Among the plethora of remarkable books released last year, one title has remarkably 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 addition to the Empyrean series: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros.

If the names Empyrean or Onyx Storm don't ring a bell, you might still be familiar with the first book in the series, Fourth Wing. The viral success of these novels can be largely attributed to their popularity on BookTok, a segment of TikTok dedicated to book lovers. This platform has previously propelled other romance novels to fame, notably It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover, which dominated the best-seller lists in 2022 and was later adapted into a film.

Why Is The Empyrean Series So Popular?

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While TikTok has undoubtedly played a significant role in the series' virality, the plot and genre of these books were primed for success from the outset. Having read both Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, I can attest to their gripping nature. The series incorporates elements reminiscent of the Harry Potter series, romance akin to the Twilight saga, and dragons reminiscent of the Inheritance Cycle. The blend feels both familiar and refreshingly novel.

Another compelling factor contributing to the series' popularity is its inclusion of highly detailed and graphic depictions of the protagonist's sexual encounters. What starts as a seemingly typical young adult novel quickly escalates into a steamy fantasy romance, featuring dragons and passionate scenes that keep readers hooked.

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

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

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.