Book lovers across the UK are expressing their frustration after failing to receive their eagerly awaited copies of Onyx Storm, the latest installment in the Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros, on release day.
The third book in the popular five-part series was scheduled for launch on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, but many fans found themselves disappointed when their pre-ordered copies didn’t arrive as expected.
A Highly Anticipated Release
For months, fans of the fairy porn or Romantasy genre, a unique mix of romance and high fantasy, had been marking their calendars in anticipation of the book’s arrival.
Pre-orders for Onyx Storm had already earned it a spot on bestseller charts as early as August 2024.
Fans were so excited about the release that many attended midnight launch parties across the UK, hoping to get their hands on a copy as soon as possible.
Delivery Failures Spark Online Outrage
However, when the big day arrived, a significant number of readers were left disappointed.
Many people had pre-ordered the book months in advance, but when the day came, they were met with silence.
No dispatch confirmation emails came through, and their orders didn’t arrive on time.
Frustrated fans flocked to social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), venting their anger at the failure of major retailers like Waterstones and Amazon to deliver as promised.
One TikTok user shared their frustration, saying, “What’s the point of pre-ordering if it doesn’t arrive? Everyone’s going to be disappointed.”
Another user explained how they had planned to spend the day reading, having taken time off work, but now faced having to read the book on Kindle, a format they weren’t fond of.
The delays also meant that spoilers began to spread quickly, ruining the excitement for many who were eager to enjoy the story without prior knowledge of its events.
Desperate Times Lead to Desperate Measures
Some fans, unable to wait any longer, decided to purchase the book again in a different format.
One fan shared that after pre-ordering the audiobook, they also bought a second copy from Amazon, which promised quicker delivery.
The search for a copy wasn’t limited to digital formats either—some readers who had pre-ordered a hardback from Waterstones found themselves buying a second physical copy from a different retailer to get it faster.
A Genre That Has Taken the World by Storm
Romantasy has exploded in popularity, with authors like Rebecca Yarros and Sarah J. Maas (known for her A Court of Thorns and Roses series) now household names.
Their novels, often featuring mystical creatures and steamy romance, have become viral sensations, especially thanks to the BookTok community on TikTok.
Onyx Storm follows the story of Violet Sorrengail, a dragon rider at a fictional war college, as she navigates both her academic journey and a romance with fellow rider Xaden Riorson.
The success of the Empyrean series has been monumental.
Yarros’s first book, Fourth Wing, was the most-read book on Goodreads in 2024, and the series has already been picked up by Amazon MGM Studios for a TV adaptation.
Fans’ excitement for Onyx Storm was reflected in long queues and enthusiastic social media posts, where attendees of midnight release parties dressed in costumes, participated in dragon-themed quizzes, and celebrated the new book.
The Fallout
As the dust settles, many fans are left eagerly awaiting their physical copies of Onyx Storm, still frustrated by the delays.
For those who were counting on the experience of reading the book in its original hardback format, the wait continues.
Waterstones and Amazon have yet to comment on the widespread issues, but fans are hopeful that their copies will arrive soon, bringing the much-needed joy and escapism they’ve been waiting for.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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