Rebecca Yarros' comments regarding book 4 of worried about Rebecca Yarros' next Fourth Wing book as 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.
While updates on book 4 of The Empyrean Series have been kept scarce in an official capacity, Yarros did divulge a few details on what is in store. During the Onyx Storm press 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 in Onyx 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 of The Empyrean Series make me think that Dain is not as safe as we assume, as some readers liked him before Onyx Storm. Yarros, in an interview with Variety, elaborated on her hint from the Onyx Storm tour 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 in The 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 throughout The 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 after Onyx Storm and 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 in The 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 of Onyx Storm's best characters despite his minimal role, his few moments showcasing his growth and that he understands the mistakes of his previous approach. Dain's 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 truth but could also hurt him in The Empyrean Series if 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 in The Empyrean Series is that his relationship with Sloane would be concluded before it even began to be explored, much like Cat and Trager's in Onyx Storm. Even though Dain being the possible character death in The Empyrean Series' next book makes 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 that Onyx Storm did for Trager and Cat.
Trager died in Zehyllna in Chapter 39 of Onyx Storm.
Trager's death in Onyx Storm did 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 for The Empyrean Series as fewer and fewer characters are spared.
- Genre
- Fantasy
- Publisher
- Entangled: Red Tower Books
- Franchise
- The Empyrean Series
- ISBN#
- 1649374186
- Author(s)
- Rebecca Yarros
- Publication Date
- 2025/01/01
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.
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