she is, and we have bets on it and how Slash if she will come back into play in the series.

[Lexi]

Number six, King Tari's youngest son is missing and the King is looking for him. But guess what? We know where he is. Arc Gray Castle or his real name Kamtari is now a bonded Dragon Rider, but his father doesn't know that yet, so I'm very curious to see how that will all play out, including what we'll learn about his older brother. Halden, who is the heir to the kingdom, knows about the Venin, and as far as we know, is not willing to do anything about it.

[Nicole]

All right, you all know what's coming next. We cannot finish out this episode without discussing Discussing Violet's second signet but first, with all of the streaming services out there, I feel like I'm constantly signing up for a streaming service that one or two or ten months later I realize I've been paying for this service all along, even though I'm not using it anymore. Getting Rocket Money was a game changer for me and my husband. They find your unwanted subscriptions and even help you cancel them so you never have to worry about them slipping through the cracks.

[Lexi]

Rocket Money is a personal finance app that helps find and cancel your unwanted subscriptions, monitors your spending, and helps lower your bills so you can grow your savings. Rocket Money automatically scans your bills to find opportunities to save. Then you can ask them to negotiate on your behalf. They'll deal with customer service so you don't have to. Then you can see all of your subscriptions in one place and know exactly where your money is going. Rocket Money has over 5 million users and has saved a total of $500 million and cancel subscriptions, saving members up to $740 a year. When using all of the app's premium.

[Nicole]

Features, cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money, go to RocketMoney.com Fantasy Fangirl today. That's RocketMoney.com Fantasy Fangirl RocketMoney.com Fantasy Fangirl last but not least, the thing that we are all being kept up at night and keeping an eye out for. Violet's second signet. Oh God. We know it manifested in iron flame and the clues are all there. Rebecca has said it's meant to be obvious and she's also mentioned that we might be underwhelmed by it.

[Lexi]

We know that signets manifest based on who the writer is at their core and what they need most. So let's list off who we know Violet is at her core and what she needs most. She is someone who needs information and full disclosure. Disclosure, facts, answers and truth keep her centered. She needs to protect those she loves and at her core, Violet has the mind of a scribe and the heart of a writer.

[Nicole]

I am dying on the hill that she is an intensic. I think she's going to assume she's something else, like a truthsayer or something. Another mind signant. I definitely think it's going to lean into that. But then there's going to be this extra twist that Rebecca is oh so good at that. Nope, she's an extra. She's an intrinsic. She's something like that. I'm leaning towards intensic because I keep going going back to the throne scene for multiple reasons, but this is one of them. But that's when I think it manifested. She reads Aiden's thoughts and it wasn't their normal communication because when they normally talk, it's in italics with quotation marks around the sentences. But in the throne scene it is in italics with no quotation marks. And I do not think that was an editing or anything like that. I think that was very intentional. The only thing that throws me off here is that Zaden says, like, I shouldn't have done that, which is very hagrid of him. I realized you shouldn't have said that. But he doesn't know how his signet works. So could he be a type of intrinsic who can project his thoughts into other people's minds? Possibly. But it seems more likely that Violet accidentally used her signet and then Zaden thought it was him because he doesn't know how this signet works. We also know that Violet needs information. And when figuring out that Xaden's an intensic, she says, quote, he's someone who needs information. Same two words needs information. And that's when it clicks for her that he's an intention tinsik. I see that as a direct clue. I also did not think I was going to be going into Onyx Storm, especially by the end of our Iron Flame coverage with a like I will die on this hill that it's Violet second signet. But here we are. Lexi, what's your top guess?

[Lexi]

I am along for the ride.

[Nicole]

Oh my God.

[Lexi]

No. I do think that intensive or something revolving around the truth is a top contender. I have absolutely no evidence to base this off of, but I really love the idea of it tapping into her mind of a scribeness. I don't know how that would look as a signet, but I could see it even pairing with something about finding the truth. That's where my head is at. And I am excited to find out.

[Nicole]

That was such a safe answer.

[Lexi]

I have my other hills I'm willing to die on.

[Nicole]

You know what?

[Lexi]

That's fair.

[Nicole]

And you know what? I will never forget. Jack Barlow is definitely dead.

[Lexi]

I know.

[Nicole]

Who else will forget? Everyone in our DMs. Thank you. I know, I know.

[Lexi]

Yes. Thank you everyone. And there you have it, friends. We hope that this refresher episode was useful whether you are doing your Empyrean reread or not. And we really can't wait to see you for next week as well where we are going to be interviewing Kaia and Gabriel of the Empyrean Graphic Audio. And we also have so much more Empyrean content both episodes on social media with our Fantasy Fan Club. All of that. Speaking of our Fantasy fan club, we would love to give the biggest warm welcome welcome, welcome to our newest and for the first time we're calling them the Iron Squad Members.

[Nicole]

Welcome, welcome, welcome to new Iron Squad members Katie C. Alyssa B. Tatiana Carrie Madison C Sin, Bree T. Nicole Y Shannon S. Indiana Taylor M. Ronha Leanne W. Valerie Nicole D Lisa C, Jeannie T. Amanda B Camille Danielle Caitlin R. Paulette H. Corey E. Matthew Maggie Rebecca T. Paige S and Megan K. Wow.

[Lexi]

You all are amazing. Welcome, welcome, welcome. And friends, if you're like hey, I want my name shouted out on the podcast to be shouted with all the love to join the Fantasy fan [e-mail] fan club. And of course the link is also in the show notes.

[Nicole]

And in case you missed the exciting news, we have officially announced what book we are covering after after the Onyx Storm deep dive. It is going to be the Kindred's Curse Saga by Pen Cole starting with book one Spark of the Everflame in April. Link is in the show notes to get this spectacular first book of the series.

[Lexi]

And seriously, if you are not following us on Instagram and TikTok, what are you doing? We have so many empyrean guides theories, so much more content in this lead up to Onyx Storm and we can't wait to share this experience with you. Give us a follow at Fantasy Fangirls Pod.

[Nicole]

And in case you haven't already, please do not forget to rate and review the podcast. It takes two seconds to hit that five star button to write a little love note in the review section. Thank you so much to the Apple Podcast people. Y'all have been killing it lately with the written reviews and making my heart all warm and fuzzy. If you haven't done already, it's one of the best things you can do for not just this podcast but for any of your favorite podcasts out there.

[Lexi]

Thank you also so much to our content researcher Brooke, who helped us put this episode together, and. And of course, our executive producer, AKA our sanity manager, Hayden. We literally do not know what we would do without you.

[Nicole]

You are literally the keeper of our sanity, especially right now, my guy. And last but not least, share this episode with your fellow Empyrean friends so we can all get pumped together to get our hearts ripped out by sweet Rebecca Yarros. Yay.

[Lexi]

We'll see you soon, everybody. Bye.

[Nicole]

Bye.

[Lexi]

Nicole, how do you feel about a two book battle break?

[Nicole]

I feel like I need some water. Hold on one second. Between Navarre and the evil. Poor Emile. I don't know why I said that. Like, what's behind door number two? Evil.

[Lexi]

Come on, Nicole.

[Nicole]

And the evil academic system. It's the best. Whenever you drink out of your new cup, you just look like.