The release of 'Onyx Storm', the much-anticipated third book in Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series, drew passionate fans to special midnight openings at bookstores, showcasing the deep devotion reminiscent of classic literary events.
Midnight Magic: Fans Embrace the Unveiling of 'Onyx Storm'
Midnight Magic: Fans Embrace the Unveiling of 'Onyx Storm'
Anticipation reaches a peak as followers of Rebecca Yarros flock to bookstores for the release of her latest fantasy novel, 'Onyx Storm', the third installment in the Empyrean series.
Fans of fantasy literature gathered in droves for the much-anticipated launch of 'Onyx Storm', the third novel in the celebrated Empyrean series by US author Rebecca Yarros. This event marks a significant moment in publishing, with Little, Brown forecasting it to be their biggest pre-ordered title since the Harry Potter play script launched in 2016.
Across the globe, bookstores have embraced the excitement, adjusting their hours for the midnight release; Waterstones in the UK opened its doors at midnight, while branches reported expectations that the sales would surpass all previous first-day figures. Notably, around 60 Waterstones locations hosted special events to celebrate the launch. In the US, major retail store Target reportedly faced overwhelming demand as fans awaited an exclusive edition, with some staying up until 3 a.m. for the online release, only to experience frustrating delays on the website.
Rebekah West, editorial director of Little, Brown’s Piaktus imprint, stated: "This level of fan devotion hasn't been seen since the days of Harry Potter," highlighting the profound impact of Yarros's writing.
Fans like Mollie Short, who attended the launch party at Waterstones’ Trafalgar Square location, expressed the joy of being surrounded by like-minded individuals. "It was nice being in a room filled with people that actually understand what I'm talking about," she shared, adding that the escape provided by the fantasy genre is a significant draw for her.
Yarros took to Instagram to connect with her readers, expressing gratitude and encouragement as fans dove into the book. Feedback from readers indicated palpable excitement, with comments relaying their immediate engagement with the novel.
The Empyrean series is notable for its rich storytelling and relatable characters, particularly the main protagonist, Violet Sorrengail, who resonates with readers due to her realistic portrayal of living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. In 'Onyx Storm', Violet navigates escalating conflicts, having transitioned from her formative training years to facing dire new challenges as the battle intensifies. As fans continue to devour the previous titles, the return to this magical, tumultuous world promises a thrilling journey ahead.
