BOLD is thrilled to host a reading with CB Mason, author of the dystopian YA novel Shattered, in conversation with Erin Hall, author of Dear Sylvia, Love Jane.
Explore the world of Tessa Wright—a fractured future shaped by climate disaster and political unrest—alongside themes of grief, identity, and resistance. Expect a lively discussion on worldbuilding, writing YA dystopia today, and the emotional core driving Tessa’s journey, followed by audience Q&A.
Shattered (April 2025)
A fractured world. A hidden past. A future she never expected. When fourteen-year-old Tessa Wright’s idyllic life is shattered by a tragic accident that kills her family and forces her to leave the Wilds, she struggles with grief, mysterious memories, and navigating her new life.
Dear Sylvia, Love Jane
It’s 1943, San Francisco. And Molly Malone has secrets. Between pretending to be the secretary of her own detective agency and late-night visits to her favorite gay club Whiskers (where a secret knock grants entry), Molly’s life is lived in the shadows. But when distraught housewife Sylvia seeks help from a detective, Molly’s professional and personal life begin to merge. When an up-and-coming politician reveals his plan to shutter gay clubs like Whiskers, Molly is concerned. Then, when bodies start appearing, Molly needs to act fast to save her friends and loved ones–old and new–from being the next victims. Because Molly isn’t the only one with a secret.
CB Mason writes dystopian YA fiction exploring resilience, identity, and social change. Inspired by strong female characters and complex worlds, she draws on a richly varied life path. A Boise native and Linfield College graduate, she now lives near Portland, Oregon, with her husband and her collection of tea and wine.
Erin Hall (she/her) is a reader, writer, and vegan nacho enthusiast living in Portland. She’s the author of the Detective Molly Malone series, which begins with her debut novel, Dear Sylvia, Love Jane. Erin works as a marketing and content coach for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and spends weekends hiking, watching old movies, or doing deep dive research into obscure Oregon history.