Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series, especially the newest release 'Onyx Storm', has taken the book world by storm thanks to its blend of high fantasy, romance, and compelling characters. This surge in popularity coincides with a broader trend of Gen-Z rediscovering reading, fueled by the power of BookTok and a desire for engaging, diverse stories.
Since 2020, social media has witnessed a fascinating surge in individuals sharing their hobbies online. Romance -fantasy has experienced a significant boom, with series like Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses selling over 13 million copies globally. Rebecca Yarros is generating immense excitement with the release of the third book in her Empyrean series, Onyx Storm .
Serving as a sequel to Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, the book continues the narrative of Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson as they traverse a world filled with dragons, treachery, and war. Launched in 2023, the inaugural book in the series took the publishing industry by surprise with its high-fantasy romance. Fourth Wing went viral online, and its popularity on TikTok propelled it to the top of The New York Times bestseller list. The highly anticipated release has seen book clubs across the country celebrate its launch. Onyx Storm has received an overwhelmingly positive response from fans. On Amazon, the new book already boasts a 4.7/5-star rating, and Yarros's series has even garnered celebrity endorsement, with actor Millie Bobby Brown expressing: 'I couldn't put it down.' A Goodreads reader remarked: “Binged this in a day. I’m so lost for words and gobsmacked. This was everything I wanted and more. Thanks for ripping me apart, Rebecca, and kind of putting me back together, then ripping my heart out again.” Another reader humorously quipped: “I did not finish this book. This book finished me.” Why do readers adore this series so much? The combination of fantasy with romance—and a dash of quick-witted dragons—makes Yarros's works incredibly engaging. The fictional world of Basgiath War College has captivated readers with its high-stakes environment and relentless romantic tension between the two central characters. Providing a complete escape from reality, fantasy has traditionally catered to readers with male-dominated plots. However, Yarros and her contemporaries have redefined the genre to appeal to a wider demographic. Fourth Wing reads like the diary of a young adult navigating a perilous setting while simultaneously grappling with burgeoning romantic feelings. Yarros seamlessly blends epic battle scenes and treachery with romantic narratives and comedic moments. One line in Fourth Wing reads like an excerpt from Bridget Jones's Diary, while the next resembles a scene from Game of Thrones. A cherished moment among fans occurs when Violet states: 'You are not attracted to toxic men, I remind myself, and yet, here I am, getting all attracted.' Unlike traditional fantasy, Yarros prioritizes diversity. Our protagonist Violet is implied to have an unspecified disability, our love interest Xaden is a person of color, and various characters of different sexualities and gender identities appear throughout the series. For modern readers, the Empyrean series demonstrates that books can be inclusive, even within traditionally Euro-centric, heterosexual fantasy settings, and even if diversity is not the primary focus of the plot. Why are Gen-Z experiencing a resurgence in reading? The 'BookTok' hashtag has skyrocketed in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic. Users share reviews, anecdotes, and recommendations online, influencing how people consume literature. Bookstores have embraced this trend, even incorporating sections labeled 'As seen on BookTok' into their physical stores. Waterstones has its own 'BookTok' section on its website, featuring a curated selection of books made popular on the app. Authors utilize these platforms to connect with fans, including Rebecca Yarros herself, who actively shares updates about the Empyrean series. Young people's interests have evolved in recent years, with 1 in 4 Gen-Z now completely sober, according to The Times. With less emphasis on partying and bar-hopping, there's a rise in alternative pastimes. Self-enrichment hobbies like reading, crafting, and sports are immensely popular on social media, with more Gen-Z individuals opting for a cozy night in with a book rather than a night out on the town
SOCIAL MEDIA BOOKTOK FANTASY ROMANCE GEN Z READING Rebecca Yarros Onyx Storm Empyrean Series
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