Bookshops Celebrate Launch of Onyx Storm with Late-Night Parties
Bookshops across the UK staged late-night parties featuring fancy dress, quizzes, and cakes to celebrate the release of Rebecca Yarros's latest novel, Onyx Storm, the third instalment of the popular Empyrean series.
Rebecca Yarros faced initial rejections when trying to publish her first novel 14 years ago. However, this week saw over 180,000 copies of Onyx Storm sold on its first day, with more than a thousand midnight-release parties held in celebration.
Nearly 60 Waterstones branches opened late or early to commemorate the occasion, with fans eager to obtain early copies following reports of availability at Asda.
The Empyrean series follows Violet Sorrengail's journey through dragon-rider training, intertwining themes of fantasy and romance. Yarros shares the spotlight in the romantasy genre with authors like Sarah J Maas.
Fans queued outside Waterstones, with many dressed as beloved characters. Jennifer, a 27-year-old ocean logistics agent, attended a launch party in Liverpool and noted the fun atmosphere.
Inside the events, attendees engaged in crafts, quizzes, dragon-themed activities, and enjoyed themed refreshments, enhancing the community spirit among fans.
Attendant Sarah Walters described the atmosphere as electric as the release hour approached, highlighting the passionate fanbase that contributes to the series’ popularity.
Walters also noted the "addictive" element of Yarros's writing, predicting that BookTok—a vibrant part of TikTok dedicated to literary discourse—plays a significant role in the series' success.
Fans appreciate Yarros's ability to create relatable characters, especially Violet, who also lives with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). This representation has resonated with readers, marking a significant moment for the EDS community in fantasy literature.
Walters emphasised the importance of accepting diverse genres like romantasy, pushing back against negative perceptions. "No one should feel ashamed for the books they enjoy," she asserted.
