Loyalty is very excited to welcome Vajra Chandrasekera and Yume Kitasei to celebrate Rakesfall and The Stardust Grail! These two brilliant authors will be moderated by the inimitable Susie Dumond in what promises to be an extraordinary literary event. This event will take place at Loyalty Petworth (843 Upshur Street NW, Washington, DC 20011) on Thursday, June 20th at 7 pm. Attendees are in for a truly mesmerizing journey through the realms of science fiction and speculative fiction as Vajra and Yume discuss their latest groundbreaking novels. This is a rare opportunity to gain insights into the creative processes and profound themes explored in these captivating works. Vajra Chandrasekera's Rakesfall is a virtuosic, standalone epic that transcends time and space to weave the tale of two souls bound together through countless lifetimes. As Annelid and Leveret reincarnate ever deeper into the future, readers will be taken on a dark, profound journey chasing the very edge of human possibility. Vajra's unique perspective, drawn from his Sri Lankan roots, infuses this genre-defying novel with fresh ideas and cultural richness. Yume Kitasei's The Stardust Grail is an exhilarating adventure following Maya Hoshimoto, a former art thief seeking a powerful artifact that could save an alien civilization from extinction. This breakneck narrative will immerse you in a universe teeming with strange life and ancient ruins where the fate of humanity itself hangs in the balance. Yume's Japanese and American heritage imbues her storytelling with a distinct cross-cultural lens that adds incredible depth. The authors will be in conversation with moderator Susie Dumond, a queer writer, bookseller, and senior contributor at Book Riot, ensuring a lively and thought-provoking discussion. Susie's own works exploring LGBTQ+ themes make her the perfect guide through these uncharted literary territories. Attendees can expect to be transported, challenged, and inspired by the words and worlds of Vajra and Yume while gaining valuable insights into their creative visions. This in-person event is not to be missed for any lover of speculative fiction, literary exploration, or simply great storytelling. The event is free to attend with registration, and books will be available for purchase and signing. Prepare to have your imagination expanded and the boundaries of what stories can be pushed in new, thrilling directions by these two remarkable authors. Don't miss this extraordinary celebration of the power of storytelling and the infinite possibilities of the written word!