The forthcoming installment in The Empyrean Series must address a significant challenge concerning its antagonists, an issue that has become increasingly clear following the release of Onyx Storm. While this latest book presents a multitude of pivotal moments, enriching the overarching narrative, it also underscores a recurring villain dilemma that has persisted since the days of Iron Flame. This particular flaw detracts from the series’ overall storytelling effectiveness.
In Onyx Storm, we observe that the villains are characterized more by their annoyance than genuine threat. Many of them meet swift ends or play inconsequential roles, with characters like Halden and Aura only managing to annoy Violet and Xaden before they are unceremoniously eliminated. This pattern diminishes their significance in the grand scope of the narrative and raises concerns about how effectively larger antagonists, such as Colonel Aetos and the Iron Squad, are portrayed. Fortunately, the depiction of these characters offers Rebecca Yarros a pathway to enhance their roles moving forward.
The Empyrean Series Faces a Villainous Conundrum, Especially After Onyx Storm
Theophanie Emerges as the Most Compelling Villain in The Empyrean Series
The core issue about the villains in The Empyrean Series becomes increasingly pronounced in Onyx Storm, where most antagonists are given minimal depth and motivation. It often boils down to a simplistic desire to torment Violet or embody sheer malevolence. A prime example of this is Colonel Aetos, whose interactions with Violet and Xaden are purely antagonistic, limiting his character development and relevance to broader story arcs.
In stark contrast stands Theophanie, who is arguably the most intriguing villain introduced thus far. Unlike more one-dimensional characters such as Varrish or Jack Barlowe, Theophanie possesses a somewhat sympathetic backstory as a former priestess of Dunne. This element creates a compelling juxtaposition with Violet’s own journey of power and altruism, suggesting that Theophanie could have evolved into a fascinating antagonist had her character been developed further within the series. Nonetheless, there remains potential for Yarros to explore similar narrative threads in future works.
The Next Fourth Wing Installment Should Provide Greater Depth to Its Villains
Exploring the Complex Relationships of Berwyn and Colonel Aetos with Xaden and Dain
The upcoming book in The Empyrean Series has an opportunity to delve into the complexities surrounding Berwyn and Colonel Aetos, establishing them as mirrors to Xaden and Dain. By examining how Dain might have followed in his father’s footsteps, Yarros could enrich Colonel Aetos’ character, revealing the fears and aspirations that drive his antagonistic actions. This exploration could culminate in a poignant moment between the two, highlighting Dain’s choice of bravery over his father’s cowardice.
Additionally, the dynamic between Berwyn and Xaden presents a fertile ground for character development. By allowing Berwyn to share his journey towards becoming venin and his own internal struggles with power, readers could see parallels with Xaden’s experiences upon discovering his second signet. Such connections would elevate Berwyn beyond the role of a mere adversary, fostering a nuanced understanding of both characters’ paths and potential redemption. A nuanced portrayal of these dynamics will not only enhance the storyline but will also provide a rich backdrop for character evolution.
The next book in The Empyrean Series has the potential to showcase how pivotal choices define characters’ destinies, illuminating the thin line separating heroism from villainy.