Fans rush for highly anticipated ‘romance’ sequel

Fans lined up for Onyx Storm, the highly anticipated new book from bestselling American fantasy author Rebecca Yarros, at one of the year’s publishing events.

Onyx Storm is the third novel in Yarros’ Empyrean series, set in a world of dragons, magic, war, and steamy romance.

Its publisher Little, Brown said it would be the company’s biggest pre-ordered title since the release of the Harry Potter play script in 2016.

Stores around the world held special events – either opening late on Monday or early on Tuesday – and British chain Waterstones said the book was likely to “completely eclipse our first day sales” of the previous installment.

Nearly 60 Waterstones branches had special outlet openings.

In the US, some avid readers waited until 3 a.m. for the online release of an exclusive Target special edition – but many of those who stayed up complained on social media that the store’s website could not keep up with demand.

Rebekah West, editorial director of Little, Brown’s Piaktus brand, told the Telegraph: “This level of fan devotion hasn’t been seen since the days of Harry Potter.”

Fan Mollie Short attended a book release party at Waterstones in Trafalgar Square, London.

“We got goody bags and there were people dressed as characters and then there was a quiz which everyone played,” said Ms Short, a 23-year-old nail technician from Essex.

“The evening went by pretty quickly, and then we all lined up for the midnight release. It was nice to be in a room surrounded by people who really understand what I’m talking about.”

She added: “What I love about these books is that it’s an escape. It’s about magical powers, fantasy, not everyday things, and she writes really well for young readers.

“I’m really excited to read this book. I really don’t know what’s going to happen, because she left the last book on a cliffhanger.”

In a message to fans on Instagram, Yarros wrote: “1. It’s in your hands now. 2. Thank you for sharing this incredible experience with me. 3. Enjoy the ride.”

One reader replied: “At chapter one and already dying”, another wrote: “Thank you for sharing this incredible world with us!!!” and someone else asked, “Is it bad that I’m about to stop work to read?”

Yarros is one of the biggest names in the burgeoning “romance” genre.

In anticipation of the release of Onyx Storm, the first two Empyrean books, Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, returned to the top two spots on the New York Times fiction bestseller list.

They are also both currently in the top five of the UK’s Sunday Times paperback fiction charts, and they were the two most read books of last year worldwide. among Goodreads users.

Fourth Wing introduced heroine Violet Sorrengail, a 20-year-old woman who undergoes brutal training to become an elite dragon rider.

Like the author, Violet has a genetic condition that means the character dislocates joints and breaks bones easily – so she must use her intelligence and inner strength to help her survive.

She is also in a relationship with another contestant called Xaden Riorson, who comes from a rival family.

Iron Flame then took place during Violet’s second year at Basgiath War College, while in Onyx Storm, according to the publisher, she “knows there is no time for classes” because “the battle has really started.”