Welcome to Dear Dragon Reader, a special series from Dear Fantasy Reader podcast! Hosted by Karly, each episode dives deep into a specific topic from Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean Series.

 

In this episode, Karly unpacks the misunderstood lore of the Venin and challenges our assumptions about them. She explores their possible origins and initial motivations, positioning them as once-heroic figures who, through the pursuit of absolute power, transformed into villains.

 

Next, Karly examines the Venin’s present-day motivations and their thirst for revenge, revealing how their goals seem to stretch far beyond the hatching grounds. She also traces the historical timeline of the Venin, analyzing their suspicious connection to Sgaeyl’s previous rider—Xaden’s grandfather.

 

From there, Karly dives into the mysteries of the lures, presenting theories on what they’re used for and who created them. She then explores the Venin's potential connection to dreams, nightmares, and the power-blocking serum utilized by Basgiath leadership.

 

So book up, Dragon Readers, and get ready for thoughtful analysis, exciting theories, and plenty of dragon-sized insights!

 

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

 

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

 

 

00:00 Intro

02:23 Causes of Madness: Venin AND Dragons

04:19 Motivations of Venin: From Heros to Villians

05:14 Venin Parallels to Marvel’s WandaVision

10:15 Theories on The Origins of The Venin & Initial Motivations

11:50 Venin Present Day Motivations & Desire for The Hatching Grounds

13:20 Historical Timeline of The Venin (as we know it)

13:50 The Connection Between Venin & Xaden’s Grandfather

15:21 Xaden & Violet’s Venin Nightmares

16:57 Xaden & Violet: A Menacing Threat To Venin

17:30 Violet’s Silver Hair Theory: Connection to The Venin

18:15 Venin & Lure Theories

18:33 Who Made The Lures

18:56 What They Are Using Lures For

20:06 The Connection Between Venin, Dreams, & Power-blocking Serum

 

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!

 

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ARCHIVES:

Rebecca Yarros Author Talk in Columbus Ohio (Garrick Island Question) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=Mu7LVjUhU_8

 

PREORDER ONYX STORM - https://amzn.to/40I2R6D

 

 

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New episodes on Thursdays (Wednesday early access on Patreon)!