There is a certain kind of excitement that can only be found at a book festival. Readers wander from one title to another, authors share the stories behind their work, and unexpected discoveries happen simply because someone decided to pick up a book. That sense of curiosity and connection is what makes the Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors 2026 such a special literary gathering. Taking place in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the festival brings together people who share a love for books while creating opportunities to discover new authors, explore different perspectives, and celebrate the many stories that bring communities together.
The Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors 2026 concluded last September 26–27, 2026, marking the festival’s 21st anniversary. The main celebration transforms downtown Winston-Salem into a lively destination for readers, featuring author panels, readings, book signings, exhibitors, vendors, food trucks, and activities for visitors of all ages. The festival also welcomes young readers with a dedicated children’s area where children can participate in activities and receive free books, making the celebration an experience that families can enjoy together.
Literary festivals such as Bookmarks offer something that cannot always be found through a simple visit to a bookstore or an online search. They create a space where readers can encounter books in a more personal way. A panel can provide insight into an author’s creative process, a book signing can turn a title into a memorable keepsake, and an unexpected conversation can lead a reader toward a story they might never have discovered otherwise. It is this combination of literature and human connection that continues to make book festivals valuable to the publishing community.
Among the titles proudly represented by Citi of Books at this year’s festival is “Midnight Wolf: Prophecy Unfolds” by J. Lyn Jackson. The book offers readers another distinctive voice to discover and reflects the variety of stories and perspectives found within our publishing community. We are excited to introduce this work to the festival audience and give visitors the opportunity to explore the author’s ideas, experiences, and creative vision through the pages of the book.
“Midnight Wolf: Prophecy Unfolds” by J. Lyn Jackson follows Jasmine Oscuro, a teenage girl who desperately wants a quiet, ordinary life—but fate has very different plans. Born to an Alpha werewolf father and a powerful witch mother, Jasmine is a rare hybrid loaded with expectations she never asked for.
If you love supernatural stories with heart, “Midnight Wolf: Prophecy Unfolds” by J. Lyn Jackson is the kind of book that pulls you in fast and refuses to let go. At its core, this story is about a girl who wants nothing more than to blend in—but happens to be born into extraordinary power. Jasmine’s struggle feels deeply relatable, even in a world of wolves, witches, and goddesses. Who hasn’t wished, at some point, that life would stop expecting so much from them?
This book is especially appealing to readers who enjoy fantasy with strong female leads, found family dynamics, and slow-burn personal growth. Whether you’re into werewolf politics, magical training, or emotionally charged friendships, there’s something here that hits home. The story doesn’t rush Jasmine’s development—it lets her fail, doubt herself, and grow in ways that feel real rather than perfect.
Midnight Wolf has it all-wolves, vampires, witches, Fae, elves, trolls, and others working together to secure the futures of all. This story hopefully has individuals thinking about race issues, that there are good and bad people in every walk of life, no race is inherently bad.
J. Lyn Jackson, author of Midnight Wolf: Prophecy Unfolds, is a storyteller rooted in family, nature, and heritage. A proud mother of four, Air Force and Air National Guard veteran, and member of the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, she brings heart, strength, and lived experience into every story she tells.
By the time you reach the later chapters, it’s hard not to feel emotionally invested in this world and its characters. “Midnight Wolf: Prophecy Unfolds” isn’t just about prophecy or destiny—it’s about identity, loyalty, and learning to trust yourself when the stakes are high. If you’re looking for a story that mixes action with heart and leaves you eager for what comes next, this book deserves a spot on your shelf.
Citi of Books at Bookmarks Festival of Books & Authors 2026 — celebrating authors, discovering new perspectives, and giving more stories the opportunity to find their readers.