Independent bookshops in the United Kingdom have raised concerns over delays in receiving copies of the highly anticipated romantasy novel *Threshing Day* by Rebecca Yarros, alleging they were overlooked for deliveries ahead of the book’s release. Several shop owners say the delayed shipments prevented them from capitalizing on sales during the critical release period, particularly as the book was reportedly available for purchase at the supermarket chain Tesco before the official embargo ended.

The novel, part of Yarros’s Empyrean series, has attracted significant demand, which publishers say has put pressure on distribution channels. Emma Littler, director of the Berwyn Bookshop in Buckley, North Wales, told reporters she placed an order for *Threshing Day* more than five months prior to its release, yet the store never received the stock in time. Littler expressed frustration on social media, describing the situation as disheartening for independent bookstores. She also highlighted her disappointment that Tesco had been selling the book early, accusing the retailer of breaching the agreed embargo.

Tesco representatives acknowledged the premature sales, attributing the issue to an administrative error and apologizing for the oversight. The supermarket did not provide additional details about how the mistake occurred or measures taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Little, Brown Book Group, the publisher behind *Threshing Day* and part of Hachette UK, responded to the concerns by attributing delivery delays to “exceptionally high demand” for the latest installment in the series. The publisher denied any preferential treatment toward larger retailers, emphasizing their efforts to fulfill orders from all outlets despite logistical challenges.

This controversy highlights ongoing tensions between independent booksellers and larger retail chains, especially regarding distribution priorities and the handling of embargoes. Independent shops rely heavily on release-day sales, and delays in stocking new titles can significantly impact their revenue and customer trust. Meanwhile, major retailers’ ability to secure early stock can create perceived unfair advantages, exacerbating the difficulties faced by smaller outlets in a competitive market.