Welcome back, dragon lovers and romantasy fiends! Week two of our Onyx Storm Read-Along has delivered exactly what we crave—high-stakes battles, heartbreaking sacrifices, and the kind of romantic tension that keeps us flipping pages well past bedtime.

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Tense Battles, Dark Choices & Xaden’s Sacrifice

Is it even a Rebecca Yarros book if we’re not emotionally wrecked? This week, we’re deep in the action, and honestly, I love a good battle scene with layers of moral grayness and impossible choices—and Xaden delivers.

He’s making himself worse to fight for what’s right, and as much as it pains me, I respect it. I expect things to get worse before they get better (because that’s what makes a good romantasy, right?), and I’m totally here for the ride.

Halden’s Return: A Deliciously Messy Disruption

Can we talk about Violet’s ex, Halden? I can’t remember if we knew this before (it’s been a year since I read the first two books), but his sudden reappearance feels like a great parallel to book two, where Violet was dealing with Xaden’s ex stirring up jealousy.

Now, the tables have turned. Except Halden isn’t just a nuisance—he’s actively sabotaging her mission and endangering lives. Great timing, dude. 👏 But hey, at least his arrogance got Xaden and Violet a night together, free from magic’s interference. Small victories, right?

📖 New to the read-along? Start from the beginning with our Week One recap!

New Side Quests & That Hilarious Bookstore Scene

Violet’s father’s books? Mysterious, intriguing, and setting her on a quest within a quest. You know I love a layered plot line, and this one has all the makings of something epic.

Also, can we take a second to appreciate the Dane and Xaden misunderstanding at the bookstore? I actually laughed out loud. It’s these moments of humor that make the intensity of the story even better.

Karma & Small Victories

Let’s take a moment to celebrate some satisfying moments:

✅ Aura’s fumble & death – Justice served.
✅ Grady’s death (also Aura’s fault) – Goodbye and good riddance.
✅ Dane securing Violet’s father’s book – Finally, a win.
✅ Violet standing her ground for her team – Growth! I love to see it.

I’m obsessed with strong female characters owning their power, and Violet is stepping into her own.

Predictions for Next Week: Descent Into Darkness?

As we move into the next section (reading up to Chapter 47, page 392), I’m expecting:

🔥 Xaden to spiral deeper into dangerous territory
🐉 More hints about hidden dragons
⚔️ Fantasy politics getting even messier
💔 A cliffhanger that will destroy us all

Drop your thoughts and predictions below! Do you think Violet can keep her team together? Will Xaden find a way to resist his descent? Let’s discuss.

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Happy reading! 🚀🐉