Alright, book lovers, it’s officially Week One of our Onyx Storm Read-Along, and I’m already hooked! The first quarter of this book has me absolutely on edge.

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Now, we all know Rebecca Yarros is a romance writer at her core—she’s said so herself—which gives me full permission to enjoy the delicious emotional torment she’s about to put us through. Because let’s be honest, we know Xaden and Violet will end up together, but the journey? The suffering? The angst? That’s what we live for.

Xaden’s Struggles: The Juicy Angst We Love

I’m worried for Xaden. The dark magic eating at his soul, the cold shoulder from his dragon, his inability to lose control with Violet—only for him to end up unable to touch her at all. And of course, there’s the ultimate torment: forbidding them from being together as the only way to keep him from pulling magic from the land while in battle.

Yarros is serving us the ultimate forbidden romance trope on a silver platter, and I am here for it. Because we all know they’ll find a way to be alone, and I can’t wait for the moment when all that pent-up tension finally snaps.

The Role of Aura and the Power Struggles

Aura keeping tabs on Violet? I love and hate it. I get the need for it, but we all know the “good guy” who bends the rules for the greater good will always attract enemies who are far more selfish. And, honestly, fantasy politics just hit different. Want to get something done? Disregard those in charge. They never know what they’re doing anyway.

Why I Keep Coming Back to Romantasy

For me, it’s not just about the romance—though let’s be honest, I love the intimacy and spice that comes with it. But it’s the character depth, the deception, the morally grey decisions, and the real human flaws that keep me coming back to books like this. And Yarros? She delivers every time.

Predictions: The Quest Squad Rides Again

I’m calling it now—Violet is going to rally her people (Quest Squad, as Ridoc calls them) and head south to save the day…again. And probably become a traitor to the government in the process.

Because, let’s face it, when has listening to authority ever helped in a fantasy novel?

Join the Read-Along!

What are your thoughts so far? Drop your predictions in the comments, and let’s discuss! Next week, we’re reading up to Chapter 30 (page 262).

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Happy reading!