Rebecca Yarros shared anotherOnyx Stormsneak peek on herInstagram, this time confirming new source material for theEmpyrean Seriessequel’s epigraphs. Each chapter in Yarros’Fourth Wingseries is preceded by a quote that helps lend context to the following narrative, and thenewOnyx Stormquote, “sometimes diplomacy is best served at swordpoint”, references Lilith Sorrengail’s journals. Knowing this, it’s likely that Yarros will continue to focus much of the plot around General Sorrengail’s death—and may eventually explore more of the Sorrengail family’s backstory.
As Violet will now have access to Lilith Sorrengail’s personal journals, it’s possible readers will finally discover more about Violet’s father, and his untimely death. There are severalFourth Wingtheories about Violet’s father, andearlier dialogue found in the novels indicate he may not have died from natural causes, as Violet was made to believe. While it’s said he died from grief after learning of Brennan’s “death”, his valuable but elusive research plays a suspicious role in the whole plot—and it’s likely drastic measures were taken to ensure no one discovered the truth of his findings.
Onyx Storm Tease Hints We’re Getting The Sorrengail Family’s Backstory In The Sequel
Yarros Is Likely To Reveal More About Violet’s Father
The mystery surrounding Violet’s father has been brewing throughout bothFourth WingandIron Flame, and Yarros seems to have been purposefully obscure with any reveals about his character. Other than knowing he trained Violet as a scribe, was researching feathertails, and somehow possessed an illegal copy of The Fable of the Barrens—Yarros has yet to elaborate any further. These details are incredibly limiting, butthe introduction of Lilith’s journals might finally divulge the truth about his research, and even possibly his death.
New Onyx Storm Reveal May Confirm A Mira Sorrengail Theory That Would Be A Huge Relief After Iron Flame
Rebecca Yarros’ latest Onyx Storm reveal makes one theory about Mira Sorrengail look much more likely – and that’s a huge relief for Fourth Wing fans.
Yarros has shared very little of Violet’s father’s relationship with Lilith Sorrengail, or even with his children—but it’s clear from Violet’s POV that she thought very highly of her father.Yarros even goes as far as to never disclose Violet’s father’s name—asmallFourth Wingdetailthat may end up revealing a shocking twist later on. It’s yet unknown how often Yarros will refer to Lilith’s journals for context purposes inOnyx Storm’s epigraphs, but hopefully, she’ll share enough detail to help readers solve a bit of the mystery surrounding his character for themselves.
I’m Now Convinced Onyx Storm Will Confirm A Devastating Theory About Violet’s Father
He May Not Have Died Of A Heart Attack
The fact that Yarros is allowing readers access to General Sorrengail’s journals can mean only one thing—she has plans to reveal a plot around Violet’s father’s research and death. The odd timing of his death, when he was suspected to be of a young age and in relatively good health, is rather perplexing, and calls into question whether he really died of a heart attack—said to have been brought on by grief over losing Brennan in years prior.
Yet, Yarros has made it perfectly clear that around the same time, Violet’s dad was working on incredibly valuable research, supposedly on feathertails. However, it’s indicated in his possession of The Fable of the Barrens—and his note left for Violet—thathis research may have encompassed the venin and wyvern as well. Due to the nature of the material he was researching, theories indicate that he was likely poisoned for the knowledge he uncovered, or even poisoned himself in order to keep it all secret.
Violet has explained before that poisons can easily be disguised to mimic other symptoms, making it all the more likely his supposed heart attack was deliberate.
However, it seems more likely thatViolet’s father expected someone would try to kill him, and his actions to prepare Violet with knowledge of the venin more than prove this. Additionally, Violet has explained before that poisons can easily be disguised to mimic other symptoms, making it all the more likely his supposed heart attack was deliberate.
How This Onyx Storm Twist Would Change The Empyrean Series
Violet’s Hatred Towards Navarre Leadership Would Be Heightened
If this devastating theory were true, and does come to light in thenextFourth Wingbook, it could do more than rewrite history—but would deeply impact Violet as well. Violet has already expressed her dislike of much of the Navarrian government, especially after she discovered their lies and deceitfulness inIron Flame. Violet has already had to accept everything she grew up believing to be a lie, andthis final revelation about her father’s death would be the proverbial nail in the coffin to solidify Navarre’s corruption.
Violet’s anger towards the system would be unmatched, as her father’s life was deemed less valuable than the secrets he uncovered. However,discovering the truth may also shed a more understandable light on her mother’s actions throughout the early series. There have been several moments where General Sorrengail is thought to be cruel and cold towards Violet, but with so much corruption among the leadership, it could have been her way to protect her children. These revelations may help to heal some wounds Violet carried in regard to her mother, and will likely redeem Lilith’s character inOnyx Storm.
Lilith Sorengail’s Journals Could Also Tease An Even Worse Fate For Mr. Sorrengail
It’s important to note that there is anotherdarkFourth Wingtheoryin regard to Violet’s father, one that suggests he became venin. This may have been a stretch before, butnow that Yarros is planning to reveal information through Lilith’s journals, it’s a highly plausible scenario. The theory states that Violet’s father’s illness before his death was actually a cover-up for his progression into the venin ranks—and his reclusive nature towards the end of his life was intended to keep others safe. Violet’s father’s research on the venin and wyvern would be even more important should this be true.
“We have tried every method we know of, as you requested. There is no cure. There is only control.”
- Missive from Lieutenant Colonel Nolan Colbersy to General Lilith Sorrengail
This situation greatly parallels Violet’s current concerns with Xaden. And had Violet’s mother gone through something similar with her father, it’s likely they would have tried to look for every possible cure—and a letter from Nolan to the General inIron Flamelikely proves this. Nolan’s title in the current timeline is of Colonel, so it’s presumed this letter was from years in the past. This small clue from Yarros may be a hint Violet’s father was venin, but it could also lead to extensive research into venin cures that Violet will desperately need inOnyx Storm.
Onyx Storm
Violet Sorrengail faces new political intrigue and battles old enemies while uncovering the secrets of her second signet. As she strives to save Xaden from venin corruption, her relationships with allies and dragons are tested, leading to intense confrontations and unexpected revelations in a world of dragons and magic.
