ThisOnyx Stormtheory helps to fix my biggest problem with the third book’s decision regarding Andarna and how her story went. Though I had to spend a lot of time making sure I did not getOnyx Storm’sbiggest spoilersruined for me, I can say that this installment inThe Empyrean Seriesshocked me the most due to all of the great reveals and twists Rebecca Yarros included. That being said, some parts of Andarn’a storyline rubbed me the wrong way despite the many fascinating things we learned about her in this book.
Andarna’s storyline of her finding the irids and having them reject her was not what I was expecting, nor did I expect their minimal contribution to the narrative. Their mystery may have sparked many anOnyx Stormtheory surrounding the dragons, but it also made little sense considering the timing of everything. Andarna’s return from the irids' den was especially confusing for me, but I fortunately found one theory onRedditthat not only explains her speedy return, but gives me some of the answers I hoped the book would reveal about the seventh breed of dragon.
Irid Theory Could Explain Why Andarna Returned To Violet So Quickly In Onyx Storm
Time Could Work Differently For The Irids
The theory that time works differently for the irids could explain how Andarna came back to Violet so quickly inOnyx Storm,as her departure seemed permanent yet ended abruptly.As mentioned, after being rejected, one of the irids offers to let Andarna return, which she acceptsthough it saddens Violet and Tairn. The parting was hard for me to read, but it became more confusing than painful sinceAndarna returns quickly inOnyx Storm, with seemingly few ill effects having occurred from her departure.
Andarna was gone from Chapter 54 to Chapter 64 ofOnyx Storm.
However, after I read this theory that time could work differently for irids, everything made more sense.Andarna could have been with the irids for years, learning to bend time to her will and used it to it get back to Violetthe moment she sensed she was in danger. This would allow her to learn all she needs and be back in time for her to take center stage afterOnyx Storm.While this could seem far-fetched due to the more grounded magic system, there are clues withinThe Empyrean Seriessurrounding Andarna herself that made this plausible to me.
All The Evidence That Time Passes Differently For The Irids In The Empyrean Series
Andarna’s Original Signet And Time In The Egg Supports This Theory
Andarna’s feathertail signet of time stopping and the over six hundred years she spent in the egg is strong evidence for thisOnyx Stormtheory, allowing forThe Empyrean Seriesto execute this story without giving it away. Andarna’s original time stopping signet, which was discarded to letIron Flameset up Violet’s true second signet, seemed like an underutilized plot point, but it is likely a major clue.Considering how powerful the signet was, it makes sense that it would hint at both Andarna’s status as an irid and why they are so reveredby both riders and venin.
What Happened To The Missing Dragon Eggs In Onyx Storm?
Onyx Storm’s ending leaves readers with an abundance of questions, but one of the biggest revolves around who stole the dragon eggs from Navarre.
Another piece of evidence of the irid’s time abilities would be Andarna’s 650 years in her egg.While dragons can live long lives, Tairn being a big example, there is no proof that any other dragon can stall their hatchinglike she did. This paired with the way Andarna discusses it with Violet inIron Flamejust adds to the theory’s plausibility, as she made that time seem almost insignificant. All of these pieces are not only fascinating to think about, but really helped me come to terms with Andarna’s story inOnyx Storm,which felt ill-planned in some parts.
This Onyx Storm Theory Fixes My Biggest Problem With Andarna’s Story
Andarna’s Departure Felt Unnecessary
My biggest problem with Andarna’s story inOnyx Storm,which is that her departure was unnecessary, is eased due to this theory as it gives this story beat purpose. I was sympathetic to Andarna’s struggles over being unlike the otherdragons inThe Empyrean Seriesand her later dismissal by the irids, but after she left I was a bit disappointed.Andarna has been characterized as being loyal and fiercely loving to her found family, so to have her leave them so easily was jarring, especially after how cruelly the irids treated her.
If the theory is true, it would also give the books afterOnyx Stormthe chance to reveal more about the irids and how they defeated the venin years ago.
Once Andarna returned, that jarring sensation continued, as I assumed there was no way she had learned what she needed in such a short time and her absence had not been truly explored. This theory, though, makes this a deliberate choice over a glossed-over story as Yarros can explore how that time shift affected Andarna and how this new understanding clashes with Tairn and Violet’s linear ideals. If the theory is true, it would also give the books afterOnyx Stormthe chance to reveal more about the irids and how they defeated the venin years ago.
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.
