The wait is over as booksellers around the globe, especially in the UK, kicked off midnight release events for "Onyx Storm," the latest addition to Rebecca Yarros' best-selling Empyrean series focused on dragons, magic, and romance.
Hotly Anticipated 'Onyx Storm' Launches with Midnight Events Worldwide
Hotly Anticipated 'Onyx Storm' Launches with Midnight Events Worldwide
Fans swarm bookstores for the release of Rebecca Yarros' new fantasy novel.
In a flurry of excitement akin to the days of "Harry Potter," fans lined up at bookstores, including a midnight opening at Waterstones in Warrington, for "Onyx Storm," the eagerly awaited third installment in the Empyrean series authored by Rebecca Yarros. The novel's publisher, Little, Brown, claims it could be their top pre-ordered title since the release of the "Harry Potter" play script in 2016.
Waterstones reported unprecedented enthusiasm, with nearly 60 branches hosting special events for the book's release, suggesting that sales could vastly surpass those of its predecessor. Meanwhile, in the United States, dedicated readers anxiously awaited an exclusive edition from Target, with some staying up until 3 AM, only to face website glitches due to heavy traffic.
Editorial director Rebekah West remarked on the extraordinary dedication of fans, noting, "This level of fan devotion hasn't been seen since the days of Harry Potter." At a vibrant release party in Waterstones' Trafalgar Square location, 23-year-old Mollie Short shared her experience surrounded by fellow fans, complete with costume-clad attendees and interactive quizzes. She emphasized what she loves about the series: "It's an escape... she just writes really well for young readers."
In a heartfelt message to her followers on Instagram, Yarros expressed her gratitude and excitement: “It's in your hands now. Thank you for sharing this incredible experience with me. Enjoy the ride!"
The Empyrean series has garnered immense popularity, with earlier books "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" simultaneously climbing to the top of bestseller lists, solidifying Yarros' status as a leading name in the emerging "romantasy" genre. The central character, Violet Sorrengail, not only battles formidable foes as an elite dragon rider but also navigates personal challenges representative of the author’s own life experiences, given that both share the same genetic condition.
With the stakes higher than ever, readers are eager to join Violet on her latest journey as "the battle has truly begun."
