Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean Series has thrown a multitude of plot twists at its readers, but Iron Flame's biggest complaints.

However, Yarros clearly has a plan for his character in the sequel, Onyx Storm. In the excerpt released by venin ranks in Onyx Storm, it's surprising they would choose to expend such efforts on freeing him — but this may confirm Yarros has another plot twist awaiting readers in book three.

Onyx Storm Reverses Fourth Wing's Most Satisfying Moment By Having Violet Protect Jack

Jack's "Death" In Fourth Wing Was A Turning Point For Violet's Character

It's clear from the Onyx Storm excerpt that Jack will once again play a pivotal role in the Fourth Wing sequel. Unfortunately, his return to the series unfavorably reverses one of Violet's more significant moments in the series. While doubting herself and her skills early in the first book, Violet's turning point comes when she defeats Jack during war games — finally summoning her rare signet ability and becoming one of the most powerful riders in the history of Navarre.

While it's frustrating Violet will be forced to protect him in Onyx Storm, readers can rest assured that Yarros' decision to bring his character back into the story is no coincidence.

Based on the first look at Onyx Storm, it seems Yarros is flipping the narrative when it comes to Violet and Jack's relationship, as Violet will now be charged with protecting him from the venin. Yarros teases Jack's redemption in Iron Flame, but ultimately, he succumbs to the temptations of being venin and grows even worse than he was before. While it's frustrating Violet will be forced to protect him in Onyx Storm, readers can rest assured that Yarros' decision to bring his character back into the story is no coincidence.

Why Protecting Jack Is Necessary In Onyx Storm (Even If It's Frustrating)

Jack Could Be The Key To Understanding The Venin

Yarros has not yet disclosed the significance of Jack's character in the sequel, but she's made it rather obvious that he'll hold an important role in the new Onyx Storm reveal. He doesn't deserve Violet's protection after all he's done, she must be cautious when dealing with him. However, after the events of Iron Flame, those who are working with the revolution will need Jack to learn more about the workings of a venin transformation and the venin in general.

As much as she may hate it, Violet may have some sympathy for Jack's affliction after he saved her life in Iron Flame. Jack has clearly been struggling to fight his venin temptations since book one, and his actions earlier in the second book suggest he was sincere in his attempts. Given his state at the end of Iron Flame, it doesn't seem he was successful. This calls into question how long it took for him to become corrupted by the power, and may clue Violet in on how long she has to save Xaden from the same fate in Onyx Storm.

Source: Cosmopolitan