Fans of Rebecca Yarros’ fantasy-filled Empyrean series spent Monday night at Barnes & Noble in Augusta where a release party was held for the third book in the series, “Onyx Storm.”
According to store manager Jack Pittman, the anticipated total number of guests was around 150; he added that he hasn’t seen book releases quite like this since the days of the Harry Potter series’ prime.
The Empyrean is a romantasy series that begins with its first book, “Fourth Wing,” and follows 20-year-old Violet Sorrengail who is forced to become a dragon rider in the Kingdom of Navarre.
“Onyx Storm” went on sale in the store exactly one minute after midnight, with guests having to pre-order their copy in order to attend.
Readers talk about Yarros’ work
A line formed outside the door of the store as people braved the cold to check into the party, one of those being Abi Countryman who has been a fan of the series for several years.
“I feel like she makes her characters so relatable in so many ways that it makes it more believable, even though it’s fantasy,” said Countryman about Yarros’ writing.
“I just like being around like minded people,” she added, saying that it was her first time at a book release. “I think it’s gonna be a lot of fun.”
Ahead of Countryman in line was Somalia Lewis who became a fan around November 2023 when the second book in the series, “Iron Flame,” was released.
“It’s amazing,” said Lewis. “The entire book is interesting. It’s never boring. If it’s not funny, if it’s not action, it’s something.”
Lewis said that “Iron Flame” left her with some questions that she hopes “Onyx Storm” will answer.
Yarros is expected to release at least two more books in the series, and Lewis said that she fully supports it.
“She can do as many as she wants,” laughed Lewis. “I’m gonna keep buying it!”
More “Onyx Storm” release news
The Book Tavern in downtown Augusta planned to do a similar release party on Tuesday, Jan. 21 but postponed the event due to inclement weather. The Book Tavern’s rescheduled party will be on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 6 – 8 p.m.
