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Once a fanfiction writer and now a newly-published novelist, SenLinYu has been having quite the year. Their fantasy debut novel “Alchemised,” based on their “Harry Potter”-inspired fanfiction “Manacled,” was celebrated by long-time fanfiction fans and new readers alike at Harvard Square’s Lovestruck Books on its release date of Sept. 23. Atmospheric and enchanting, the release party allowed a diverse audience to come together and celebrate while building readerly friendships.

Lovestruck Books, which opened in January 2025, aims to serve as a place for writers to gain exposure for their work, as well as for locals to gather and appreciate new books — especially romances. Having already received worldwide recognition and secured a high-profile movie deal with Legendary Entertainment, “Alchemised” was welcomed by the bookstore as a way to help broaden its readership.

Lovestruck staff member Maggie Mead-McCaughan described the release parties as a core part of the bookstore’s purpose.

“We have to make sure that people have the opportunity to come in and see other people’s excitement and get to discuss things that they’re passionate about. We’ve had a couple of these parties,” Mead-McCaughan said.

As the clock struck 5 p.m., attendees began to trickle into the cozy bookstore, checking in to the event at the door and receiving a signed copy of “Alchemised,” complete with an elaborate cover featuring a small cloaked figure standing in front of an eerie gothic castle. Afterwards, attendees were free to explore the newly decorated and rearranged bookstore, perfect for mingling with one another and chatting about the book.

“It’s one of those stories that’s been very hyped up in advance because it’s something that people might have already had the chance to read on AO3. It’s not an uncommon, entirely unheard of start for some books these days. But people are excited because they’re excited to see something that they love brought into the world in a bigger way,” Mead-McCaughan said.

Two book enthusiasts who attended, Allison Carter and Morgan Chavez, described their newfound excitement for reading “Alchemised” without having ever read “Manacled.”

“Honestly, I love going into a book blind, and I have no idea what to expect with this one, but I love something a little dark and spooky, and I think it’s the perfect season to be reading something like this,” Chavez said.

The pair also shared popular ways to discover new authors and books, as well as tips on getting into reading. Dark romances like “Alchemised” often generate buzz on social media sites like TikTok and YouTube.

“I follow a lot of people who talk about books on YouTube,” Carter said.

The event offered a variety of “Alchemised”-inspired activities in which attendees could participate, including a make-your-own potion station, journal-decorating, and a trivia table where readers could answer various questions about the book and the author in order to win prizes.

Attendees were also treated with themed snacks, some of which featured cupcakes with a fondant recreation of “Alchemised” on top, as well as a mystical beverage imitating one of the many potions featured in the story.

More events like these are sure to come to Lovestruck Books, whose staff are delighted to feature up-and-coming and established authors alike.

—Staff writer Anmol Grewal can be reached at anmol.grewal@thecrimson.com.