Well, shit. That’s my thought the moment I finished this book. I enjoyed it, definitely. Read this tome in a couple of days, so that is unarguable. However, it - like the first one - wasn’t without faults or problems. Needed it editing? Definitely. Were things made a bit too dramatic and also went on far too long without a conclusion? Yes. Is everything based on logic? Nope. But did I enjoy it? Yep. There was so much going on in this novel, that I couldn’t keep up at points, and it also felt like it tried to do many things at once - sometimes successfully, other times not. But did Violet, Xaden, and all the characters I came to like in the first book grow and evolve, did they decide on what to fight for? Yes. The writing style, though not perfect, is still catchy and immerses you into the story. And I definitely am hooked for what is to come in Onxy Storm. It seems like I am in the minority with feeling that this novel did not tank the story like most people thought it did. Maybe, because I knew going in that people felt disappointed in it, felt like it was not as good as the first, so I had moderate expectations. But I still don’t think it’s the worst book ever written and it definitely gave the overall story a huge push forward. More, spoilery and very raw, thoughts on both parts are following, so beware of it.
Part 1
Was it fucking annoying that Violet was so stuck up as to understand Xaden? Yes. Was this whole thing with the adults turning against her and the people from Resson bewildering? Yes. Could they have cut down Violet still thinking about Xaden and wanting him, but then denying everything, a hundred times? Also yes. But even though Part one was a fever dream, I don’t believe it to have been a bad one. We got a lot of info, the camps have been set, we know everyone’s current allegiance, and Violet pretty much became an even stronger person. The reincarnation (?) of Jack was bullocks however, and Nolon turning on her was also very dramatic. There was some gore, still don’t know if we can trust everyone who went with them, but that’s the fun of it. Love Violet’s friendship with her squad mates though, and also that Liam is still with her, in her heart and mind.
Part 2 
I don’t have anything against Xaden’s possessiveness, but for him to tell Dain in Book 1 to not coddle Violet or treat her like a child, he surely is a bit overprotective at some points in this one too. Sure, nothing on Dain, but still. Glad she told him exactly that though. Bringing in a second woman who has a past with Xaden and still wants him (for dumb reason but nonetheless) is also not my cup of tea. A very overused trope and something this story had no need for to move forward. I like the alliance between fliers and riders, but Tecarus definitely is sus, especially as the wielders don’t seem to want to take his city - which is just weird. Xaden does gaslight Violet a bit with waiting for her questions to give her answers or insights about him. Not cool, but at least they still work through it and discuss it. There definitely are not exactly plotholes, but sometimes the story wasn’t as coherent and could have used some editing. Still, I was enjoying it and was really gripped by it. I also like that the friendships become stronger with all the hurdles they have to go through. The alliances, their fighting spirit and their bond in the squad as well as between Violet and Xaden (even if they have their problems) are very honorable and pure, full of trust and love. Their decision to help is also commendable and they did succeed. The cost was huge, in more ways than one. The end is a huge “eff me”, the plottwist thickening and I have no idea what will happen now, if this is fixable or a doomed. Yes, it is a bit farfetched in my opinion for Xaden of all people to act like this, to think this, but I guess it is to drive the plot for three more books. Whether I like it (or find it logical) or not, is out of the question.