ONYX STORM: BONUS EPISODE

Overview (Bonus Episode Reaction/Review Roundup)

This video is a bonus episode where the hosts react to and review Rebecca Yarros’ Onyx Storm, after everyone finishes the book. They start by discussing how the story made them feel overall, then break down major moments—especially:

• repetitive parts
• the Isle/province journey
• big character reveals
• a shockingly brutal ending

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Main Plot & Major Highlights

What they agree on

• The book is packed with epic scenes and major reveals.
• They also notice structure issues, especially:
  • too much repetition
  • a heavy reliance on Violet’s perspective early on

The Isle/province journey

• They spend a lot of time talking about the journey through multiple Is[l]es, each with a distinct vibe/culture.
• Their main complaint: they wanted more perspective variety so the travel sequences would feel less repetitive.

Emotional core & stakes

• The villains/villainess—particularly Theophany—and the stakes keep escalating.
• But they feel clarity comes late, especially early in the book.

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Key Ratings Debate (Vibe Check)

• Reggie: 4.5–5
  • conflicted early due to confusion
  • loved the ending more, especially the “pieces falling into place” effect
• Michaela: 4
  • calls out repetition
  • specifically mentions the recurring “can’t touch because I’ll hurt you” theme
  • wishes the POV wasn’t so Violet-centric
• Kennedy: 5
  • biggest moments outweighed the flaws
  • she loved the world and characters

Final consensus

They agree it’s not perfect, but it’s still a standout—many even compare it to other series entries, with Fourth Wing often cited as the top spot.

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Big Jokes / Reactions (Memorable Moments)

• They repeatedly laugh about the overused “you can’t touch / I’ll hurt you” line and joke about counting how many times it appears.
• There’s a running comedy beat about Zaden’s personality shift:
  • others on TikTok were “confused,” but the hosts say it fits with how he treats Violet.
• Holden sparks mixed comedy and frustration:
  • Zaden’s open jealousy becomes a standout romantic/tension moment.
  • Holden is described as a douche, with jokes that he gives Prince Charming vibes (including a Shrek comparison).
• A lot of the “fan-reaction” energy comes from moments that inspired social media recreations, including the iconic chair scene.

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Character Highlights & Reveals They Call Out

• Side characters “shine” more than in prior books:
  • they feel closer to characters like Ronan/Bod/Garrick/others
  • they learn more about personality and motivations
• Garrick: a major reveal
  • he’s a distance wielder
  • many didn’t predict it
• Sloan and Dane
  • discussed in relation to power/signet uncertainty
  • they suspect second-signets will be important
• Early on, they note some confusion about character references
  • they wish there were a more complete character glossary
  • (they say dragons/signets lists exist, but aren’t comprehensive)

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The Isle/Province Arc Discussion

Main criticism

• They debate whether the Isle portion feels repetitive.
• Their sharpest critique is the repeating pattern of “fight your way through each Isle.”

What they still like

• Different regions have distinct cultures/vibes
• Violet’s intelligence stands out in planning/scheming moments, including poisoning/plotting sequences
• Some dramatic scenes felt more anticlimactic than expected, given how much anticipation they’d built up.

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The Emotional Centerpiece: Endgame & Last Chapters

This is where the episode lands—everyone is wrecked.

• Zaden goes full Venin, and it becomes painfully obvious that a cure isn’t coming immediately.
• Multiple “oh no” deaths and losses hit hard, including grief around specific characters they care about.
• The Arisha / wards / Iris-related chaos escalates into a final scramble.
• Near the end, there’s a major POV-switching moment:
  • they’re shocked by the shifting perspectives and how it ramps panic
  • they react strongly to additional POVs from characters like Imagin/Img/Im and Ronan
  • they realize the pacing is designed to hit hard

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Signets / Big Magic Reveals

• Violet’s second signet is discussed as Dream Walker.
• They debate whether it’s specifically sleep/dream, or something closer to mind-projection.
• They’re excited but also worried it could make Violet too overpowered—because series tension depends on limitations and consequences.

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Wedding / Memory Wipe Controversy

What happens

• A major romantic/marriage event occurs off-screen, which annoys them because they didn’t get to see it.
• Later, a memory wipe leaves Violet devastated and confused.

Why it might have happened

• They offer multiple theories, but the dominant feeling is:
  • it’s meant as protection
  • and/or to prevent enemies from using Violet’s knowledge

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Most Common Theories They Mention

• The next book needs multi-POV to resolve confusion and deepen the stakes.
• They strongly suspect Sloan will be pivotal to curing/handling the Venin problem—potentially via:
  • siphoning
  • or another signet-powered solution

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Personal Wrap-Up Reactions

• Everyone agrees the ending is powerful but emotionally exhausting.
• One host says she finished the book and felt “empty.”
• They wrap by recommending viewers check out their vlog reactions, and they tease that the next major discussion (and theories) will be saved for later.

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Hosts / Personalities

• Reggie
• Michaela
• Kennedy