Threshing Day is giving Fourth Wing fans plenty to talk about in the wait between Onyx Storm and the next Empyrean Series novel, and it even brings one character to the page for the first time. The story collection offers a better look at Fourth Wing‘s supporting characters and their dragons. However, there’s one familiar face who isn’t participating in the titular ritual — and he might be the most exciting appearance in the entire book. SPOILERS ahead for Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros.
That would be Asher Sorrengail, who is dead by the time Fourth Wing opens. The presence of Violet’s father looms over the entire series, as his death shapes Violet and the rest of their family — and he also leaves quite a few mysteries to solve in his wake. Yet despite Asher’s importance to the story, we never actually get to see him in the flesh. Brennan’s POV chapter in Threshing Day changes that, but it only raises more questions about his character.
Asher Sorrengail Shows Up at Brennan’s Threshing Day
Of all the people to show up before Brennan sets out to find his dragon, Asher Sorrengail seems like the least likely candidate — but that’s precisely what happens in Threshing Day. It’s hard to complain, as it gives us a change to get to know Violet’s father at long last. And it’s sweet of him to wish his son good luck, passing on some much-needed support before he walks into danger. (He also gifts him a mysterious bracelet, but more on that later.)
Asher’s appearance isn’t just unexpected in Threshing Day, but it marks a series first. With Asher being deceased during Fourth Wing’s timeline, we’ve only been able to learn about him through other people. With this story, Yarros gives us a rare opportunity to judge him directly. He seems like a genuinely good father, but he also clearly has his secrets.
Brennan’s Threshing Day Chapter Raises More Questions About Mr. Sorrengail
Onyx Storm confirms there’s more to Asher than his children know, as he traveled to the Southern Isles frequently and even dedicated his daughter to Dunne. Asher’s secrets are alluded to in Brennan’s Threshing Day chapter, as he claims to have just returned from a months-long research trip. He specifically notes that he’s not exactly a rule-follower. Then he gifts Brennan a bracelet, which is where things really get interesting.
Right before, Asher tells his son, “Just remember that Zihnal doesn’t favor just those who need luck but those who accept his gifts without hesitation.” Readers will recall that Violet and the self-proclaimed (Ridoc-proclaimed?) Quest Squad receive gifts from Zihnal while visiting Zehyllna. They range from seemingly useless to deadly, but there’s a good chance all of them will matter in the end.
Asher’s words suggest he’s been there, which fits with Onyx Storm‘s revelations. It could also mean the bracelet is a gift from Zihnal, one that he’s passing on to Brennan. And if we want to wade into speculation, it’s possible this bracelet provides some form of protection. Asher dies a few years after giving it up, which isn’t suspicious in itself. However, Brennan likely keeps it until his own near death during the Battle of Aretia. It’s sheer luck that Naolin saves him through siphoning, suggesting Zihnal might’ve been on their side.
Mira also wears a similar bracelet in Onyx Storm, and she too just barely survives grievous wounds. Hers comes from their grandmother, Niara, which would mean both Niara and Asher would need to be blessed by Zihnal. Alternatively, Niara may have made bracelets with runes. Whatever the explanation, Asher’s appearance and this bracelet will likely prove important later.
Before they part ways, Brennan also acknowledges that his father fades into backgrounds with ease. Somehow, this makes Asher even more mysterious after his official introduction in Threshing Day. It’s incentive to keep reading, though, if only to see what was really going on with Violet’s father before Fourth Wing.
What did you think of Asher’s cameo in Threshing Day? Check back on Backtalk Books for more news about upcoming releases!
