Fans of the romantic fantasy genre are eagerly counting down the days to the release of Onyx Storm, the highly anticipated third installment of Rebecca Yarros's bestselling Empyrean series. Set to hit shelves on January 21, 2025, the book continues the dramatic tale of Violet Sorrengail, the dragon rider at the center of this thrilling saga, just as the war between Navarre and the venin intensifies.
Yarros's first two books, Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, captivated readers with their blend of romance, adventure, and magic. The past year has seen these titles becoming staples on bestseller lists, thanks to their compelling narratives and rich characters. The release of Onyx Storm is not just another book drop; it’s generating fervor comparable to the excitement surrounding the launches of iconic series like Harry Potter.
According to Rebekah West, editorial director of Little, Brown's Piaktus imprint, “This level of fan devotion hasn’t been seen since the days of Harry Potter.” Such enthusiasm has translated to staggering pre-orders, making Onyx Storm the biggest pre-ordered title for the publisher since Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
The midnight release events scheduled for January 21 will feature themed parties, where fans can don fantasy attire and partake in dragon-themed quizzes. “Onyx Storm is set to smash UK publisher records,” West added. Attendees will be among the first to get their hands on the books, with many independent bookstores hosting special events for hardcore fans who plan to queue through the night.
For those unable to attend the midnight debuts, pre-orders will begin shipping on release day, ensuring eager readers receive their copies as soon as possible. Eager fans can find Onyx Storm available not only as a physical book but also as audiobook and e-book formats, with Rebecca Soler returning to narrate the audiobook—a feature fans are excited about.
But why all this excitement for another installment? The stakes have never been higher following the jaw-dropping cliffhanger of Iron Flame, where Xaden Riorson sacrifices his soul to save Violet. Now, as they work against time to combat the venin threat, the question posed promises to hook readers: can Xaden resist becoming the very enemy they fight against?
Yarros has indicated Onyx Storm will explore deep themes, such as the corrupting influence of power and the depths of sacrifice. Readers are not only awaiting the next progression of Violet's character arc but are also curious to discover new elements of her powers, hinted at throughout the previous novels.
While anticipation is mounting, Yarros herself is alongside some controversy. Following her rise to popularity, some readers have voiced concerns about originality. Many reviews on platforms like Goodreads accuse her of borrowing heavily from existing works, particularly noting similarities between the Empyrean series and other popular fantasy novels such as Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass. Critics have gone as far as calling Fourth Wing “the most blatant cash grab” they have seen.
These critiques come at the heels of rumors surrounding Yarros's perceived stance on political issues, especially after her comments about her books being translated to Hebrew. She stated, “Refusing Hebrew translations of my books would be tantamount to 'a form of book banning,' which I will always stand against.” This remark stirred controversy across various platforms, leading to heated discussions among fans.
Another notable incident arose from her mispronunciation of names inspired by Scottish Gaelic during Comic Con. This led to accusation of cultural appropriation, where critics argued she disrespected minority languages. Yarros acknowledged her errors and expressed regret, reflecting her awareness of the sensitivities surrounding cultural representation.
Despite these controversies, the enthusiasm for Onyx Storm does not appear to be waning. Fans are still clamoring for more content from Yarros, with many hoping for more title confirmations following this latest release. Current excitement for Onyx Storm showcases how deeply invested readers have become in Violet's world.
With the unyielding excitement surrounding its release, Onyx Storm promises to be not just another book launch but rather the continuation of a beloved saga—one laden with complex characters, shifting allegiances, and the ever-present threat of war. Fans are ready to follow Violet as she battles not only the venin but also the consequences of her choices, and it seems likely this installment will be another remarkable chapter in the Empyrean series.