Fantasy Fangirls Podcast Episode Summary: "Final Bets & Predictions for Onyx Storm"

Episode Overview

In the penultimate episode of the season, titled "Final Bets & Predictions for Onyx Storm," hosts Lexi and Nicole delve deep into their anticipations and theories surrounding the highly awaited release of Onyx Storm, the third installment in Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series. Scheduled for release on January 16, 2025, this episode promises a comprehensive exploration of potential plot developments, character arcs, and overarching themes based on their extensive rereads and community interactions.

Spoiler Warning

Before immersing into the discussions, Lexi and Nicole issue a stern spoiler warning:

Lexi [00:20]: "So today's episode is bringing up a few last-minute points before this pre-Onyx Storm end of an era... Spoilers for all things Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, plus the Onyx Storm excerpt from Cosmopolitan as well as other teasers from Rebecca Yarros herself."

Main Theories and Predictions

1. Poromiel and Griffin Flyers Alliance

   Lexi predicts that due to the longstanding 400-year opposition between Navarre and Poromiel, a fragile alliance is inevitable to counter a common enemy. She anticipates severe tensions arising from this partnership, paralleling the historical conflicts between the Orisha writers and Flyers.

   Lexi [06:07]: "Assuming our crew is going to the Isle Kingdoms, I believe they will need to leverage Poor Mill's connections to the islands..."

2. The Fate of the Second Squad

   Nicole foresees a perilous fate for members of the second squad, particularly Marin and Cat, expressing concern over their survival in the upcoming battles.

   Nicole [07:04]: "I'm not going to lie, I don't know if Marin is going to make it out of this book alive, because I hate that because I love her so much."

3. Navarre's Role and Internal Strife

   The discussion touches upon the potential for Navarre's loyalists to target Griffin Flyers, leading to increased instability within their ranks.

   Nicole [08:08]: "Are going to murder Griffin Flyers. Like, because we know from the first two books that Navarre is pretty blasé when it comes to murder..."

4. Violet's Second Signet: Intensive vs. Knowledge Weaver

   A significant debate emerges around Violet's elusive second signet. Nicole champions the "Intensive" theory, suggesting it revolves around mastering her innate powers, while Lexi introduces the "Knowledge Weaver" concept, emphasizing Violet's role as a truth-seeker and information aggregator.

   Nicole [70:59]: "I do think that they're going to learn more about that. I think we are going to learn the whole story because Brennan is back at this guy, the secret's out, he's alive." Lexi [75:41]: "This means that Violet can identify what is factual and what is false, like a true sayer, but it applies beyond what someone says."

5. Character Arcs and Relationships

   • Brennan and Naolin: The hosts speculate on Brennan's resurrection and his possible unawareness of Naolin's transformation into Venin.

     Lexi [24:52]: "I think he knows what Naolin did to save him, and he's really grappling with that."

   • Daddy Atos' Allegiances: Nicole posits that Daddy Atos might be a puppet for external Venin forces or harbor his own sinister agendas within Navarre.

     Nicole [49:20]: "I think he's connected with the Venin outside of Navarre. I think he's one of their puppets..."

6. The Seventh Dragon Den and Dragon Politics

   The sisters anticipate an intricate portrayal of dragon politics, especially concerning the elusive seventh Dragon Den. They discuss the possibility of new dragon characters and the historical grudges that may influence current alliances.

   Lexi [21:42]: "I really can't take any credit for that. That was all from our Discord member back in March..."

Rapid Fire Bets and Predictions

Lexi and Nicole engage in a series of rapid-fire bets, presenting their personal predictions with playful stakes:

1. Character Deaths:

   • Prediction: Both believe Mira will die saving Brennan.
   • Stakes: Loser must wear a funny, embarrassing shirt or accessory provided by the winner during a recording episode.

2. Zaden's Cure:

   • Prediction: Lexi bets Zaden will be cured in Onyx Storm, while Nicole disagrees.
   • Stakes: Winner can make the loser perform a designated task (e.g., add Malort to a smoothie).

3. Seventh Dragon Den Riders:

   • Prediction: Lexi contends there will be riders in the seventh Dragon Den; Nicole agrees, especially with tentative sightings.
   • Stakes: Loser cannot use a common word chosen by the fan club during an episode.

4. Violet's Leadership Role:

   • Prediction: They believe Violet will step into a prominent leadership role, embodying the "reluctant leader" trope.
   • Stakes: If their predictions hold, Lexi might have to wear a chosen outfit, or Nicole adopts a specific hair color.

Notable Quotes

Throughout their discussion, Lexi and Nicole intersperse insightful quotes that encapsulate their predictions:

• On Violet's Leadership:

  Nicole [116:45]: "I am 100% convinced that Arik is going to get discovered as Cam."

• On Signet Theories:

  Lexi [75:41]: "This means that Violet can identify what is factual and what is false, like a true sayer, but it applies beyond what someone says."

Community Engagement and Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks to their growing community of listeners and fan club members. Lexi and Nicole extend a warm welcome to new Iron Squad members, encourage ratings and reviews, and tease upcoming live events, including a Barnes and Noble midnight release party in Glendale, Colorado.

Final Thoughts

"Final Bets & Predictions for Onyx Storm" serves as both a culmination of the hosts' year-long engagement with the ACOTAR series and a springboard into the next thrilling chapter of their podcast journey. Lexi and Nicole adeptly balance spoiler-laden theories with engaging discourse, ensuring listeners are both informed and entertained as they await the release of Onyx Storm.