TIFFIN, Ohio — Two authors with books arriving in stores nationally on August 25 will spend the weekend before publication in downtown Tiffin, at a pair of events hosted by Pan Yan Bookstore.

Ohio fantasy author Rae Carson launches her newest novel, “Monster, Monarch, Maiden,” at the bookstore on Saturday, August 22. Horror novelist Markus Redmond follows on Sunday, August 23, with a talk and signing that kicks off a mini book crawl through downtown businesses.

Both events are free and open to anyone, though the store encourages reservations.

Saturday: Rae Carson and Mindy McGinnis

Carson will take part in a moderated conversation and book signing from noon to 1 p.m. at Pan Yan Bookstore, 144 S. Washington St., in conversation with Ohio author Mindy McGinnis. Copies of both authors’ books will be available for purchase.

Guests can also join the authors for a cocktail “hour” from 12:30 to 1 p.m. at The Empire Bistro, 138 S. Washington St. Readers can reserve a spot or set aside copies through the store.

“Monster, Monarch, Maiden” is a stand-alone fantasy from Greenwillow Books, priced at $19.99 in hardcover. The main character loses everything and pledges herself to a secretive young man on a perilous quest in order to survive, in a story built around gods, monsters, magical gifts and life-or-death stakes.

Carson is the author of two bestselling, award-winning trilogies and the stand-alone novels “Any Sign of Life” and “The Empire of Dreams.” Her debut, “The Girl of Fire and Thorns,” was a finalist for both the William C. Morris Award and the Andre Norton Award, and “Walk on Earth a Stranger” was longlisted for the 2015 National Book Award and won a Western Writers of America Spur Award. She has also written for the Star Wars universe, including the novelization of “The Rise of Skywalker.” Her books, as she puts it, tend to contain adventure, magic and smart girls who make mostly smart choices.

Originally from California, Carson now lives in Ohio with her husband.

McGinnis is an Ohio author and former school librarian whose Gothic historical thriller “A Madness So Discreet” won the 2016 Edgar Award for best young adult novel.

Sunday: Markus Redmond and a mini book crawl

Redmond will speak and sign copies at The Empire Bistro, next door to the bookstore, in conversation with Columbus author D.M. Guay, who writes the 24/7 Demon Mart horror-comedy series. Drinks and light lunch options will be available to order.

That session doubles as the kickoff for a book crawl. Guests move to other downtown spots to grab a drink or a snack and sit and read for a while — Bailiwicks Coffee Company from 1:20 to 2:05 p.m., Pan Yan Bookstore from 2:10 to 2:55 p.m., and The Renaissance of Tiffin from 3 to 4 p.m., where the authors will mingle with readers.

An optional $25 Book Crawl Pass bundles a voucher at each stop: a drink at Bailiwicks, an appetizer, flatbread or cocktail at The Empire Bistro, and a glass of wine, two beers or two mocktails at The Renaissance. RSVPs and book reservations go through the store’s event page.

One scheduling note for readers heading downtown Sunday: Pan Yan Bookstore will be closed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a private event before it opens as a crawl stop.

“Blood Rising” is the sequel to Redmond’s debut, “Blood Slaves,” and is published by Dafina at $28 in hardcover. It is a blend of supernatural horror and alternate history in which a vengeful vampire tribe formed of formerly enslaved Africans wages war across the Southern colonies. The publisher pitches the series to fans of Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” and to readers of Victor LaValle, Tananarive Due and Stephen Graham Jones. Publishers Weekly gave the first book a starred review.

Redmond is an actor, director and screenwriter turned author. His work draws on an interest in history and how it shapes the present, along with a fascination with supernatural creatures and what they represent in the real world. He is also, by his own account, obsessed with Singaporean television dramas. Originally from Philadelphia, he lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Isis.

Pan Yan Bookstore is an independent shop selling new and used books, coffee and snacks in the heart of the downtown district.