Warm lights from a pink facade brighten a street in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Inside the romantic bookstore, The Ripped Bodice, anticipation is building for the midnight release of Sarah J. Maas third installment in the Cresent City Series—House of Flame and Shadow.
During the 2 hour countdown to midnight, revelers enjoyed trivia including a quiz to discover which House of Midgard they belonged, exchanged bracelets featuring characters names from the books, and shopped the treasures and other volumes found in the festive setting.
In celebration, attendees also enjoy themed drinks from the Buttery Bar awaiting the release. Cocktails named after characters in the books included—
Juniper Fizz: Gin, Lemon, Honey, Cardamon, & Sparkles
Synth: Rum, Tikki Bitters, Banana, Hibiscus, Guava, & Lime
Hunts Lighting Lemonade: Lavender Lemonade
Jelly Jubilee Jigglers: Jello Shots!
Accompanying the disco pouches filled with cocktails were sugar cookies in the shape of Otters and Jelly Jubliee with blue frosting and sprinkles.
Now on an inspired sugar high and only a few moments to midnight, everyone was led in a countdown that culminated in celebratory handing out of the fea tome that booktok fans (myself included) would disappear into for the next few days.
For the night of the midnight release, I asked attendees, “who is your favorite character from the Crescent City Series?”
While waiting for midnight, we rallied by chanting the famous quotes from the book: “Through love all is possible” and “Light it up!”
For the midnight premiere, I tried to channel the Crescent City vibe by wearing matching black leather pants, heeled sneakers, and kohl eyeliner with fae ears from Madhouse FX Studio.
For the interviews, I carried a hand forged steel air element wand with quartz crystal amplifier by Mystic Forged Crafts.
I am grateful for this picture snapped by Emma Alpern on the night. She covered the event a Barnes and Noble for Vulture and you can read her article here. Thank you Emma!
Premiere Press
Sarah J. Maas joins singer-songwriter and host, Kelly Clarkson, on her show on the same day as the Puppy Bowl. She speaks on her inspiration, what made her an avid reader, her family’s reaction to her books, and the newest book in her Cresent City series.
On the Today show, Sarah J. Maas sits down with Jenna Bush Hager for the premiere day of Cresent City: House of Flame and Shadow to speak to her love of fantasy, her journey to becoming a New York Times best selling author, and the newest release in the Cresent City series.
Sarah J. Maas speaks on her own mental health journey and how it inspired a key character’s journey in her Court of Thrones and Roses series.
What is the next book in the Sarah J. Maas universe? Watch to get a hint.
Find out Sarah J. Maas’ favorite fantasy heart throb or fae bea from her series in the fun TikTok filter.
Sarah J. Maas reveals the city that inspired Crescent City and why she finds it inspiring.
SPOILER ALERT!
Sarah speaks to the cross over between her series in the video below:
FANTASTIGAL DISCLAIMER:
Fantastigal purchased tickets to the Midnight Premiere of Crescent City: House of Flame and Shadow at the Ripped Bodice. Fantastigal is not affiliated with any parties presented.
