Dear Fantasy Reader by Dear Fantasy Reader

February 07, 2025 Ep. 2 Onyx Storm Battle Brief: Explaining the Final Chapters

Join squadmates Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly for an Onyx Storm Battle Brief as they break down and explain the book's jaw-dropping, emotionally wrecking end chapters. With intense action, foreshadowing, and hidden Easter eggs packed into the finale, it’s no surprise that readers have questions—and they’re here to help clear up the confusion!

In this episode, the Dear Fantasy Reader team delivers a concise summary of the key moments, shedding light on some of the most debated elements of the book’s shocking cliffhanger. Drawing from their deep dive and insights from Rebecca Yarros’ recent Denver Q&A, they unpack the essential details to help make sense of the chaos.

While a full chapter-by-chapter analysis is on the horizon, this discussion stays focused on Onyx Storm’s explosive conclusion—breaking down pivotal scenes and answering top listener questions. Whether you’re looking for clarity or gearing up for a reread, this episode is your ultimate guide to understanding the storm before diving back in!

*All episodes include spoilers for the entirety of Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm*

**PDF RESOURCE OF BULLET POINTS OF KEY MOMENTS, LOCATIONS, AND OBJECTIVES: AVAILABLE ON PATREON http://patreon.com/dearfantasyreaderpodcast**

00:00 Intro

03:18 CH 63 Summary

04:53 CH 64 Summary

06:17 CH 65 Summary

08:08 CH 66 Summary

09:19 How do the final chapters of Onyx Storm potentially overlap?

10:33 Who is Xaden's new "brother"? Who are the possible people it could be?

13:28 Who is Berwyn?

13:57 How did the sage summon Xaden, and why can't Xaden kill the sage?

14:41 Is Jack the Sage's biological son?

15:02 How did Panchek’s dragon die, and did Panchek die?

15:44 Why does Xaden channel knowing he will fully turn venin?

15:59 Did Xaden’s shadows kill dragons?

16:29 What favor was Xaden referring to when talking with Sgaeyl?

17:04 Why did Xaden and Violet get married?

17:53 Did Xaden and Violet marry at the temple in Aretia?

18:10 Can you break down the note that Xaden left Violet?

19:33 What is going to happen to Sgaeyl? Did she break the bond with Xaden? Does she go with Xaden or stay with Tairn?

20:18 Why did Andarna tell Violet "I won't let them burn you"?

20:43 What happened in the 12 hours at the end of Onyx Storm?

21:16 Why were the dragon eggs stolen and who stole them?

21:51 Who killed the elder dragons?

22:03 Who is missing at the end?

22:45 Why did Brennan act shocked when he saw her?

24:40 How did the stone dagger kill Theophanie?

27:37 How to cope with the Onyx Storm Book Hangover: Recommendations

39:14 ****Patreon Shout Outs & Details

*Please note that ads may affect the timestamps by a few minutes*

Want more? Check out our Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through The Lens of Iron Flame, Season 2: Onyx Storm Prep, & our current Season 3: Onyx Storm Deep Dive, here on Dear Fantasy Reader Podcast!

DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/

SUPPORT US ON PATREON—AD-FREE & FULL VIDEO EPISODES & MORE: http://patreon.com/dearfantasyreaderpodcast

JOIN OUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/9pcd3jBTVK

ARCHIVES:

Rebecca Yarros Onyx Storm Variety Interview Article - https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/onyx-storm-ending-spoilers-book-4-rebecca-yarros-fourth-wing-tv-series-1236292971/

TIKTOK RY Denver Q&A Part 1 - https://www.tiktok.com/@hannahmichelle13/video/7467090639331691822

INSTAGRAM RY Denver Q&A Part 1 - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFmrgLERT8u/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Dain Fanfic “The Burning Point” by Shadowhandss60- https://archiveofourown.org/works/62590135?view_adult=true

Xaden POV Fourth Wing Fanfic by belle_beebee - https://archiveofourown.org/works/48857872?view_full_work=true

Follow along:

Instagram: @dearfantasyreaderpod

TikTok: @dearfantasyreaderpod

YouTube: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Email us your favorite Empyrean theories & insights: [email protected]

Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website: www.dearfantasyreader.com

Don't forget to share this podcast with all of your Empyrean friends!