Rebecca Yarros has made waves in the literary world with her latest release, Onyx Storm, which has set the record as the fastest-selling adult novel of the past 20 years. The third installment of her Empyrean series has sold an astounding 2.7 million copies during its first week, excitingly topping every bestseller list across the nation. According to her publisher, Entangled, Yarros' three novels have collectively surpassed 12 million copies sold—across print, e-books, and audiobooks—in the United States.
Notably, Yarros now captures the top three spots on The New York Times hardcover best-seller list, reflecting her remarkable achievement as the writer of the only adult fiction series to reach such heights. The triumphant release coincided with high demand on Amazon, where her series also filled the top three positions on the “most sold” fiction list. Readers and critics alike have been captivated by Yarros' imaginative storytelling, yet Onyx Storm has left some perplexed, highlighting the complexity of its narrative.
The initial chapters introduce numerous characters, convoluted political conflicts, and exotic locations, leaving some readers questioning the plot’s intricacies. For example, readers have pondered, "Is Lewellen a person or a place?" only to discover it embodies both. Adding to the suspense, Yarros is known for her love of cliffhangers, keeping her audience on the edge of their seats. "I already know what it is before I start the book and drive for it with glee," she shared during her promotional tour on Good Morning America. Her playful acknowledgment of the readers' mixed responses reflects her dedication to creating unexpected twists.
"It’s wild. I’m humbled by it. I don’t think it’s registered," Yarros remarked to Variety amid her whirlwind schedule of sold-out signing events and Q&Q sessions. The author expressed gratitude and surprise at her meteoric rise, indicating there may be emotional moments awaiting her when she returns to her regular life with her family. This duality of her fame and personal life continues to shape her experience as she juggles her roles as both mother and author.
Yarros’ recent surge mirrors the growing popularity of the romantasy genre, which she fortuitously tapped with her latest works. Onyx Storm stands out not just for its sales but also for redefining the genre, blending romance with fantastical elements and relatable themes. According to Nielsen BookScan, Yarros has also achieved record results with Onyx Storm selling over 119,300 copies in its first week alone, establishing itself as one of the most significant releases within the Science Fiction & Fantasy category.
This novel's debut came with midnight release parties around the world, drawing costumed fans eager to claim their copies—a scene reminiscent of major cultural event releases from previous decades. There is no undercutting the influence of social media, especially platforms like TikTok, where users rally around Yarros' work, indicative of the power of BookTok. With over 3.4 million TikToks using the hashtag “How was Onyx Storm,” and another 7.8 million featuring “Explain the Empyrean series to someone who’s never read it,” it’s evident this book has captured the hearts of many.
From the moment Fourth Wing was published, Yarros' novels have been popular staples on Goodreads, where the first two books have collectively sold over 774,000 copies across Australia alone. The reception from female readers has been particularly enthusiastic, especially as Yarros crafts strong female characters and romantic narratives. The relatable experiences, complemented by her authentic reflections on illness—particularly through characters who echo her own battle with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome—further resonate with her audience and create additional layers of connection.
The continued ascendance of the romantasy genre is not merely luck; according to Hachette’s Marketing Director, Alysha Farry, it began its dramatic rise during 2020 as readers started to seek escapist, immersive stories. Excitingly, titles such as Quicksilver by Callie Hart are also rising through the ranks, alongside pre-orders for The Knight and the Moth already generating buzz even before its release. With complex characters and engaging romantic dynamics firmly embedded within their narratives, works like Onyx Storm are carving out a significant niche for themselves.
Clearly, 'Onyx Storm' serves as both the pinnacle of Yarros's career so far and as part of the burgeoning trend toward romantasy, bringing attention and appreciation to a genre that's rapidly growing. Not constrained by obstacles, Yarros continues to capture readers’ imaginations worldwide, likely heralding exciting prospects for what lies next.