Fans take day off work to read new fantasy novel
9 minutes ago
Rachael Lewis
,
West Midlands
and
Sarah Julian
,
BBC Radio WM
Fans of the book series, A Court of Thorns and Roses, are planning parties and taking days off work, ahead of its new edition being released at 00:01 GMT on Tuesday.
The fantasy series, written by American author, Sarah J. Maas, is popular with readers from across the world.
Dozens will be gathering at Wolverhampton Arts Centre on Monday night, to celebrate the release of A Court of Splintered Harmony, organised by fan Holly Fellows from Redditch.
"It's the escapism, it's a way for people to escape from every day life. So many people, especially young women, see themselves in these characters and there are so many really strong messages about empowerment and finding strength." Fellows said.
At the event in Wolverhampton, fans will be taking part in arts and crafts projects until midnight.
"Waterstones Wolverhampton will be bringing the books, and bang on midnight everyone will receive their book and we will spend some quiet time reading.
"I've booked the day off work [tomorrow]. I'll be undisturbed for the whole day, and I reckon I'll get through it by the evening." Fellows added.
The series blends fairy tale retellings, political intrigue, and character-driven romance.
Millions of fans have been posting on social media sharing their excitement ahead of the release - with some getting their hands on the book early.
One posted on TikTok saying: "Why did I waste my annual leave on important life events, when there's a new acotar coming out".
Another said: "I simply don't know if I'm ready for this".
It has been five years since the last edition was released, something Fellow said has left fans "going crazy".
"It's created this sense of community that - just from a book - is this massive magical world.
"Where I work, there are women who are my age reading them, there's also women in their 40s, 50s that are picking them up. Online I'm seeing loads of men reading them. It's a universal craze to be honest."
The author confirmed on her website that after the release of A Court of Splintered Harmony on 27 October, the seventh book in the series, A Court of Forgotten Melody, will be released on 12 January 2027.
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