Waterstones to Host Fantasy Author Emmie Mears's HEARTHFIRE Book Launch on Thursday, August 2, 2018

LIVONIA, Mich. - July 31, 2018 - PRLog -- Waterstones will be hosting the book launch of HEARTHFIRE, book one in the Stonebreaker epic fantasy series by Emmie Mears, which explores the theme of climate change through a fantasy lens. The event will be held at Waterstones Glasgow on Thursday, August 2, 2018 from 6:30 to 8 PM BST.

"What would someone in a bountiful land do if they discovered the abundance they enjoyed came at the expense of an entire continent? Could a person live with that? And what if there were consequences for deciding one couldn't live with that knowledge?" asks author Emmie Mears.

"The characters of HEARTHFIRE met me to answer these questions. A young man bullied relentlessly, his feelings minimized and undermined. A young person who has built a place for herself but is not certain she has chosen the right path. A young genderfluid person (hyrsin, in the book) who knows who they want to be, but whose desire to right wrongs will come at a steep cost. And another young woman, whose path is laid out for her in certainty, and who will do whatever she must to keep her homeland safe and fruitful. HEARTHFIRE is a book that surprised me, both with how it snuck up on me and with what I learned about myself writing it. I'm excited to have readers explore this world with me."

In HEARTHFIRE, Carin has never known hunger. Born into the Hearthland, a lush world of fertile fields and abundant resources, her biggest worry is whether she and her three friends will find their true names on their Journeying. But when one of them is murdered on the morning of their departure, Carin's peaceful world is stained with blood.

As they travel north, Carin and her friends discover a horrible truth: their land's bounty is no mystery. An ancient spell cast by their ancestors is draining the very life force from the lands across the northern mountains, withering the earth and starving its people. Forced to confront the truth, Carin must decide her own fate. Remain silent and allow the murder of the earth itself—or risk her own life in exile and break the spell. The hearths of home have only ever nourished. Now the Hearthland will see just how hot fire can burn.

Advance praise for HEARTHFIRE

"Mears has crafted a highly detailed world…will leave readers eager for Carin's further adventures."
— Publishers Weekly

"…a powerful debut to a new series that will grip the reader until the end. Mears' skilled storytelling make this emotional read stand out. Despite the fantastic world, the narrative feels real with complex characters… HEARTHFIRE feels different from other coming-of-age stories with its progressive thinking and darker plot line."
— InD'Tale Magazine

"This rich story not only carries a thrilling plot and engaging characters, it has a beautiful heart and care to it that connects to you on a deep level. Masterful storytelling."
— Ellie Ann, New York Times Bestselling Author

"Second-world fantasy with a cultural norm of non-binary gendering? Sign me right up! …you'll slip into the setting like getting into a warm bath. Of course, the setting feels so real because the people there feel real. I am VERY eager for book 2."
— LibraryThing Early Reviewers

Emmie will be reading from the novel as well as answering audience questions about their work. Refreshments and wine will also be served. If unable to attend, signed copies may be reserved by contacting the store.

Waterstones is located at 174-176 Argyle Street, Glasgow, UK, G2 8BT. For more information, please call the bookstore at +44 141 248 4814 or visit their website: https://www.waterstones.com/events/emmie-mears-launches-h...

HEARTHFIRE is published by BHC Press and is available in hardcover (978-1-947727-51-9, 420 pp, $27.95/£19.95), trade softcover (978-1-946848-52-9, 424 pp, $15.95/£11.95), and ebook (978-1-947727-52-6, $7.99/£6.10) at all major booksellers.

About Emmie Mears: Emmie Mears writes the books they always needed to read about characters they wish they could be. Emmie is multilingual, autistic, agender, and a bad pescetarian. They are the author of A HALL OF KEYS AND NO DOORS, LOOK TO THE SUN, and the Ayala Storme series. Emmie makes their home on planet Earth, and more specifically in Glasgow, Scotland. They live with their partner and two rescued kitties who call Emmie and John a forever home.

About BHC Press: BHC Press is an award-winning independent publisher of general fiction and nonfiction hardcover, softcover, and ebooks for both YA and adults. To learn more about Emmie Mears and BHC Press, visit http://www.bhcpress.com/