Estes Park’s Macdonald Book Shop is set to host a midnight release party for “A Court of Splintered Harmony,” the highly anticipated sixth novel in Sarah J. Maas’ “A Court of Thorns and Roses” (ACOTAR) series. Fantasy readers are invited to gather on Monday, October 26, at 10:30 p.m. at the downtown Estes Park bookstore, located at 152 E. Elkhorn Ave. The event will offer refreshments and conversation before fans can collect their copies of the new book precisely at midnight on October 27.
Nicole Hess, the event coordinator for Macdonald Book Shop, is organizing the evening. Hess shared that the event offers "something to do that’s different in town for adults," providing a unique opportunity to enjoy refreshments, engage in discussions about fantasy literature, and take a break from daily routines. Although Hess admitted to being behind on the series, having read the first three books but pausing at “A Court of Frost and Starlight” before reaching “A Court of Silver Flames,” her enthusiasm for fostering community around the books is clear.
The ACOTAR series, which began in 2015, has become a cornerstone of the romantasy genre, skillfully blending romance with magical conflicts and political intrigue within its fictional world of Prythian. The series’ substantial popularity is evident at Macdonald Book Shop, where the first novel in the series has sold over 500 paperback copies since December 2020, establishing it as one of the store’s bestselling titles. Both tourists and local residents actively seek out the books, frequently spurred by enthusiastic recommendations from friends. Hess noted the presence of a significant local fantasy readership, particularly among those who have registered for the midnight release.
Maas’s other fantasy series, “Throne of Glass” and “Crescent City,” have further broadened her readership. Hess recalled past speculation among fans regarding potential connections between the “Crescent City” and “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series, which has provided readers with additional mysteries to unravel and plenty to discuss between book releases. Preorders for the sixth and seventh ACOTAR books began in August when their releases were announced. The seventh installment, “A Court of Forgotten Melody,” is scheduled to arrive on January 12, 2027. Hess observed that while fans are excited, they have largely kept their predictions about the new book to themselves, suggesting that readers are not yet ready to share their theories.
Macdonald Book Shop began hosting midnight release parties approximately three years ago with “Iron Flame,” the second book in Rebecca Yarros’ Empyrean series. These gatherings marked a shift from the bookstore’s previous focus on mostly daytime author events, offering readers a new way to connect. The format for these events is informal, typically involving snacks, drinks, and conversations about favorite characters and theories until the books become available. At some past parties, the bookstore’s owner has stayed with friends, reading until the early hours of the morning. The shop also held a release event for Yarros’ “Threshing Day,” allowing customers to collect their copies at 10 p.m., which corresponded to midnight in New York. Romance and fantasy titles have consistently drawn the largest crowds to these late-night events.
The upcoming ACOTAR celebration has a capacity of 50 ticket holders. At the time of a recent interview, approximately 20 people had registered, and Hess anticipated roughly 30 attendees. Other customers have preordered the book without reserving tickets for the party itself. This year, the bookstore started using Eventbrite to track attendance and gain insights into which events generate the most interest. Tickets for the party are priced at $44.52, which includes the $35 book, $5 allocated for refreshments, and $4.52 in fees. The party is scheduled to run from 10:30 p.m. on October 26 until approximately 12:30 a.m. on October 27. Reservations are available through Eventbrite.
Looking ahead, another ACOTAR release party is planned for January, although Hess mentioned that staff have discussed the possibility of offering a breakfast gathering instead of keeping fans awake until midnight. The shop is also collaborating with the Historic Park Theatre for additional community events, including a children’s storytime and a free screening of “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” on November 7. Plans are also underway for “The Hunger Games” trivia to coincide with screenings of “Sunrise on the Reaping” on December 4, with final details still being arranged. Hess emphasized the bookstore’s commitment to varying its event offerings. Whether the occasion involves children’s classics, dystopian adventures, or magical kingdoms, Hess views these gatherings as valuable opportunities for readers to connect over shared interests. She expressed anticipation for another evening with fellow fantasy fans, noting that "fantasy books will bring people out."
