After a five-year wait, three more hours seemed like nothing.

Long before the clock struck midnight, fans of Sarah J. Maas’ wildly popular “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series gathered inside the Target on North Cedar Crest Boulevard in South Whitehall Township, counting down the moments until the release of the latest installment, “A Court of Splintered Harmony.”

The store, one of roughly 250 Target locations nationwide selected to host a special midnight launch event, remained open exclusively for eager readers from 9 p.m. until midnight. For many, it was more than a book release. It was a celebration years in the making.

First in line was Wynne Houser of Allentown, who arrived with friend Abby Kirsopp to pass the time during the three-hour wait. As more readers filtered in, many carrying Starbucks drinks and trading theories about the series, the atmosphere resembled a fan convention more than a late-night shopping trip.

A large display modeled after the book’s cover featured the phrase, “What was broken will be remade,” serving as both a photo backdrop and a gathering point for discussion among devoted readers.

Houser joined Emily Bauman of Whitehall, Tiff Yoder of Mount Bethel, Brianne Brewer of Andreas and Alex Hunter of Allentown in comparing predictions for the newest chapter in Maas’ fantasy universe. One popular theory, shared by Houser, suggests the author may be weaving together the storylines of her three best-selling series: “Throne of Glass,” “A Court of Thorns and Roses” and “Crescent City.”

Each fan had a different reason for connecting with the books.

Brewer said her Celtic heritage draws her to the folklore-inspired elements woven throughout the stories.

“They are modern takes on old stories,” Brewer said.

Yoder said she enjoys the political intrigue featured in the fictional kingdoms, while Houser described the appeal as being completely immersed in another world.

Hunter, who proudly calls herself a “book nerd,” said the expansive cast of characters keeps her invested.

For many gathered that evening, fantasy offers a welcome escape from everyday life, providing adventure, romance and high-stakes drama between its pages.

The event included more than just the book release. Fans tested their knowledge during themed trivia contests and posed for photographs.

Only the first 100 guests received commemorative entry tickets and exclusive Bryaxis key chains. The key chains served as golden tickets of sorts, granting holders the opportunity to purchase the book exactly at midnight before preorders became available the next day.

When midnight finally arrived, excited conversations echoed through the store as fans secured copies of a novel they had spent years anticipating.

The evening highlighted the enthusiasm surrounding Maas’ fantasy world and demonstrated that in an era of digital entertainment, readers are still willing to line up late into the night for the chance to be among the first to turn the page on a new adventure.