A Tale of Cursed Tides Launch: Great People, Big Energy, Questionable Choices Pending
Gather round, book gremlins - we’ve got another launch on the horizon, and this one is going to be deliciously fun.
We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that we’ll be hosting the debut launch of T.R. Sherring’s A Tale of Cursed Tides on March 27, 2026.
Venue: TBC — but it will be in Wellington.
If you haven’t met Toni-Raine yet, you’re in for a treat. She’s a Hutt girl, an indie author about to break into Romantasy with the subtlety of a tidal wave, and she writes with the exact amount of morally-grey-mermaid-witch chaos that makes me feral in the best possible way.
What You Need to Know
A Tale of Cursed Tides is a romantasy inspired by The Little Mermaid - but make it witchy, cursed, twisty, and full of murder mystery energy. If you like mermaids, bargains, curses, magic, morally grey female leads, or stories with enough atmosphere to drown you (romantically… mostly), this debut is going to be absolutely your thing.
And yes, it’s her first book. Yes, she’s already editing book two. And yes, we’re very proud and will be shouting about it like unhinged town criers.
The Launch Night Vibes
We’re planning for a cosy, bookish celebration with our local bookish humans.
A short reading from Toni-Raine — just enough to tease you but not enough for you to commit any crimes over needing more.
Drinks and Nibbles, because nothing says “support local authors” like holding a paperback in one hand and a cracker with cheese in the other.
A whole lot of mingling, community, and general “holy shit you wrote a whole book” energy.
Honestly, I love debut launches. There’s nothing like that first-book buzz — it’s electric, emotional, and slightly chaotic in the best possible way. And supporting NZ indie authors? That is absolutely baked into The Grim’s bones. Events like this are exactly the kind of thing we want to be part of.
The Hype Is Already Starting
Behind the scenes, Toni-Raine has been planning her reveal strategy like a woman with spreadsheets made of pure adrenaline.
Have you been hiding under a rock in the sea, or have you seen the stunning cover reveal? 
Why We’re So Bloody Excited
Debut authors are special. They remind us why this whole book community exists - for the stories that are just starting, for the writers who took a risk, for the moments we get to celebrate someone stepping into their dream for the first time.
Supporting NZ indie talent isn’t a cute little bonus for us; it’s a core part of who we are. Being trusted with Toni-Raine’s launch means the world, and we’ll be doing everything we can to make it magical, memorable, and slightly chaotic (because if it isn’t at least a little messy, was it even a book event?).
So… What Now?
Mark your calendars: 27 March 2026.
More details will come once the venue is locked in, including details like how you RSVP to attend the most exciting Local Indie Author Launch to hit the Wellington Region since Cat Sirota in 2024.
In the meantime, keep an eye on The Grimoire's and Toni-Raine’s socials this month — the reveals are coming in hot, sparkly, and weekly.
And if you’re a local reader? Start warming up.
We’ll see you at the launch — with wine, witchy mermaids, community vibes, and all the good chaos that makes a book event unforgettable.
