Last year saw many outstanding book releases, but the most notable title on Amazon's 2024 bestsellers list was one that debuted just this week. We're referring, of course, to the newest installment in the Empyrean series: Onyx Storm.
If these names aren't familiar, you might still recognize the series' first book, Fourth Wing. Rebecca Yarros’ novels owe much of their popularity to going viral on BookTok, a platform that has previously boosted other romance novels. Perhaps the most famous book gaining traction in that TikTok community was Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us, which soared to the top of the bestseller lists in 2022 and was later adapted into a film.
What Makes the Empyrean Series So Popular?
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Onyx Storm (Standard Edition)
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While TikTok certainly played a key role in the series' popularity, the plot and genre were primed for success from the start. Having read both Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, I can confirm they are truly gripping. They blend elements reminiscent of Harry Potter, romance akin to the Twilight series, and dragons similar to those in the Inheritance Cycle. Reading these books feels comfortingly familiar, yet refreshingly original.
Another, perhaps more evident, reason behind the series' appeal is the vivid depiction of the protagonist's intimate encounters. What starts as a typical young adult novel quickly escalates into steamy scenes that maintain their intensity. It's an epic fantasy romance featuring dragons and passion—what more could a reader ask for?
What Were the Other Top-Selling Books on Amazon in 2024?
Onyx Storm ranked as the second best-selling book on the 2024 list. The top spot went to Kristin Hannah’s The Women, released in February 2024, which also led The New York Times bestseller list at the time. Here’s a quick overview of the top ten books on Amazon’s 2024 ranking.
The Women - Kristin HannahOnyx Storm - Rebecca YarrosAtomic Habits - James ClearHillbilly Elegy - J.D. VanceThe Housemaid - Freida McFaddenMom, I Want to Hear Your Story - Jeffrey MasonDad, I Want to Hear Your Story - Jeffrey MasonThe Anxious Generation - Jonathan HaidtIt Ends With Us - Colleen HooverGood Energy - Casey Means M.D
