Warning: SPOILERS ahead for Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros.
Ridoc gets a much more prominent role inOnyx Storm,but one scene fromFourth Wingactually puts a devastating spin on his involvement in Violet’s mission. Ridoc has been one ofThe Empyrean Series’best characters sinceFourth Wing’s debutback in 2023. However, the latest addition to the series gives him an even greater opportunity to shine — and proves he’s more than comic relief.Onyx Stormstrengthens Ridoc’s friendship with Violet, as he strives to protect her during her journey to findAndarna’s seventh breed of dragon.
Ridoc and Violet also have a heart-to-heart towards theend ofOnyx Storm,when Ridoc realizes that Xaden has turned venin and could be a danger to his friend. And that’s not to mention the sweet momentsOnyx Stormgives us between Ridoc and Aotrom, which prove we need more dragon-rider scenes. There’s no denying how great Ridoc’s story is in thisFourth Wingsequel, and I’m glad Rebecca Yarros added him to Violet’s “Quest Squad.” However,one moment fromFourth Wingmakes his insistence on going with Violet far more tragic.
Ridoc’s Promise To Liam In Fourth Wing Could Explain Why He’s Eager To Join Quest Squad
He Might Be Filling In For His Friend In His Absence
When Violet and Jack Barlowe finally face each other on the mat inFourth Wing,Liam runs off to tell Xaden what’s happening — an attempt to keep his promise to the wingleader despite knowing this was coming. When Liam leaves, he charges Ridoc with ensuring Violet doesn’t get killed. “Guard her like you’re me,” he tells him. And given Liam’s death atthe end ofFourth Wing,some fans are suggesting that Ridoc is still fulfilling his promise to Liam two books later(viaReddit).
While Liam’s order isn’t meant to go beyond her sparring session with jack, Ridoc may have taken it to heart, especially after losing him.
After all, Ridoc seems determined to keep Violet safe inOnyx Storm, more so than any of her other close friends. He’s insistent about joining Quest Squad, repeatedly telling Violet that “bad things happen” when they aren’t together. While this could beRidoc trying to share a blessing from Zihnalwith Violet — another popular theory about his character —it could also indicate that he’s filling in for Liam. While Liam’s order isn’t meant to go beyond her sparring session with jack, Ridoc may have taken it to heart, especially after losing him.
Liam’s Death Puts A Tragic Spin On Ridoc’s Story Throughout Onyx Storm
It Makes Sense That Violet’s Friends Are Also Mourning Him
This explanation for Ridoc’s behavior inOnyx Stormputs a heartbreaking twist on his story in theFourth Wingsequel, suggesting that Ridoc is quietly grieving Liam in his own way. SinceThe Empyrean Seriesbookstake place primarily from Violet’s point of view, we don’t get to see the other characters' responses to such tragedies in depth. But it would make sense that Ridoc is trying to honor Liam after his fate inFourth Wing.While guarding Violet, Liam becomes a member of her friend group, so all of them should be mourning and missing him.
