Fans eagerly lined up for the release of "Onyx Storm," the highly-anticipated novel by best-selling US fantasy author Rebecca Yarros, in what has become one of the most awaited publishing events of the year.
The book, the third installment in Yarros's Empyrean series, immerses readers in a world of dragons, magic, warfare, and passionate romance.
The publisher, Little, Brown, described it as their most pre-ordered title since the 2016 release of the Harry Potter play script.
Stores worldwide hosted special events, with some extending their hours either on Monday night or early Tuesday morning. UK retailer Waterstones anticipated the book surpassing the first-day sales of its predecessor.
Nearly 60 Waterstones branches opened for the book launch, including the one at Trafalgar Square in London, where fan Mollie Short attended a release party and enjoyed activities themed around the book, including a quiz and character costumes.
Describing her enthusiasm, Short, a 23-year-old nail technician from Essex, highlighted the escapism, magic, and quality of Yarros's writing that appeals to young readers.
Yarros herself expressed gratitude and excitement to fans on Instagram upon the book's release, prompting enthusiastic responses from readers already engrossed in the story.
Yarros is a prominent figure in the popular "romantasy" genre, with the relaunch of her earlier Empyrean titles surging back to the top spots on the New York Times fiction bestsellers list in anticipation of "Onyx Storm."
The series follows the journey of the resilient heroine, Violet Sorrengail, as she navigates challenges at Basgiath War College, particularly her complex relationship with a fellow candidate, Xaden Riorson, against the backdrop of impending battles and personal trials.