Rebecca Yarros is a prominent figure in the realm of romantasy, an engaging blend of romance and fantasy. The bestselling author has gained widespread acclaim for her work, particularly her popular series, The Empyrean, which includes the hit titles Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm. While Fourth Wing marked her emergence as a major author, it is Onyx Storm that became a record-breaking bestseller, solidifying Yarros’ reputation as a leading voice in the genre.
In a recent interview on the Open Book podcast with Today Show co-host Jenna Bush Hager, Yarros opened up about the personal inspiration behind her beloved characters.
Born in Washington, D.C., Yarros has been happily married for over twenty years to Jason Yarros, a former U.S. Army pilot whom she met during his military service. Together, they are parents to six children, including a daughter they fostered and later adopted. During her conversation with Hager, Yarros expressed that her husband serves as the blueprint for her heroic characters, stating, “I love writing it because I get to fall in love over and over again. There’s always an element of the hero that comes from my husband. He just like sneaks in there every single time because he’s what I find attractive.”
Yarros began her journey as a writer with military romance novels in 2014, but it wasn’t until 2023 that she captured the public’s attention with her foray into the fantasy-romance genre. The success of The Empyrean series resonated deeply with readers and propelled her to viral fame on platforms like BookTok. Her storytelling is often enriched by her personal experiences, especially her military family background, which adds emotional depth and authenticity to her narratives.
Rebecca Yarros continues to enchant readers with her captivating stories that celebrate love and the complexities of life, ensuring her place among the most beloved authors in contemporary literature.