Fans Flock to Manhattan to Celebrate Rebecca Yarros and Her Latest Release
NEW YORK (AP) — In celebration of a major milestone, Alyssa Math couldn't think of a better way to mark the occasion than attending author Rebecca Yarros' appearance at The Town Hall in Manhattan. Math, who is about to get married, called the event the perfect way to kick off her bachelorette party.
“I’m getting married next weekend, so this is my bachelorette party,” said Math, an accountant who traveled from her home near Annapolis, Maryland, to join the celebration. A devoted fan of Yarros’ work, Math previously drove two hours to Reston, Virginia, to see the author last year.
“It’s a huge cult following,” she added, donning a white veil as a tribute to one of Yarros' characters. “The drama in her books keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
On Friday night, The Town Hall was buzzing with excitement as nearly 1,500 fans gathered for the event, which had the energy of a rock concert, costume party, and family reunion combined. The crowd cheered, laughed, and shouted, “Yes, Queen!” as Yarros, a leader of the newly coined "romantasy" genre, took the stage. Her Empyrean series has garnered a massive following, blending romance and fantasy into stories that have captivated readers across the globe.
Her latest release, Onyx Storm, is the third book in the series and has already been a major success, topping bestseller lists within its first week of release. The book, which follows the beloved characters Violet and Xaden, has sold over 300,000 copies through Barnes & Noble alone, according to a spokesperson for the chain.
During the event, Olympic gymnast and fan Laurie Hernandez interviewed Yarros for about 75 minutes, delving into the author’s creative process and life. Yarros opened up about her writing, revealing that she already knows how the series will end. She also shared some personal anecdotes, including her love for her husband and the joys and challenges of balancing fame with family life.
“I kind of pretend you don’t exist when I’m writing,” Yarros joked. “I kind of ignore you, but I love you at the same time.”
Although Onyx Storm hasn't reached Harry Potter levels of fandom, the buzz surrounding it is undeniable. Midnight release parties and fans dressing in costume to celebrate the book's launch have become a norm for the Empyrean series, with fans eagerly devouring the 526-page novel. Some attendees at the Town Hall shared that they had already finished the book in just a few hours, while others, like Scarlett Fuentes and Zy Bao-angan, planned to savor every moment of it.
“This is a book I personally want to take my time with,” Fuentes said.
Yarros, like other romantasy authors such as Sarah J. Maas, has found significant popularity among young readers on platforms like BookTok, which has become a major driver of book sales. Fans frequently take to social media, sharing emotional reactions to Onyx Storm — some posting videos of themselves crying, while others express amazement over the twists and turns of the story.
At the event, the conversation was casual, as if chatting about close friends. Fans asked about Violet and Xaden’s preferences — what would they drink at a bar? Violet would opt for a lavender lemon drop, while Xaden would go for a beer. As for music? Xaden is all about heavy metal, while Violet’s tastes are harder to categorize.
When asked what lessons she has learned from her writing journey, Yarros took a moment to reflect on what truly matters in her life.
“The most important thing I’ve learned is that real life happens in my house, around my kitchenette, and when my kids and husband are together,” she shared. “Real life is not what happens on the internet.”
With that, she concluded the evening, signing off with a heartfelt message to her devoted fans: “I love you guys, but peace out.”