The 2024 Amazon Bestsellers List was dominated by a book that didn't even release until this week: Onyx Storm, the latest installment in Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series. While this might seem surprising, the series' success is built on a foundation of several factors.
The series' initial breakthrough came via BookTok, a corner of TikTok where book recommendations go viral. This platform propelled Yarros's first book, Fourth Wing, to immense popularity, mirroring the success of Colleen Hoover's It Ends With Us in 2022. However, BookTok isn't the sole reason for the series' triumph.
Why the Empyrean Series Soars:
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 KindleThe books cleverly blend familiar elements from popular series like Harry Potter (in its plot structure), Twilight (in its romance), and Inheritance Cycle (in its dragons). This familiarity, combined with a fresh approach, makes the series highly engaging.
Another significant factor contributing to the series' popularity is its explicit depiction of sexual encounters. This unexpected level of graphic content in what initially appears to be a young adult novel adds a unique dimension, transforming it into a steamy epic fantasy romance. This combination of dragons, fantasy, and mature themes is a potent draw for many readers.
AnswerSee ResultsTop 10 Amazon Bestsellers of 2024:Despite its late release, Onyx Storm secured the second spot on Amazon's 2024 bestseller list. The top spot belonged to Kristin Hannah's The Women, released in February 2024. Here's a glimpse at the complete top ten:
- 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.
