Amazon's Surprise Bestseller: Preorder Tops Charts

2024 saw many fantastic books hit the shelves, but one unexpected title dominated Amazon's best-seller list: Onyx Storm, the latest installment in Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series, which launched this week.

If the name doesn't ring a bell, you might recognize the series's debut novel, Fourth Wing. Its explosive popularity, along with that of its sequel Iron Flame, is largely attributed to its viral success on BookTok, the book-loving corner of TikTok. This platform has previously propelled other romance novels to fame, most notably Colleen Hoover's It Ends With Us, a 2022 bestseller that later became a film.

Why the Empyrean Series's Soaring Success?

Now Available### Onyx Storm (Standard Edition)

9Hardcover and Kindle versions available at a discount.$29.99 save 30%$20.98 at Amazon$29.99 save 50%$14.99 at Amazon KindleWhile TikTok undoubtedly played a significant role, the series's inherent appeal is undeniable. Fourth Wing and Iron Flame offer a compelling blend of familiar and fresh elements. Fans of Harry Potter will recognize certain plot structures, while the romance echoes the Twilight series, and the dragons evoke the Inheritance Cycle. The result is a captivating read that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Another key factor contributing to the series's popularity is its explicit depiction of the protagonist's romantic encounters. What begins as a typical young adult novel quickly transitions into a steamy romance, maintaining this intensity throughout. Essentially, it's an epic fantasy romance with dragons and explicit sex scenes—a potent combination for many readers.

Onyx Storm secured the number two spot on Amazon's 2024 bestseller list. The top spot belonged to Kristin Hannah's The Women, released in February 2024, which also topped The New York Times bestseller list. Here's a glimpse at the top ten:

1. The Women - Kristin Hannah
2. Onyx Storm - Rebecca Yarros
3. Atomic Habits - James Clear
4. Hillbilly Elegy - J.D. Vance
5. The Housemaid - Freida McFadden
6. Mom, I Want to Hear Your Story - Jeffrey Mason
7. Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story - Jeffrey Mason
8. The Anxious Generation - Jonathan Haidt
9. It Ends With Us - Colleen Hoover
10. Good Energy - Casey Means M.D