The first book I remember loving as a child was “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling. In kindergarten, I sat by our television with the audiobook in the DVD slot and listened to the book at my sister’s behest. I became a voracious reader after that.

I loved fantasy books — in particular, the magic and world-building fascinated me, and I liked the heroism and bravery of the seemingly normal kid who got caught up in an epic adventure. Books were a constant companion throughout elementary, middle and high school, but I stopped reading for fun once I got to college.

Now, though, reading is probably my main hobby. In 2024 — between physical, electronic and audiobook formats — I read more than 100 books and 40,000 pages. Most of those fell into the fantasy, romance, or combined romantasy genre. Romantasy is, in many ways, the adult version of the books I grew up on. Instead of teenage heroines and love triangles, these books have young adults leading their wars while finding deep love and companionship.

On Jan. 21, the third installment of a much-beloved romantasy series, The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros, was released. “Onyx Storm” follows main character Violet Sorrengail during her time as a cadet in the dragon rider quadrant of Basgiath War College. I attended a release party with friends at The Next Chapter Bookstore in Hermiston the night before and then did nothing but read for the next 20-ish hours. I finished the book by 5 p.m. Tuesday and spent about five minutes staring at the wall in a stupor, processing the ending.

If you’ve read “Fourth Wing” and “Iron Flame,” then I want you to know that although I loved them both (especially on the reread), “Onyx Storm” is easily my favorite. It has more drama, more humor and more heart. The book expands on the world in an interesting way and we see a lot of character development both in the main and side characters.

Yarros’s writing also improved in this book. It was a five-star read (but I will say I’m generally a reader who’s easy to please). If you want to get your hands on the book, please go pick it up from a locally owned bookstore, cozy up on your couch with your cat, a blanket and some chocolate, and enjoy!