Onyx Storm – The Complete Summary of Rebecca Yarros’ Explosive Sequel

If you thought the world of Fourth Wing was intense, Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros cranks it up to eleven. Buckle up for dragons, secrets, betrayal, and a love story that flirts with darkness. Here’s the (almost) complete summary of Onyx Storm—spoiler alert, you’ve been warned.

Where We Left Off: Zaden Turns and Violet Denies

We begin Onyx Storm in the aftermath of Fourth Wing, with Zaden (lovingly nicknamed “Zaddy Spearmint”) having succumbed to becoming a White Walker. Violet—our dragon-riding heroine—starts the story in denial about Zaden’s condition, holding out hope for a cure. He's imprisoned alongside Jack Harlowe (yes, really), who's giving "what’s poppin" energy from a dungeon cell.

The White Walkers Invade, Violet Fights Back

Two weeks pass and Violet is flying with her gang—including Rhiannon—until they return to Dragonwarths (yes, think Hogwarts with dragons) to visit Sawyer, who’s recovering from a leg injury. But things quickly escalate when White Walkers infiltrate the castle, disguised as scribes.

Sawyer can’t help, so the rest of the crew battles the invaders trying to free Jack. Zaden, although infected, saves the day by obliterating the enemy with his shadow powers—“shadow tickles,” if you will. He may be dangerous, but he’s still fighting the sickness. Unlike other White Walkers, Zaden doesn’t have red eyes, suggesting he’s resisting full corruption.

Violet’s Secret Mission and Steamy Tensions

The council at Dragonwarths wants Violet to recruit the elusive seventh dragon breed—the Irid. Violet has demands, but they ignore her. Later, she wakes up next to Zaden, but their chemistry fizzles when he pulls away—still scared he might hurt her due to his condition.

Violet meets with her siblings, Mira and Brennan, and they reveal the magical wards protecting the school are weakening. They give Brennan something cryptic, which sets him off—but readers aren’t told why yet.

Meanwhile, cadets and dragon riders clash in a school rivalry that’s basically Remember the Titans with dragons. One cadet challenges Dain to a duel, but Violet (now a protective "Mama V") jumps in.

Treason, Transformation, and Rock Magic

The Riders and Cadets try forming a peace treaty, but it fails. So, Violet decides to commit treason to protect the Riders. She leaves Zaden out of it but takes Sawyer and others to modify enchanted rocks so hippogriff riders can use magic. It should be hard, but they succeed easily.

Unfortunately, Father Atos (humorously dubbed “Father Toast”) finds out and charges Violet with treason. He’s now the new general of Dragonwarths—cold coffee levels of annoying, not Voldemort levels of evil.

Death, Battles, and a Tornado

Violet and her gang are sent to a dangerous outpost, and soon head to a village under attack. They battle white walkers, wyvern, and other horrors. In a wild twist, Violet gets caught in a literal tornado, and her dragon Tairn is injured—but survives.

Garrick shows up to say Zaden went feral in her absence. Also, we learn his second signet lets him move fast (think magical Flash). Then we meet a seductive white walker named Theophany who wants Violet’s dragon, Andarna. Violet fakes ignorance, and Theophany leaves.

Secrets, Sex, and Scandal

Back at Dragonwarths, Father Toast sends Zaden and Garrick on another mission. Before leaving, Zaden and Violet finally get intimate. About time, right? Their chemistry has been sizzling since book one.

Afterward, Violet interrogates Jack again, learning that becoming a white walker is irreversible.

Zaden returns—now a professor. Violet says they can’t date because of school policy, but he doesn’t care. Father Toast cares, though, and shuts it down.

In a public sparring session, Violet and Zaden heat things up (again) with a shadow-wrapped kiss in front of everyone.

Exploding Students and Forbidden Tomes

Some students aren't manifesting their powers and risk...exploding. Violet also teams up with Dain to recover her father's forbidden books from Father Toast’s office—protected by blood wards.

While Dain succeeds in retrieving the books (round of applause), an ex-boyfriend of Violet’s named Halen appears, sparking jealousy in Zaden, who punches him. Typical.

Blood, Fire, and Wyvern Tusk Tragedy

During a mission to uncover secrets, the group is ambushed. Professor Grady is burned alive, and Aura (who no one liked) is skewered by a wyvern. Ouch.

They find a note from Theophany, who seems to always know their next move. Also, Ric reveals he can freeze water inside people—a terrifyingly cool power.

Three Main Goals and the Cinderelli Detour

Violet is chasing three objectives:

1. Find Andarna’s dragon kin.
2. Cure Zaden.
3. Retrieve her father’s research.

The group travels to Develli (aka “Cinderelli”), where magic is suppressed. Surprisingly, Zaden's white walker symptoms ease without magic. Violet discovers her father left books there. Hilariously, locals mistake Zaden for Dain due to her dad’s matchmaking hopes.

They return with the books—but they’re passcode protected. Thanks, Dad.

Final Smash and What’s Next

Eventually, Violet and Zaden have a proper, long-overdue romantic moment. Cue the fireworks.

The story ends with major questions still looming: Can Violet unlock her father’s research? Can Zaden stay in control? And what does Theophany really want?

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Final Thoughts

Onyx Storm is a wild, emotional ride filled with action, romance, betrayal, and deepening magical lore. Rebecca Yarros weaves humor and heartbreak into this fantasy sequel, leaving readers eager for what’s next. Whether you’re here for dragons, drama, or dark romance—this book doesn’t disappoint.