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

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 from Dear Fantasy Reader? The DFRP chapters so far: • Season 1: Fourth Wing Deep Dive Through the Lens of Iron Flame • Season 2: Onyx Storm Prep • Season 3: Onyx Storm Deep Dive • Season 4: Dear Fantasy Author — our ongoing author interview series featuring your favorite romantasy writers! • Follow us on Instagram @dearfantasyreaderpod to see who we’re interviewing next! • Season 5: The Overflowing TBR — our ongoing collection of bonus book chats, reactions, wild theories, and anything that doesn’t fit into a formal season but absolutely deserve their moment. • & MORE TO COME! Visit the Dear Fantasy Reader website for more info: https://www.dearfantasyreader.com

✨ 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: dearfantasyreaderpod@gmail.com 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)!