Dear Fantasy Reader 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
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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!
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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==
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