Onyx Storm: Is This the Romantasy Glow-Up We Deserved? 🐉✨

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros: Is This Romantasy a Slay or Just Meh? 🐉✨

Okay besties, let’s talk about Onyx Storm. After being OBSESSED with Fourth Wing, I had high hopes for this one. Did it deliver? Well... it’s complicated. 🤔 Here’s my take on the good, the bad, and the downright cringey. Check out the book here. 📚🔥

Let’s be real—Fourth Wing wasn’t perfect, but it had ✨ vibes ✨. Dragons, magic, Hunger Games-style drama, and some spicy romance? Count me in. Was it high art? Absolutely not. But it was fun popcorn fantasy, and sometimes that’s all you need.

Fast forward to Onyx Storm. I was ready for a bigger, better sequel, but instead... we got more of the same. If you’re here for nonstop banter, swoony Xaden moments, and a sprinkle of fantasy, this might still hit. But if you’re looking for a glow-up in the plot or writing? Eh, don’t hold your breath. Peep the details here. 😬

1. What Slaps 💯

Yarros knows how to keep it entertaining. The dialogue is still funny (sometimes), and the side characters get a little more love in this one, which is always a plus. The first half introduces a new villain that’s SO easy to hate (chef’s kiss 👌), and the long-distance romance drama between Violet and Xaden is pretty relatable. Oh, and the twists? Not bad. Definitely some "wait, WHAT?!" moments sprinkled in.

2. What Flops ✨

Here’s where things get messy. The plot revolves around a quest (finding allies, fixing a curse, discovering a lost dragon breed), but it’s giving... filler episode vibes. Instead of diving into epic fantasy worldbuilding, we get endless banter and romance scenes that feel copy-pasted from Wattpad. Like, I love Xaden and Violet, but do we really need ANOTHER scene of him threatening the world just to be with her? 🤷‍♀️

3. Why Fourth Wing Hit Different

Fourth Wing had tension—whether it was the slow-burn romance or the “who’s gonna survive this dragon school?” chaos. That kept things exciting. But Onyx Storm? The stakes are way lower, and the romance has turned into over-the-top declarations of love every other chapter. The magic of will-they-won’t-they is gone, and now it’s just... “they do.” Every time. 😅

4. Missed Potential 😔This book had SO much potential. A cool quest, interesting mysteries, and a chance to grow beyond the romance. But instead, it’s stuck in its comfort zone—quips, flirting, repeat. Don’t get me wrong, there are some great moments (like the antagonists and a few solid twists), but overall, it feels like the fantasy plot is just an excuse for more Xaden/Violet content. See if it’s your vibe here. 🤷‍♀️

So, is Onyx Storm worth it? Kinda. If you’re here for the romance and witty vibes, you’ll probably have fun. But if you’re hoping for deeper worldbuilding or a more epic fantasy feel? This might leave you disappointed. That said, it’s not ALL bad—there are some fun twists, and the writing still has that popcorn energy. Check it out and decide for yourself. ✨