It’s The Grimoire’s birthday. I know — they grow up so fast.

One whole year of The Grimoire. It was always going to happen — time tends to do that — but the real surprise is just how many of you are here to celebrate with me. And honestly? You lot mean the world to me.

When I opened The Grimoire, my goal was to sell ten books a month for the first six months. Not exactly world domination — I decided to set the bar low enough to trip over without injury, so I wouldn’t feel too crushed if I didn’t hit it.

Then came my first $1,000 in sales. I jumped up and down, grinned like a complete fool, and told my husband. His response? “Of course you did babe, you are so good at what you do. I am so proud of you!” Ugh, this man and all his unconditional and supportive love.

Back at the start, I posted onto a few book lover pages on Facebook. The response was… let’s say less than welcoming. Some people even accused me of buying from Amazon and flipping books at a markup. I cried, hugged my sister, husband, children, and dogs, and reminded myself that all I wanted was to offer a local alternative to the big international stores. Then I stopped reading the comments and got back to work.

Since then, The Grimoire has grown up a bit. We’ve moved twice — from my spare room, to a 40sqm office, and finally to our proper new space (which, yes, I’m still excitedly shouting about). It’s still mostly me here, packing orders and misplacing scissors on a heroic scale, but we’ve got help now: Matthew and Sarah have joined the team in creative and marketing, and life is slightly less chaotic as a result.

We’ll always be an online store — we’re too niche to open a full-fledged shop — but we do have our own space. If you’re Wellington-based, or passing through, and want to come peruse, pick up an order, or chat about books with a certified book nerd, drop us a line. We’ll be ready to roll out the metaphorical red carpet. (Actual red carpet? Not so much — the flooring quote alone nearly made me cry.)

The Grimoire was built by me, learning everything from scratch — websites, logistics, builder partnerships with international publishers

— the lot. Every step is measured and calculated. I take the trust you place in me with preorders seriously: I only list books when I know I can deliver. That’s why some titles sit in “coming soon” or don’t appear until release day, when they’re finally in our hot little hands. I work hard to make sure the details are accurate, so you know exactly what you’re getting — and when possible, we’ll let you in on what makes each edition special, even if the publishers haven’t.

Looking ahead, the year to come is already looking mighty. We’ve got events coming, an enormous lineup of releases, some ambitious plans to grow the business, and a few surprises I’m dying to reveal. I’m excited to keep shaking things up at The Grimoire, and keep it the kind of place where book nerds dream in hardcovers and special editions.

So here’s to being one — and to all of you for being part of the story, for laughing at my mistakes, celebrating the wins, and generally being the absolute best book-loving humans a nerd could hope for.

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🎂 Birthday Sale Happening NOW: 20–30% Off ALL In-Stock Books!

So… it’s our birthday! Naturally, that means treats. What kind of celebration would it be without a few good temptations.

Consider this your head start—shelves are expected to be raided faster than a dragon spotting gold!

From today until 2 Nov, get 20–30% off ALL in-stock special and limited edition books.

Plus, every in-stock order over these three days comes with its very own Grim Ghostie!

Releases Coming This November

Lowdown From The Grimoire

November is a busy little beast: Over 50 new releases are on the way this month. Sharpen your wishlists and clear a shelf or two (or three).

Quicksilver giveaway incoming: We can’t say much yet… mostly because we’re enjoying the suspense. Keep your eyes peeled on our socials.

Signed copies alert: We’re finalising signed editions of Ashes of Thezzmarr by Helen Schumer (Book 3: Silver and Smoke).

Whispers with the independents: We’re chatting with more indie authors about bringing their creations to our shelves — exciting new voices incoming.

Signed special editions (with goodies!): April L. Moon’s Fated to the Wolf Prince - Book 1 of the Hunted Omegas series - are here, signed, with goodies included, live on the site, and more than ready to be adopted.

The Great Christmas Postage Saga:

• Last day we send parcels: 22nd December.

• Want your books arriving before Christmas morning? Order by 18th December.

• Couriers take holidays too (alas), so no magical deliveries on public holidays.

• We’ll be lurking briefly back in the office on 29th December, then fully reawakened on 5th January.

And, a special highlight… recently I got to meet the one and only Sarah A. Parker at RARE in Sydney, who many of you will know from the Moonfall series.

Can confirm: she’s a legend. A Kiwi now living in Australia, she writes epic fantasy romance and thrives on crafting real, complex characters and immersive worlds to get lost in.

Cat Sirota’s 'Embracing Light' Launch
7 November | Ponsonby, Auckland | Binary Souls Duology

The launch for Cat Sirota’s Embracing Light is coming up on November 7. If you are around Auckland, come along!

Think live readings, meet & greets, photos, character-inspired cocktails, exclusive goodie bags, and a discounted bar tab. Basically, everything you didn’t know you needed in one epic night.

The Grim is the official event partner! Want your signed copy of Embracing Light ready to grab at the launch? Pre-order now on our website. This is dark fantasy done right with witches, fae, morally grey chaos, and magic that bites back. Tickets are on sale now, and numbers are limited!

Editions Readers are Loving | In-Stock Now at The Grimoire

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That’s a wrap for our first incredible year at The Grimoire, and what a ride it’s been.

From limited editions that make hearts race to bookish corners you’ve helped fill with magic, none of this would be possible without you. Thank you for diving in, collecting fiercely, and making this little world of ours so ridiculously alive.

This birthday, we’re turning up the chaos: an epic sale, jaw-dropping editions, and a whole lot of bookish mischief. Grab your treasures while they last—things are about to get gloriously unmanageable.

With a special edition in one hand, cake in the other, and my heart overflowing, thank you for being part of this wild journey.

Anastasia — Book Nerd & Founder of The Grimoire