Manhattan Comes Alive: Fans Rally to Celebrate Author Rebecca Yarros

NEW YORK – Alyssa Math is getting married next weekend, and she decided to celebrate with a special night out. Front-row tickets to see author Rebecca Yarros at The Town Hall in Manhattan felt just right for her bachelorette party. Math, an accountant traveling from Annapolis, Maryland, has long been a fan of Yarros’ work. Last year, she even drove two hours to see the author in Virginia.

“The drama in her books keeps you on the edge of your seat,” Math said, sporting a white veil inspired by one of Yarros’ characters.

Friday night’s event was a mix of excitement, laughter, and enthusiastic cheers from around 1,500 fans, creating a lively atmosphere that felt like a costume party and a concert rolled into one. Yarros has gained a massive following thanks to her “Empyrean” series, which blends romance and fantasy into what fans call “romantasy.”

The evening celebrated the release of “Onyx Storm,” the third book in a five-part series about lovers Violet and Xaden. Following the success of her previous bestseller “Iron Flame,” “Onyx Storm” quickly soared to the top of the bestseller lists, selling more than 300,000 copies through Barnes & Noble alone in its first week.

During a 75-minute interview with Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez, Yarros shared insights about her writing process, her love for her husband, and her need to block out her own popularity to focus on her work. “As much as I love you guys, I kind of pretend you don’t exist,” she joked. “But I love you at the same time.”

While “Onyx Storm” isn’t quite on the same level as the Harry Potter phenomenon, it certainly has sparked a similar excitement among fans. Midnight release parties across the country saw enthusiastic crowds dressed up in costumes and eager to get their hands on the book. Some fans finished the 526 pages within hours, while others, like Scarlett Fuentes and Zy Bao-angan, preferred to take their time. “I want to savor this moment,” said Bao-angan, showing a deliberate appreciation for the experience.

Yarros has gained a dedicated following, especially on platforms like BookTok, where young readers passionately discuss her work. Questions from the audience during the event often felt like fans gossiping about friends. When asked what drinks the characters would order if they were at a bar, fans responded enthusiastically with their guesses.

One of the key takeaways from Yarros’ talk was her reminder that real life happens outside the pages of her books. “Real life is what happens in my house, around my kitchenette, and when my kids are all together,” she explained. It was a touching reminder that life’s moments are often most meaningful at home.

As the event wrapped up, Yarros expressed her love for her fans and signed off with a smile: “I love you guys, but peace out.”

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Laurie Hernandez,Rebecca Yarros,Entertainment,Alyssa Math,Sarah J. Maas,Scarlett Fuentes