I went into Rebecca Yarros' Onyx Storm anticipating another anxiety-inducing cliffhanger ending, but I definitely wasn't prepared for Dain to become one of my favorite Fourth Wing characters. I think I speak for most readers when I say Dain was Fourth Wing's Undesirable No. 1—and while Yarros laid the groundwork for Dain's character redemption in Iron Flame, his arc in Onyx Storm is what truly changed my mind. What's more impressive is that Yarros managed to sway an entire fandom to Dain's cause in Onyx Storm, and doing so effectively given how little his character is actually seen on-page.
Dain isn't featured heavily throughout Onyx Storm's narrative, but when he is seen, his character growth is evident. Where Dain used to be a stickler for the rules, Yarros shows the complexities of his character in his loyalty to Violet, and how he adjusts his leadership techniques throughout the novel—setting aside the rule book, and acting on what he believes is right. And while Dain's story is far from over, I think it's safe to say he's become one of the best characters to emerge from the Empyrean Series novels thus far.
Onyx Storm Proves That Dain's Redemption In Iron Flame Is Genuine
His Actions Show Admirable Growth From Previous Books
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Viewing the scope of the narrative through Violet's perspective, it was hard for me to accept Dain's actions in Iron Flame as genuine—especially as his betrayal in Fourth Wing resulted in Liam's death, which I was not willing to heedlessly move past. While Dain's decision to believe Violet and fly to Aretia with the revolution definitely showcased his willingness to make up for his betrayal, I was still wary of believing he had changed. However, Onyx Storm's narrative proved to me, and many readers, that Dain was authentic in his attempts to rebuild his friendship with Violet throughout Iron Flame.
"His death will always be on my head. Yours will not." Dain's tone sharpens. "I don't coddle first-years anymore, so train. Your. Signet."
- Onyx Storm, Chapter 28
Dain's redemption began in Iron Flame, but it's his actions throughout Onyx Storm that really confirm his character's growth. Not only is Dain willing to oppose his father to help Violet obtain her father's research, but he has even adjusted the way he operates as wing leader. Instead of stifling their growth, as he did with Violet in Fourth Wing, Dain chooses to treat those in his chain of command with respect and discipline—which he is seen implementing on multiple occasions with Sloane Mairi throughout Onyx Storm's narrative.
Dain Aetos Is Quickly Becoming One Of My Favorite Empyrean Series Characters
Dain's Character Arc Makes Him More Relatable
Rebecca Yarros has always been Dain's biggest advocate, often explaining to readers that while he made some huge mistakes, he was operating under the impression that his father was trustworthy. While this doesn't necessarily absolve Dain of his past betrayal, I believe it makes his character all the more relatable. Yes, he made a massive mistake, but who hasn't? After seeing how hard it is for Violet to accept that she may not know who her parents truly were in Onyx Storm, I realize how confusing Dain's experience must have been in the early novels.
Rebecca Yarros writes a disturbing parallel in Onyx Storm concerning Dain and Xaden that seems glossed over in the Empyrean novel.
Throughout most of Iron Flame, Dain has had to grapple with the fact that his father isn't who he thought he was—but despite his lost friendship with Violet, he humbly accepts responsibility for his part in Liam's death. This, in my opinion, makes Dain one of Yarros' most complex characters, and seeing him choose Violet again over Colonel Aetos in Onyx Storm really changed the way I viewed his character. Aside from Violet, I think it's safe to say Dain has gone through the biggest transformation—and Yarros has done an excellent job at selling his character to readers.
There's Still 1 Thing Dain Needs To Do For His Fourth Wing Story To Truly Shine
Yarros Needs To Address The Tension Between Dain and His Father
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After Dain learns the truth about his father in Iron Flame, he departs with the revolution to fight in Aretia—making his reunion with his father one of the most anticipated moments in Onyx Storm. However, apart from Colonel Aetos declaring he has no son, the two characters barely interact. Dain's reunion with his father in Onyx Storm was completely underwhelming, and had Yarros included more of their interactions, it could have served as a stronger plot device for Dain's growth.
Dain's confrontation with Colonel Aetos would be the final piece in his character's redemption arc—proving that he is no longer willing to accept Basgiath's lies or live according to the Codex's rules.
Dain's character arc in Onyx Storm was pulled off successfully, but it could have been made even better if Yarros included a more impactful moment between him and his father. Dain's confrontation with Colonel Aetos would be the final piece in his character's redemption arc—proving that he is no longer willing to accept Basgiath's lies or live according to the Codex's rules. However, this may be something Yarros is looking to include in the next Empyrean Series novel—giving Dain even more room to grow and making his character central to the narrative's future plot.
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