Rebecca Yarros has captured the literary world’s attention with her latest release, Onyx Storm, which marks her return to the top of the bestseller lists. The book's release is nothing short of remarkable, as it sold over 2.7 million copies within its first week, setting the record for the fastest-selling adult novel since BookScan began tracking print sales.
This third installment of the Empyrean series follows the phenomenal success of her earlier works, Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, which combined have sold over 12 million copies across the United States, according to her publisher, Entangled. The series focuses on themes of resilience, romance, and the supernatural, all set against the vibrant backdrop of military academies for dragon riders.
“It doesn’t feel real — none of it does,” Yarros expressed to the enthusiastic crowd of approximately 1,700 fans during her book signing event held Wednesday night at St. Paul, Minnesota. Following the event, where print sales exceeded 1 million copies within just days of the book's launch, it became evident how deeply Yarros's storytelling resonates with readers.
Onyx Storm’s success is not just notable compared to other adult titles; it eclipses years of sales for many authors. Yarros's detailing of her protagonists, particularly those who struggle with chronic illnesses, binds fans with her narrative threads and creates community. “You guys did this,” she told fans, acknowledging their role in her triumph.
The rise of romantasy—a subgenre combining romance with fantastical elements—has been fueled by Yarros and contemporaries like Sarah J. Maas. Reports indicate the genre accounted for 30 million print sales last year, marking a staggering increase of 50% from the previous year. This surge has sparked comparisons to the fan cultures surrounding earlier literary phenomena such as Harry Potter and Twilight, with independent bookstores hosting spirited midnight release parties and fans donning elaborate costumes.
Yarros's life took an unexpected turn as she faced the debilitating challenges of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which left her struggling with fatigue and physical limitations. Her own experiences inspired the creation of Violet, the fiercely determined heroine of the series. Violet's issues mirror Yarros’s, allowing readers to engage with characters who reflect their realities.
Fans have taken to social media platforms, particularly BookTok, to share their admiration for Yarros’s books. Videos associated with her have garnered over 1 billion views, consolidifying her position as not only an author but as a cultural icon within the romantasy movement. Events like the recent signing create spaces where readers connect over their shared love for the series, blending aspects of fandom with personal narratives.
The extensive preparation and enthusiasm of the fans was palpable at the St. Paul event. Some attendees dressed as Violet or even as dragons from the series. "People were handing out friendship bracelets like it was a Taylor Swift concert," noted Annie Metcalf, events and marketing manager at Magers & Quinn Booksellers, which hosted the event.
Attendee Alejandra Herrera drove over 380 miles from Omaha, Nebraska, just to be there. "I’m a little nervous," she admitted, thrilled about the opportunity to make eye contact with her favorite author. Such dedication speaks to the powerful impact Yarros has had on her audience, reigniting their passion for reading.
With the release of Onyx Storm, Yarros holds the first three spots on The New York Times’ hardcover bestseller list, achieving what few authors accomplish. Originated from her earlier struggles, her writing taps deeply enough to inspire feelings of hope among her readers, demonstrating not only her resilience but the power of storytelling.
Yarros's storytelling prowess offers readers experiences intertwined with empathy, magical worlds, and heartwarming romances. Her ascent from imagining the story of a frail dragon rider to shattering bestseller records reveals much about the changing literary trends and readers’ communal journeys. With Onyx Storm leading the charge, it appears the world of romantasy is here to stay, and Yarros continues to solidify her unprecedented imprint on the genre.