Among the plethora of remarkable books released last year, one title has surged to the top of Amazon's best sellers list for 2024, despite its release just this week. The book in question is the latest installment in the Empyrean series, "Onyx Storm," by Rebecca Yarros. If the Empyrean series doesn't ring a bell, you might still be familiar with its first book, "Fourth Wing," which, along with its sequels, gained immense popularity through viral trends on BookTok. This social media platform has previously propelled other romance novels to fame, notably "It Ends With Us" by Colleen Hoover, which dominated the best-selling lists in 2022 and was adapted into a movie.
Why Is The Empyrean Series So Popular?
While TikTok's influence is undeniable in boosting the series' visibility, the compelling plot and genre of these books were primed for success right from the start. Having read "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame," I can attest to their addictive nature. The series cleverly blends elements reminiscent of the Harry Potter series, the romantic intensity of Twilight, and the dragon-centric world of the Inheritance Cycle. This mix creates a reading experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly novel.
Another key factor in the series' popularity is its bold, graphic depiction of the main character's sexual encounters. What begins as a typical young adult novel quickly escalates into steamy territory, maintaining that intensity throughout. It's a thrilling blend of epic fantasy, romance, and dragons—elements that resonate powerfully with readers.
Despite its recent release, "Onyx Storm" secured the second spot on Amazon's 2024 best-selling list. The top position was claimed by "The Women" by Kristin Hannah, released in February 2024, which also led The New York Times best seller list. Here's a brief overview of the top ten books on Amazon's 2024 list:
- The Women - Kristin Hannah
- Onyx Storm - Rebecca Yarros
- Atomic Habits - James Clear
- Hillbilly Elegy - J.D. Vance
- The Housemaid - Freida McFadden
- Mom, I want to Hear Your Story - Jeffrey Mason
- Dad, I want to Hear Your Story - Jeffrey Mason
- The Anxious Generation - Jonathan Haidt
- It Ends With Us - Colleen Hoover
- Good Energy - Casey Means M.D.
