Fans across various time zones have come together in excitement for the release of 'Onyx Storm,' the latest work from bestselling author Rebecca Yarros. This novel marks the third installment in the popular Empyrean series, which delves into a captivating universe filled with dragons, magic, and passionate romance. In its debut, 'Onyx Storm' has already generated significant buzz, with its publisher, Little, Brown, reporting it as the biggest pre-ordered title since the Harry Potter play script in 2016.
A flurry of special events unfolded at nearly 60 Waterstones locations, which opened either at midnight or early Tuesday, celebrating the launch. Representatives from the chain expressed optimism that 'Onyx Storm' will outshine sales from the previous installment. The excitement transcended borders, as similar celebrations took place in countries like the United States and Australia.
In the U.S., a dedicated fan base even waited until 3 AM for a special edition set to launch at Target. However, many faced frustration due to website malfunctions under the weight of high traffic. Rebekah West, editorial director at Little, Brown's Piaktus, remarked on the extraordinary level of fan enthusiasm, likening it to the frenzy experienced during the Harry Potter era.
In an Instagram message, Yarros expressed gratitude to her supporters, stating, "It's in your hands now. Thank you for sharing this incredible experience with me." Fans responded with enthusiasm, sharing their excitement over the book and their plans to dive into the story.
Rebecca Yarros continues to gain recognition in the "romantasy" genre, with her main character Violet Sorrengail resonating with readers through her representation of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a condition that the author herself lives with. The compelling narratives of 'Fourth Wing' and 'Iron Flame,' which introduced and developed Violet's journey, have helped propel these titles back to the top of bestsellers lists and have been highly favored by Goodreads users worldwide.
As the storyline progresses, readers can anticipate Onyx Storm to take a darker turn in Violet Sorrengail’s saga. With a growing fanbase eagerly awaiting the unfolding of this epic battle, the future of the Empyrean series remains bright in the evolving landscape of literary fiction.
