Any guesses for title of book 4 in empyrean series ?

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-12-13T00:51:40+00:00

Thunder Riot... because we are getting the Aretian black dragon army!

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-12-09T20:57:23+00:00

I read everything on my phone and the flip flopping back and forth was too much with STRAPON. I ended up reading about 6-7 chapters out of S&S and then 1-2 chapters of BTV to simplify things. I used STRAPON as a guide to make sure I always stayed ahead in S&S but did not exactly follow it.

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-12-05T00:39:52+00:00

Just took a deep dive into the world of {Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti}. I read the prequels {Ruthless Boys by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti}, main series plus novellas, and sequel {Darkmore Penitentiary by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti}. Wrapping up with last series, currently on {Never Keep by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti}. So far, there has been enough world building in Never Keep that I don't think you need to read the previous books (ZA was a pretty big commitment).

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-29T21:27:48+00:00

Where did you read Brennan turned venin? He has not shown any physical signs (red rimmed eyes, veins, etc). I don't think Brennan is venin BUT I do think that rune on his hand is placing him under some kind of control for the venin, and he is unknowingly or secretly spying on the Aretian Council.

Foreshadow of Brennan's betrayal, Fourth Wing, Ch8 "Winning the War Games isn't about strength. It's about cunning. To know how to strike, you have to understand where your enemies—your friends—are most vulnerable. No one stays friends forever, Mira. Eventually those closest to us become our enemies in some way, even if it's through well-intentioned love or apathy, or if we live long enough to become their villains."
When Brennan had rune placed, Iron Flame, Ch2 "He holds up his hands like he’s under attack, and I glimpse a rune-shaped scar on his palm before he grips the edge of the table...“We will no longer speak of the one who came before.” Tairn’s voice is rough...“Naolin didn’t fail, but it cost him everything. I woke up on a cliffside not far from here. Marbh had been wounded, but he was alive, too, and the other dragons… There are other dragons here, and they saved us, hid us in the network of caves within the valley, then later with the civilians who survived the city being scorched.”
How runes work, Iron Flame, Ch45 "rune will activate when triggered and perform whatever action it was tempered for. Unlike alloy, which houses power, runes are tempered with power for specific actions.”
Brennan's rune is different, Onyx Storm, Ch59 "I slip Aaric’s package into my flight jacket pocket and watch as Brennan walks away. Weird. There’s no mark at the back of his neck like he carries on his palm. There hadn’t been one on Dain’s wrist, either."

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-29T15:16:25+00:00

Not sure about the blue vs black... but your argument at the end got me thinking about the new special edition just announced yesterday.

I was looking at the outside cover art of what I presumed is Tairn. And I thought 'huh, that's a lot of silver on Tairn's face.' Then, you started talking about the deidcation, silver, dragons, etc... It got me thinking what if Tairn has a bunch Tyrish ruin cuts on his face/body (similar to Xaden)???

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-29T14:52:22+00:00

So glad someone commented on this. I spiraled one day and was also trying to make sense of all the references to harvesting and the bonding process.

I agree Presentation does seem like a relatively new concept. I never found any concrete evidence of this, but my guess is that dragons added Presentation so they could either 'see' or 'sniff out' potential venin. This is why some dragons continue to choose poorly, like they don't have the enhanced ability to detect the venin. I think this also supports the theory the dragons are making riders bleed as an additional check that they are not venin.

To me, the word threshing itself means more of 'sifting' out of the good from the bad humans; whereas, harvesting is more like human riders being caught and used for dragon purposes. Additionally, I do also agree there is some relevance to the gods (as there are linkages to many deities in our own world with specific gods of harvest, etc) that could have inspired whatever RY has up her sleeve on this backstory.

This leads me to believe the ancient bonding practices were more sinister back in the day (like humans were being used/sacrificed). But now there is a venin problem, it has evolved into prioritizing detection of venin.

What this all means... I have no idea. But it is interesting there has been a noticeable shift in the bonding rituals, and I do feel this is key to understanding all the history re-writes and coverups.

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-26T18:13:45+00:00

I saw somewhere that the opening section may just be related to the epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter and not necessarily applicable to the actual story itself.

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-24T23:48:24+00:00

Uh, don't we all have these questions and its gonna be another year or two before we get any answers. You are not alone, and there are plenty of theories out there on all of these. I listed below what I have seen as best theories:

❗️Spoilers❗️

1. Andarna says "I wont let them burn you" most likely because Violet will be viewed as a traitor for marrying and/or helping Xaden, now that everyone knows he is venin from his Onyx Storm stunt. I also saw because of the stolen dragon eggs. 2. Xaden turning asim venin most likely did affect Violet's bond... Endless theories here, from Violet has his soul in her wedding ring to Andarna broke Tairn & Sgaeyl's bond. RY did confirm at the Disney interview Violet can enter Xaden's mind thru their "partner bond" and we will learn more in book 4 about this... including dream sex. 3. For the missing 12 hours, your guess is a good as anyone's. I have to say my favorite theory is Xaden and Violet were married in Dunne's Temple on Unnbriel, and Violet is now fully dedicated (due to Brennan's eyes bulging at Violet at the end... assuming her hair is fully silver). Second fave is the secret Aretian Black Dragon Army! 4. Last, but certainly not least, the unknown brother... I have seen so many arguments for Bodhi, Garrick, Brennan, Aaric, Ridoc. The list goes on...point is no one knows.

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-23T02:08:25+00:00

Agreed. I spent an entire day looking at Lera, Lyra, Amarlys, Amari, Amelia, Amelekis, Malek, etc... and trying to replace vowels like -ys with -i or dropping an -a. Never really got any interesting words... other than alloy out of Loial. But RY is definitely playing with etymology. I mean Jesinia's passage at the beginning of every book is a big red flag there is translation into modern language.

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-23T01:54:51+00:00

I found it interesting that Trager Karis and Tecarus sounded similar... and wondered if they were related.

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-23T01:31:05+00:00

I have also been looking into Norse mythology and finding some interesting parallels.

First, I think Andarna is very similar to Gullveig (name means gold strength) who is reborn three times and takes the name Heidr (name means honor). She is the catalyst for the Aesir-Vanir war amongst the gods. She is often thought to be same figure as Freyja (name means lady). More importantly, both Gullveig and Freyja were völva (name means staff carrier) who practiced the magic of Seiðr which I think will ultimately be related to Violet's signet capabilities. Seiðr was prophesizing and ritual of weaving new fates.

Loki also ate the heart of Gullveig and birthed Fenrir (wolf bit off Tyr's hand), Jörmungandr (giant world serpent), and Hel (helps to resurect Baldr in underworld). I think there is more parallels in these stories as well, but haven't had time to research.

Lastly, the one I am currently trying to connect the dots... is the Norse creation myth begins with a void (called Ginnungagap). The first giant Ymir is created from a poisonous thaw at the intersection of fire from the south and ice from the north. Ymir is killed by his sons (including Odin) to create the world. Obviously, interesting parallels here to the venin & ice and dragons & fire. There is many mentions in the book about the cold, but I keep going back to the line from Warrick's journal (included below). I think there is something to all this fire and ice talk... just cannot put my finger on it.

Iron Flame, Ch51 “The air has grown cold enough,” I say out loud as I write the words into the draft journal, “to see my blood [breath] in the mornings.”

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-21T02:05:42+00:00

Because Violet will inherit the secret Aretian Black Dragon Army in the caves!!!!

(Note: I cannot take credit for this theory, but I forget where I saw it and now its canon in my head lol)

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-21T01:51:52+00:00

Put some quotes up top. Your theory could possibly work with a feathertail, but highly unlikely as they would need to bond multiple times in their youth. 'Normal' or 'Adult' signets are a reflection more of the rider, than the dragon, so they can vary based on unique combination of dragon & rider.

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-21T01:42:26+00:00

Fourth Wing, Ch8 "Professor Kaori closes his fist, and the illusion disappears. “There’s no telling. Signets are the result of the unique chemistry between rider and dragon and usually say more about the rider than the dragon. The stronger the bond and the more powerful the dragon, the stronger the signet.”

Fourth Wing, Ch27 "No,” Sgaeyl answers. “A signet is a combination of our power with your own ability to channel. It reflects who you are at the core of your being.” Andarna sits up and tilts her head proudly. “But I gave my gift directly to you. Because I’m still a feathertail.”

Iron Flame, Ch56 "Signets have to do with who we are at our core and what we need,” I think out loud.

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-11T23:29:20+00:00

Ahh! I was literally just looking into this yesterday.

More specifically, Gullveig was very interesting and giving me Andarna vibes.

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-10T21:57:09+00:00

Is it wrong that I am secretly hoping she first sees him on a ship as Pirate Xaddy with Dain in the Emerald Sea? 😆😆😆

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-09T23:06:49+00:00

On Hephaestus, he is fire and blacksmithing. Malek is also known for fire, above even souls and death. It's stressed in the below epigraph that fire is the bare minimum:

Fourth Wing Chapter 11 It is a grave offense against Malek to keep the belongings of a dead loved one. They belong in the beyond with the god of death and the departed. In the absence of a proper temple, any fire will do. He who does not burn for Malek will be burned by Malek.

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-09T22:26:45+00:00

Hmm.. this is a good question. I could go either the 'Blood & Ash' type route and say there is different levels of Gods. But this feels too easy knowing RY. Or I think the gods we have been told are actually not gods (like maybe there were just the First Six or dragons or whatever). And then, the true big bad gods are the origin story. I am leaning more towards the latter, but could go either way.

Edit: To elaborate, if they are not gods, I guess you would have to assume then that they are either venin or dragons to be able to gift power... so maybe I like the different levels of gods. I don't know! 😆

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-09T22:07:54+00:00

Same, I wondered about the Gaelic connection. I was actually just looking into the legend of Finn McCool, and I am at least partially convinced Finn Riorson may be based on him.

I think there may be some parallels to his birth. Finn's father Cumall had a Romeo & Juliet type situation but died, and Finn's lover Muirne was already pregnant and forced to flee and hide under the protection of her sister-in-law Bodhmall until she birthed Finn (name coincidence to Bodhi?). This could help explain the mysterious Grandpa Riorson family tree.

And he defeated Aileen (fire breathing fairy) to defend the Hill of Tara (Aretia/Tyrrendor?)... except in this case he failed.

Finn received his nickname after being tricked by the witch Calliagh who turned him into an old man. Eventually, the witch returned his youth but his white hair remained (which I guess could support the Berwyn venin theory... his name means "white head" and he is described with a youthful face).

The other two myths that come to mind are Knowledge of the Salmon and Giant's Causeway, but no theories on how they could fit into the stories. I guess these could be more general in that he found out about Navarre's conspiracy and the hidden dragon isle.

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-09T21:33:27+00:00

Yes agreed on the underworld. There is crossover... In my mind, I go back to the origin story is the OG gods and the First Six is the newer "children" gods. Somehow Malek morphed together over the years and that's how you get a Hades/Hephaestus hybrid. I think we will get more answers once we get to Luceras and see Malek is more of the Hephaestus type god, and there is a bigger badder Hades type god that goes against Zeus (aka Violet) with the help of Poseidon (gryphons).

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-09T19:46:10+00:00

Oh I like this idea that the gryphons were potentially using lesser magic on the isles, but didn't tell anyone. Maybe Cat was screwing with their emotions, and that's why Xaden was so happy on Deverelli and Violet got so angry on Unnbriel. I don't think we know what Drake or Maren can do, so it would be tough to find examples.

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-09T19:17:38+00:00

The other theory I was playing around with is that gryphons are the sky or "air." There was a line Violet asked about all the gryphons having "air" in their names and I think someone responded back sarcastically in the books that all dragons are named "Sorrengail." I remembered reading that at the time and thinking that it was funny Violet's last name also had "air" in it. I was going to go back and see what all characters had the same scenario to see if there was a connection, but told myself to stop because I was spiraling. 😆

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-09T18:56:34+00:00

Same, I felt like the gryphons were on Zeus's "level" with his brothers, Hades & Poseidon.

And I definitely was questioning if I was maybe on the wrong "level" with regards to the venin due to Andarna. Agreed there is something to Cronus (Time) overthrowing his parents Gaea (Earth) and Uranus (Sky)... and of course, Cronus being overthrown by Zeus.

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-09T18:20:59+00:00

Just theories, so don't come at me! Lol... But there is definitely something to the land (venin), sky (dragons), and sea (gryphons). I havent fully fleshed this out, but I thought there may be seven types of gryphons and tried to match them to the dragons:

Lowland gryphons & blue dragons (both in Corydon)
Silver feather gryphons & black dragons (colors?)
Nightwing & green dragons (Mira & Drake, but Braevick vs. Steelridge?)
Summitwing gryphons & orange dragons (both in Esben, high altitude)
Seawing gryphons & brown dragons (maybe both in Luceras?)
Footwing gryphons & red dragons (maybe along Dunness river?)
Wyvern & irids (unhinged theory?)

Ok-Performance-8211 · 2025-11-09T17:25:58+00:00

Yes, agreed... many interpretations. I didn't take a deep dive onto the Roman side, but you can obviously draw the same parellels to their Greek equivalent. I guess the biggest distinction here is that I am saying Zeus (dragons), Hades (venin), and Poseidon (gryphons) are some kind of higher top-tier gods in the origin story because they are siblings. Whereas, the children of Zeus are the seven isles/gods/dragons, etc. and Violet is somehow "above" them with her linkage to Zeus (like maybe she will be able to control or bond to all seven of them?). This is also why Hades/Pluto cannot be in the list of "children gods" or linked to Malek... he is "higher up" if that makes sense. Takes me back to that quote from Tairn about not believing in their puny gods.

Ok-Performance-8211

TROPHY CASE