It’s not every day that beautifully designed books get center stage at ComicCon. But this year, Juniper Books turned heads with a striking custom book set displayed in the BookCon booth. Featuring BookCon’s signature logo, we joined in on the celebration of BookCon’s return to the circuit in 2026.
We also announced our upcoming Limited Edition Mortal Instruments Book Set, featuring a complete set of Cassandra Clare’s The Mortal Instruments series redesigned in gold foiled jackets, plus a signed copy of City of Bones, with only 100 sets available.
ComicCon attendees had the opportunity to enter a giveaway for a chance to win one of these rare and stunning sets!
The Juniper Books x BookCon Collaboration
For over 25 years, Juniper Books has reimagined what books and book collections can look like with our high-design, collectible sets. Whether it’s classics such as Jane Austen or modern series like ACOTAR, our attention to aesthetic detail has made our special edition sets a favorite among book lovers.
We were lucky enough to debut our upcoming Limited Edition Mortal Instruments set during New York ComicCon 2025. The giveaway, open via their website and Instagram, not only features stunning wraparound dust jackets but is anchored by a real gem: a signed copy of City of Bones by Cassandra Clare.
It’s more than just a collector’s item, it’s a signal of where the publishing world is headed: back into the arms of fan-driven events like BookCon.
A Brief History of BookCon: From Industry Offshoot to Fan-Favorite Event
Launched in 2014 by ReedPop, BookCon was originally created as a consumer-friendly extension of the more industry-focused BookExpo. The goal? To bring the excitement of pop culture cons into the literary world with authors, publishers, book lovers, and fandoms all under one roof.
From 2014 to 2019 BookCon welcomed tens of thousands of attendees, and featured panels, signings, cosplay, author Q&As, and immersive publisher booths.
Some of the major authors who’ve graced BookCon stages include:
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Cassandra Clare – The Mortal Instrument
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Leigh Bardugo – Shadow and Bone, Six of Crows
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Marie Lu – Legend, Warcross
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Holly Black – The Cruel Prince, The Spiderwick Chronicles
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V.E. Schwab – A Darker Shade of Magic, Vicious
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Margaret Atwood – The Handmaid’s Tale
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John Green, Rainbow Rowell, and many more.
Like many fan events, BookCon was halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was officially "retired" alongside BookExpo, leaving a noticeable gap in the book event scene.
BookCon 2026: A Reimagined Return for Readers and Fandoms
After a six-year hiatus, BookCon is officially returning April 18–19, 2026, at the Javits Center in New York City, the same venue that once housed both BookCon and ComicCon.
Now fully separated from any industry trade show, the new BookCon is being designed for fans, by fans with a focus on:
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Immersive author experiences
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Interactive panels & workshops
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Book swaps, themed zones & crafting corners
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Meet-and-greets & autograph sessions
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A fantasy-themed ball for attendees 18+
🖋️ Authors Already Announced for 2026 Include:
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Leigh Bardugo – Grishaverse
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Jasmine Guillory – The Wedding Date
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Alyssa Cole – When No One Is Watching
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Kate Bornstein – Gender Outlaw
As the event nears, fans can expect additional announcements featuring big names in YA, fantasy, romance, and nonfiction as well as special guests from the world of BookTok and Bookstagram.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters for Book Culture
BookCon’s return paired with promotions like Juniper Books’ Mortal Instruments set signals a resurgence in book fandom culture that’s not just online anymore.
In the age of BookTok, special editions, and literary merch, readers aren’t just reading, they’re collecting, cosplaying, and connecting. Events like BookCon provide a tangible space for that enthusiasm to flourish.
Whether you’re a diehard YA reader, a fantasy devotee, or a fan looking to meet your favorite author, BookCon 2026 promises a revamped experience that puts the reader at the heart of the story.
And Juniper Books’ latest releases? Sets like The Mortal Instruments are the perfect reminder that books aren’t just stories, they're real life representations of fandom, passion, and art.