**Fans Flock to Midnight Launch of Rebecca Yarros' 'Onyx Storm'**

**The much-anticipated third book in Rebecca Yarros' popular series has fans showcasing unprecedented enthusiasm reminiscent of Harry Potter's heyday.**

Fans eagerly awaited the release of "Onyx Storm," the newest book by bestselling fantasy author Rebecca Yarros, marking one of the most significant publishing events of the year. The third installment in the Empyrean series, "Onyx Storm," plunges readers back into a captivating world filled with dragons, magic, warfare, and romance.

Publishers Little, Brown have reported that "Onyx Storm" is the largest pre-ordered title since the launch of the Harry Potter play script in 2016. To celebrate its release, nearly 60 branches of Waterstones held special midnight openings, with many stores anticipating record-breaking first-day sales that would surpass those of the previous installment. Global enthusiasts also joined in the festivities, with early openings reported in the US and Australia.

While some dedicated fans stayed awake until the early hours to access an exclusive special edition from Target, many experienced frustration with the retailer's website, which struggled under high demand. Rebekah West, editorial director at Little, Brown's Piaktus imprint, remarked on the remarkable level of enthusiasm, stating that such devotion toward a book had not been seen since the Harry Potter phenomenon.

In a heartfelt message to her fans 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.” Readers took to social media to share their excitement, with one saying, "On chapter one and dying already," and another contemplating calling off work to read.

Rebecca Yarros has made a mark in the burgeoning "romantasy" genre, with her series gaining immense popularity. Leading up to "Onyx Storm," the first two installments, "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame," both climbed back to the top of the New York Times fiction bestsellers list. They have also remained in the top five of the Sunday Times paperback fiction chart in the UK and were among the most-read books on Goodreads over the past year.

The series follows Violet Sorrengail, a 20-year-old aspiring dragon rider who faces brutal training and the challenges of her unique genetic condition, much like the author herself, who has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Violet's journey intertwines her fate with that of fellow competitor Xaden Riorson, as the narrative intensifies in "Onyx Storm," where Violet realizes that the battle is far from over.