Flights of Fantasy Podcast
Episode: S4-E29: Onyx Storm Theories - PART 1
Release Date: December 17, 2024

Introduction

In this thrilling episode of Flights of Fantasy, hosts Christina, Kim, and Anna delve deep into the intricate world of Rebecca Yarros' latest installment, Onyx Storm. Focusing on unraveling the most compelling theories surrounding the Imperium series, the trio brings their signature blend of enthusiasm, insight, and camaraderie to the forefront, promising fans a captivating exploration of characters, lore, and magical elements.

Violet's Second Signet: The Central Mystery

The episode kicks off with an intense discussion about the enigmatic second signet of the protagonist, Violet. Recognizing this as the most pressing question within the fandom, the hosts meticulously examine three primary theories:

1. Intensive Amplification

   • Christina highlights the significance of the throne room scene, noting, “If you pay attention to the italics and the quotation marks in that scene, it does feel like something different is happening...” [02:44].
   • Kim elaborates on moments where Violet interacts with other characters, suggesting that her touch might be amplifying their signets. For instance, during the battle at Cordon, Mira creates an unusual shield while Violet is in contact with her, pointing towards an amplifying capability [07:03].
   • Anna connects this theory to their earlier discussions, speculating that Violet might be enhancing Zaden’s innate powers through their bond [08:16].

2. Truthsayer Theory

   • Christina recalls Violet’s obsession with truth, stating, “She really dropped that as a bomb, knowing... that’s why we think... she literally can't stop talking about the truth and secrets” [04:42].
   • Kim connects this to the book’s blurb, where it mentions, “they need the one thing only Violet can find. The truth” [05:08]. However, she expresses skepticism about its obviousness, hoping the reality is more nuanced [05:22].

3. Amplifier Theory with a Twist: Mirror Signet

   • Kim presents her favorite theory—the Amplifier Theory—discussing how Violet’s interactions post-Andarna’s awakening hint at a unique amplifying ability [05:55].
   • Anna introduces a micro-theory that perhaps the second signet is not just an amplifier but a mirror, aligning with Andarna’s chameleon-like dragon nature [09:36].
   • The hosts ponder whether Rebecca Yarros might deem this theory “underwhelming,” but they maintain enthusiasm for its depth and creativity [10:04].

Exploring Andarna’s Mystique

Shifting focus, the hosts delve into the lore surrounding Andarna, the seventh breed of dragon, and her profound connection to Violet’s destiny.

• Historical Context: Kim provides a comprehensive history lesson, explaining Andarna's pivotal role in the Great War and her unique bond with Violet, which dates back centuries [12:15].

• Papa Sorngell’s Research: Christina and Kim connect Papa Sorngell's research on Feather Tales and the second Kravlin Uprising to Andarna’s presence, theorizing that his work might hold the key to defeating the Venin [17:23].

• Mysteries of the Past: The discussion touches upon how Andarna's prolonged existence within an egg suggests she possesses knowledge beyond her apparent age, leading to questions about her education and interaction with the world during those 600 years [14:00].

The Venon Threat and Zaden’s Journey

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting the looming threat of Venon and its potential impact on Zaden.

• Zaden’s Inner Struggle: Christina reassures listeners that Zaden is unlikely to follow an “Anakin Skywalker” dark turn, emphasizing his rooted love which keeps him grounded [26:14]. She quotes the book’s blurb: “Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Eridian wards to seek allies...” [26:31].

• Potential Addiction to Power: The hosts explore the possibility that Zaden might struggle with an addiction to pulling power from the source, paralleling themes of temptation and control [28:47]. Christina muses, “I don't think he's going to be evil... but that soul exchange is really tricky” [28:49].

• Impact on Relationships: Anna entertains a heartfelt theory where Zaden might experience jealousy if another protector joins Violet on her quest, adding a layer of emotional complexity to their relationship [30:43].

Unraveling the Sage’s Identity

The mystery of the Sage—a pivotal antagonist in the series—sparks lively debate among the hosts.

1. Naolin Cairne’s Transformation:

   • Christina posits that Naolin Cairne, presumed dead, might have become the Sage, leveraging residual bonds to influence Violet and Zaden’s minds [33:17].

2. Papa Sorngell as the Sage:

   • The duo examines the possibility that Violet’s father survived by turning into a Venin, integrating forbidden knowledge to fight back [36:04].

3. General Daramor’s Legacy:

   • Kim and Christina discuss the theory that the Sage could be General Daramor, the infamous antagonist from the Great War. They highlight linguistic clues, such as the Sage referring to himself as a “general” echoing Daramor’s title, and the thematic connection of love tied to his name (“Der amor”) [37:24].

   • Christina underscores the significance of this theory with quotes like, “You could command the sky to surrender all its power” aligning with Daramor’s destructive legacy [38:14].

Violet’s Silver Hair: Symbolism and Significance

Violet’s distinctive silver-tipped hair serves as another focal point of discussion.

• Symbol of Curses and Strength: The hosts interpret her hair as a marker of her struggles, with Lilith’s derogatory comments linking the silver strands to curses and drained strength [39:40].

• Connection to Venon: The theory suggests that the silver hair symbolizes Venon’s influence, either through direct attacks or Lilith’s desperate measures to save Violet during her pregnancy [40:25].

• Cosmo Excerpt Revelation: They analyze a mysterious figure with a silver braid from the Cosmopolitan excerpt, pondering its relevance to Violet’s destiny and potential prophetic significance [42:41].

Prophecy from Fables of the Barons

In a climactic segment, Christina and Kim uncover what appears to be a prophecy from the banned Fables of the Barons.

• Prophetic Alignment: They draw parallels between a quote from the fable—“the third brother who commanded the sky to surrender its greatest power”—and Violet’s role as the “third sibling,” hypothesizing that she is destined to harness raw, sky-derived power to vanquish the Venon [44:21].

• Full Circle Theory: This prophecy theory ties together earlier discussions about signets, Andarna’s dragonfire, and the necessity of drenching the sky’s power to restore balance [46:25].

Upcoming Content and Events

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts excitedly announce upcoming Onyx Storm themed episodes and their attendance at Rebecca Yarros' New York City book tour event on January 24. They encourage listeners to stay engaged through their social media channels for more insights and live-event coverage.

Notable Quotes:

• Christina: “But it was the third brother. Keep in mind, also, Violet is the third sibling.” [44:55]

• Kim: “You'll turn for love.” [38:14]

• Anna: “I can’t wait to see how she reveals this to us...” [10:42]

Conclusion

This episode of Flights of Fantasy offers a comprehensive and enthralling dive into the myriad of theories surrounding Onyx Storm. Christina, Kim, and Anna not only dissect intricate plot elements and character motivations but also weave in personal insights and passionate speculation that enrich the listener’s experience. Whether you’re a dedicated follower of the Imperium series or a newcomer eager to understand its depths, this episode serves as a valuable guide through the magical and tumultuous landscape of Violet’s journey.

Support the Podcast: If you love the content, consider supporting the show here.

Connect with Us: Follow Flights of Fantasy on Instagram and TikTok at @flightsoffantasypodcast for more updates and exclusive content.

Cheers and Happy Reading!