So, the chaos has finally settled—mostly. If you’ve been living under a rock (or perhaps just not on "BookTok"), the Target Onyx Storm release was basically the Super Bowl for people who like dragons, brooding heroes, and very pretty book covers.
Rebecca Yarros dropped the third installment of her Empyrean Series on January 21, 2025. But here’s the thing: while you could pre-order the standard deluxe edition months in advance, Target played by a completely different set of rules. They released a "Collector’s Edition" that you literally couldn't buy until the clock struck midnight.
It was a total gamble. People were waking up at 3:00 AM ET just to hit "refresh" on their browsers, only to have the entire Target website crash under the weight of thousands of frantic readers. Honestly, it was a mess. But for those who snagged one? It’s basically the crown jewel of their bookshelves now.
What makes the Target Onyx Storm release so different?
Most people assume "Special Edition" just means a different color. Not this time. The Target Onyx Storm release featured a version of the book that felt significantly more premium than the "standard" Deluxe Edition found at other retailers.
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If you managed to grab the Target version, you got:
- Exclusive Stenciled Edges: While the standard deluxe has five dragons on the edges, the Target version has a single, unique dragon design.
- Full Color Everything: We’re talking full-color endpapers and a full-color map inside.
- Interior Art: There are five pages of original character artwork scattered throughout the book.
- The Ribbon: A black ribbon bookmark bound into the spine.
One of the funniest "controversies" during the drop was the "Only @ Target" logo on the front. Fans were terrified it was printed directly onto the beautiful cover. It wasn't. It’s just a removable sticker. Pro tip: if you’re peeling yours off now, use a hairdryer on low heat for about ten seconds to loosen the glue so you don't tear the dust jacket.
The pre-order problem and the "Hunger Games" of 3:00 AM
The most frustrating part of the Target Onyx Storm release was the lack of a pre-order button for the Collector’s Edition. Target and Red Tower Books did this intentionally to prevent resellers from snatching up the entire stock months in advance.
Did it work? Kinda.
It definitely gave regular people a fighting chance, but it also meant that on January 21, the digital shelves were cleared in minutes. By 7:00 AM, most local stores were reporting that their stock was already spoken for by "Order Pickup" customers who were faster on the draw during the middle of the night.
I’ve seen reports on Reddit of people showing up to their local Target at opening time, only to find out the store only received four copies. Four! For a book with a two-million-copy first printing, that feels criminal.
Is it actually worth the resale price?
Because of the scarcity, the Target Onyx Storm release has triggered a massive secondary market. On sites like eBay and PangoBooks, these copies are being listed for anywhere from $150 to $500.
Is it worth that? Probably not unless you are a completionist.
The story is identical. There are no "bonus chapters" in the Target edition. If you missed out, you aren't missing any lore. You're just missing out on the colored map and the ribbon. Rebecca Yarros has been pretty vocal about wanting the content to be accessible to everyone, which is why the "extra" stuff is purely aesthetic.
Moving forward: How to handle the next drop
If we look at the timeline, we probably won't see Book 4 until 2027. Rebecca has mentioned she needs a break to maintain a healthy work-life balance (fair enough, she wrote Onyx Storm on 16-hour workdays).
When the next one eventually drops, here is how you beat the system:
- Don't rely on shipping. Target is notorious for shipping pre-orders late. Many people who pre-ordered the Onyx Storm deluxe edition didn't get their books until a week after release.
- Target Circle is your friend. Make sure your payment info is saved in the app before the 3:00 AM drop.
- Check the "End Caps." Sometimes employees place extra copies on the ends of aisles rather than the main book section.
If you’re still hunting for a copy of the Target Onyx Storm release at retail price, keep checking your local store's "Order Pickup" availability on the app around Tuesday mornings. That’s usually when cancelled orders go back into the system. Good luck. You're going to need it.
Practical Next Steps for Fans
- Check the Sticker: If you have the book, peel that Target logo sticker carefully with heat to avoid residue.
- Verify Your Edition: Look at the edges. If it's a single dragon, you have the Collector's Edition. If it's five dragons, it's the Standard Deluxe.
- Track Restocks: Set a "Back in Stock" alert on the Target app, though be warned: restocks for these limited editions are extremely rare once the initial wave is gone.