Ep. 2 Onyx Storm Battle Brief: Explaining the Final Chapters
Release Date: 02/07/2025
Hannah Nicole Maehrer - Accomplice to the Villain | A Dear Fantasy Author Interview
Dear Fantasy Reader
🎤 Recorded before release day — one of Hannah Nicole Maehrer’s first interviews about Accomplice to the Villain! In this special Dear Fantasy Author episode, hosts Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly sit down with Hannah Nicole Maehrer to get the inside scoop on Accomplice to the Villain! This episode was recorded before the book’s official release, making it one of Hannah Nicole Maehrer’s first in-depth interviews about the story. As some of the earliest readers to dive into this world, the hosts came armed with questions, theories, and all the romantasy chaos you’d expect from...
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Accomplice To The Villain Immediate Thoughts & Reactions | Fangirl Breakdown
Dear Fantasy Reader
In this spoiler-filled reaction episode, hosts Kinsey and Karly (and Kingsley??) break down their initial thoughts & reactions to Hannah Nicole Maehrer’s highly anticipated Accomplice to the Villain, which released yesterday, August 5th, 2025. The excitement? High. The chaos? Unhinged. As our resident ATTV-fangirl, Kinsey dropped everything to read Accomplice to the Villain as soon as the advanced reader copy hit our email (thank you RedTower & Entangled!). Unfortunately for her, this meant she had to very impatiently wait for another cohost to finish before she could fully...
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Jade Presley - The Never List | A Dear Fantasy Author Interview
Dear Fantasy Reader
In this spicy new episode of Dear Fantasy Author, hosts Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly sit down with New York Times bestselling author, Jade Presley, to talk all things The Never List, a steamy “why choose” romantasy packed with magic, myth, and four very swoon-worthy love interests. This book became an instant book club favorite—and we were so excited to get the inside scoop directly from the author herself! Jade shares how she built this unforgettable fantasy world (including the inspiration behind the gem-themed cities), why she wanted her magic system to feel earned, and what it was like...
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Stacey McEwan - A Forbidden Alchemy | A Dear Fantasy Author Interview
Dear Fantasy Reader
🎤 Recorded the day before the US release date - one of Stacey’s first in-depth interviews about A Forbidden Alchemy! In this special Dear Fantasy Author episode, hosts Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly sit down with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Stacey McEwan to get the inside scoop on her brand-new romantasy release, A Forbidden Alchemy! Known for her signature blend of humor and heartbreak, Stacey delivers a world of gangster grit, slow burn tension, a wildly unique magic system, found family, devastating twists, and just enough banter to make the heartbreak hurt...
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What’s Next for Dear Fantasy Reader: New Formats, New Books, Same Fangirl Energy
Dear Fantasy Reader
With Onyx Storm wrapped, the DFR hosts—Hannah, Kinsey, & Karly—are giving you a quick update on what’s coming next for the pod! From new season formats to upcoming coverage plans—this is everything you need to know about what’s changing, what’s staying, and what’s ahead! Featuring: A shift from chapter-by-chapter deep dives to fast-paced prep and post-release reactions What series they are covering next How upcoming seasons are being planned around 2026’s biggest romantasy releases 📌 Explore the full DFRP season guide: Want more from Dear Fantasy Reader? The...
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Bree Grenwich & Parker Lennox | A Dear Fantasy Author Interview
Dear Fantasy Reader
🎤THE ONLY PLACE THE ESPRITHEAN 3 BOOK DETAILS HAVE BEEN REVEALED! (title, cover, and release date—all first announced in this episode) In this special Dear Fantasy Author episode, hosts Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly sit down with Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox, co-authors of the Esprithean series, for a two-part interview that blends cozy chaos, craft talk, and major romantasy reveals. The first portion of the episode is completely spoiler-free and perfect for anyone curious about the Esprithean series. We chat about Riftborne, Duskbound, and the authors’ upcoming spinoff series,...
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Ep. 18 Onyx Storm Deep Dive: Ch. 63-66 | Easter Eggs, Theories & Key Moments
Dear Fantasy Reader
Join your favorite Quest Squadmates—Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly—as they dive deep into chapters 63-66 of Rebecca Yarros' captivating fantasy, Onyx Storm! First, they'll journey into the Archives Vault for a quick chapter recap before diving into an engaging, in-depth discussion and analysis of key moments, sharing transformative insights from Yarros’ recent Q&As, and drawing thoughtful connections to earlier books in the Empyrean series. Next, it's time for a check-in at the Healer’s Quadrant, where they'll take the temperature of beloved characters, share favorite moments,...
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Ep. 17 Onyx Storm Deep Dive: Ch. 58-62 | Easter Eggs, Theories & Key Moments
Dear Fantasy Reader
Join your favorite Quest Squadmates—Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly—as they dive deep into chapters 58-62 of Rebecca Yarros' captivating fantasy, Onyx Storm! First, they'll journey into the Archives Vault for a quick chapter recap before diving into an engaging, in-depth discussion and analysis of key moments, sharing transformative insights from Yarros’ recent Q&As, and drawing thoughtful connections to earlier books in the Empyrean series. Next, it's time for a check-in at the Healer’s Quadrant, where they'll take the temperature of beloved characters, share favorite moments,...
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Ep. 16 Onyx Storm Deep Dive: Ch. 53-57 | Easter Eggs, Theories & Key Moments
Dear Fantasy Reader
Join your favorite Quest Squadmates—Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly—as they dive deep into chapters 53-57 of Rebecca Yarros' captivating fantasy, Onyx Storm! First, they'll journey into the Archives Vault for a quick chapter recap before diving into an engaging, in-depth discussion and analysis of key moments, sharing transformative insights from Yarros’ recent Q&As, and drawing thoughtful connections to earlier books in the Empyrean series. Next, it's time for a check-in at the Healer’s Quadrant, where they'll take the temperature of beloved characters, share favorite moments,...
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Shield of Sparrows Immediate Thoughts & Reactions | Fangirl Breakdown
Dear Fantasy Reader
In this spoiler-filled reaction episode, Hannah and Karly hit record just two minutes after Hannah finished reading Shield of Sparrows. The emotions? Raw. The spiraling? Immediate. The chaos? Very. Real. Karly finished the book first and, like the responsible bookish bestie she is, threw together a quick outline to help guide the conversation. But let’s be honest, this episode was recorded between 1am and 3am, so no matter how structured it tries to be... it’s still mostly unhinged. This is the kind of post-read breakdown where your heart is still racing, your voice is too loud, and you...
info_outlineJoin squadmates Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly for an Onyx Storm Battle Brief as they break down and explain the book's jaw-dropping, emotionally wrecking end chapters. With intense action, foreshadowing, and hidden Easter eggs packed into the finale, it’s no surprise that readers have questions—and they’re here to help clear up the confusion!
In this episode, the Dear Fantasy Reader team delivers a concise summary of the key moments, shedding light on some of the most debated elements of the book’s shocking cliffhanger. Drawing from their deep dive and insights from Rebecca Yarros’ recent Denver Q&A, they unpack the essential details to help make sense of the chaos.
While a full chapter-by-chapter analysis is on the horizon, this discussion stays focused on Onyx Storm’s explosive conclusion—breaking down pivotal scenes and answering top listener questions. Whether you’re looking for clarity or gearing up for a reread, this episode is your ultimate guide to understanding the storm before diving back in!
*All episodes include spoilers for the entirety of Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm*
**PDF RESOURCE OF BULLET POINTS OF KEY MOMENTS, LOCATIONS, AND OBJECTIVES: AVAILABLE ON PATREON http://patreon.com/dearfantasyreaderpodcast**
00:00 Intro
03:18 CH 63 Summary
04:53 CH 64 Summary
06:17 CH 65 Summary
08:08 CH 66 Summary
09:19 How do the final chapters of Onyx Storm potentially overlap?
10:33 Who is Xaden's new "brother"? Who are the possible people it could be?
13:28 Who is Berwyn?
13:57 How did the sage summon Xaden, and why can't Xaden kill the sage?
14:41 Is Jack the Sage's biological son?
15:02 How did Panchek’s dragon die, and did Panchek die?
15:44 Why does Xaden channel knowing he will fully turn venin?
15:59 Did Xaden’s shadows kill dragons?
16:29 What favor was Xaden referring to when talking with Sgaeyl?
17:04 Why did Xaden and Violet get married?
17:53 Did Xaden and Violet marry at the temple in Aretia?
18:10 Can you break down the note that Xaden left Violet?
19:33 What is going to happen to Sgaeyl? Did she break the bond with Xaden? Does she go with Xaden or stay with Tairn?
20:18 Why did Andarna tell Violet "I won't let them burn you"?
20:43 What happened in the 12 hours at the end of Onyx Storm?
21:16 Why were the dragon eggs stolen and who stole them?
21:51 Who killed the elder dragons?
22:03 Who is missing at the end?
22:45 Why did Brennan act shocked when he saw her?
24:40 How did the stone dagger kill Theophanie?
27:37 How to cope with the Onyx Storm Book Hangover: Recommendations
39:14 ****Patreon Shout Outs & Details
*Please note that ads may affect the timestamps by a few minutes*
Want more from Dear Fantasy Reader?
The DFRP chapters so far:
• Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame
• Season 2: Onyx Storm Prep
• Season 3: Onyx Storm Deep Dive
• Season 4: Dear Fantasy Author — our ongoing author interview series featuring your favorite romantasy writers!
• Follow us on Instagram @dearfantasyreaderpod to see who we’re interviewing next!
• Season 5: The Overflowing TBR — our ongoing collection of bonus book chats, reactions, wild theories, and anything that doesn’t fit into a formal season but absolutely deserve their moment.
• & MORE TO COME!
Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: https://www.dearfantasyreader.com
✨ Join our Dear Fantasy Reader Book Club! ✨
Each month, we pick a romantasy/fantasy read (not covered on the pod!) and host a live stream discussion + exclusive chat channels in our private Discord. Voting, livestream access, and read-along convos are all available on Patreon — come read with us!
NEXT BOOK CLUB LIVE STREAM: April 30th covering Riftborne by Parker Lennox & Bree Grenwich!
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ARCHIVES:
Rebecca Yarros Onyx Storm Variety Interview Article - https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/onyx-storm-ending-spoilers-book-4-rebecca-yarros-fourth-wing-tv-series-1236292971/
TIKTOK RY Denver Q&A Part 1 - https://www.tiktok.com/@hannahmichelle13/video/7467090639331691822
INSTAGRAM RY Denver Q&A Part 1 - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFmrgLERT8u/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Dain Fanfic “The Burning Point” by Shadowhandss60- https://archiveofourown.org/works/62590135?view_adult=true
Xaden POV Fourth Wing Fanfic by belle_beebee - https://archiveofourown.org/works/48857872?view_full_work=true
Follow along:
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Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod
Email us your favorite Empyrean theories & insights: [email protected]
Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website: www.dearfantasyreader.com
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