While reading, I thought this was gonna be a solid book but like a good 4 stars. Mostly because this definitely fell into middle book syndrome. At times, it feels like most of the plot is just setting up the major arc of the next 2 books, but nothing ever happens in this book, and you're left on big cliffhanger. However, this did not happen. Yes, we are introduced to a lot of new things, new characters, new concepts, and more world building. But there's actual payoff at the end of this book. And while the ending was jaw-dropping, I felt it was the perfect stopping point. 

Since I finished the book, i've spent like a week looking at other people's theories because we are left with a lot of questions. Also, this book builds on a concept we just thought was world building, but now might be very important - the gods. There were little small moments throughout the book that really fleshed out the world building. There was a lot of travel in different places. You had to explore more of the world. The fantasy elements are starting to feel more complete.

One of the best things in this book, in my opinion, is how funny it was. Fantasies usually have comedic reliefs, but this book was legitimately hilarious. All the characters are so sassy. Our grandpa dragon, Tarin, should not be as sassy as he is. Ridoc carried parts of this book. He is definitely one of my favorite characters, and if he dies, I will riot. I didn't expect an enemies to lovers relationship between myself and Dain but he redeems himself.

The romance was the part that irritated me in Iron Flame, I'm not a huge fan of miscommunication. However, in Onyx Storm, their relationship is perfect. Shadow daddy Xaden was hot, but Venin Xaden is scorching. Violet and Xaden really feel like they have a strong foundation for the relationship, and I really feel like for the first time, they are just truly deeply in love.

My biggest complaint is the beginning of the book. The whole first rendition of quest squad was annoying. I hated how everyone was still fighting with Violet, even though she knew what needed to happen. I was so happy when she finally said, "No, shut up, sit down. We're doing this my way." Also, the whole thing with General Aetos, being a dick, there was already enough issues in the book that it felt redundant and unnecessary. 

I liked the first two books enough to pick up this third book, but now I am a die-hard fan. I will be counting down the days for the next one. I will probably end up rereading all three of the books sometime this year as well.