About 30 fans attended a midnight release event at The Secret Bookshelf in Carrickfergus, County Antrim, for the new novel A Court of Splintered Harmony by Sarah J Maas. The book, the sixth in the A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) series, went on sale at midnight on Tuesday after a five-year wait.

The event, held on Monday evening, was organised by Jo Zebedee, who runs the independent bookshop with her husband Chris. Zebedee said she drew on her experience helping with midnight launches for Harry Potter books. Activities included felting, friendship bracelet making, and a fan discussion area. Local crafters and businesses provided activities and treats.

Attendees Katie Mccabrey and Amy Savage said they were excited for the release. Amy Savage described the books as an escape into a fantasy world. Katie Mccabrey said they were there because they share a need to escape everyday life. Some attendees wore pyjamas and slippers.

David Jeroen and Sami Patrick, who run a book-focused Instagram account, attended in fantasy attire including crowns and elf ears. They hosted a quiz during the event. Sami Patrick said she has always been a fantasy reader and enjoys the escapism. She added that the wait led her to Maas's other series, which she prefers.

The ACOTAR series is a fantasy romance set in the fictional world of Prythian. Maas announced the sixth book in March, and a seventh book, A Court of Forgotten Melody, is scheduled for release on 12 January 2027.