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.

David Jeroen and Sami Patrick are hard to miss amongst the stacked shelves in The Secret Bookshelf – they’ve donned their finest mythical attire for the evening, with crowns and elf ears included.

The pair’s love of reading prompted them to start an Instagram account dedicated to books, and they’re spending their two-year “bookiversary” in an apt place.

And Sami’s excited to spend the night talking about one of her favourite genres with likeminded people.

“I’ve always been a fantasy reader and it’s just escapism really,” she says.

David agrees.

“I think it’s all about escaping reality and going into a different world and dimension where you get to live through another character and experience new things that you wouldn’t be able to in real life,” he adds.

“You can’t ride a dragon in real life so you can read about it.”

While the evening will conclude with the newest ACOTAR release, Sami says the five-year wait has led her to some of Maas’s other series, which she prefers.

Monday’s midnight release event is the brainchild of Jo Zebedee, who runs The Secret Bookshelf alongside her husband, Chris.

Harkening back to her time helping to run the midnight launches of the Harry Potter books, Jo decided to bring the same magic for fans of the much loved romantasy series.

“We are a big fantasy shop, I’m a fantasy, sci-fi writer so it’s in my blood, so we very much celebrate the world’s that sometime can be difficult to find a space in mainstream books,” she explains.

“There’s something around the excitement of books and just that whole vibe of here’s something to really celebrate.. we just wanted to bring that all together to make a fun night.”

Jo enlisted the help of not only local crafters for the event, but local businesses who gifted attendees treats for the late night.

She thinks its the place of independent bookshops, like hers, to foster the excitement amongst young people for reading.

“I think events is when a bookshop comes to life,” she says.

“It’s about a love of books and tonight is just such a love of books.”