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20h ago

‘A Million Lives’ Book Festival Faces Backlash for Empty Promises and Sparse Turnout

The romantasy convention, promoted as a lavish BookTok event, drew only 30 attendees, prompting organizer apologies, refund offers, and event cancellations.

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This composite image shows footage from three TikTok videos of the A Million Lives Book Festival, a Baltimore, Md., book convention garnering comparisons to Fyre Fest after attendees reported no decoration for a $250 US fantasy ball, no DJ, and audience members having to sit on the ground for a panel, among other problems.

Overview

  • The A Million Lives Book Festival, held May 2–3, 2025, in Baltimore, failed to deliver on promises of immersive panels, cosplay meet-ups, and a fantasy ball.
  • Despite claims of over 600 ticket sales, fewer than 30 attendees were present, leaving authors and vendors reporting significant financial losses.
  • Attendees criticized the fantasy ball for lacking decorations, food, and music, with comparisons made to infamous event failures like Fyre Festival.
  • Organizer Grace Willows issued a public apology and pledged full refunds for attendees, authors, and vendors by May 31, 2025.
  • Future events by Archer Management have been canceled as online criticism continues, highlighting challenges in scaling fandom conventions.