Rebecca Yarros' comments regarding book 4 ofThe Empyrean Seriesmake me think that she could end up killing off someone we have not really considered. After the events ofOnyx Storm,audiences have been rightlyworried about Rebecca Yarros' nextFourth Wingbookas the stakes rise for Violet and her friends, Xaden’s disappearance and her missing memories only leading to darker times in the series ahead. Yarros has not necessarily helped matters, giving away a hint that has sent audiences, myself included, scrambling for clues before the next book’s arrival.
Whileupdates on book 4 ofThe Empyrean Serieshave been kept scarce in an official capacity, Yarros did divulge a few details on what is in store.During theOnyx Stormpress tour, Yarros revealed that"someone you love won’t make it"in the next book, with readers responding by theorizing who it could be based on the current storyline of each character inOnyx Storm.However, one character has been taken out of the running that I think could still be in danger, despite their past, due to another conversation Yarros had regarding the next book: Dain.
Rebecca Yarros' Comments Make Me Think Dain Could Die After All In Book 4 Of The Empyrean Series
Yarros Points Out How Character Popularity Is Subjective
Yarros' comments discussing her earlier statements about book 4 ofThe Empyrean Seriesmake me think that Dain is not as safe as we assume, as some readers liked him beforeOnyx Storm.Yarros, in an interview withVariety,elaborated on her hint from theOnyx Stormtour as well as a few other details for the next book.She specifically stated"Everybody loves different characters. So it could be someone you don’t love, but someone someone else does,“which in my mind puts Dain back in the running for the next death inThe Empyrean Series.
Some parts of the fandom did at least understand Dain and liked aspects of him before that, which speaks exactly to Yarros' secondary point.
After hearing Yarros' initial clue, many assumed that the character was someone universally loved by the fandom throughoutThe Empyrean Series, such as Ridoc. Though those guesses are strong ones, considering Yarros' wording, Dain is not completely safe despite only gaining that level of popularity afterOnyx Stormand Yarros' recorded love for the character. Some parts of the fandom did at least understand Dain and liked aspects of him before that, which speaks exactly to Yarros' secondary point. That makes Dain a strong choice for the next death, especially considering the direction of his redemption arc.
Dain Dying Would Make Sense For His Redemption Arc
Dain’s Need For Atonement Will Likely Make Him More Reckless
If Dain were to die in the next book inThe Empyrean Series,it would make sense, as his desire to atone for his past pairs strongly with his status as one of Violet’s protectors.Dain became one ofOnyx Storm’s best charactersdespite his minimal role, his few moments showcasing his growth and that he understands the mistakes of his previous approach.Dain’s support of Violet during Quest Squad’s adventure really highlights this,as he trusted in her judgment in ways he did not in previous books despite the remaining emotional distance between them.
One Onyx Storm Reunion Was Completely Underwhelming (& The Next Book Needs To Fix It)
Onyx Storm had some great character moments throughout its run, but one reunion was underwhelming after the events of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame.
That being said, this minimal role could mean that his redemption arc is almost complete, especially as that need for redemption has manifested into a dangerous pattern.Dain sneaking into his father’s office and opposing him outright showcases his newfound dedication to the truthbut could also hurt him inThe Empyrean Seriesif he is not careful. This, combined with the fact that he is still one of Violet’s protectors could lead to a final heroic sacrifice that completes his arc.
There Would Be 1 Huge Drawback To Dain Dying In The Empyrean Series Book 4
Dain And Sloane’s Romance Would Copy Cat And Trager’s
A huge drawback to Dain being the next one to die inThe Empyrean Seriesis that his relationship with Sloane would be concluded before it even began to be explored, much like Cat and Trager’s inOnyx Storm. Even thoughDain being the possiblecharacter death inThe Empyrean Series’next bookmakes sense for his arc,his newfound romance with Sloane would get cut before it developed,shattering what could be a great mirror romance plot to Violet and Xaden’s. Not only that, but it would repeat the storyline thatOnyx Stormdid for Trager and Cat.
Trager died in Zehyllna in Chapter 39 ofOnyx Storm.
Trager’s death inOnyx Stormdid add to the stakes, but it also limited Cat’s character arc, which was already minimal in this book. Sloane, much like Cat, was also given a limited arc outside of her guilt over the death of General Sorrengail and her romance with Dain. If Dain were to die, it would reduce the impact of Sloane’s arc and take away that mirror to Violet and Xaden’s love story, which would be the more fascinating angle. Dain’s death, ultimately, would work as a double-edged sword forThe Empyrean Seriesas fewer and fewer characters are spared.
Onyx Storm
Violet Sorrengail faces new political intrigue and battles old enemies while uncovering the secrets of her second signet. As she strives to save Xaden from venin corruption, her relationships with allies and dragons are tested, leading to intense confrontations and unexpected revelations in a world of dragons and magic.
