#fliers

“Don’t look for me. It’s yours now.”

What did Xaden leave her? — Perhaps his soul: there is a theory that when he and Violet used the favor from the High Priestess of Dunne, not only did she marry them (even though he was venin), but also bound part of Xaden’s soul to Violet, or the emerald stone in her ring (we know stones can be imbued with magic, it also appears he may have sealed some last piece of his love & Violet in his mind… not to mention the fact that over and over again he says he is hers). So, perhaps as long as she has part of his soul, then he can not turn fully and can be saved (as she first said she would in this book's opening, foreshadowing some of its closing).

“The gem given to you upon graduation from Cliffsbane should always be worn close to the heart, but if you have not mastered your control, it will only amplify your downfall. — Chapter 3, The Canon of the Flier”

What is this quote there for? And what does it mean? It discusses control (the only “treatment” stated for Venin), it amplifies downfall (which fits Xaden’s current vibe), and could have significance to her stone despite the difference between fliers & riders (especially as she & her squad are blurring those lines of division more and more).

*later edit cause I re-read this quote & thought of these theories again*

He steps out of my arms, and it feels frighteningly poignant as he slips away. “This feeling is one I would gladly exchange.”

“Don’t barter it away,” I beg as he stares at the sea, and the words spill out of me faster and faster as his eyes harden and he resurrects the defenses it took me a year to break past. “The pain. The mess. Give it to me. I’ll hold it. I know that sounds ludicrous, but I’ll find a way.” I lace our fingers. “I will hold everything you don’t want to feel because I love every part of you.”

I could see something along the lines of "it's an act of war against the gnawers, so they need permission to bring the fliers along on something that might drag the fliers into a war", but they did not need permission with the Bane Assassination Quest, and Ares and Aurora were both bonded so you would think they were obligated to go with their bonds regardless. Ares essentially says as much when the party is discussing whether or not to follow Ripred. "Aurora and I go with our bonds" etc. though I could be reading too much into that line.

Luigi

SPOILERS FOR ONYX STORM

What is the point of a patrol when they can't see? Even if there was an incoming venin attack, it's not like they can see it! Is this moment supposed to highlight how uncoordinated Basgiath has become since it got out that Venin exist and the wards are failing

This would be supported by the fact that later in the chapter it is revealed that peace talks are happening but, despite being on day 4 of 7, the ruling parties are no closer to reaching a healthy compromise.

While we're overanalysing things: did Rebecca have them flying in dismal conditions to imply that, had she survived, General Soringales Signet would have been really helpful in the war.

During the flight we see Violet mourning her mother. I am really glad she's not bottling it up like she was in Iron Storm.

There was a near crash between Violet and Tairn & Ridoc and Aotrom and my heart sank. I wouldn't put it past Rebecca to kill one of my favourite characters right off the bat

Every time Violet conspires to commit treason, a year is taken off of my life. girl tempts fate too much

Of course, the venin are in the college! because why the hell not!

Venin dressed as scribes? Is this a plot device to further hammer the point home that the scribes can not be trusted?

The series takes any and all opportunities to show and remind us that Violet is a badass independent woman with insane knife-throwing skills

Why does everything link back to Jack Barlow? Can we not leave him in the past: dead and LITERALLY buried? I'll tell you someone I wouldn't mind coming back to life……LIAM!!! Although im not sure I'd want him back as a Venin

Weirdly, the Venin wants Violet alive as she's regarded as one of the most powerful riders in modern history alongside her boy toy, xaden. You'd think they want to wipe out Violet and for xaden to turn Venin completely.

Garrick and Imogen's concern about xaden sleeping in the same bed as Violet is valid, but as the reader, it seems very overbearing. One of my favourite parts of the series is when Violet and xaden have conversations by themselves and, nine times out of ten, they are only truly alone when in the bedroom.

Right, so he DID turn at the end of Iron Flame. It was 4 am when I was reading that book, and I couldn't be expected to remember everything when I was that tired.