The highly anticipated Onyx Storm, the third installment in Rebecca Yarros’s best-selling Empyrean series, has captivated fans worldwide in one of the biggest publishing events of the year.
Set in a world of dragons, magic, war, and steamy romance, the book has already broken records, with publisher Little, Brown touting it as their most pre-ordered title since the release of the Harry Potter play script in 2016.
To mark the release, bookstores across the globe hosted special events, with many opening late Monday or early Tuesday to accommodate eager fans.
In the UK, nearly 60 branches of Waterstones held midnight release parties, while in the US, Target’s exclusive special edition caused a frenzy, with the retailer’s website struggling under the demand.
“This level of fan devotion hasn’t been seen since the days of Harry Potter,” said Rebekah West, editorial director of Little, Brown’s Piatkus imprint.
At Waterstones Trafalgar Square, fans like 23-year-old Mollie Short immersed themselves in the celebration.
“We got goody bags, there were people dressed as characters, and we played a quiz,” Short shared.
“It was amazing to be surrounded by people who understand the world of the books. Yarros’s writing is such an escape—it’s all about magic, powers, and fantasy.”
The Empyrean series is a cornerstone of the booming “romantasy” genre, where romance meets fantasy.
Yarros’s first two books, Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, are currently dominating bestseller lists, holding the top two spots on both the New York Times fiction chart and Goodreads’ most-read books of the past year.
Fourth Wing introduced readers to Violet Sorrengail, a 20-year-old heroine forced into the brutal training of dragon riders.
With a genetic condition that makes her joints dislocate and bones break easily, Violet’s story of resilience resonates deeply with readers.
Her complicated romance with Xaden Riorson, a rival dragon rider, adds emotional depth to the series.
In Iron Flame, Violet navigates her second year at Basgiath War College. Now, in Onyx Storm, according to the publisher, “the battle has truly begun.”
Yarros expressed gratitude on Instagram, saying, “It’s in your hands now. Thank you for sharing this incredible experience with me.
Enjoy the ride.” Fans responded enthusiastically, with one declaring, “On chapter one and dying already,” while another joked about skipping work to devour the book.
The excitement surrounding Onyx Storm has propelled Yarros to the forefront of the genre, with her mix of high-stakes fantasy and heartfelt romance striking a chord with young readers.
For many, the series offers not just escapism but also inspiration, as Violet’s struggles mirror the author’s own experience with a genetic condition.
As fans dive into Onyx Storm, one thing is certain: Rebecca Yarros has solidified her place as a titan of romantasy, enchanting readers with a world where dragons soar and hearts race.
Also read: Faiq Bolkiah Net Worth
