Today's Read Contributor Rebecca Yarros’ Onyx Storm, the much-anticipated third book in her Empyrean series, has stormed its way to the top of bestseller lists, making history as the fastest-selling adult novel in the past 20 years. The book, which was released to widespread fanfare, sold a staggering 2.7 million copies in its opening week alone. This incredible success highlights both Yarros’ growing popularity and the strong appeal of the “romantasy” genre, which blends elements of romance with high fantasy.
The debut of Onyx Storm wasn’t just about the numbers. Across the country, fans of the series came together to celebrate the book’s release in grand style. Many readers dressed in elaborate costumes inspired by characters from the Empyrean series, an event that served as a testament to the dedicated and passionate fanbase Yarros has cultivated since the series began. These nationwide events highlighted the cultural phenomenon surrounding the Empyrean saga, with thousands of people coming together to share in the excitement of the release.
The Empyrean series, which blends fantasy, romance, and high-stakes adventure, has resonated deeply with readers, and the success of Onyx Storm is a testament to Yarros’ ability to captivate audiences with intricate world-building, compelling characters, and emotionally charged storytelling. Yarros’ talent for weaving together romance with epic fantasy elements has garnered her a loyal following, and her books often find themselves at the intersection of genres, attracting both romance fans and fantasy enthusiasts.
This third installment in the series continues to follow the journey of its protagonists, who face not only the pressures of their personal relationships but also the looming threats that challenge their world. Onyx Storm explores themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice, all set against the backdrop of a richly detailed, fantastical universe. The book’s success also mirrors a broader trend in the literary world, where the “romantasy” genre is steadily gaining traction, bridging the gap between romantic storytelling and high fantasy adventures.
The cultural impact of Onyx Storm extends beyond its strong sales. The popularity of the book has sparked renewed interest in the Empyrean series as a whole, with readers revisiting the earlier installments to catch up on the characters’ journeys and to better understand the complex world that Yarros has crafted. Social media has been abuzz with fan theories, fan art, and discussions about the future of the series, with many eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Rebecca Yarros’ success with Onyx Storm is a clear indication that the literary world is embracing new genres and storytelling formats. The rise of romantasy, as exemplified by Yarros’ latest work, is reshaping how readers approach both romance and fantasy literature, blending the best of both worlds in a way that has proven to be wildly successful.
