Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros.
Onyx Storm's most compelling arc is far too brief, and it proves that one supporting character needs more page time in the next Empyrean Series book. Onyx Storm may revolve around finding a cure for Xaden after Iron Flame's ending, but the book gives many of its supporting players ample time to shine. Even with Violet and Xaden venturing to the Isle Kingdoms to find Fourth Wing's seventh breed of dragon, the sequel makes sure to highlight fan-favorites like Ridoc, Garrick, and Aaric. Unfortunately, those who don't accompany Violet on her mission receive less attention.
That's not to say that Violet's friends back at Basgiath remain completely stagnant throughout the third Empyrean Series book. Rhiannon certainly comes into her own as a leader, Jesinia faces challenges in her scribe training, and Imogen and Bohdi are both explored in more depth. And one of the book's most compelling storylines takes place when Violet is at the war college. Sawyer easily has one of the best character arcs in Onyx Storm, and it highlights how much more page time he deserves in the series' next installment.
Sawyer Had A Huge Arc In Onyx Storm That Was Barely Touched Upon
Sawyer Learning To Ride Again Is The Book's Best Story
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Sawyer goes on a hugely compelling journey in Onyx Storm, but with Violet spending so little time at Basgiath, it isn't touched upon nearly as much as it should be. Sawyer loses his leg during Iron Flame's final battle, and Onyx Storm picks up as he's grappling with that loss. He's still in the infirmary when the sequel opens, but Sawyer finds his way back to dragon-riding as the story progresses. This isn't without a lot of processing. Onyx Storm makes sure to highlight Sawyer's complex feelings about becoming an amputee, and it sees him learning to accept and accommodate his disability.
Onyx Storm had some great character moments throughout its run, but one reunion was underwhelming after the events of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame.
The book does a really stunning job with Sawyer's arc, even if readers don't see as much of it as we'd like. Over the course of Onyx Storm, Sawyer relearns how to walk and ride Sliseag. He also uses his metallurgy signet to make a prosthetic leg for himself, so it's clear his power is getting stronger. Onyx Storm handles his disability with care, and it gives him a touching moment to come to terms with it alongside his dragon — proof that The Empyrean Series needs more dragon-rider moments. It also needs more of Sawyer. Hopefully, the next book delivers.
Sawyer Needs More Time In The Empyrean Series Book 4
Rhiannon & Ridoc Have Both Had Bigger Arcs
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Sawyer gets a really great arc in Onyx Storm, but it's a shame that Violet — and thus, the readers — aren't present for more of it. Ridoc receives a lot of development throughout the latest Fourth Wing sequel, as he accompanies Violet on her quest and becomes a much bigger support for her. However, Rhiannon and Sawyer are left on the sidelines for much of the novel. But as Iron Flame focuses on Rhiannon's friendship with Violet, there's hope that the next Empyrean Series book will continue this trend and put Sawyer in the spotlight.
Sawyer is the only person in Violet's core friend group who still needs a bigger focus in The Empyrean Series, and his journey in Onyx Storm sets the stage for it.
Sawyer is the only person in Violet's core friend group who still needs a bigger focus in The Empyrean Series, and his journey in Onyx Storm sets the stage for it. With Sawyer back to riding, he'll be able to play a larger role in the looming conflict when The Empyrean Series returns. Giving him more scenes would also allow Onyx Storm's sequel to explore disability from a new perspective, as Sawyer's situation is different from that of Violet and Andarna.
Sawyer's Story Can Explore Disability From A Different Perspective In The Empyrean Series
His Journey Differs From Violet's & Andarna's
Sawyer is among The Empyrean Series' most lovable characters, and that alone is a reason to give him a larger purpose in future books. However, Sawyer's story can also offer disability representation that differs from what's already present in Rebecca Yarros' series. Violet and Andarna are both disabled. However, Violet's health condition is something she's born with, and Andarna learns she's unable to carry a rider as a juvenile. Sawyer is in a different scenario, as he goes from being able-bodied to having a disability due to an injury in battle.
This makes Sawyer's perspective unique compared to Violet's and Andarna's. He has to come to terms with his body as it is now and relearn how to do everyday tasks. Handled carefully, Sawyer's story could serve as an interesting counter to Violet's and Andarna's narratives. The characters could learn from one another, with Sawyer's arc expanding The Empyrean Series' already-impressive disability representation. With any luck, Onyx Storm's sequel will deliver on this potential and give us more of Sawyer's character.
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Custom Image by Ana Nieves
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