Amazon's Second Best-Selling Book of 2024 Was a Preorder That Just Came Out This Week

2024 saw many fantastic books, but one unexpected bestseller stands out: Onyx Storm, the latest installment in Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series, which launched this week.

Even if unfamiliar with the series, you've likely heard of Fourth Wing, its predecessor. Rebecca Yarros' novels owe much of their success to BookTok, the book-loving corner of TikTok, a platform that previously propelled Colleen Hoover's It Ends With Us to the top of bestseller lists in 2022 (and later, to the big screen).

Why the Empyrean Series' Popularity?

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 undeniably boosted the series' visibility, the books' plot and genre were primed for success. Having read Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, I can attest to their captivating nature. They blend familiar elements—the magical world reminiscent of Harry Potter, the romance echoing Twilight, and the dragons reminiscent of Inheritance Cycle—creating a unique and engaging reading experience.

Another key factor is the series' explicit depiction of the protagonist's sexual 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—a winning combination for many readers.

Onyx Storm secured the second spot on Amazon's 2024 bestseller list. Kristin Hannah's The Women, released in February 2024, claimed the top position, also topping The New York Times bestseller list. Here's a look 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