Flights of Fantasy - Season 5, Episode 4: "Onyx Storm: Initial Reactions"

Hosts: Anna, Kim, and Christina
Release Date: February 4, 2025

In this engaging episode of Flights of Fantasy, hosts Anna, Kim, and Christina come together to share their initial reactions to Rebecca Yarros' latest installment, Onyx Storm. Having just finished the book, the trio delves into a comprehensive discussion covering their thoughts on the plot, character development, significant reveals, and their overall enjoyment of the novel.

1. Overall Impressions and Reading Experience

The hosts begin by reflecting on their journey through Onyx Storm, highlighting the ebb and flow of their engagement with the story.

• Anna: Describes her initial frustration but emphasizes how the narrative turned around around chapter 18, making her unable to put the book down.
  "It took me a little while to get into it and then I feel like there was a turning point around chapter 18 and I was all in, baby." [02:04]

• Christina: Expresses her overwhelming enjoyment, rating the book a perfect 10 out of 10 and praising Yarros' elevated writing style and well-placed Easter eggs.
  "I have not had this much fun reading a book in. I truly cannot remember the last time I had this much fun reading a book." [04:42]

• Rebecca: Notes that Onyx Storm became her favorite in the series, finding it more enjoyable than previous entries like CC3.
  "It skyrocketed to easily my favorite book in the series. Easily the most fun I've had reading a book in." [05:54]

2. Character Development and Dynamics

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the characters, their growth, and interactions.

• Zayden and Violet's Relationship: The hosts appreciate the stable and devoted romance between Zayden and Violet, which serves as a strong foundation for the plot.
  "He was so devoted to her. The romance was so central to the plot and to the advancement of the plot." [06:25]

• Riddick's Arc: Riddick emerges as a standout character, earning praise for his depth and vulnerability. Anna highlights a pivotal scene where Riddick delivers a heartfelt speech, showcasing his leadership and camaraderie.
  "He gives this beautiful speech about how... I love it." [10:12]
  Christina adds, "He's one of the ones I'm most... a very close second." [09:52]

• Side Romances: The development of side romances, such as Drake and Mira, and Dane Sloan, receive positive feedback for adding layers to the story without distracting from the main plot.
  "They were so fun, and they weren't distracting. They actually brought so much to it." [12:39]

3. Key Plot Points and Reveals

The hosts dissect several major revelations and plot twists that enhance the complexity and excitement of Onyx Storm.

• Halden's Identity: Christina passionately defends her theory about Halden, feeling validated by the community's support.
  "This was the hill I was dying on... Truly, this is the most validated I've ever felt." [16:25-16:52]

• Dreamwalker Ability: Violet’s revelation as a dreamwalker is a significant plot point that opens new avenues for her character's abilities and the story's magic system.
  "She is a dreamwalker, which is kind of a version of intense... she's officially a dreamwalker." [17:34-17:52]

• Auric Signet and Precognition: The discovery that Auric Signet possesses precognitive abilities adds depth to the narrative's magical elements.
  "Auric is like, General Melgren? Like, he can see the outcome of battles... he has precognition." [19:14-19:43]

• Garrick and Bodhi's Roles: Speculations about Garrick's disappearance and Bodhi's possible betrayal keep listeners intrigued about future developments.
  "I think it is Bodhi... because Bode should be inheriting that." [23:27-23:35]

4. Memorable Scenes and Moments

Several standout scenes from the book are highlighted for their emotional impact and narrative significance.

• The Table-Breaking Scene: A humorous yet intense moment where Anna describes Zayden and Violet struggling to control their powers during an intimate encounter, leading to the inevitable destruction of furniture.
  "You know, this table's gonna break. And it broke... I'm really mad at you." [07:01-08:05]

• Riddick’s Leadership Speech: Anna recounts Riddick’s inspiring speech to the squad, emphasizing his commitment and readiness to lead, which cements his role as a beloved character.
  "He was like, I have been reading every single book... I train just as much as you." [10:12-10:51]

• Final Battle and Memory Erasure: The episode discusses the climactic ending where Violet asks Imogen to wipe her memories to protect Zayden, raising questions about the implications for future storylines.
  "I don't want to know where he is... She doesn't know where he is." [22:17-22:52]

5. Theories and Speculations

The hosts share their theories on unresolved plotlines and potential directions for the series.

• Missing Riders and Betrayals: Speculations about the identities and motives of the missing riders, with theories leaning towards Bodhi as a possible antagonist.
  "I think it is Bodhi... we think it's Garrick, but I think it is Bodhi." [24:17-25:34]

• Papa Asher Daxton’s Influence: Discussions about Papa Asher's role and his impact on the current events suggest deeper layers to the lore and character backstories.
  "What this tells us is that they really didn't know as much about their dad as they thought they did." [20:23-21:00]

• Future Developments: The hosts express excitement for future deep dives and episodes that will explore these theories in greater detail.
  "We are going to have so many more deep, deep dive episodes." [25:07-25:34]

6. Favorite Quotes and Highlights

Throughout the episode, the hosts share their favorite quotes and moments from Onyx Storm, enhancing the listener's connection to the book.

• Riddick’s Humorous Interaction:
  "Just tell me your secret. My secretive ways are what attracted you in the first place." [11:34]

• Violet and Riddick’s Vulnerable Moment:
  "I kept my inside thoughts inside." [11:28]

• Dana Sloan’s Redemption:
  "She is someone who was responsible for her brother dying, but she sincerely apologizes to Violet." [14:13]

7. Conclusion and Future Episodes

As the episode wraps up, the hosts express their anticipation for future discussions and encourage listeners to join their vibrant community.

• Final Thoughts: The hosts conclude by reiterating their enthusiasm for the book and teasing upcoming deep dive episodes that will further explore Onyx Storm's intricate plot and characters.
  "Stay tuned for more on Next Door." [25:33-25:43]

• Community Engagement: They invite listeners to connect on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, fostering a sense of community among fans.
  "Join our book club community on Instagram and TikTok at Flights of Fantasy Podcast." [25:39-25:43]

Notable Quotes:

• "It just meant that I feel really good about my coverage." – Christina [00:09]
• "He was like, Riddick, I'm really proud of you." – Violet [11:15]
• "She just became nice. Truly." – Rebecca [15:47]
• "This was the house I was dying on." – Christina [16:25]

Flights of Fantasy continues to deliver insightful and passionate discussions for Romantasy enthusiasts, making it an essential listen for those eager to delve deeper into their favorite fantastical romances.