Rebecca Yarros fans have every reason to celebrate with the release of Onyx Storm, the third book in her blockbuster Empyrean series. Hitting shelves on January 21, 2025, the novel continues the gripping journey of Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson at the demanding Basgiath War College. The Empyrean series, which debuted with Fourth Wing in April 2023 and followed up with Iron Flame in October 2023, has become a literary phenomenon, seamlessly blending fantasy, romance, and intense cadet training in a richly detailed world.
However, alongside the excitement comes a sobering reality for fans eager for the fourth installment—Yarros has revealed that Onyx Storm was an arduous process, and she has yet to begin work on the next book in the series.
The Grueling Journey to Onyx Storm
Creating a bestseller like Onyx Storm was no small feat for Rebecca Yarros. After a 14-month wait following Iron Flame, the pressure to deliver a book that met and exceeded expectations was immense. Yarros, who is known for her candid and open communication with fans, recently took to Instagram to share her struggles with meeting deadlines.
In response to a fan asking about the progress on the fourth book, Yarros wrote:
“Haven’t even started it. The pace in which book 3 needed to be completed almost killed me, and I’m not speaking in hyperbole.”
This raw admission sheds light on the high-stakes world of publishing, where authors are often required to deliver books on tight schedules. Yarros revealed that the effort to finish Onyx Storm had taken a significant toll on her mental health, an issue that many creatives face but few openly discuss.
Rebecca Yarros: Juggling Family, Career, and Creativity
Rebecca Yarros isn’t just an author—she’s a mother to six children and a military spouse. This dual role makes her accomplishments even more remarkable, as she navigates the complexities of family life alongside her thriving career.
As of January 2025, Yarros boasts an estimated net worth of $3 million, thanks to the immense success of the Empyrean series and her previous works. Despite this financial success, her recent struggles underscore a critical reality: no amount of wealth can shield someone from the mental and emotional challenges of burnout.
Rebecca has also been candid about how contracts and commitments can complicate her creative process. In another Instagram post, she shared:
“Contracts are contracts. I can’t start [the next Empyrean book] until I can open a word doc without having an anxiety attack. Burnout is real and sucks. But I’m getting closer every day!”
Her honesty struck a chord with fans, many of whom expressed deep empathy for the pressures she faces.
Fan Support: A Pillar of Strength
Rebecca Yarros’ openness about her struggles has only strengthened her connection with her readers. Fans flooded her Instagram posts with words of encouragement, making it clear that they value her well-being above all.
One fan wrote:
“Take your time! We’ll all be here waiting.”
Another chimed in with:
“Please take care of yourself. We’re grateful for every book you write, but your health comes first!”
This outpouring of support reflects the deep bond Yarros has cultivated with her audience. Many fans praised her vulnerability, highlighting how refreshing it is to see an author prioritize their mental health and well-being.
What’s Next for Rebecca Yarros?
While fans eagerly await the fourth installment in the Empyrean series, Rebecca Yarros has made it clear that her immediate focus is on recovery and recharging her creative energy. In addition to her plans to prioritize self-care, she hinted at an exciting secret project, though details remain under wraps for now.
Yarros has also revealed that she’ll be working on a contemporary novel before returning to the fantasy world of Empyrean. Although this might mean a longer wait for the next chapter in Violet and Xaden’s story, it also ensures that Yarros can bring her best self to the series when the time comes.
As Yarros put it:
“I’m focusing on filling the creative well. The next book will come when it’s ready—and it’ll be worth the wait.”
Rebecca Yarros’ Onyx Storm: Key Details
Aspect | Details |
Release Date | January 21, 2025 |
Series | Empyrean |
Previous Books | Fourth Wing (April 2023), Iron Flame (October 2023) |
Main Characters | Violet Sorrengail, Xaden Riorson |
Author’s Challenges | Creative burnout, mental health struggles, balancing family and career |
Estimated Net Worth | $3 million |
Upcoming Projects | Contemporary novel, secret project, eventual fourth Empyrean book |
Fan Reception | Overwhelmingly supportive, with fans prioritizing Rebecca’s health and well-being |
Rebecca Yarros’ Net Worth and Literary Success
The release of Onyx Storm has undoubtedly boosted Rebecca Yarros’ profile as one of the most successful authors in the fantasy-romance genre. Her growing fanbase, combined with the commercial success of the Empyrean series, has significantly contributed to her $3 million net worth.
Yarros’ transparency about the highs and lows of her journey has further endeared her to readers, creating a loyal community that values her both as an author and as a person. This support will undoubtedly be instrumental as she navigates the next phases of her career.
Final Thoughts
Rebecca Yarros’ Onyx Storm marks another milestone in her career, solidifying her status as a bestselling author. While the road to completing the novel was fraught with challenges, Yarros’ resilience and the unwavering support of her fans have made it all worthwhile.
For now, Rebecca is focusing on her well-being and creative recovery, ensuring that her future projects will be just as captivating as her past works. Fans may have to wait longer for the next Empyrean book, but the promise of a refreshed and recharged Yarros makes the anticipation even sweeter.
Disclaimer
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and reflects the latest available updates as of January 22, 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, details regarding Rebecca Yarros’ financial status and future projects may evolve. Readers are encouraged to follow official announcements from the author for the most current information.