Riding into Onyx Storm: Xaden Riorson - Shadow Daddy or Villain?

The Empyrean Saga

Author: Rebecca Yarros

The third installment of the The Empyrean Saga, “Onyx Storm”, releases today, and we thought we would give our Book Besties a rating and summary of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame so that you are ready to dive in without having to reread the first two books prior to this next piece of the story. Update – Keep reading for our thoughts on Onyx Storm at the bottom of this post.

Or maybe you remember what happened, but you want to reread some spicy scenes between our favorite Dragon Riders before diving back in! We got you covered! Keep reading to find what you’re looking for.

Fair warning, there are spoilers below!! If you intend to read this series in its entirety, skip the book summaries, and go straight to the ratings and spicy chapters. Enjoy!

Note: This series is an adult fantasy romance.

Drink: Purple Dragon Martini

Drink Recipe:

3 ounces of Vodka
1 ½ ounces of cranberry juice
½ ounce of Blue Curaçao
½ ounce of sour mix
Splash of Sprite

Book Recipe:

3 parts secrets
1 ½ parts shadow daddy
½ part passionate lightning strikes
½ part fight to the death in the ring
A splash of dragon love

Fourth Wing and Iron Flame introduces readers to a world where war, dragons, and betrayal shape the lives of its characters. Violet Sorrengail is the fragile yet tenacious heroine and daughter of General Sorrengail, her mother. Violet enters the brutal War College to train as a dragon rider, defying the expectations of her powerful and callous mother, Lilith Sorrengail and her sister, Mira Sorrengail – both exceptional dragon riders themselves. Enter Dain Aetos and Xaden Riorson—the two very different but attractive men and dragon riders that are living rent free in Violet’s mind when she’s not fighting to stay alive. Dain is dependable, her best friend since she was 5, and always seeks to protect her. While Xaden is brooding, dangerous, and with his own secrets—who unexpectedly becomes a critical piece of Violet’s story. As tensions rise, love and loyalty are tested, leading to a shocking betrayal that leaves readers eager for answers.

Xaden Riorson: The Shadow Daddy in the Making

Xaden, the enigmatic and dangerous dragon rider, brings the classic “shadow daddy” vibes—broody, intense, and morally gray. However, in Fourth Wing, Xaden’s character is carefully guarded, with much of his motivation hidden. Told exclusively through Violet’s perspective, we see glimpses of his loyalty, his leadership among the riders, and his protective instincts toward Violet. His dark, brooding demeanor is softened only by the moments where his actions betray a deeper care for her, but it’s not until the final chapters that we start to understand the weight of his secrets.

Xaden Riorson may not yet be the fully developed book boyfriend readers crave by the end of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, but his potential is definitely there. He’s dark, intense, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect the people he loves, even at great personal cost. The slow-burn romance between Xaden and Violet unfolds naturally, heightened by mutual distrust, electric chemistry, and high-stakes tension. By the book’s cliffhanger endings, readers see that Xaden’s feelings for Violet are real, but his secrets—however noble—may have destroyed the trust she placed in him.

Fourth Wing (Book #1)

The first book in The Empyrean Saga begins with our heroine, Violet Sorrengail, whose life takes a dangerous turn when she’s forced to enter the Riders Quadrant at Basgiath War College, where only the strongest survive to bond with dragons. Fragile and far smaller than the other candidates, Violet must rely on her sharp mind and quick wit to stay alive, especially with ruthless rivals willing to kill for a better chance at success. Among them is Xaden Riorson, the powerful wingleader with every reason to despise her for her family’s legacy. As Violet fights for her place, the war beyond the college grows more threatening. In this brutal world where alliances are dangerous and survival is never guaranteed, Violet must prove she’s more than her fragile body—and uncover the truth beyond the borders before it’s too late.

Let’s Recap: Spoilers Below!

For readers eager to dive into Iron Flame, here’s a quick refresher from Fourth Wing to jog your memory. Spoilers ahead, so proceed only if you’ve already flown through Violet Sorrengail’s daring adventure in the brutal world of Basgiath War College!

Violet Sorrengail, born with a frail constitution and initially destined for a quieter life as a scribe, must fight to survive at every turn among those stronger, faster, and more ruthless. And we aren’t just talking about the dragons. The odds are stacked against her, with students encouraged to kill their competition. But Violet’s wit, strategy, and resilience make her a force to be reckoned with. Violet’s journey leads her to bond with not one but two dragons – Tairn and Andarna. Aside from making it past Threshing (dragon bonding), her bond to Tairn brings a unique dynamic where Violet is able to exclusively communicate with her bonded dragon, who happens to be the largest, rarest, and more ruthless dragon in existence. Her connection to Tairn, and his fierce golden counterpart Andarna, sets her apart, as does her growing ability to wield lightning as a signet power.

The book’s romantic tension centers on Violet’s relationship with Xaden Riorson, a rebellious squad leader bearing the burden of his father’s rebellion. Initially a wary and dangerous figure in Violet’s life, Xaden becomes an unexpected ally and love interest, even as secrets of his true motives emerge. Their romance intertwines with mounting threats of rebellion and hints of corruption within the Navarre government. Violet also navigates friendships with characters like Rhiannon, her loyal ally, and grapples with betrayal when she discovers her brother Brennan, long thought dead, is alive and part of a growing insurgent force.

Violet also faces a devastating betrayal by Dain Aetos whose unwavering loyalty to Navarre blinds him to her survival and autonomy. Dain’s actions, including attempting to use his powers to manipulate Violet’s memories, shatter their bond. This betrayal not only deepens the emotional stakes but sharpens the contrast between Dain and Xaden, intensifying the romantic tension. The lingering question of Dain’s loyalty and his feelings for Violet adds a layer of complexity to the plot, rounding out a compelling love triangle.

The climactic finale leaves readers breathless: Violet uncovers chilling truths about Navarre’s suppression of rebellion, Xaden’s secret allegiance to the insurgency, and the looming danger of a growing Venin threat—dark magic users threatening to upend their world. With Brennan’s return and Violet’s growing powers, the stage is set for a turbulent journey in Iron Flame.

The Set Up for Iron Flame: Tension, Betrayal, and Promise

At its core, Fourth Wing is a slow-burn fantasy romance that thrives on sexual angst. Xaden and Violet’s relationship is marked by mistrust and simmering chemistry. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic plays well here—Violet’s emotional openness contrasts sharply with Xaden’s stoic, closed-off nature. Their connection develops in stages, building anticipation and culminating in explosive moments of vulnerability and intimacy.

However, the relationship takes a dramatic turn in the final chapters. Xaden’s betrayal—rooted in his secret agenda to help the people outside the border of Navarre and withheld truths about the existence of Wyverns and Venins—shatters Violet’s trust just as she begins to fall for him. This shift sets up the central romantic conflict for the sequel, Iron Flame: Can Xaden earn back Violet’s trust and love? While Xaden isn’t perfect, the groundwork for an unforgettable book boyfriend has been laid, and we couldn’t wait to see him evolve in Iron Flame. The ending of Fourth Wing promises a redemption arc for Xaden as he fights to win back Violet’s trust.

Iron Flame (Book #2)

Second-year training grows even more brutal, Violet faces a relentless new vice commandant determined to break her spirit and make her betray the man she loves. With her fragile body pushed beyond its limits and the war escalating outside the college walls, Violet must rely on her intellect, willpower, and the lessons she’s learned as a dragon rider to survive. Yet, with dangerous secrets about Basgiath and the kingdom’s leadership now unearthed, Violet discovers that strength alone may not be enough to face what’s coming. The stakes are higher, the enemies deadlier, and survival feels more impossible than ever.

Let’s Recap! Spoiler Below:

Iron Flame, the second book in the Empyrean Saga, picks up where Fourth Wing left off, throwing readers straight into the chaos following Violet’s shocking discoveries. Violet Sorrengail must navigate her second year at Basgiath War College, where the stakes have risen higher as Dain Aetos dad is trying to have her and her friends assassinated for discovering the truth about the venin and wyverns beyond the borders. Following the revelation that her brother Brennan is alive and part of the insurgency, Violet finds herself torn between her loyalty to Navarre and the growing evidence of the government’s corruption. Meanwhile, the Venin become an ever-looming threat as their influence spreads dangerously close to Navarre’s borders. Violet is forced to confront not only her growing power but also the question of how far she’s willing to go to fight for the truth.

The tension between Violet and Xaden deepens as their relationship is tested by more secrets, mistrust, and external pressures. Xaden’s involvement in the insurgency becomes more central to the plot, and Violet grapples with whether she can fully trust him while trying to reconcile her strong feelings for him. Communication issues between Violet and Xaden are the main tension in this sequel. Dain’s continued allegiance to Navarre complicates matters further, as his actions grow increasingly hostile toward Violet, positioning him as a dangerous adversary rather than a former friend. Alongside personal conflicts, Violet’s bond with Tairn and Andarna strengthens, with the dragons playing an even more pivotal role in her survival and the battles to come. We ultimately learn that Andarna is part of a rare 7th breed of dragons which this book sets up to be explored more fully in the new installment. The introduction of new characters and alliances, such as Cat, Xaden’s ex-girlfriend who is a Gryphon Rider, expands the scope of the story, adding layers of intrigue and betrayal.

The book builds to a climactic confrontation with devastating consequences, as the Venin launch a horrifying attack, forcing Violet and her allies to make impossible choices which leave Violet’s mother dead, Violet discovering that Xaden has a second signet ability as an inntinnsic where he can read other people’s intentions, and the biggest revelation, which is that Xaden becomes Venin. The closing chapters set the stage for an explosive continuation in the third installment, with Violet’s newfound resolve and growing powers promising even greater challenges ahead with Andarna’s unfolding powers and Xaden’s future love for her as a dark wielder himself. Fans are left eagerly anticipating how the battle for Navarre’s future—and Violet’s heart—will unfold.

Final Thoughts: Is Xaden the Book Boyfriend for You?

While Xaden’s secrets and stoicism can frustrate Violet—and readers—it’s clear he’s positioned for significant growth in the series. If you love slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romances, bad boy heroes, and high-stakes betrayal with dragons thrown into the mix, Fourth Wing and Iron Flame are going to be a fun read. This is a good palate cleanser that gives you romance with adventure and gut wrenching deaths. So far, Xaden has proved that he’s desperately in love, and that bodes well for him in the book boyfriend department, but his inability to open up and merely communicate with his partner loses him points. Overall, we think he has room for improvement, and can’t quite decide his ultimate book boyfriend status until we see how his character unfolds in later books, but we’re looking forward to it all the same.

Dragons, danger, and defiance await—are you ready to fly back into the chaos? We are!

Onyx Storm (Book #3)

In Onyx Storm, the stakes have never been higher for Violet Sorrengail as she steps beyond the safety of Basgiath War College into a world on the brink of war. With the protective wards of Navarre failing and enemies closing in from all sides, Violet must navigate dangerous alliances, uncover long-buried truths, and harness every ounce of her strength to protect the people and dragons she loves. Alongside Xaden, whose own secrets could change everything, she faces impossible choices that will determine the fate of their world. Magic, power, and betrayal intertwine as Violet searches for the truth that could either save them all—or bring their downfall. As the storm approaches, survival is no longer guaranteed, and trust is a luxury she can’t afford.

Xaden’s Growth as a Book Boyfriend

In Onyx Storm, Xaden Riorson continues to solidify his status as an elite book boyfriend, especially because of his unwavering protection of Violet—not in a toxic or overbearing way, but in a fiercely devoted kind of way. He sees Violet for the leader she is, believes in her abilities, and supports her independence, which is exactly what we want from a book boyfriend. He’s not hovering over her to control her—he’s standing beside her, ready to fight for and with her, while still grappling with his own transformation into a venin.

Xaden’s caution around the danger he now poses to Violet adds a layer of complexity to his character. It’s clear that his feelings for her come before anything else, but he’s also aware that loving her means protecting her—even from himself if necessary. The tension of this internal struggle makes him more dynamic and captivating than ever.

Jealousy Trope & A Little Bit of Fun

One of the more entertaining aspects of this book was the exploration of the jealousy trope, particularly since we finally got to meet Violet’s ex-boyfriend. Watching Xaden navigate his emotions when faced with someone from Violet’s past was both hilarious and a little bit satisfying—because let’s be honest, we love a jealous MMC when it’s done right.

That being said, his decision to become a professor? Yeah… we could have done without that one. While it may have been meant to add a layer of tension or complexity, it felt a bit forced and unnecessary, and honestly, we preferred him as the brooding warrior rather than the academic authority figure.

The Ultimate Grand Gesture

We won’t drop spoilers here, but if you’ve finished Onyx Storm, you already know what we’re talking about when we say Xaden makes the ultimate grand gesture. It’s the kind of move that locks in his status as a memorable romantasy book boyfriend—one that proves, beyond any doubt, that Violet comes before everything in his world. His kingdom, his land, his family—nothing matters more than her, and that level of commitment and sacrifice? Chef’s kiss.

Honorable Mentions: Banter Kings Ridoc & Dain

While Xaden remains the star of the show, we have to give a shoutout to Ridoc and Dain, who brought the comedic relief with some great one-liners and hilarious interactions. Their banter kept things light and balanced out the intensity of the plot—which we always appreciate.

Final Thoughts: Xaden’s Progress & Future Potential

While Xaden has undeniably grown, he’s hovering around a solid 3 out of 5 book boyfriend rating for us. Why? Because while his protectiveness, devotion, and respect for Violet are amazing, he is venin, even if he’s fighting it, but ultimately he still has room to grow. Plus, it’s hard to overlook his constant “struggle” to be intimate with Violet, which comes off a bit too tease heavy for the readers at times. However, we’re confident that in Book 4, he’s only going to get better as his character deepens and his relationship with Violet continues to evolve.

We cannot wait to see where Rebecca Yarros takes this series next, and based on Onyx Storm, it’s safe to say Xaden’s book boyfriend ranking still has plenty of room to climb!

Maybe you don’t want to reread the books before Book 3 drops, but instead read the good stuff to warm you up before diving into “Onyx Storm,” here are your spicy chapters for each book:

Fourth Wing: 22, 29, 30, 32

Iron Flame: 27, 37, 48

Onyx Storm: 3, 25, 48-49

The first two books are available on Kindle Unlimited. And the Third Book, “Onyx Storm” drops today! [but not on KU] Get caught up with your spicy chapters on the first two books before diving in! And stay tuned for any updates on Xaden’s Book boyfriend status!

How to Contact Us! Want to recommend a book or chat about if Xaden will survive Onyx Storm? Reach out or comment below! If you want more Book Boyfriends and Booze, follow us on IG, X and TikTok.

Book Boyfriends and Booze