It has arrived! For many of us we are waking up to the preordered copies of the third book in The Empyrean series in our mailbox. Fourth Wing ended with an epically heartwarming and “oh my gaaawwwd” reveal. Iron Flame concluded with a heartbreaking cliffhanger, I’m still not sure we’ve recovered from (iykyk). So the arrival of Onyx Storm marks a momentous occasion for fans of this dragon-riding series.

As we all dive into one of the most popular books of the 2020s and comfort read our way through the beginning of 2025, let’s take this opportunity to indulge our bookish selves with these fun ways to celebrate the release of book three.

Onyx Storm

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

After eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail faces the ultimate test as the battle begins in earnest, with enemies threatening both from within and beyond Navarre. To save her dragons, her family, and her home, she must venture into unknown lands to forge alliances, uncover the truth, and secure the power needed to prevail—all while guarding a devastating secret. With a storm brewing, survival is far from guaranteed.

Buy the book now: Bookshop.org | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Host a launch party

Dragon-themed book party? Yes please. Either gather up your Basgiath gals for a release week party or schedule a party for when you have all finished the book. From Navarre-themed costumes to a signature cocktail, you could go all in on decor, food and activities that celebrate your favorite series. Here are a few ideas to make your party out of this world:

  • Onyx everything: Blackout your home with table cloths, balloons and beyond to channel the dark vibes of the third book
  • Strobe and fog effect: Channel Violet with a lightning effect using a good old fashioned strobe light. And get a little dragon’s breath going with a fog machine
  • BYOD: Bring your own dragon: Everyone bring a dragon figurine, accent or stuffed animal for a fun gift exchange
  • Fun with food: From black macaroons to Orea-flavored popcorn, you can even bring some onyx into your hors d’oeuvres
  • Photo Booth: Bring play daggers, dragon wings and lots of leather to use as props for a fun fun photo booth

Who doesn’t love a good theme? Get creative with bringing your favorite book to life!

Go live on social media

Now you know the rules, no spoilers, but if ever there was a time to plug in to the Bookstagram or BookTok world, now is it. You could go live with your reactions, your unboxing, your spoiler-free review! Have a friend join you to chat about what you loved about Fourth Wing and Iron Flame and what you’re hoping to see in Onyx Storm. If you don’t have Fourth Wing fans in your immediate circle, go find your fly or die friends on social.

Violet Fourth Wing

Get a silver streak put in your hair

If you’re feeling particularly plugged into the series, you could get a fun new hairstyle to embody that main character energy. Violet has been described as having a silver streak in her hair. Maybe that’s your winter look for the big release!

Skim Pinterest for some fun inspiration here.

Form a book club

If you’ve always wanted to be in a book club but haven’t found one yet, maybe January 2025 is the year you go all in with your book girlies. You could theme it like the release parties above, or you could just enjoy a traditional party where you sit around enjoying conversation about Violet, Xaden and the rest of the beloved cast of characters. Read your way through some of the most anticipated romantasy titles of the year or mix it up. Either way, you’re in for a good time.

Here are some spoiler-free, book club discussion questions for Onyx Storm:

  1. How has Violet Sorrengail evolved since the beginning of the series? Do you think her journey in Onyx Storm highlights any new strengths or vulnerabilities?
  2. Trust is a slippery arena for our main characters in this series. Were you surprised by the betrayals revealed in the story? How did these moments shape the plot and Violet’s decisions?
  3. How did Violet’s decision to keep a devastating secret impact her relationships? Do you think she made the right choice?
  4. What did you think of the world-building in this book? How did these new settings enhance the stakes or broaden the scope of the conflict?
  5. How do Violet’s relationships with her dragons, family, and romantic partner reflect the themes of love and loyalty? Did any of these dynamics surprise or resonate with you?
  6. The search for truth drives much of Violet’s journey. How does this theme play into the larger narrative, and what do you think the “truth” ultimately symbolizes?
  7. The storm is not only literal but also a metaphorical force in the book. How did the imagery and symbolism of storms enhance the story’s themes?
  8. How do the external threats to Navarre compare to the internal struggles within the Riders Quadrant and the kingdom itself? Which felt more dangerous to you?
  9. How do the ideas of power and magic evolve in Onyx Storm? Were there any surprises in how magic is used or understood in the book?
  10. What were your thoughts on the ending of the book? Did it leave you satisfied or eager for more? How do you think the events set up the next part of the series?

Do a full series read through

Did you binge read the book and now you have a book hangover as you wonder how you’ll fill the void? Stay plugged into the world by going back and re-reading the series straight through. You could catch clues you missed before, feel the rush of those book one vibes knowing where the story is headed and stay immersed in the story a little longer.

Create a dream cast for the adaptation

We know that there is an adaptation headed for Amazon/MGM Studios. Michael B. Jordan’s production team is set to produce and Moira Walley-Beckett has been tapped as the showrunner whose work includes Breaking Bad and Anne with an E. Though we don’t have any details on director, cast or even a timeline, we can still dream about who will fill these roles as we wait.

Here’s just a little glimpse into who we think might fit a few of the top roles:

Violet Sorrengail – Isabela Merced

Xaden Riorson – Josh Heuston

Dain Aetos – Hunter Doohan

Rhiannon Matthias – Lexi Underwood

Attend one of Rebecca Yarros’ tour stops

The author herself will be on tour all over the country at the end of January. Try to catch her at one of her stops by checking out the tour locations near you.

Write Fanfic

When you get to the end of the book… all you’re going to want is more. She has incredibly gut-wrenching, OMG endings in this series that leave us begging for more. You could certainly wait for the next one (she’s been on a really good book-a-year streak) or you could dive into the world yourself. Decide where the story is going for yourself. In fact, there are so many writers out there who got started writing fanfic, playing around in pre-constructed worlds as they developed their craft. You don’t have to let anyone read it. You can simply explore for yourself.

Not interested in writing? Read other people’s interpretations. Enjoy the story from new and exciting perspectives on platforms like Wattpad and Archive of Our Own.

Companion listen to the audiobook

The audio team behind The Empyrean series has done a really great job adding production value to the audiobooks. From a multi-narrator cast (the dragon voice actors are fantastic) to sound effects and music, you can feel really swept away by the story. After you’ve turned the last page, go back and listen to the audio for a fresh take on the newest installment.

Create a Spotify playlist

Every book has its own vibe. And sometimes, we need more than words to express how we feel about a story. Create an Onyx Storm-inspired playlist that sweeps you away to Basgiath.