One important storyline from Fourth Wing needs more attention, and this minor updates on book 4 of The Empyrean Series continue to be scarce, that has not stopped audiences, myself included, from speculating on what that story will entail, especially considering Onyx Storm's ending. That speculation has only grown alongside the series' character lineup, the third book introducing a host of new characters who complicate the already complex plot even further.
Rebecca Yarros not only expanded the scope of the world to include the Isle Kingdoms but also fleshed out and added to characters whose arcs we had previously only seen in small portions. Yarros also gave a few new characters a brief spotlight, though some of them will likely aid in weaving the fates of several Onyx Storm characters in the next Empyrean book. One character who caught my attention, though, has the potential to do more than that despite having a fairly minor role within Onyx Storm: Drake Cordella.
Drake Is A Minor Character In Onyx Storm, But He Deserves More Attention In Book 4
Drake's Status And Characterization Need To Be Explored More
Though he was only a minor character in Onyx Storm, Drake Cordella deserves more page time due to his high status among the fliers and his fun characterization. Drake is Cat's cousin who only had a few key moments within the third book, largely involving Mira and their many arguments. However, Drake is not just any flier, but the Captain of the Nightwing Drift and author of one of the key books on venin Basgiath uses to educate riders on their tactics.
Drake first appeared in Chapter 20 of Onyx Storm.
Drake is given some time in Onyx Storm by being selected alongside Cat to represent Poromiel on Quest Squad, much to Mira's displeasure. His humor is seen and mentioned several times as being on par with Ridoc's, which can be witnessed when he is given Broccoli the cat on Zenhylla, leading to one of Onyx Storm's best quotes. That being said, his comic attitude seems to hide just as big of a heart and tactical mind, as seen during Trager's death, through him ensuring that Cat does not disrespect their hosts while also empathizing with her pain.
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Jessinia is the only Fourth Wing character guaranteed to survive, but during an interview, Yarros confirms one new character will also remain alive.
Those moments make him a great potential comedic character and a dependable tactician, both of which will be needed after Onyx Storm. Book 4's likely darker tone means that Yarros will need another character besides Ridoc to create moments of levity, so including more of Drake's wit would assist in that goal. Drake's knowledge would also be helpful to Violet as she tries to learn more about the venin, Drake's first-hand experience on the front lines giving her insights no book can. Drake's expanded role can aid the larger series' themes as well, specifically one that Onyx Storm somewhat ignored.
Drake Could Be The Key To Expanding One Of Fourth Wing's Most Important Storylines
Drake Can Add More To The Flier's Side Of The Narrative
Through Drake, Yarros can expand on the tensions between fliers and riders as well as their respective countries she started exploring in Fourth Wing but mostly abandoned in Onyx Storm. One of the key reasons why Navarre was able to ignore the venin threat was through their ongoing war with Poromiel, which the first book heavily touched on. Iron Flame showcased how deeply the animosity ran through Cat and the younger fliers, but besides the opening negotiations at Basgiath, Onyx Storm ignores this. In exchange, Onyx Storm showcases the venins' power, which is vital but hurts the former narrative.
He can explain more about the fliers' mindset and culture, things we have not seen due to being limited to the fliers in Iron Squad, to the Senarium and the protagonists, encouraging them to set these grudges aside beyond the time it takes to defeat the venin.
Drake could, due to being a member of the new royal family of Poromiel, help bring this storyline back into the limelight by sharing more of his experiences. He can explain more about the fliers' mindset and culture, things we have not seen due to being limited to the fliers in Iron Squad, to the Senarium and the protagonists, encouraging them to set these grudges aside beyond the time it takes to defeat the venin. As a result, he can bring that feud back into focus, emphasizing the series' points on history and collaboration that Onyx Storm did not explore.
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
- Fantasy
- Publisher
- Entangled: Red Tower Books
- Franchise
- The Empyrean Series
- ISBN#
- 1649374186
- Author(s)
- Rebecca Yarros
