The literary world saw a remarkable surge in interest last year, but one book has truly captured the spotlight on Amazon's best sellers list for 2024, despite its release just this week. I'm referring to the latest installment in the Empyrean series: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros.

If you're not yet acquainted with the series, you might still recognize the first book, Fourth Wing. The widespread acclaim for Rebecca Yarros's novels can be largely attributed to their viral success on BookTok, a platform that has previously propelled other romance novels to fame. A prime example is Colleen Hoover's It Ends With Us, which not only dominated the best sellers list in 2022 but also inspired a movie adaptation.

Why Is The Empyrean Series So Popular?

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While TikTok has undeniably played a significant role in the series' virality, the inherent appeal of the books' plot and genre has been crucial to their success. Having delved into both Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, I can attest to their gripping nature. The series combines elements reminiscent of the Harry Potter series, the romantic tension akin to Twilight, and the majestic presence of dragons akin to the Inheritance Cycle. This blend feels both comfortingly familiar and refreshingly innovative.

Another, perhaps more overt reason for the series' popularity is the vividly described sexual encounters of the main character. What begins as a seemingly typical young adult novel quickly escalates into steamy territory, maintaining a high level of intensity throughout. It's an epic fantasy romance that combines dragons with sensuality, offering readers a thrilling escape.

What Were the Other Amazon Best-Selling Books of 2024?

While Onyx Storm claimed the second spot on the 2024 Amazon best sellers list, the top novel was The Women by Kristin Hannah, released in February 2024. This book also topped The New York Times best seller list. Here's a quick overview of the top ten books that graced Amazon's list in 2024:

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