There is one Onyx Storm scene that no one is seemingly discussing even though it could be very important for the next book in The Empyrean Series. Onyx Storm was full of powerful moments involving every single major character, from ones that had huge impacts on the overall plot to ones that progressed the character arcs of several fan favorites, such as Ridoc, in new ways. Ridoc’s decision to join The Quest Squad is one of those moments, his arc in the third installment heavily influencing his character and possibly his fate in the rest of the series.
Despite how serious everything was, Ridoc’s one-liners in Onyx Storm made sure the story had some levity to it and showcased how he became so popular in the first place. That being said, a certain moment involving Ridoc in Onyx Storm was no laughing matter. Ridoc’s near-death on Hedontis, while played for comedy, marks a troubling trend for him in The Empyrean Series, as it is the second time the comic relief character has faced death. This has left readers such as myself worrying about his fate in the next book.
Ridoc’s Near Stabbing Scene Is The Second Time He Almost Died In The Empyrean Series
The First Time Was His Arrow Injury In Iron Flame
Ridoc’s near-stabbing in Onyx Storm marks the second time he has almost been killed off in The Empyrean Series, though his first near-death was framed as more dire. In the Hedotis arc, Violet races to find what their hosts used to poison Garrick when Ridoc is attacked by the cook, who stabs his side to Violet’s shock. However, the situation is quickly resolved as Ridoc is unharmed, the cook’s knife only tearing his flight jacket, leaving him comedically incensed about the prospect of resewing it. This even led to the second Ridoc signet theory for Onyx Storm.
Ridoc’s fake-out death with the cook is in Chapters 36-37 of Onyx Storm.
As mentioned, despite the comedic nature of this Onyx Storm scene, it is still the second time Rebecca Yarros almost kills Ridoc. The first in Iron Flame was a bit more severe, as Ridoc was actually injured by the arrow trap that was triggered as they hiked the Cliffs of Dralor, with Brennan’s timely arrival saving him from a worse fate. Even so, Ridoc’s many near-deaths do add up, making his death in book 4 a very likely possibility, especially when paired with other pressing factors about his arc.
Ridoc’s Near Deaths Make Him A Likely Candidate To Die In Book 4
Rebecca Yarros’ Words And His Role In Onyx Storm Also Factor In
Ridoc’s near deaths, combined with his newfound status as one of Violet’s protectors and Yarros’ comments, make him a likely candidate to unfortunately die in book 4 of The Empyrean Series. Ridoc in Onyx Storm has, throughout the book, taken it upon himself to protect Violet both physically and emotionally, highlighting his big heart and strengthening their relationship. Ridoc’s concern for her after discovering the truth about Xaden and his presence on The Quest Squad has cemented that protector role for him, which puts him in danger like other characters before him.
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Many of Violet’s protectors, such as Liam and her mother, have met their ends due to that very quest, which, when paired with the near-death experiences, does not bode well for Ridoc. In addition to this, Yarros herself mentioned that a beloved character will die in book 4 during Onyx Storm‘s tour, leading several to assume that she means Ridoc due to these factors. If Ridoc were to die, though, these near deaths may have ruined the real one’s impact, as actually killing him off would now be a letdown for The Empyrean Series in various ways.
Ridoc Dying Would Be A Bit Of A Letdown After All The Fakeouts
It Would Needlessly Continue A Big Storyline For Violet
Having Ridoc die after his two major fakeouts in Iron Flame and Onyx Storm would be a disappointing outcome for The Empyrean Series books as it would not only be predictable but also drive in a needless point. A well-known trope within fiction is the rule of three, which one could argue is at play here for Ridoc’s arc, as he has almost died twice and would need to truly die the third time. This would be frustrating, however, as we can easily see it coming. His death now would be as unsatisfying as it would be cliché.
Ridoc’s death would be pointless as it would prove an already-proven point in Onyx Storm at the cost of a well-done, beloved comic relief character.
In a similar vein, Ridoc’s death would once again drive home the point that Violet cannot rely on others for protection and must rely on herself. Liam and her mother’s deaths emphasized this lesson in the first two books, but Violet’s arc in the third shows she has learned this and has taken steps to make sure she can stand on her own. Ridoc’s death would be pointless as it would prove an already-proven point in Onyx Storm at the cost of a well-done, beloved comic relief character.
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.
- Genre
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Fantasy
- Publisher
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Entangled: Red Tower Books
- ISBN#
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1649374186
- Author(s)
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Rebecca Yarros