Rebecca Yarros' long-awaitedOnyx Stormis releasing in just a few weeks, and ahead of the next installment, many are re-reading the belovedEmpyrean Seriesto best prepare. It’s a commonly known fact that Yarros has subtly foreshadowed several big moments throughout the series thus far. Knowing this, it’s more than likely that seemingly minor details from bothFourth WingandIron Flamewill actually become important plot points in the later series.
While severalOnyx Stormrevealshave provided glimpses into what the next book will hold, it’s through the series' first two novels that readers can glean the most vital information. Rereads of a book or series will often provide readers with greater insight, asthe book’s later plot twists and main narratives are often foreshadowedfar before they are revealed. And there are several details that may have been meticulously placed by Yarros in the early books that will play an important role throughoutOnyx Storm.
10Fourth Wing Is Transcribed By Jessinia
Jessinia Becomes Curator Of The Scribe Quadrant At Basgiath
The epigraph right before the first novel begins states thatthe text has been faithfully transcribed from Navarrian into the modern language. This statement alone is perplexing, as readers would have expected the modern tongue to be Navarrian itself. However, this may be a clue to readers that something changes across the continent further into the series—and some central language must arrive, or return, to unite the many peoples.
Additionally, this signifies thatJessinia survived long enough not only to translate a series of events into a historical text, but to become the Curator of the Scribe Quadrant. Knowing the scribe quadrant currently has some questionable ties to the venin, it’s safe to assume the scribe quadrant as readers know it will be vastly different later on—and all for the better. There are some who believe this epigraph inFourth Winghints at both Violet and Xaden’s deaths, as the epigraphs before each chapter are at times sourced as recovered correspondence between the two riders.
9Andarna’s Feathertail Gift May Not Have Disappeared
Violet May Still Have The Gift Of Time
InFourth WingandIron Flame, it’s greatly discussed that feathertails, or adolescent dragons, hold unique powers and gifts before they fully mature. This is confirmed when Andarna stops time through Violet inFourth Wing, but, whenIron Flamepicks up, Andarna’s gift is said to have disappeared. However, there’sone statement from Tairn inFourth Wingthat might contradict this belief. When Andarna explains her gift to Violet in the first novel, it’s stated that feathertails can gift their power to their rider, but Tairn mentions that “most feathertail gifts disappear with maturity when they begin to channel”.
While Yarros has mentioned that Violet’s second signet is present throughoutIron Flame, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that Andarna’s power has been channeled just yet.
While Yarros has mentioned that Violet’s second signet is present throughoutIron Flame, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that Andarna’s power has been channeled just yet. This could meanAndarna potentially still has the gift of time—as she has not begun to channel. And this fact could also provide further clarity toIron Flame’s subtle dialogue surrounding time measured in heartbeats. This is especially suspicious, as through Violet’s POV, it almost seems she’s slowing time to better analyze specific situations.
8Naolin May Still Be Alive
Brennan Says “It Cost Him Everything” To Save Him
Tairn’s previous, and only rider before Violet,Naolin was said to have died attempting to resurrect Brennan from his death. The Navarrian government claims that this has to do with his siphoning signet, and that he reached burnout and killed himself in the process. However, the Navarrian government was not even aware of Brennan’s survival, leading to questions regarding Naolin’s actual fate.
This is not something Tairn likes to reminisce about, and is often evasive when it comes to speaking about his previous rider. ButBrennan has also been rather aloof when speaking about the experience, stating that it cost Naolin everything in order to save him—never actually stating he was dead.Fourth Wingtheoriesinstead speculate that Naolin, willingly or not, siphoned power from the earth and became venin in his attempts to resurrect Brennan.
7Brennan Has A Rune On His Hand
Runes Are Typically Placed On Weapons
InIron Flame,Yarros discreetly mentions a unique rune on Violet’s brother’s hand—but never further discloses its meaning. However, Yarros did make sure to explain the significance of runes throughout the narrative, and it’s known they are often strands of a rider’s power to be woven for a specific use. These are typically used to forge weapons, making Brennan’s need for one on his person so perplexing.
Onyx Storm Supports A Massive Venin Theory That Completely Changes The History Of Basgiath In Fourth Wing
The new three-page excerpt from Onyx Storm hints at a few major plots surrounding the scribe quadrant and their suspicious ties to the venin.
Aside from learning rune magic inIron Flame,it was also revealed that the venin created wyverns through runes—operating as some sort of life source for the creatures. However, when the venin who created them dies, so does the wyvern. This has caused a lot of speculation around Brennan’s character, and whether the rune on his hand is a similar mark to those of the wyvern. If Naolin did become venin to save Brennan’s life, it’s highly possible the rune on his hand is what’s keeping him alive.
One May Be The Crown Prince, Halden
InFourth Wing, Violet mentions she has had two previous relationships, but has not yet disclosed who she was with. AsIron Flameexplored Xaden’s pastwith Catriona, it’s likelyOnyx Stormcould introduce one of Violet’s exes to the storyline as well. And as fan theories have been exploring the idea, one character in particular stands out above the rest—The Crown Prince of Navarre, Halden.
Halden is briefly mentioned inIron Flame, as Aaric (or Cam Tauri) is revealed to be the Crown Prince’s younger brother. Yarros had previously explained thatViolet grew up close to the royal family, as General Sorrengail often worked closely with the king. Knowing this, it’s highly possible Violet had previously dated or had relations with Halden—at least until he became Crown Prince after his elder brother’s death in the rider’s quadrant.
5Jack Became Venin In Fourth Wing
He Pushes His Stolen Power Into Violet During Their Training
When re-readingFourth Wing, it becomes glaringly obvious that Jack became venin well before his fall during the war games. In a training session in which Violet and Jack are paired to spar,Violet describes an excruciating pain being pushed into her body—and even Professor Emetterio and Dain feel the effects when they attempt to pull Jack off of her. This scene also describes his eyes as being red in hue—a tell-tale sign of becoming venin.
However, it’s unknown how he discovered the ability to draw power from the source, especially so early into the school year. While Yarros has yet to fully disclose Jack’s history of becoming venin,it’s apparent he knows more than he’s let on. Markham’s investment in Jack’s return to Basgiath inIron Flameis also incredibly suspicious. Based on theOnyx Stormexcerpt, it’s known the scribes are somehow involved with the venin—and Markham may very well have been responsible for Jack’s transition.
4Violet’s Father’s Full Name Is Never Mentioned
The Secrets Surrounding Violet’s Father Feel Intentional
Violet’s father is still a complete mystery, and Yarros has yet to disclose any information regarding his character’s research throughout theEmpyrean Series.But perhaps the most unusual detail of all is the omission of his name throughoutFourth WingandIron Flame. Yarros explains that General Sorrengail kept her own maiden name—leading to several unanswered questions regarding the true identity of Violet’s father.
Genius Fourth Wing Theory Reveals The Real Reason Violet’s Father Died
One genius Fourth Wing theory reveals the possible reason behind Violet’s father’s mysterious death before the beginning of the series.
No character has yet to reference him by name, often referring to him as Violet’s father when he comes up in conversation. It’s an odd choice by Yarros to keep this detail a secret, butperhaps Yarros has been purposefully obscure to create a greater reveal laterin the narrative. HopefullyOnyx Stormwill explore his character in more depth, as his research, as well as his identity, has long been in question.
3Imogen Has Used Her Mind-Erasing Signet In Fourth Wing & Iron Flame
Several Scenes Could Have Been Erased From Violet’s POV
WhenFourth Wing’s paperback was released in September 2024, Yarros unveiled an all-new bonus chapter from Xaden’s POV. This came with several revelations, but one of the biggest was learning thatImogen secretly used her signet inFourth Wing. Imogen’s memory-erasing signet has yet to be explored in major detail, and little is known as to how often she’s used her powers. This has caused a lot of speculation regarding Imogen, and the fact thatshe may have used her powers several times throughout the seriesthus far.
Imogen’s memory-erasing signet has yet to be explored in major detail, and little is known as to how often she’s used her powers.
The bonus chapter is the first-ever confirmation of Imogen’s use of her signet, and it calls into question several other scenarios in which it may have been used—including her and Violet’s first sparring match. During this scene, Professor Emetterio and Dain both call for Imogen to stop using her signet, but at this time readers are unaware of what her signet could be. However, it is later revealed that she can erase memories—but how many of Violet’s she has meddled with is yet to be seen.
2The Colors Of Dragons Seem To Follow A Similar Pattern To Their Riders
Specifically In The Case Of Orange And Blue Dragons
ThroughoutFourth WingandIron Flame, the different breeds of dragons have often been categorized by their color—but based on anEmpyrean Seriestrend, their unique traits may also manifest in the type of rider they choose. So far, there have been several patterns with regard to both blue and orange dragons—one breed often choosing those of royal blood, while the other has a tendency to select riders with evil natures. This is seen in both Xaden and Aaric’s blue dragons, as well as Jack and Varrish’s orange dragons.
The Empyrean has six different breeds of dragon. However, it’s revealed inIron Flamethat Andarna is secretly from a seventh den.
It’s unlikely this pattern is a coincidence, as Yarros has stated on several occasions that she plans out even the most minute details. Both Xaden and Aaric come from a line of royalty; Xaden to Aretia, and Aaric to Navarre. Whereas riders with orange dragons such as Jack and Varrish have proven to bevillains toFourth Wing’s narrative. However, there’s one other rider that does not yet fit the description of an orange dragon rider—Brennan, Violet’s brother. Whether Yarros has plans to villainize Brennan’s character or not, the patterns seen in dragon selection can’t be by mere chance.
1The Isle Kingdoms Have Been Mentioned In Several Scenes
Yarros' Consistent Referencing Can’t Be Coincidental
Based on theFrenchOnyx Stormcover blurb, it’s apparent that Violet will be traveling across the continent in search of the seventh den of dragons—in addition to finding a cure for Xaden and his transition into venin. And from the repeated mention of the Isle Kingdoms throughout bothFourth WingandIron Flame, it’s likely Yarros is foreshadowing its importance. These subtle clues make it highly possibleViolet’s journey will bring her to the elusive country inOnyx Storm.
Yarros also discloses thatthe Isle Kingdoms were one of Navarre’s allies in the great war—and they may hold previous knowledge of the venin that Navarre’s government had destroyed. There are far too many mentions of the Isle Kingdoms to be coincidental, and hopefully their importance to the narrative will be revealed in Yarros’Onyx Storm.
Onyx Storm
Violet Sorrengail faces new political intrigue and battles old enemies while uncovering the secrets of her second signet. As she strives to save Xaden from venin corruption, her relationships with allies and dragons are tested, leading to intense confrontations and unexpected revelations in a world of dragons and magic.
