I am so relieved thatOnyx Stormgaveone of my favorite case the storyline they deserved by go in an unexpected but not unwelcome direction . ThoughI had some problems withOnyx violent storm , I was so happy to see that Rebecca Yarros was able to give consultation some of the moments we were hoping for . Not only did I get the sweet interactions between Violet and Xaden I ask afterIron Flame , but I get down to see the evolution of several other character in this instalment ofThe Empyrean Series .

While I understand that this series is preponderantly Violet ’s floor and that her actions and love life for Xaden are the series ' driving factors , Yarros does both a gravid job at making you care for the side character in her story but also does small with them . The first two volume only give the other characters humble moments , so I was glad to see thatOnyx StormfixedFourth Wings ' problemsin regard to this . I was particularly happy to see thatOnyx Stormdid this for my favorite side character Ridoc , flesh out his persona in the serial .

I’m Relieved Onyx Storm Didn’t Relegate Ridoc To Comic Relief Like The Past 2 Books

Ridoc’s Capabilities Were Limited In Fourth Wing And Iron Flame

I am very eased thatOnyx Stormchose to explore more of Ridoc ’s character over simply keeping him as the comic alleviation of the book , something the previous installments ofThe Empyrean Seriesdid . Ridoc was not a bad player inFourth Wing , with most of his scenes consisting of him take a crap jokes or snide remarks , which lighten the latent hostility at multiplication . He did get a few thick moments , such as when he defended Violet during the Gauntlet exercise fit , but he was largely just the risible backup , offset by Sawyer who act as his square man .

Ridoc was insert in Chapter 4 ofFourth Wing .

Ridoc ’s function inIron Flameexpanded slightly , as he was the one to tell apart Violet about the First Six ’s journals and save the mathematical group from Baide ’s fire before the Battle of Basgiath , showcasing his capability . However , he was still mostly there for comic design . Though sure detail lead to many aFourth Wingtheory surrounding Ridoc , he largely slipped back into his special characterization byIron Flame’ssecond half , leaving me to wonder when we would get more of him as we did with Sawyer and Rhiannon . Fortunately , Onyx Stormdid set a spotlight on him , revealing some surprising trait .

Onyx Storm cover and two dragons against a colorful sky

Onyx Storm Finally Gave Ridoc The Story & Depth His Character Deserves

Ridoc Showed Surprising Dedication And Logic

Ridoc is given the chronicle and profoundness he merit inOnyx Storm , highlighting more of what made him so compelling and revealing some unexpected details . Ridoc ’s scenes inOnyx Stormbegan diverging from his previous visual aspect right from the beginning , as he insisted he go with Violet to find Andarna ’s variety . Like Violet , I thought he was mostly joking until the scene before Violet ’s 2nd group meeting with the Senarium where he reveals that he had been reading Jesinia ’s enquiry to prepare aboard honing his signet , showing The Iron Squad and us that he is more than a joker .

Onyx Storm ’s most compelling graphic symbol bow is brief , and it reveals who needs to get more page time when the next Empyrean Series book arrives .

Ridoc ’s allegiance had been shown before , but here it was on full display , highlight the love he has for his friend . That love continues to shine throughout the book , especially after he learns that Xaden has turned venin . Ridoc ’s insistence on telling the remainder of The Iron Squad and Jesinia evidence his trueness alongside his sensitiveness , as his reflexion on The Marked Ones ' loyalty to Xaden over Violet were completely genuine . Onyx Stormnot only expanded Ridoc ’s spark , but also really spotlight how to do a comical relief character ’s progression , which is something I have noticed other series struggle with .

Fourth Wing and Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros book covers

Ridoc’s Arc In The Empyrean Series Shows How To Properly Handle A Comic Relief Character

Comic Relief Characters Can And Should Do More Than Crack Jokes

Ridoc ’s electric discharge inThe Empyrean Seriesbooksdemonstrates just what a comic respite character is able of and can do for the overall excited plot line . One big thing I have mark about comic relief persona outside ofOnyx Stormis their limited functionality . Often , the comic relief of a group is only there to crack jokes and , sometimes , become a damsel in distress as their joking or slacking off comes back to burn them , storm the grouping to rescue them . As a result , many comical relief quality can derive across as unneeded outside a few primal moment .

Their humor is meant to remind other characters that there is hope , which Ridoc does while also understanding the inclemency of the billet .

Ridoc does not fall into that trap , as he shows that he can guard himself and that there is more to him than his humor . Ridoc ’s unwavering loyalty and ability to stand up for others made him my favorite , but what cement it is that he is the emotional core of the group , which is what a comic backup man character should be . Their humor is meant to remind other case that there is Leslie Townes Hope , which Ridoc does while also realise the severity of the situation . I trust Ridoc’sOnyx Stormarc carry on , even as there becomes less to express mirth over .

Cassian on Yavin in Andor Season 2 Episode 12

Violet Sorrengail faces newfangled political machination and battles old enemies while uncovering the secrets of her 2d signet . As she strives to carry through Xaden from venin corruption , her human relationship with ally and dragons are tested , leading to acute confrontation and unexpected revelations in a humans of dragons and magic​.

I’m-So-Relieved-Onyx-Storm-Took-One-Character-In-An-Unexpected-Direction-(&-Gave-Them-The-Story-They-Deserve)

Custom Image By Yailin Chacon

Fourth Wing and Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros book covers with a red background.

Custom image by Kiersten Hall

A custom image of Onyx Storm’s cover with an orange flaming circle in the background.

Custom image by Ana Nieves

Onyx Storm Book Cover

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​.

Onyx Storm