Fans Flock to Midnight Launch of 'Onyx Storm', a New Fantasy Sensation

With the release of Rebecca Yarros’ latest fantasy novel, 'Onyx Storm', excitement permeates the atmosphere as fans gather globally for midnight launch events marking its entry as a significant publishing occasion.

In an extraordinary display of fandom, readers lined up this week for the sizzling release of 'Onyx Storm', the latest installation in Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series. Fans gathered at various bookshops, including limited-time openings at UK chain Waterstones, some even arriving at midnight to secure their copies. With its captivating blend of dragons, magic, and romance, Yarros's work has captivated a dedicated following. The buzz surrounding 'Onyx Storm' is palpable, evidenced by the staggering pre-orders reported by the publisher Little, Brown, which predicts that this release will top sales following the past Harry Potter play script launch.

Over 60 branches of Waterstones engaged in lively midnight celebrations across the UK. In the U.S., at least a few passionate readers stayed up until 3 a.m., anxiously waiting for an exclusive special edition to go live on Target’s website. However, many expressed frustration on social media when the website became overwhelmed with traffic. "This level of fan devotion hasn't been seen since the days of Harry Potter," noted Rebekah West, the editorial director at Little, Brown's Piaktus imprint.

A delightful book release party unfolded at the Waterstones location in Trafalgar Square, London, where fans enjoyed goody bags and participated in themed quizzes while dressed as their favorite characters. One attendee, Mollie Short, conveyed her enthusiasm: "The night went pretty quickly... It's an escape... and she just writes really well for young readers." After the gripping cliffhanger of the previous book, her anticipation heightened for what awaits in 'Onyx Storm'.

In a heartfelt message to her readership, Yarros expressed her gratitude on Instagram: "It's in your hands now. Thank you for sharing this incredible experience with me." The outpouring of excitement amongst the readers reflects the strong connection they feel towards both the author and her universe.

Furthermore, Yarros's Empyrean books have made remarkable strides as the first two titles, 'Fourth Wing' and 'Iron Flame', surged back to the top of the New York Times fiction bestsellers list. Both titles are also featured prominently in the Sunday Times paperback fiction chart in the UK, accumulating a massive readership on platforms like Goodreads.

'Fourth Wing' introduces audiences to heroine Violet Sorrengail, a 20-year-old navigating her destiny as an elite dragon rider, a character that mirrors Yarros's own struggles with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. As Violet faces escalating challenges within the series, the narrative steers readers toward a fierce confrontation in 'Onyx Storm', where the stakes have never been higher.