Fans line up for new Sarah J. Maas novel

A Court of Splintered Harmony, the newest entry in Sarah J. Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses series, hit shelves on Tuesday, October 27.

The night before publication, thousands of fans gathered at bookstores across the country for midnight release events. In Washington, D.C., dozens of attendees filled the store Politics and Prose. Many dressed in costume, wearing leather outfits, pointed faerie ears, and tiaras. They waited for the midnight bell to purchase the new hardcover.

Dalia Luque joined the crowd to experience the release with other readers. She said she preferred the in-person event to ordering the book online. "I just want to have fun with the community and get to share with my friends as we read along," Luque said. While waiting, fans played trivia games, made friendship bracelets, and drank champagne. Some got their faces painted. Staffer Amber Lovold painted green shrubbery on Luque's face to represent the Summer Court. The Summer Court is one of seven territories in the ACOTAR world. Each territory has a specific color palette and ruler, allowing fans to identify with a group similar to choosing an astrological sign.

The ACOTAR series has not published a new book in nearly five years. The first volume appeared in 2015. Maas released subsequent books on a regular schedule until she paused the series in 2021. The genre, known as romantasy, combines romance and fantasy elements. The stories typically feature attractive characters who battle enemies and fall in love. Luque said she enjoys stepping into a new reality. "And so I think these books create a whole new world, and that's pretty exciting," she said.

Ivana Wong attended the party wearing a black dress with sequin stars, a silver headpiece, and a sheer cape. Her outfit won the night's costume contest. "I've been waiting for this since the very first book came out," Wong said. She said she is taking a few days off work to read the new installment. Chastity Mayhaus, a recent move to Washington, D.C., also attended. She hoped to meet other readers and find local book clubs. "I'm hoping to make some friends, just talk to some people," Mayhaus said. "I'm looking around to see any good book clubs that are like in the area, so maybe I can scout out some new ones."

Nicole Davidow, the event organizer at Politics and Prose, noted that a large part of the fanbase formed on social media, specifically BookTok. However, readers wanted to meet in person. "I think that online community wants to be in a room together," Davidow said. "In general, we find that with all of our events, people are craving a community." This was the first midnight release party Davidow organized during her five years at the bookstore. She initially planned to sell 50 tickets but admitted about 70 people. Once midnight struck, readers rushed to the checkout lines. They left the store with copies of the pink and yellow hardcover book.