Shortly after Onyx Storm‘s release in January, Rebecca Yarros dropped a playlist for the third Empyrean Series novel — a compiled list of songs the author listened to while writing and editing. This is something the author has done for every Fourth Wing novel, and fans have come to expect such playlists to be released in tandem with Yarros’ books. Songs added to the playlists oftentimes depict certain character relationships, or capture the emotional journeys Yarros plots throughout the novel — and more often than not, can clue readers in on where she plans to take the story.
Yarros confirmed that making such playlists has helped to guide her through each novel — assumedly getting her in the mindset of her characters. Since her latest playlist was released, and after fans quickly devoured Onyx Storm, many have begun to consider which songs Yarros would include in the next Fourth Wing book. However, when asked directly about the playlist for Onyx Storm‘s sequel during an interview with Today, Yarros stated, “I think it would scare everyone” — and now I have some major concerns.
The Next Fourth Wing Book’s Playlist Makes Me Nervous It Will Be More Tragic Than Onyx Storm
Each Song Implies Yarros Plans To Begin The Novel With Heartbreak
Onyx Storm‘s ending made it rather obvious that the next novel would be bleak in comparison to its predecessors, but Rebecca Yarros’ previous comment makes me all the more concerned, and practically confirms that Onyx Storm‘s sequel will be especially tragic. Eventually, Yarros did reveal three songs from the upcoming playlist during her Onyx Storm book tour; Down Bad, But Daddy I Love Him, and I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can) — all from Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poet’s Department. But as Yarros suggested, their reveal has caused me to worry even more.
When diving into the meaning behind each of these Taylor Swift songs, we get a better idea of where Yarros may take the narrative in the fourth Empyrean Series book — and it doesn’t look like Violet and Xaden will be reunited anytime soon. The lyrics of Down Bad, “How dare you think it’s romantic, leaving me safe and stranded“, essentially offer readers a glimpse into Violet’s mindset in the early novel — as the realization Xaden is gone will be devastating for her. But Yarros’ inclusion of I Can Fix Him suggests Violet won’t be giving up on him either.
“No, I’m not coming to my senses
I know he’s crazy but he’s the one I want”
— Taylor Swift, But Daddy I Love Him
Where everyone else may have assumed Xaden’s life is now a lost cause, the song’s inclusion and lyrics of “I can fix him, no, really I can” suggests Yarros plans to continue Violet’s search for a cure — even if she has to do it alone. However, it’s the inclusion of But Daddy I Love Him that raises the most concern. From the song’s lyrics, I’m assuming Violet will be one of the few characters to believe Xaden is still a good man, whereas the vast majority of others will likely now see him as the villain.
The Author Confirmed A Fan-Favorite Character Will Die Next
Yarros has been careful to keep much of the next Empyrean Series’ plot under wraps, but she’s made a few comments that have caused panic among readers. One such is from a Q&A session during Yarros’ Onyx Storm book tour, shared in a TikTok clip, when the author admits “Someone you love won’t make it in book 4.” I, like many readers, have begun to expect character deaths in the Fourth Wing novels. But from Yarros’ comment, I’m convinced the next will involve a fan-favorite character — and I’m afraid it will echo the devastation of Liam’s death.
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Nearly 40 chapters before Violet and Xaden’s marriage is revealed, Yarros perfectly sets up a major plot twist with one seemingly minor detail.
Now, being so far into the series, there are a handful of characters who seem likely to die in the next Empyrean Series book, but I’m not prepared for any of their deaths. As of now, it seems like every secondary character plays an important role throughout the narrative, and I can’t imagine losing anyone else in a future novel — especially not Ridoc or Tairn. But, as Yarros forewarned, one beloved character will not make it. Whoever it is, their death is likely to have a large impact on the narrative and readers.
How Onyx Storm’s Ending Sets The Next Empyrean Book Up To Be The Darkest Yet
Very Little Hope Is Left By The End Of The Third Novel
Onyx Storm‘s ending sees a shift in tone compared to the earlier novel, and where the beginning is full of hope, the ending is heavy with resignation. Not only does Xaden succumb to his fate as a venin at the end of the novel, but another character is revealed to have turned, Violet loses her memories of her and Xaden’s marriage, and Xaden leaves Aretia behind for good. Onyx Storm‘s last chapter throws a lot at the reader in a short amount of time, but every revelation sets up the next Empyrean Series sequel to be the darkest yet.
The loss of Xaden, both in physical nearness and in his humanity, is bound to overshadow much of the fourth novel.
The loss of Xaden, both in physical nearness and in his humanity, is bound to overshadow much of the fourth novel — as Yarros’ Onyx Storm ending suggests he will not be returning any time soon, or in a way that is recognizable to Violet or readers. While Xaden’s sacrifice was noble and made with good intentions, I’m worried him turning Asim will effectively eradicate everything that makes him who he is. Violet is bound to struggle with this as well, and I think much of the next novel will explore the little hope, if any, she has left.
Onyx Storm
- Genre
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Fantasy
- Publisher
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Entangled: Red Tower Books
- Publication Date
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2025/01/01
- ISBN#
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1649374186
- Author(s)
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Rebecca Yarros
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
