Threshing Day Thoughts: Initial Reactions & Highlights
🚨 Spoiler Alert 🚨
The following section contains major spoilers and theories for the Empyrean series. Proceed at your own risk!
Initial Thoughts
I missed this world so much! My very first thought when picking up the book was how surprisingly tiny it felt until I cracked it open. The artwork on the endpapers is absolutely stunning. My partner flipped through it and pointed out that there were even more illustrations hidden inside, and I completely freaked out. Yes, it’s a small book, but my goodness, it is a true piece of art.
One of my absolute favourite details is the little coloured dragon printed at the bottom of each page. The corresponding colours for each chapter were so beautifully done. It was definitely worth preordering to secure this edition; visually, it has quickly become one of my favourite books on my shelf.
While the chapters for each character are short, there is a lot packed into them. Rebecca Yarros did an incredible job making the 13 different threshing experiences feel unique and distinct, avoiding what could have easily been a repetitive structure.
I especially loved hearing the distinct voices of the dragons and seeing the budding dynamics between them and their riders!
My Favourite POVs
My favourite POV was definitely Garrick, Imogen and Sloane. Honourable mention to Ridoc lol!
Threshing Day Stickers
Celebrate your favorite Threshing moments with water-resistant stickers designed for your Kindle, water bottle, or laptop. Featuring quotes from Liam, Sloane, Xaden, and Aaric, plus the official "I Survived Threshing Day" badge.
Highlights & Observations
Papa Sorrengail: Seeing him on the page in Brennan's chapter was definitely not on my bingo card! I loved getting a glimpse of him, and now I absolutely need to know what the deal is with that bracelet.
Sgaeyl and Xaden: The dynamic between these two is so fascinating. Sgaeyl choosing to bond with him, fully knowing that he wants to burn the whole system down, adds such a brilliant layer to their relationship.
Garrick and Imogen: I am obsessed with everything about Garrick, but especially the fact that he manifested distance wielding cuz he wanted to be near Imogen!!! Garrick knowing that the leaves made her think of home during her Threshing?! The childhood friends to lovers of it all for them is SO GOOD. I can feel all the tension just from these 20 pages, and I desperately need more of them. Mr. Garrick “say the word” Tavis was diabolical, and then Imogen being vulnerable and immediately wanting to erase his memory!!! Hence her signet?! I truly thought we would see her wipe Garrick's memory right then and there. Just imagine what she’s been doing...She could be sabotaging herself at every turn and constantly erasing Garrick’s memory every time she opens up to him by accident.
Ridoc: His chapter provided some much needed comic relief before the emotional devastation of Liam and Sloane's chapters. His banter with Aotrom was hilarious to read and I didn’t realize how much I genuinely love his character!!
Liam: The way my heart practically stopped beating just from seeing his name on the page again! I love that his threshing experience was so peaceful compared to the others. Seeing him whittling and carving a little wooden figurine of Deigh just cemented his status as our arts and crafts king.
Sloane: I honestly did not expect her POV to become one of my faves. It was incredibly dark and heavy, but I really appreciated seeing her navigate her grief while being asked to do so in a war zone. Dain breaking the codex to save her was another huge surprise. Mr. Rule Follower didn't even hesitate before tackling her to the ground to protect her. The biggest twist was discovering that Thoirt is Deigh's sister. The parallel of Sloane and Thoirt both being sisters who lost their brothers is incredibly beautiful and poetic. It was just so sweet to see a dragon act so gently toward their rider.
Theories & Conclusion
The dragons are so suspicious! They are definitely hiding something. From some of them already bonding or knowing who they will bond with prior to Threshing, to lying about their age, and even using a fake name like Glane, there's a lot going on behind the scenes. On top of that, I'm still confused about who the brother is. I really don’t think Liam will come back as Venin like many people are theorising. That leaves Bodhi, which was my original thought, but now I'm leaning toward Aaric. He keeps mentioning dying, and with his precognition, I feel like he might turn Venin knowing that it's the only way.
I would honestly read an entire book just about Garrick and Imogen. Actually, make that a whole series! I also love Sloane and really want to see more of her relationship with Imogen develop. It would be amazing to see them connect over the shared experience of being fostered on their own with non sympathizing families.
Speaking of Threshing, I've been trying to bond my own dragon on Dragonkind, and I keep dying. Seriously, this is my fourth attempt! I really just want to know what colour dragon I would bond, which is exactly why I built the quiz below. If anyone has any tips on how to actually survive Dragonkind, please let me know. Drop your tips and the colour of the dragon you bonded in the comments!
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