A Hertfordshire-based author whose childhood dream of being a fantasy writer comes true this summer will celebrate with a book launch in Hitchin. Samantha Birch, author of forthcoming fantasy book Cat Dragon, has wanted to be a novelist since she was 10 years old, and will turn 40 this year. She describes how it feels to finally have her fantasy book being published this August, with one of the "big five" publishers, HarperCollins.

"It's surreal to be honest," she says. "I'm half extremely excited and half terrified to be putting Cat Dragon out into the world. I loved writing it and I really hope people get as much enjoyment out of reading it!"

Cat Dragon, a book for adults featuring a witch, her eponymous familiar, a quest to a magical mountain and a slow-burn romance, is part of the burgeoning genre of "cosy" fantasy books, intended to be lighter, funnier and more comforting than some of the darker entries into the fantasy and romantasy pantheon. Recent successes in the cosy fantasy genre include bestsellers The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst, Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood and Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett, and Birch hopes that readers of these books will enjoy her writing, too.

"Sarah Beth Durst actually read Cat Dragon and really enjoyed it, which brought me to (happy) tears!" she says. "She's a New York Times bestselling author and I really respect her opinion, so for her to even take the time to read my book, let alone say that it was one of her new favourites, was so amazing to me."

A local author, Birch will celebrate the UK release of Cat Dragon with an event at independent bookshop Next Page Books, on Hitchin's Queen Street.

"I know we all have busy lives so I really wanted to make it a special event that's worth your time to come out to," Birch explains. "I'll be bringing Cat Dragon goodies for everyone who comes, there'll be drinks and chats and an 'in conversation' led by a friend of mine, and I'll sign the book for anyone who wants me to. Tickets are £5 but you get that off your purchase of the book on the night -- and you'll be supporting this lovely independent bookshop that's really friendly and community-focused. That's why I was so keen to have my launch event there!"

Cat Dragon is available for pre-order now, and will release in paperback, audiobook and eBook UK-wide on 14th August 2025. It can be purchased at all good retailers, and signed copies can be bought from Next Page Books for collection or delivery anywhere in the UK: https://nextpagebooks.co.uk/product/9780008732981/

The book launch event takes place at Next Page Books on 14th August 2025, 7pm to 8.30pm, and tickets are available through EventBrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/join-us-for-the-launch-of-cat-dragon-by-samantha-birch-fantasy-author-tickets-1484789989829