Ep. 12 Onyx Storm Deep Dive: Ch. 38-40 (Zihnal's Gifts) | Easter Eggs, Theories & Key Moments

Dear Fantasy Reader

Join your favorite Quest Squadmates—Hannah, Kinsey, and Karly—as they dive deep into chapters 38-40 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, and spotlight standout quotes that made these chapters unforgettable.

Then, the squad will visit the Scribe’s Quadrant for an Epigraph Analysis, deciphering hidden meanings and intriguing hints woven expertly by Yarros.

Afterward, they'll head to the Hatching Ground to reveal key Easter eggs and subtle foreshadowing, piecing together clues that hint at what's to come.

Finally, they'll round things off with a thrilling Signet Sparring session, honing their precognitive abilities to theorize about all things Empyrean. Expect lively debates, bold predictions, and plenty of laughter along the way!

Grab your leathers & bookmarks, Quest Squad, we have dragons to ride!

*All episodes include spoilers for the entirety of Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, & Onyx Storm*

00:00 Intro

01:44 Current Reads: Lightning Round

05:31 Archives Vault: Rebecca Yarros

06:26 Archives Vault: Chapter Summary

08:37 Quest Squad: Discussion & Analysis

16:11 Zihnal’s Gifts: Mira’s Bottle of Wine Symbolism & Theories

19:25 Zihnal’s Gifts: Maren’s Two Orange Tunics Symbolism & Theories

20:46 Zihnal’s Gifts: Dain’s Hand Card & Slap Symbolism & Theories

27:33 Zihnal’s Gifts: Garrick’s Rusted Steel Bucket Symbolism & Theories

32:20 Zihnal’s Gifts: Aaric’s Fractured Hand Mirror Symbolism & Theories

38:27 Zihnal’s Gifts: Xaden’s Empty Glass Box with Pewter Hinges & Edges Symbolism & Theories

42:42 Zihnal’s Gifts: Violet’s Black Compass Symbolism & Theories

49:51 Zihnal’s Gifts: Ridoc’s Kiss on Both Cheeks Symbolism & Theories

37:42 Zihnal’s Gifts: Cat’s Gold Ruby Necklace Symbolism & Theories

01:04:11 Zihnal’s Gifts: Drake’s Claw Card & Broccoli Symbolism & Theories

01:209:29 Zihnal’s Gifts: Trager’s Arrow Through The Heart Symbolism & Theories

01:22:21 Healer’s Quadrant Temp Check

01:23:31 Favorite Moments & Quotes

01:27:12 Scribe’s Quadrant: Epigraph Analysis

01:29:48 Hatching Grounds: Foreshadowing & Easter Eggs

01:40:02 Signet Sparring: Theories

*Please note that ads may affect the timestamps by a few minutes*

Want more? Check out our Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through The Lens of Iron Flame, Season 2: Onyx Storm Prep, & our current Season 3: Onyx Storm Deep Dive, here on Dear Fantasy Reader Podcast!

✨ Join our Dear Fantasy Reader Book Club! ✨

Each month, we pick a romantasy 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: May 28th covering The Never List by Jade Presley!

BOOK CLUB DETAILS: https://www.patreon.com/posts/dear-fantasy-has-125886283

DEAR FANTASY READER POD MERCH: https://dear-fantasy-reader-podcast.printify.me/

SUPPORT US ON PATREON—AD-FREE & FULL VIDEO EPISODES, BOOK CLUB, & MORE: http://patreon.com/dearfantasyreaderpodcast

JOIN OUR DISCORD: https://discord.gg/9pcd3jBTVK

ARCHIVES:

Rebecca Yarros LA Times Festival of Books PART 1 (SHOUT OUT TO KAITY FOR SHARING HER CLIPS WITH US!) - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI70C5xNQ6Y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Rebecca Yarros LA Times Festival of Books PART 3: “Dragons, & having sex, & ice cream” (SHOUT OUT TO KAITY FOR SHARING HER CLIPS WITH US!) - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI9p-xwS3Ky/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Follow along:

Instagram: @dearfantasyreaderpod

TikTok: @dearfantasyreaderpod

YouTube: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Threads: @dearfantasyreaderpod

Email us your favorite Empyrean theories & insights: [email protected]

Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website: www.dearfantasyreader.com

Don't forget to share this podcast with all of your Empyrean friends!

New episodes on Thursdays (Wednesday early access on Patreon)!