If you’ve been anywhere near the "Romantasy" side of the internet lately, you know the absolute chaos Rebecca Yarros has unleashed. It’s a specific kind of madness. People are literally counting down the minutes until January 21, 2025. Why? Because Onyx Storm, the third installment in the Empyrean series, is dropping, and the Onyx Storm Target Exclusive edition is currently the prize everyone is hunting.
Honestly, it's getting a bit intense out there.
We saw what happened with Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. Remember the holiday edition drama? The sprayed edges that people were flipping for triple the price on eBay? Target has a history of snagging the best "special" versions of these books, and for Onyx Storm, they aren't playing around. But before you hit that pre-order button or plan to camp out in the toy aisle at 7:00 AM, you probably want to know what you’re actually getting for your money. This isn't just about a shiny cover. There are actual content differences that matter if you’re a die-hard Violet and Xaden fan.
What is the Onyx Storm Target Exclusive, Exactly?
Basically, it's the "Deluxe" version. Target has an agreement with Entangled Publishing (the folks behind Red Tower Books) to carry a version that you won't find at Amazon or your local independent bookstore.
The most obvious draw is the exclusive bonus content. In previous books, this has meant extra chapters from Xaden’s point of view. For Onyx Storm, the Target Limited Edition is confirmed to have specific design elements and extra material that fleshes out the world of Basgiath War College. While the standard hardcover is great for reading, the Target version is designed for the collectors—the people who want their bookshelves to look like a dragon's hoard.
The Visual Goods
Let's talk about the aesthetic. The Onyx Storm Target Exclusive features:
- A unique dust jacket design that differentiates it from the standard release.
- Specialized endpapers (the inside of the front and back covers).
- Bonus chapters that are exclusive to this specific printing.
It’s worth noting that these "Limited Editions" are usually only available for the first print run. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Target doesn't typically restock the deluxe versions once the standard trade hardbacks take over the shelves. If you see it "out of stock" on the website, your best bet is usually a physical store on release day.
The Problem With Pre-Ordering Right Now
Here’s the thing. Pre-ordering from Target can be a gamble.
Fans have reported issues in the past where pre-orders were canceled last minute due to stock shortages. It’s frustrating. You think you’ve secured your copy months in advance, only to get an email on release day saying, "Oops, sorry." If you’re desperate for the Onyx Storm Target Exclusive, some savvy collectors actually recommend pre-ordering from two different places or just showing up at the store when the doors open.
Also, shipping.
Books are heavy. Target's shipping isn't always "book-collector friendly." We've all seen the horror stories of a limited edition book arriving in a giant box with zero padding, corners crushed and spines bruised. If you care about the "mint" condition of your sprayed edges, buying in-person is almost always better than risking the mail.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed With the Bonus Chapters
You might be wondering: Is one extra chapter really worth an extra five bucks and a trip to the mall?
For most people, yeah.
Rebecca Yarros has a habit of putting pivotal character insights in these exclusive chapters. In Fourth Wing, the bonus Xaden POV chapters changed how readers viewed his entire relationship with Violet. They aren't just "deleted scenes" that didn't make the cut; they are carefully curated additions that deepen the lore. If Onyx Storm follows the pattern, the Target edition will likely hold a piece of the puzzle that makes the ending of the book hit much harder.
Comparing the Editions: Target vs. The Rest
If you aren't a "completist," the standard edition is fine. It has the same main story. It has the same heart-pounding dragon battles and political intrigue. But let’s look at the landscape:
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- The Standard Edition: No bonus content, standard black/white endpapers.
- The Target Exclusive: Bonus content, upgraded aesthetics, limited availability.
- The Signed Editions: Usually found through specific indie bookstores or special events, these are the "holy grail" but are incredibly hard to find at MSRP.
Don't get confused by the "sprayed edges" frenzy. While the first printings of Onyx Storm generally feature beautiful edges, the Onyx Storm Target Exclusive is specifically branded for its content, not just its paint job.
How to Actually Score a Copy
Look, the hype is real. You've got to be smart about this.
First, check the Target app regularly. They tend to do "restock" alerts in the middle of the night. Second, if you’re going the in-store route, don't just check the book section. During big releases like this, Target often puts displays near the front of the store or even by the electronics section.
If you miss out on the initial drop, don't panic.
Don't go to a reseller immediately. The "FOMO" (Fear Of Missing Out) is what drives those $150 price tags on Mercari. Wait a week. Often, Target gets a second "wave" of returns or backstock that pops up after the initial frenzy dies down.
The Reality of the "Limited" Label
Is it really limited? Sorta.
The publishing industry has realized that "Limited Edition" sells books. They will print hundreds of thousands of these. However, because the Empyrean fanbase is so massive—we're talking millions of readers—even a massive print run can vanish in forty-eight hours.
The Onyx Storm Target Exclusive is a trophy. It’s a way for fans to feel more connected to the world Yarros has built. Whether it’s the thrill of the hunt or the desire to read every single word written about Xaden Riorson, the demand isn't slowing down.
Your Onyx Storm Game Plan
If you want to ensure you get your hands on this edition without losing your mind, follow these steps:
- Set a Calendar Alert: January 21, 2025. Be ready at midnight EST for online drops, or 7:00 AM local time for store openings.
- Use the "Pick Up In Store" Feature: This is usually safer than shipping. If the app says a store has it, buy it online for "Order Pickup" immediately. This "claims" the stock before a person walking the aisles can grab it.
- Verify the ISBN: Make sure you are looking for the specific Deluxe ISBN. The Target website will usually list "Exclusive" or "Deluxe" in the title.
- Check the Condition Immediately: If you buy in-store, check under the dust jacket. Sometimes the foil stamping on the actual hardcase can be flaked or misaligned.
- Don't Feed the Scalpers: If you miss it, wait for the inevitable "Standard" paperback or hardcover. The story is what matters most.
The countdown is on. Whether you're in it for the dragons, the romance, or just the bragging rights of a beautiful bookshelf, the Onyx Storm Target Exclusive is the definitive way to experience this next chapter of the saga. Good luck. You're gonna need it when those doors open.