NEW YORK – The latest installment in Rebecca Yarros’ “Empyrean” series, “Onyx Storm,” has just been released less than a week ago. Yet, fans are already eager for news about the next book in the saga.

However, Yarros is not rushing to set a release date for Book 4 just yet.

In a conversation without major spoilers with Olympic gymnast and “Fourth Wing” enthusiast Laurie Hernandez, Yarros shared her desire to write in a healthier way compared to “Onyx Storm” and earlier works, which suggests allowing more time before the next release.

It’s been a hectic week for Yarros and her devoted romantasy audience.

The festivities for “Onyx Storm” began with midnight release events across the country on Monday, where Yarros attended one in Los Angeles. Enthusiastic readers waited in long lines to grab Target’s exclusive deluxe edition and took off work just to dive into the book. By Friday, Yarros was traveling across the country to meet her fans.

“Show of hands, who stayed up reading it?” Yarros asked an enthusiastic audience at The Town Hall, which holds 1,500 guests. More than half raised their hands in response.

Yarros plans to dive into contemporary romance and stop being a ‘people pleaser’

When discussing how she manages her mental well-being amidst the pressures of tight deadlines, Yarros revealed that she didn’t prioritize her wellness for two and a half years. However, the sudden popularity of “Fourth Wing” has taught her the importance of saying no “with my full chest.”

“I drove myself into the ground,” she admitted, recalling her grueling writing schedule of 12 to 15 hours per day. “When something significant happens, you feel like you’re on an unstoppable train because everyone demands more, and the only way to truly prioritize yourself is to not jump on that train in the first place.”

Yarros shares a health condition similar to her character Violet; she has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a disorder affecting connective tissue. In a pre-release interview with Elle Magazine, she explained that the writing and promotional tour have put immense strain on her body. Now, she has learned to slightly disconnect from the public’s expectations, saying, “As much as I love you guys, I kinda pretend you don’t exist,” to prioritize her creativity over external pressures.

“I’m currently focusing on a contemporary novel and allowing myself some time to ensure the ideas flow naturally for ‘Empyrean,’” she said during Friday’s gathering.

Yarros has already mapped out the conclusion of the ‘Empyrean’ series

That doesn’t imply she lacks ideas about what’s coming next.

Her well-known inspiration playlist for Book 4 is in progress, but she was firm about keeping quiet about the specific songs featured.

“If I revealed the first song, it would ruin Book 3 for you!” she told the eager audience that requested a sneak peek, standing her ground on the vow not to spoil the story for those who hadn’t read it yet.

Additionally, she has already envisioned the final scene of Book 5, which is planned to wrap up the “Empyrean” series. Due to an upcoming TV adaptation of the series being produced by Amazon MGM Studios, with production partner Michael B. Jordan’s company, she has sketched out the final two books.

To demonstrate just how intricately her story outlines are crafted, she shared another surprise insight with fans. To their audible shock, Yarros revealed she knew from the outset that Liam would meet his end in “Fourth Wing,” as he was a “perfect character” with limited potential for development.

“Damn you, that makes sense!” a reader exclaimed from the orchestra seating area.

Clare Mulroy is a Books Reporter, covering trending publications, engaging with authors, and exploring the reading culture.