Yahoo Lifestyle Why 'Onyx Storm' Is THE Book to Read Right Now
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The publication of Onyx Storm, the new fantasy novel from Rebecca Yarros, is one of the publishing events of the year. Fans queued into the night at bookstores to buy the book, which was released at midnight.
The book’s publisher, Little, Brown, said it was the company’s biggest pre-ordered title since it released the Harry Potter play script in 2016.
Onyx Storm is the third novel in Yarros’s Empyrean series, set in a world of dragons and magic, with a bit of steamy romance woven in.
The first book in the series, Fourth Wing, was published in 2023 and became an almost-overnight bestseller. Book two, Iron Flame, finished on a cliffhanger, leaving readers desperate for more.
The Empyrean series has a classic enemies-to-lovers trope, with extra fantasy spice thrown in. 20-year-old Violet is supposed to live a quiet life among her books, until her family push her to train to become one of the elite dragon riders. At Basgiath War College, she meets Xaden Riorson, a powerful wingleader who seems determined to constantly challenge her. When the two of them get together, there’s sparks and tension galore.
What happens in Onyx Storm?
Without giving away any spoilers, Onyx Storm continues the story of Violet Sorrengail who is training as a dragon rider at an elite college. After 18 months there, the time for learning is over and Violet must face her deadliest opponents yet.
Early readers of the new book say it matches up to the previous two books in terms of storyline, with more of a focus on friendship than romance in this installment. It’s fast-paced, with plenty of battle scenes and dragon-action for those who love that side of the books. Again, there’s a big cliffhanger ending, which will leave fans wanting more. Frustratingly, the fourth book in the series has not yet been announced and there’s speculation that there may be a big gap before its release. Watch this space!
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
What is fantasy?
Fantasy is having a bit of a moment, with sales in this genre the second biggest growing book category just behind romance. A sprawling genre in 2025, fantasy includes everything from cosy atmospheres to magical detectives and medieval epics to faerie romance.
Why is it so popular? At its best, fantasy gives us a much-needed opportunity to escape from reality, and have a bit of an adventure. Throw in some adventure, an element of danger, handsome heroes (and some steamy scenes!) and it’s the perfect way to live vicariously.
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