If you’re familiar with Epic Reads at all, you’ll know they periodically hold Story Crush tours throughout the year! It’s a wonderful time when amazing YA authors tour the US promoting their latest books! 

Seattle was fortunate enough to be a part of this Summer’s Story Crush Tour. As the last destination at our oldest independent bookstore – University Bookstore!

The lineup was to die for! 

Tease’s amazing Amanda Maciel, Seattle’s own Kevin Emerson with Exile and…

KIERA CASS OF THE SELECTION SERIES promoting the finale – THE ONE! *Fangirls all over the place*

The bookstore was packed with people, many of them teens and preteens dressed with tiaras for Cass. It was adorable. They seriously knew EVERYTHING about her! I was filled with emotions and excitement for myself at the event, but to hear these young girls squealing with excitement at meeting this author…there are no words at the joy it caused my heart to swell. 

This is why YA is important. Maciel, Emerson and Cass stand as fantastic role models for these young readers and the non reading part of society need to understand that this genre is more than just romance.

Anyways, there was a lovely talk from the authors, about their books, what they’re about, why they wrote them and what they are hoping for the future of the industry. *diversity* – well said by Maciel (She also loved my dress! Sisters in pink unite!). There were also some selfies. Emerson even brought his guitar and played us a song that was in his book! This evening had everything! 

University Bookstore ran the event exceptionally well. There were prizes being given, and once the signing was under way it was organised and professional. 

It was brilliant to hear this diverse range of authors speak. I of course bought all of their books to have signed, Emerson’s isn’t one I would normally pick up and that is why I’m such a big supporter of these events. You should always read books that are outside of your comfort zone! You might find a new favorite author! 

Meeting Cass was definitely the highlight of the evening. She is like my role model for life. Her energy, wit and humor made me gush like the preteens behind me. She is down to Earth, kind and smart! I adore her and if I ever got a wish from a genie I’d totally wish to be a real life friend of hers!

I had a bit of photo trouble, but Cass was like a best friend, making funny faces until we got one that worked! SHE IS SO COOL! 

Because the evening was successful and fun, I only hope that Epic Reads adds more stops to Seattle for their future Story Crush tour dates! 

Have you read any of the authors books? Which one did you love the most?