We'll email you when there's news: a confirmed update, a new story or our review.
Victoria Aveyard has announced her adult debut novel, Tempest, via her official website. The author confirmed the nautical tale is set within the fictional Lyrian Sea and promises an action-packed adventure alongside romance Victoria Aveyard.
Victoria Aveyard's Tempest: A Nautical Adventure
Aveyard describes the project as a masterful nautical tale and a vividly envisioned world that captures the wild pull of the seaVictoria Aveyard. Her website characterises the narrative as a cinematic triumph brimming with ambition and adventure Victoria Aveyard.
The story unfolds within a salt-stained universe, marking a distinct shift to mature themes for the 36-year-old writer Elle. Aveyard frames Tempest as a love letter to Pirates of the Caribbean, aiming for a readership she believes is ready for more grown-up fantasy Elle.
The novel launches on September 8 as the first instalment in a duology Today.
Chernin Entertainment Secures TV Rights
The announcement extends beyond the page, as Chernin Entertainment secured the television rights in July 2026, according to Deadline Deadline.
This move underscores the commercial momentum surrounding Aveyard's transition from young adult bestsellers to adult fantasy debutReactor Magazine.
USA Today reports that fans of the Red Queen series should prepare for this new fantasy direction USA Today.
Aveyard's career has long been defined by her previous successes, making this pivot a notable milestone. The author suggests her audience has evolved, warranting a darker and more complex narrative structure.
Tempest represents the beginning of a new chapter for the writer, blending high-stakes adventure with the romantic tension expected by her fanbase.
Tempest offers readers a fresh nautical fantasy experience from one of the genre's most prominent voices.
We'll email you when there's news: a confirmed update, a new story or our review.
Discussion
Reader comments
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tempest worth buying in 2026?
Tempest launches on September 8 as a standalone adult fantasy novel, though it is the first in a duology [Today](https://www.today.com/popculture/books/victoria-aveyard-tempest-first-paragraphs-excerpt-interview-rcna594568).
Should I read Tempest or watch the adaptation?
Chernin Entertainment has secured the television rights to the series [Deadline](https://deadline.com/2026/07/victoria-aveyard-tempest-tv-series-chernin-entertainment-1236971417/), but the book releases first on September 8.
What is the main message of Tempest?
The novel explores themes of ambition and adventure within a nautical setting, described by the author as a love letter to Pirates of the Caribbean [Elle](https://www.elle.com/culture/books/a73611660/victoria-aveyard-tempest-interview-2026/).
Who should read Tempest?
Readers seeking a mature fantasy experience with romance and action will find this adult debut suits their tastes [Elle](https://www.elle.com/culture/books/a73611660/victoria-aveyard-tempest-interview-2026/).
Is Tempest part of a series?
Yes, Tempest is the first instalment in a duology [Today](https://www.today.com/popculture/books/victoria-aveyard-tempest-first-paragraphs-excerpt-interview-rcna594568).
Sources & Further Reading
The key facts and claims in this review are grounded in the retrieved, verified sources listed below.
Aveyard describes Tempest as revolving around a decade-long situationship with a pirate captain. She explains that the narrative alternates between two timelines set ten years apart that gradually converge.
Why Tempest was split into two books
Aveyard originally penned Tempest as a 300,000-word standalone novel, but production constraints like binding and sprayed edges made it physically unfeasible. Her editors also felt expanding the scenes required turning it into two separate books with complete story arcs.
The challenge of writing good versus morally gray characters
Aveyard says morally gray figures are naturally fascinating, whereas making genuinely virtuous characters compelling requires much harder authorial work. She also notes a double standard among fans who adore the villainous Maven while harshly judging Mare's flawed choices.
Designing the iconic Red Queen cover
When publishers initially proposed putting a girl in a ballgown on the cover of Red Queen, Aveyard pushed back to avoid blending in with market trends. She personally sketched the upside-down crown design, and the team added the dripping blood.
Update on upcoming screen adaptations
While unable to reveal specific details about screen adaptation projects, Aveyard encourages fans to stay tuned. She hints that progress is moving forward, describing that the project's sails are filling.