Onyx Storm: Chapter Summary and Spoilers (Chapters 31-40)

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Chapter Summary & Spoilers (Chapters 31-40)

The Bite-Sized Version

In a wild series of events that would make even reality TV producers jealous, Violet Sorrengail and the quest squad find themselves participating in a trial by combat in one of the Southern Isles, Unnbriel, where they discover an entire population of silver-haired people (talk about finding your tribe!). After some intense fighting that ends with a mysteriously impossible lightning strike, they head to their next isle, Hedotis, where we all get the mother of all surprises – Xaden’s mother, Talia, who abandoned him on his tenth birthday, is casually living her best life with a new family. Because apparently leaving your kid and starting a whole new family is just something people do in the Southern Isles!

Things go from awkward to downright deadly when a “friendly” family dinner turns into an attempted assassination via poisoned dessert (seriously, who ruins cake like that?). While Xaden Riorson’s best friend Garrick is busy nearly dying from fermented zakia berries (saved by figs of all things!), Violet masterfully manipulates their way out of the situation, proving that sometimes the best weapon is knowing how to play political chess. They escape to the isle of Zehyllna, where magic mysteriously works again, only to participate in the worst gift exchange ever – courtesy of Zihnal, the God of Luck, who apparently missed the memo about appropriate party favors because Trager gets an arrow through the heart. Not exactly the kind of door prize anyone was hoping for!

The final chapters bring us to a heartbreaking funeral for Trager and his gryphon Silaraine on a spooky black-sand beach (cue the tears), followed by Violet organizing search parties to continue their mission. But just when you think things are settling into a rhythm – BOOM! Six massive irid dragons appear out of nowhere, speaking perfect human and basically saying “Oh, you’ve been looking for us? How cute!” The seventh breed of dragons know how to make an entrance! Meanwhile, Xaden’s still wrestling with his dark weilder situation, dropping romantic but slightly concerning lines like “you’re not a trigger, you’re my soulmate” (sweet, but maybe let’s focus on the talking dragons first?).

The Bit-Sized Version

Chapter 31

• So we’re picking up right in the middle of some seriously tense moments in one of the Southern Isles, Unnbriel, where Violet’s squad has basically walked into what feels like a fantasy version of The Hunger Games. We guess Basgiath War College trained them well for this?
• The biggest “WAIT, WHAT?” moment comes when Violet Sorrengail spots something she’s never seen before in her 21 years – other people with silver hair! We’re talking temple attendants and even a young girl (around 10) with a silver-tipped braid. For our girl Violet, who’s been the only silver-haired person she’s known her whole life, this is like finding out you’re not the only person who can see the color purple.
• But before she can process this major revelation, they’ve got bigger problems – namely, a trial by combat situation. Because apparently in Unnbriel, you can’t just schedule a meeting with the queen like a normal person!
• Initially, Aaric (remember, Prince Halden’s little brother who’s been secretly a rider this whole time) tries to pull a “I volunteer as tribute” moment, but Xaden Riorson is like “Sit down, junior.” The real plot twist? The high priestess decides to make it a tag team match – the Duke of Tyrrendor AND Dain Aetos versus these two absolutely massive twins named Costa and Palta. We’re talking “make The Mountain from Game of Thrones look small” kind of massive.
• The whole thing involves this creepy blood ritual where everyone has to get cut and drip blood on these suspiciously dark stones (nobody ask why they’re that color, okay?). Just when you think it’s all settled, the priestess throws one final curveball and cuts Violet too, basically forcing her into the fight as well.
• The chapter ends with this ominous line from the priestess about how “battles may be won by the strongest warriors, but they may also be lost by our weakest.” Way to keep it cryptic, lady! 
• Also worth noting: there’s some weird stuff about Violet potentially having some connection to their temple that she didn’t know about, but she’s too busy choosing between Xaden and her irid dragons to care about their mystical mumbo-jumbo. Girl has priorities!

Chapter 32

• After that dramatic blood ritual, we’ve got ourselves a three-way battle royale in the rain (because of course it’s raining – nothing says huge battle like getting soaked!). Violet’s squad splits up to face their opponents:
• They all agree to use daggers (despite this definitely NOT being the Duke of Tyrrendor’s strong suit), and Violet’s like “guys, this is just sparring without a mat, we’ve got this!” (Narrator voice: They did not, in fact, have this).
• The fights go down like this:
  • Poor Dain gets absolutely wrecked – we’re talking unconscious with a nasty shoulder wound and Palta’s boot on his neck. That’s an L for the good guys.
  • Violet absolutely SLAYS her fight with Marlis, using some moves that would make the haters in First Wing proud to get the queen pinned and yielding, despite taking a cracked rib in the process (thank goodness for dragon scale armor!)
  • And just when Xaden’s eyes are about to get an unwanted piercing from Costa, Violet pulls off the MVP move of the century – while STILL keeping Marlis pinned, she throws her dagger into Costa’s shoulder with perfect accuracy, giving Xaden the opening he needs to punch Costa into next week and get the win!
  • Final score: Team quest squad 2, Team Unnbriel 1! 
• But WAIT – here’s where it gets wild! Just as everything’s looking wrapped up, Violet gets MAD mad, and suddenly *BOOM* – lightning strikes the arena, which should be IMPOSSIBLE since there’s no magic here! Everyone’s like “wait, what?” including Violet herself, who’s all “it was just a coincidence!”.
• The good news? They technically win the challenge! The bad news? Queen Marlis (who’s surprisingly chill about almost getting her throat sliced) is like “Sorry, no alliance unless you give us dragons.” Which, you know, is kind of a deal-breaker when dragons are literally your entire military strategy!
• At least they get hunting rights and permission to crash in Unnbriel’s jungles? Silver linings, people! 
• P.S. There’s also this cryptic mention of Zihnal (the god of luck) blessing Violet and some ominous warning about another isle having a “mean streak.” Because apparently one near-death experience per chapter isn’t enough!

Chapter 33

• First up, we’ve got some post-fight drama where Queen Marlis is like “Hey, no big deal about that whole trying-to-kill-each-other thing, but how about you trade us some dragons and we’ll help with your war against the dark wielders?” Which goes over about as well as you’d expect – the dragons are NOT having it (Tairn’s literally scratching the walls like an angry cat), and Violet Sorrengail is like “Ma’am, this isn’t Build-A-Dragon Workshop.” 
• The Queen’s specifically asking for BABY dragons because apparently the grown ones are too “headstrong” and “arrogant” (somebody tell Sgaeyl that – actually wait, don’t, she might eat her). When our favorite dragon rider shuts that down faster than a first year failing combat class, Marlis is basically like “Keep that righteous anger… for now. But maybe hit me up when you’re more desperate!” Okay salt bae. 
• After that lovely negotiation fail, Violet’s squad heads to their next stop in the Southern Isles: Hedotis, the isle of wisdom. Think if a library and a city had a baby, but make it BEIGE. Everything’s super uniform and weirdly pale, including the plants (which has dragon Andarna tingling in the “let’s get out of here” way).
• But HOLD ONTO YOUR DRAGON SADDLES because here comes the REAL tea: This random guy Faris (one of the triumvirate leaders) comes to greet them with his wife Talia and… *DRAMATIC PAUSE*
• Turns out Talia is XADEN’S MOTHER! Like, his actual mom who the Duke of Tyrrendor presumably thought was dead or something because this is clearly news to everyone, including Xaden Riorson, who’s gripping Violet like she’s a stress ball.
• Also sprinkled throughout: some cute moments between Cat and Trager, Violet’s sister Mira and Drake bickering about battle formations, and everyone dealing with their battle wounds from the previous throwdown. But let’s be real – all of that just got completely overshadowed by the “Luke, I am your mother” moment at the end. 

Chapter 34

• So we start with Violet Sorrengail playing bodyguard at the house of Xaden’s mother (which, awkward much?), literally standing in doorways to keep Talia from ambushing her son. Mama Talia’s out here trying everything – bringing snacks, suggesting family dinner, even trying to bribe them with triumvirate connections. But our girl Violet’s like “Ma’am, I will literally have my dragon rider squad burn this house down if that’s what Xaden needs” (and we love this ride-or-die energy for her!).
• But WAIT, because this chapter of this third book has got more layers than an onion wearing a sweater:
  • We find out Xaden’s mother left him ON HIS TENTH BIRTHDAY. Like, gave him chocolate cake and then peaced out. Who does that?! 
  • Xaden Riorson is having some serious venin-related feelings (or lack thereof), talking about how not feeling anything is starting to sound pretty good (red flag parade, anyone?)
  • Sgaeyl is SO mad she’s literally pacing the beach like an angry mom at a Basgiath War College PTA meeting
  • And then the BIGGEST gut punch: Turns out Talia has two more kids (Simeon and Gaius) with her new husband. Ouch. Just… ouch.
• Meanwhile, Violet’s over here watching her her man slowly build his emotional walls back up brick by brick, and she’s like “Give me your pain, I’ll hold it!” which is simultaneously the most romantic and heartbreaking thing ever. 
• BUT WAIT! Because our clever girl’s got an ace up her sleeve! Brennan, one of Violet’s siblings, packed them a med kit (bless his strategic little heart) that just happens to have some dried arinmint – the same tea Talia used to make for baby Xaden during bedtime stories! She and Mira cook up this scheme where they have dragon Andarna spy on Talia’s boys (sneaky sneaky!), and two hours later they’re presenting this “peace offering” to Xaden’s mother to “help smooth things over” at dinner. Using mom’s own nostalgia game against her? That’s some 4D chess right there! 
• The chapter ends with this ominous vibe about the upcoming dinner, and honestly? Getting trapped in a room with your long-lost mom, her new family, AND the rulers of an isle while everyone’s magical powers are on the fritz? What could possibly go wrong? 

Chapter 35

• So the quest squad is at this super fancy dinner with the triumvirate (think magical Supreme Court, but make it pastel), and EVERYBODY is there:
  • The triumvirate trio: Nairi, Roslyn, and Faris (wearing knockoff scribe robes)
  • Team Good Guys: Violet Sorrengail, Xaden Riorson, Violet’s sister Mira, Cat, our distance wielder Garrick, and Aaric
  • And of course, Xaden’s mother, Talia, and her new hubby Faris (awkward!)
• First half is basically “Worst. Dinner. Ever.” featuring:
  • The triumvirate suggesting Cat and the Duke of Tyrrendor should have a political marriage (excuse us, WHAT?)
  • Xaden pulling the UNO reverse card by saying he’ll marry his fellow dragon rider Violet instead (smooth, my guy!)
  • Talia dropping the “I HAD to abandon you” excuse
  • Aaric dropping knowledge bombs about how their continent is actually called “Amaralys” (or “Amelekis” if you’re team Poromiel) – turns out everyone just got lazy and started calling it “the Continent” after the Great War!
• But then… *dramatic music* dessert arrives and Violet’s squad leader spidey senses start tingling! Her detective skills start connecting some VERY suspicious dots:
  • Queen Marlis’s weird comment about “a Deverelli approach to alliance”
  • Xaden’s mother hoarding super-rare Deverelli chocolate for WEEKS
  • That “shocked” beach reunion? Oscar-worthy acting – she knew her son was coming!
  • The triumvirate “forgetting” their dessert forks (how convenient)
  • Faris being extra about his “shrewd approach” to testing them
• Put it all together and what do you get? A coordinated assassination attempt disguised as a family reunion! Because nothing says “welcome home, son” like poisoned birthday cake!
• Sadly, Violet figures it out just a SECOND too late – poor Garrick takes a bite and literally stops breathing! We end with him collapsed at the table and everyone freaking out – which, valid! We went from “pass the potatoes” to attempted murder real quick!

Chapter 36

• The chaos kicks off IMMEDIATELY with our distance wielder Garrick not breathing and probably wishing he could just quickly walk back to Basgiath War College and Violet’s squad freaking out (valid). Xaden Riorson goes full CPR mode on his best friend while Violet Sorrengail channels her inner detective to figure out what’s in this murder cake from the Southern Isles. But wait – our girl’s got an UNO reverse card up her sleeve! 
• She hits Faris with this BRILLIANT reminder about the arinmint tea – you know, that sentimental stuff from earlier that’s apparently SUPER illegal to export from Tyrrendor? Why? Because it’s potentially lethal when brewed with shredded bark of tarsilla bush, which conveniently can be found on this island. 
• She’s basically playing poker with people’s lives like “Hey, trade you my antidote for intel on wtf was in that cake!” But Faris is being Extra™️ and would literally rather die than admit defeat. Like sir, this is not the time for your ego! 
• Meanwhile, it’s all hands on deck at this huge battle of wits:
  • The Duke of Tyrrendor and Trager are tag-teaming CPR
  • Violet’s sister Mira is organizing a whole home security system with the squad
  • The dragons are outside having a collective meltdown (Chradh literally set the forest on fire)
  • And our favorite dragon rider is playing detective with Ridoc Gamlyn in the kitchen
• Then Violet has her big “EUREKA!” moment when she spots the cook’s blue fingernails and remembers something crucial from reading through her father’s research: remember those errisbirds that flew away when Sgaeyl roared earlier? Earlier in the third book we learned they’re these white birds that eat a specific type of fruit that when overripe turns their beaks blue – and if that fruit can stain BIRD BEAKS, imagine what it could do to a human! 
• But because we can’t have nice things, right when Violet’s about to share her poisonous fruit theory, the cook goes full Gordon Ramsay-gone-wrong and starts throwing knives! 
• The chapter ends with a double whammy:
  • Violet figures out what the poison is (YAY!)
  • But Ridoc gets stabbed (NO!)
• P.S. Can we talk about how Violet pinned the cook’s hand to the doorframe with a dagger? Girl’s out here making those First Wing losers look amateur!

Chapter 37

• First up, we get this absolutely TERRIFYING moment where Violet Sorrengail thinks Ridoc Gamlyn has been stabbed (because apparently one poisoned best friend per chapter isn’t enough?), but PSYCH! The knife only caught his jacket. Cue Ridoc going full Hulk mode on the cook because “I HATE SEWING!” which is honestly the most relatable thing ever.
• Thanks to Violet’s father’s field guide (MVP of the chapter!), Violet finally figures out the poison – it’s zakia berries that have fermented (nasty!), and the cure is… *drumroll*… figs! Of all things! Turns out if you chop them up and put them into water = you won’t die. Best friend Garrick owes Violet a beer.
• But here’s where it gets INTENSE – remember how Xaden Riorson was talking earlier about how being venin feels like “skating over a frozen lake while part of him screams he should be swimming”?
• Well, when he goes after Faris, Violet sees that empty dark wielder look in Xaden’s eyes and she’s like “Get off the ice” – basically begging him to stop distancing himself from his emotions and come back to her. It’s this heartbreaking callback to their earlier conversation where he admitted that not feeling anything was starting to sound pretty good. And our girl’s like “Nope, I need YOU, not this version of you” and somehow talks him back from the venin edge.
• Then Violet absolutely SLAYS with her master manipulation of Faris:
  • Reveals she’s got dragon Andarna watching his kids (sneaky sneaky!)
  • Drops the “your staff knows you got outsmarted” bomb
  • And oh yeah, casually mentions she’s Asher Daxton’s daughter (the only time she’s been happy to be a nepo baby)
• After securing their escape (and getting Faris & Co to drink the antidote) Violet’s squad heads to Zehyllna where things get… weird. Like, REALLY weird:
  • People are actually HAPPY to see dragons (dragon Andarna is of course LOVING it)
  • There’s a whole amphitheater of folks waiting for them
  • And most importantly… THERE’S MAGIC! 
• The chapter ends with everyone feeling that magical tingle and we’re like… excuse us, what happened to “no magic beyond the Continent”?! 
• P.S. Can we talk about how Garrick wakes up and immediately declares this his least favorite of the Southern Isles? The man nearly dies and still has time for sass.

Chapter 38

• So we start on a happy note (which should have been our first warning, tbh) for our quest squad:
  • There’s a teeny tiny bit of magic in Zehyllna (enough for everyone to chat with their dragons again – aww!)
  • Violet’s squad is having a moment™️ with their mounts
  • And there’s literally an entire AMPHITHEATER of people cheering for them like they’re the Beatles or something
• We get this sweet little interlude where Xaden Riorson and Violet Sorrengail have their millionth “I won’t let you get hurt”/”Stop being dramatic” lover’s quarrel (we get it), before this woman named Calixta shows up like “Hey babes, wanna play a game?” 
• And not just any game – it’s basically Fantasy Russian Roulette but with “gifts” from Zihnal (the God of Luck). The rules?
  • Draw a card
  • Get a “gift”
  • SAY THANK YOU no matter what
• So everyone starts drawing cards and it’s like the worst white elephant gift exchange EVER:
  • Violet’s sister Mira gets wine (honestly, the only good gift)
  • Dain Aetos gets SLAPPED (ouch but also deserved)
  • Our distance wielder Garrick gets a rusty bucket (useful…?)
  • The Duke of Tyrrendor gets an empty box (symbolic much?)
  • Our favorite dragon rider gets a broken compass (subtle, Zihnal, real subtle)
  • Cat gets some fancy jewelry (finally, something nice!)
  • Drake gets… a kitten? (okay weird flex but okay)
  • And then… *DEEP BREATH* Trager draws his card and gets AN ARROW THROUGH THE HEART! Like, LITERALLY gets shot and dies in Violet and Ridoc Gamlyn’s arms! 
• EXCUSE US, WHAT?! Someone needs to tell the God of Luck this is NOT how you play Secret Santa! 
• P.S. Can we talk about how Aaric casually reveals he speaks like every language ever and was just… not telling anyone? Sir, this was relevant information!

Chapter 39

• So remember how the last chapter ended with Trager getting an arrow through the heart? Well, buckle up buttercup because the aftermath of this huge battle with fate is BRUTAL:
  • Cat is literally SCREAMING (Drake has to hold her back)
  • Silaraine (Trager’s gryphon) tries to reach him and then just… collapses *hearts shatter*
  • And Violet Sorrengail? She’s having a full-on crisis until Xaden Riorson is like “you’re in command, handle it!”
• But here’s the absolutely SAVAGE part – to pass this twisted “test” in the Southern Isles, our main character has to BOW and say THANK YOU to the archer who just killed her friend! Like, excuse me while I go scream into the void!
• Fast forward 8 hours (because apparently time only makes everything WORSE):
  • They’ve secured an alliance (40,000 troops, which would be great news if we weren’t all DEVASTATED)
  • Still no sign of those irid dragons anywhere
  • And now they’re all camping out in the field because nobody wants to leave Trager and Sila’s bodies
• The real gut punch comes when they’re planning the funeral and Cat’s like “burn them both together – he’d want to be with her” (WE’RE NOT CRYING, YOU’RE CRYING!). They decide to find an uninhabited isle for the ceremony because Cat doesn’t trust anyone not to dig up Sila’s bones for “morbid curiosity” (valid concern, honestly).
• The chapter ends with this absolutely heartbreaking conversation between Violet and the Duke of Tyrrendor where:
  • She admits she “froze” (girl, that was SHOCK)
  • He’s all “the best leaders never want the job” (wise words from shadow boy)
  • And then he drops this bomb: “There is no cure for me” 
• Like sir, could you NOT with the dramatic declarations when we’re already emotional?! 
• P.S. Can we talk about how the locals are still in the stands CELEBRATING? Read the room, people!

Chapter 40

• First up, we’ve got the saddest road trip ever as Violet’s squad flies northwest to find a place to… *deep breath*… say goodbye to Trager and Sila (WE’RE FINE, IT’S JUST ALLERGIES). They find this tiny uninhabited isle in the Southern Isles with black sand (spooky!) and some unexpected magic vibes (hello, plot point!).
• The funeral scene? DEVASTATING. They build this pyre on the beach and Drake’s out here giving the most heartbreaking send-off speech while everyone’s trying not to completely lose it. Like, even the dragons are sad, y’all! 
• Then we get some quality planning time where our dragon rider channels her inner travel agent to split everyone into search parties (and girl’s got STRATEGY):
  • Maren & Cat: Taking the unmapped northern isles (keeping the gryphons close to home base – smart!)
  • Drake & Dain Aetos: Searching the western quadrant (also keeping it local for those gryphon wings)
  • Aaric & Violet’s sister Mira: Getting a middle-distance section
  • Xaden Riorson & Garrick: Another middle section (and NOT with Violet because our girl’s trying to avoid triggering Xaden’s venin powers – we love an emotionally intelligent queen!) Xaden’s like “you’re not a trigger, you’re my soulmate” and honestly? SWOON.
  • Violet & Ridoc Gamlyn: Taking the eastern chain about two hours away with their speedy dragons
• BUT WAIT! Because just when you think this chapter is wrapping up with some cute dragon banter and Ridoc getting water soaked by his petty dragon Aotrom (we stan a dramatic dragon!), the ground starts SHAKING and suddenly there are SIX MASSIVE irid dragons appearing out of NOWHERE! 
• Plot twist: They didn’t find Andarna’s kind – THE SEVENTH BREED OF DRAGONS FOUND THEM! And one of them is all “Hello, human” like they’re about to either have tea or eat Violet for breakfast! Ummm HELLO?