Rebecca Yarros fans have a reason to celebrate as ‘Onyx Storm,’ the third book in her bestselling ‘Empyrean’ series, finally hit the shelves on January 21. The series, which began with Fourth Wing in April 2023 and continued with Iron Flame in October of the same year, has captured readers’ hearts with its blend of fantasy, romance, and the intense journey of cadets like Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson at Basgiath War College. However, while the excitement is at its peak, fans may need to temper their expectations for the next installment.
A Grueling Journey to ‘Onyx Storm’
Writing Onyx Storm wasn’t an easy feat for Yarros. The book’s release came 14 months after its predecessor, a timeline that’s been a testament to the immense effort she’s poured into her work. Recently, Rebecca, 41, took to Instagram to share candid insights about her creative process and the challenges she’s faced. Known for being transparent and approachable, the author revealed that the pace required to complete Onyx Storm took a significant toll on her mental health.
In a comment responding to a fan’s query about progress on the fourth book, Rebecca confessed, “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.”
The honest admission highlighted a stark reality for many authors: the pressure to meet deadlines while maintaining creativity can lead to burnout.
Family, Priorities, and Contracts
Rebecca isn’t just an accomplished writer—she’s a mom to six children and a military wife, which adds another layer to her busy life. Balancing family responsibilities with the demands of her career has been challenging. With an estimated net worth of $3 million, Rebecca has achieved considerable success in the literary world, but it’s clear that no amount of financial security can offset the mental and emotional strain of creative burnout.
While fans are eager for the fourth book in the Empyrean series, Rebecca’s contract commitments mean she’ll first work on a contemporary novel. In her Instagram post, she shared, “Contracts are contracts. I can’t start that until I can open a word doc without having an anxiety attack. Burnout is real and sucks. But I’m getting closer every day!”
Fans Rally Around Their Favorite Author
Despite the delay, fans have been overwhelmingly supportive. Encouraging comments flooded Rebecca’s Instagram, with readers emphasizing their willingness to wait and prioritizing her well-being. “Take your time! We’ll all be here waiting,” one fan wrote, while another added, “Please take care of yourself. We’re grateful for every book you write, but your health comes first!”
Rebecca’s open dialogue about her struggles resonated deeply with her audience, many of whom expressed empathy and admiration for her vulnerability. As one fan put it, “To write for yourself and your dreams is one thing. I imagine the pressure of writing for the world is another. Rest well.”
Looking Ahead
For now, Rebecca is taking the time she needs to recharge. She’s focusing on “filling the creative well,” as she described it, while also hinting at an exciting secret project. While the wait for the next Empyrean book may be longer, readers can rest assured that their favorite author is prioritizing her health and creativity, ensuring that when the fourth installment does arrive, it’ll be worth every moment of anticipation.