Enjoy an electrifying evening of dystopian and fantasy fiction with two of the genre’s most exciting voices: Samantha Shannon and Saara El-Arifi.

International bestseller Samantha Shannon (The Bone Season, The Priory of the Orange Tree) introduces Among the Burning Flowers, a gripping standalone prequel to her Roots of Chaos series. Set in a fractured world facing rising threats, it follows Princess Marosa, her betrothed Aubrecht, and dragon hunter Estina, as they navigate power, resistance, and the hope of change. Richly illustrated by Rovina Cai, it’s a tale of human resilience and rising darkness.

Saara El-Arifi, Sunday Times bestselling author of Faebound, returns with Cursebound, the dazzling sequel in her epic fantasy trilogy. Yeeran and Lettle are no longer prisoners to the fae court, but they’re now bound by the shackles of their hearts. Can they discover the secret behind the curse – and unite these two worlds before they destroy each other? With tangled destinies and star-crossed love, it’s a fierce and emotional journey across warring realms.

Together, Samantha and Saara will explore epic storytelling, character creation, and the magic of imagining new feminist worlds.

Presented in partnership with Waterstones Deansgate and sponsored by The Maldron Hotel.

Wheelchair Users and those with other access needs requiring a free Essential Carer ticket should contact the Quaytickets Box Office on 0161 876 2015 to purchase tickets.