Torrential rain and high winds may not be what many would consider fantastical. But it didn't stop about 30 hardcore fans turning out for the latest release of author Sarah J Maas’ romantasy series, A Court of Splintered Harmony, in Carrickfergus, County Antrim. The sixth book in Maas's multi-million book selling series, A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR), was released at midnight on Tuesday after a five-year wait.
On Monday evening, a midnight release event was held in The Secret Bookshelf, an independent bookshop just off the town's main street. Friends Katie Mccabrey and Amy Savage were among those who went along to try and get one of the first copies when the embargo broke. Like many others, Katie and Amy love reading books as a way to unwind from the stresses and pressures of every day life.
"I just love reading these kinds of fantasy books because the real world is a little bit terrible and I love to escape into a fantasyland of fairies and anything other worldly," Amy says. "We're all here tonight because we all share just needing to escape from everyday life in common and this is a great way to do it," Katie adds. Among the activities lined up at The Secret Bookshelf to distract excited fans from clock-watching are felting, friendship bracelet making and a dedicated fan-chat area for readers to discuss their theories.
Some attending opt for comfy clothing, sporting pyjamas and slippers as they waited for the midnight drop. The wait has almost been too much for Katie. "I couldn't sleep, I've been so excited - I've been hyped up for two weeks straight," she says.
"I'm actually halfway through another book that I couldn't pay attention to because I've been so busy thinking about the characters from ACOTAR," Amy jokes. "So I'm going to have to go back and re-read the book that I'm 300 pages deep in because I've been so busy and so excited for this new launch." For those whose social media algorithms do not revolve around "BookTok", the literary discussion side of TikTok, A Court of Thorns and Roses - or ACOTAR for short - is a fantasy romance series, which gets its name from the first book. It's set in the fictional world of Prythian, and without spoiling the now six-book series, fans have flocked to the story in their droves to read about the protagonist's dealings with love and the fae.
Maas is also credited with fuelling interest in the romantasy genre, which has skyrocketed in popularity due to its discussion on social media. There have been five books published so far: Maas announced the series' latest installment, A Court of Splintered Harmony, back in March. And fans won't have to wait long for the follow-up, with the seventh book, A Court of Forgotten Melody, due to be released on 12 January 2027.
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