Amazon's Second Best-Selling Book of 2024 Was a Preorder That Just Came Out This Week

2024 saw many fantastic book releases, but one unexpected bestseller on Amazon emerged this week: Onyx Storm, the latest installment in Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series.

If you're unfamiliar with the series, you've likely heard of its predecessor, Fourth Wing. The Empyrean series owes much of its success to BookTok, a corner of TikTok where books go viral, launching authors into the limelight. This phenomenon mirrors the success of Colleen Hoover's It Ends With Us, which similarly skyrocketed to the top of bestseller lists in 2022 and was later adapted into a film.

Why is the Empyrean Series So Popular?

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 KindleWhile TikTok undeniably propelled the series' popularity, the books' inherent appeal also contributed significantly. Having read both Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, I can attest to their captivating nature. They blend familiar elements—the magical world-building reminiscent of Harry Potter, the romance reminiscent of Twilight, and the dragon lore reminiscent of the Inheritance Cycle—creating a unique and engaging reading experience.

Another contributing factor to the series' popularity is the explicit depiction of the protagonist's sexual encounters. This unexpected level of graphic detail sets the novels apart from typical young adult fiction, adding a mature dimension to the epic fantasy romance. Dragons, romance, and explicit content—a winning combination for many readers.

Onyx Storm secured the second spot on Amazon's 2024 bestseller list. The top-selling novel was Kristin Hannah's The Women, released in February 2024, which also topped The New York Times bestseller list. Below is a list 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