Rebecca Yarros on Fourth Wing, Onyx Storm, and What’s Next in Her Romantasy Journey

Rebecca Yarros is finally taking a break. The bestselling author, known for her wildly popular “romantasy” novels, is planning a much-needed getaway with her husband. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself,” she admits with a laugh. Yarros, a self-described cool millennial mom with fuchsia-streaked blonde hair, has reached a level of success where free time feels like a distant memory.

Since the release of her New York Times bestseller Fourth Wing in 2023, Yarros has become a literary sensation. The first installment of her Empyrean series, which follows cadets in a dragon-filled fantasy world, has sold over three million copies worldwide. The latest book in the series, Onyx Storm, hits shelves this month, and the story’s popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Amazon MGM Studios is adapting Fourth Wing for television, with Michael B. Jordan attached as a producer, while Netflix is turning her romance novel In the Likely Event into a series.

Yarros’s journey to success wasn’t without its challenges. Growing up as an army brat, she found solace in books. “Books have always been my safe place,” she says. By age 12, she was devouring historical romance novels and other stories she “probably shouldn’t have been reading.” At 29, she wrote her first fantasy novel, which landed her an agent but never found a publisher. “It died on submission, which happens more than people want to talk about in publishing,” she recalls.

Her literary breakthrough came when her husband, a U.S. Army veteran, was deployed to Afghanistan. “He’d already been seriously injured once,” she says. “I needed to process some emotions.” That emotional processing led to Full Measures, her debut military romance novel. Though it earned her a place in the publishing world, Yarros struggled to find her footing. “I almost quit,” she admits. “When I was writing Fourth Wing, I felt like I hadn’t found my ideal readership. In publishing, you’re either growing or you’re declining.”

The success of Fourth Wing has been a game-changer, not just for Yarros but for the romantasy genre as a whole. The book’s blend of romance, fantasy, and high-stakes drama has resonated with readers, particularly on platforms like BookTok, where the hashtag boasts over 41.3 million posts. “BookTok is amazing because it’s putting the power back in the readers’ hands,” Yarros says. “Watching Fourth Wing get picked up by influencers was one of the most surreal experiences of my life.”

But with fame comes scrutiny. Yarros left TikTok nearly a year ago, overwhelmed by the constant feedback—both positive and negative. “Social media is like living in a hall of mirrors, and no one should look at themselves that often,” she says. She now focuses on her writing, often working late into the night. “I call the time between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. my ‘golden hours,’” she explains.

Her writing process for Fourth Wing was grueling. “It was probably the most unhealthy process I’ve ever put myself through,” she admits. “I was writing 12 to 15 hours a day. Except you don’t move, so it’s not exactly Olympic-level.”

Yarros’s personal experiences have deeply influenced her work. Her husband’s military service and injuries have shaped her perspective on war, which often appears in her plotlines. “We’ve buried our friends,” she says. “One of our friends was recently critically wounded. It leads you to wonder why we do this to each other.”

She’s also brought her own health struggles into her writing. Yarros lives with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and POTS, chronic conditions that cause pain, dizziness, and other symptoms. She gave Fourth Wing’s protagonist, Violet, the same conditions. “I wanted her to have what I have,” Yarros says. “We don’t see a lot of successful books that represent chronic illness. I was dying for that moment where the girl who’s the weakest and breaks constantly—when that power flips.”

Readers have embraced Violet’s story, with many finding representation they’ve never seen before. At events, Yarros often asks, “Who in here has a chronic illness?” and watches as hands shoot up. One fan even dressed her service dog as a “service dragon” in tribute to the book.

Despite her success, Yarros has faced challenges with boundaries. Overzealous fans have stalked her flights and even found her home, forcing her family to move. “People found our old house and scared our kids,” she says. “I immediately regretted writing the book.”

Now, as she prepares for her vacation, Yarros is determined to rest. “I’ve been really clear that I’m going to rest now,” she says. Between writing, touring, and managing her health, she’s pushed herself to the limit. “I drove my body to a place that was untenable,” she admits.

As for what’s next, Yarros is tight-lipped about the Amazon series but teases Onyx Storm: “Fans can expect to see Violet with one singular motivation—to save Xaden. You’re going to follow the implications of what’s been revealed in Iron Flame, and you’re going to see Andarna very curious about where she comes from.”

For now, Yarros is focused on her garden, her family, and finally putting things away in her new home. “I don’t know where our light switches are yet,” she jokes. After years of hard work and relentless dedication, she’s earned the right to take a step back—and maybe even enjoy a little free time.

Rebecca Yarros’s journey to literary success is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. From growing up as an army brat to finding solace in books, Yarros’s passion for storytelling has driven her through the highs and lows of her career. “Books have always been my safe place,” Yarros highlights, reflecting on how literature was an escape from her challenging upbringing [[1]].

Yarros’s breakthrough came with the release of Full Measures, her debut military romance novel, which allowed her to process complex emotions while her husband was deployed to Afghanistan [[1]]. Though, she faced significant challenges in finding her ideal readership, a common plight many authors encounter. this period of self-doubt pushed her to the brink of giving up, but she persevered.

The release of Fourth Wing in 2023 marked a significant turning point in Yarros’s career. This New York Times bestseller is the first installment of her Empyrean series, a fantastical world filled with dragons and high-stakes drama. The book’s blend of romance,fantasy,and action has captivated readers worldwide,with over three million copies sold globally [[1]] [[2]].

One of the most striking aspects of Fourth Wing is its online presence. Platforms like BookTok have been instrumental in its success, with the hashtag boasting over 41.3 million posts. This grassroots support from readers has not only made Fourth Wing a bestseller but also expanded the romantasy genre’s reach significantly [[1]].

The impact of Fourth Wing extends beyond the literary world. Amazon MGM Studios is adapting the book for television,with Michael B. Jordan attached as a producer, while Netflix is transforming her romance novel In the Likely Event into a series [[1]]. These adaptations underscore the book’s broad appeal and its ability to transcend different mediums of storytelling.

Despite these accolades, fame comes with its own set of challenges. Yarros has had to navigate the scrutinizing nature of social media, which often prioritizes negative feedback over constructive criticism. Her decision to leave TikTok nearly a year ago highlights the need for authors to protect their mental health and focus on their craft [[1]].

Yarros’s success story is one of resilience and dedication to her art. Her writing process for Fourth Wing was notably grueling, with her working late into the night, dubbing the time between 10 p.m.and 2 a.m.her “golden hours.” This willingness to push beyond comfort zones has ultimately lead to her breakout success [[1]].

Rebecca Yarros’s journey from a struggling author to a bestseller highlights that success in literature is not solely about talent but also about perseverance and a deep connection with one’s readers. As she takes a much-needed break with her husband, fans eagerly await her next release, including the latest installment of the Empyrean series, onyx Storm. Their anticipation underscores the enduring impact Fourth Wing has had on both readers and the romantasy genre as a whole.
Rebecca Yarros’s journey to literary success is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. from growing up as an army brat to finding solace in books, Yarros’s passion for storytelling has driven her through the highs and lows of her career. Her journey is marked by resilience, determination, and a deep understanding of human emotion, which is reflected in her widely acclaimed works.

Yarros’s breakthrough came wiht the release of _Full Measures_, her debut military romance novel, which allowed her to process complex emotions while her husband was deployed to Afghanistan. Though she faced significant challenges in finding her ideal readership, a common plight many authors encounter, she persevered through periods of self-doubt.

The success of _Fourth Wing_ in 2023 marked a significant turning point in Yarros’s career. This _New York Times_ bestseller is the frist installment of the Empyrean series, which has sold over three million copies worldwide, testament to the enduring power of romance and fantasy combines. The book’s blend of romance, fantasy, and high-stakes drama has resonated with readers, particularly on platforms like BookTok, where the hashtag boasts over 41.3 million posts.

Yarros’s ability to weave personal experiences into her writing has not only made her stories more authentic but also provided depiction for readers with chronic illnesses. Her protagonist in _Fourth Wing_, Violet, lives with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), conditions that are vividly captured in the book. This representation has been profoundly impactful for her readers, many of whom can identify with these chronic conditions.

Despite her success, Yarros has faced challenges with boundaries, including overly eager fans who have stalked her and discovered her home, forcing her family to move. These experiences highlight both the benefits and challenges of public success.

As Yarros prepares for her well-deserved vacation, she is determined to rest and recharge. After years of hard work and relentless dedication, she has earned the right to take a step back and maybe even enjoy a little free time. Her dedication to her writing process, even at the cost of her physical health, is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her craft.

yarros’s future projects,including the television series adaptation of _Fourth Wing_ and the upcoming novel _Onyx Storm_,hold great promise. Her continued ability to captivate readers with stories that resonate on multiple levels is a guarantee that her literary success will continue to soar.

Rebecca Yarros’s journey is an inspiring example of how passion, perseverance, and creativity can lead to significant achievements. As she steps away from the spotlight for a brief moment, it is clear that her impact on the literary world will be felt for years to come.With her unique blend of romance, fantasy, and personal authenticity, Rebecca Yarros remains one of the most compelling and influential voices in contemporary literature.