Celebrating the world of words

An explosive new dystopian fantasy series, perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, The Atlas Six and Leigh Bardugo.

Jay McGuiness, best known as a vocalist in the boy band The Wanted and winner of Strictly Come Dancing, joins us on stage to discuss his latest fantasy novel, Poison Tides, the sequel to his debut hit Blood Flowers. Now forging a powerful path in writing, Jay’s dystopian fantasy explores identity, power, and belonging through the journey of Bear, a small-town boy navigating a world that is as treacherous as it is transformative. 

In conversation with Coco Omer, a dynamic cultural commentator and creator behind The Cult of Coco, known for championing stories across books, film, and TV, expect a lively, insightful discussion full of energy and humour. 

In a small black narrowboat, Bear escapes the confined walls of his home town, Calleston, ready to help three witches find and free their captive sister. But the journey ahead is dangerous . . . Blots feast on human flesh and stalk the dark waters, and Bear discovers his best friend, Felix, is being hunted just beyond the wilderness.

Behind Calleston’s walls sits a new ruler, the Highlady Meya, who is ready to right the wrongs of her cruel father and change the Queendom for good. Meya is haunted by premonitions of Bear’s death. Though she can’t save him in her visions, she sees herself sitting by his side. But how can they reunite with vast distances between them? And if the premonitions are real … will Bear survive?

Jay McGuiness on main character Bear: “Bear is a small-town boy through and through, someone who was brought up with a keen sense of community, and of what is right and wrong, but he is naive to the wider world. To me, Bear represents the lifelong quest of holding on to your authentic self in an environment where not all influences are good. Bear has to figure out the world, and while he is doing so, his fears, and his own powers are growing. He is just beginning to venture out into a world that can be cruel, confusing, and dangerous, where it is easy to make bad choices, to lose your voice, forget who you are and the small town you came from.”

There will be a post-event meet and greet with Jay McGuiness, where he’ll be signing copies of Blood Flowers and Poison Tides. Please note that due to time constraints, Jay McGuiness will only be able to sign books purchased at the festival.