Readers are abuzz with excitement over the launch of 'Onyx Storm,' the third chapter of Rebecca Yarros' much-loved Empyrean series. Bookstores globally, including Waterstones in Warrington, saw fans queuing for hours at midnight, driven by the buzz surrounding the fantasy romance genre—dubbed "romantasy." The novel has already set records, becoming the largest pre-ordered title for publisher Little, Brown since the Harry Potter play script launch in 2016.
In a highly coordinated effort, nearly 60 Waterstones branches across the UK opened late Monday or early Tuesday morning, anticipating a massive surge in sales that would eclipse previous releases. Fans in the US, on the other hand, faced a tech hurdle, as some eager readers encountered difficulties accessing the exclusive special edition on Target's website during the frantic 3am online launch.
Rebekah West, an editorial director with Little, Brown, likened the level of fan engagement to that seen during the Harry Potter era, underlining the intensity of anticipation for this release.
At the Waterstones event in Trafalgar Square, fans reveled in themed festivities, complete with goody bags and character costumes. Mollie Short, a 23-year-old attendee, expressed her excitement, saying, "It's about magic powers, fantasy, not your everyday kind of thing," illustrating the escapism that Yarros' books provide.
In a heartfelt message on Instagram, Yarros implied that her fans now hold the story in their hands and eagerly awaits their reactions. As early readers delve into the book, excitement is palpable on social media, with readers revealing their eagerness to escape into Yarros' magical and complex world.
The Empyrean series, already a bestseller, features protagonist Violet Sorrengail, a character robustly representing those with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, mirroring Yarros' own experience. The story arc involves violet's struggles and romantic entanglements amidst a backdrop of warfare and magical warfare. With thrilling expectations from supporters, 'Onyx Storm' is anticipated to further elevate Yarros' status in the literary world.
