Since Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean books have been published with Fourth wing In 2023, fantasy lovers have devoured the mystical romance novel series. Its sequel, Iron Flame came in November last year, and the conclusion of it prepares us well for the third part, Onyx Stormwhich is due to be released in early 2025. Our main character, Violet Sorrengail, suffers a great loss in this book, but despite everything, she perseveres. Read on to hear about her arduous journey in our Iron Flame Explanation of the ending analysis and leave your theories about book three in the comments!
Throughout the Empyrean series, we are constantly reminded of one rule, namely how to properly reclaim magic from the earth. The tried and tested method is to bond with a dragon and give up its power – in this case, the animal acts as a buffer between its rider and the energetic force. Nevertheless, injury or death is possible if a human tries to channel too much power at once, as we unfortunately see in Iron Flame.
It is forbidden to draw magic directly from the planet. Those who do become twisted, distorted, and warped, becoming known as Venin. “The lure of feeling the pure, unadulterated rush of power turns a person into Venin again, as they seek only to gain more and more power. In doing so, it turns them into an evil, twisted form of dragon rider,” explains Screen Rant.
The ending of “Iron Flame” explained
In the first book, Violet is thrown into the Riders Quadrant of the Basgiath War College, where she is forced to train as a dragon rider, even though she actually wants to be a scribe. During her studies, she meets Xaden Riorson, whom she initially thinks is an enemy, but who turns out to be her soulmate and savior. In Yarros’ second book, Violet and Xaden face the threat of the Venin with the help of their dragons and friends. The people of Nvarre and Poromiel are targeted and can only defend themselves against dragon and griffin riders.
Andarna’s great revelation
A large part Iron Flame focuses on Xaden and his love, but one dragon character in particular – Andarna – plays an important role in the story’s development. She is the only young dragon asked to be part of the presentation bond, although it is generally frowned upon for lesser creatures to form a bond with a rider. Through the use of too much magic, Andarna quickly transforms into a young dragon with underdeveloped wings; she is tough and determined to succeed despite physical limitations, just like her rider Violet.
In Iron Flamewe find out that Andarna’s scales are changing color, making her a unique, seventh species of dragon not seen in ages. This revelation is the final piece of the puzzle needed to revive the Wardstones (more on that in a moment), but it also puts the young creature at risk of becoming a target. To protect herself, Andarna disguises herself as a black dragon to be more like Tairn, whom she idolizes.
General Sorrengail’s unexpected sacrifice
The Empyrean books make it clear that Violet’s mother, General Lilith Sorrengail, lacks natural maternal instincts. She treats her children more like soldiers than family, resulting in a strained, awkward relationship. Yet she manages to prove her love in tragic fashion by sacrificing herself to save her daughter’s life at the Wardstones around Basgaith.
When Lilith realizes that her daughter plans to burn herself to save everyone and revive the stones, she pushes Violet aside and steps in as a mediator. The protective stones thus regain their power, but the young dragon rider is surprised by her mother’s brave declaration of love.
Why does Xaden become Venin?
Unfortunately, this isn’t the only loss our female protagonist has to deal with. In a pivotal battle at the end of the book, Xaden breaks the law and, inspired to save his soulmate, draws energy directly from the earth. This causes his eyes to glow an eerie red, indicating that his transformation into Venin has begun, although the books have yet to state whether a direct energy blast is enough for someone to fully transform into one of the mysterious creatures.
Before Iron Flame Jack Barlowe (recently revealed to be part of the Venin) welcomes Xaden into the “mad family,” described as “somewhat mindless and wild.” There is still much to learn about them, but Yarros’ writings have confirmed that they are organized like an army and have greater numbers than the people of Navarre realize. Their attacks are not as random as once thought, and it is unclear how much the reactivated Wardstones will hinder them in carrying out their master plan.
What can we expect from the upcoming “Onyx Storm”?
It won’t be long before we have answers to what awaits us from Xaden, Violet, Andanara and the rest of their crew. The title of the third book, Black Onyxseems to indicate the inner turmoil within the newest member of Venin, but Sgaeyl, Train and the others are also influenced by his decisions.
Above all else, readers want answers about the reality of these seemingly evil beings, and Yarros is sure to provide them. “So far, the books have portrayed them as little more than magical bogeymen, a story parents tell their children to scare them and make them respect magic and those who protect it,” notes Screen Rant.
Black Onyx is coming on January 21, 2025 – mark the date in your calendar if you like our Iron Flame End explains collapse.
