We love it when great stories walk through our door, especially when they are written by people who know and love books as much as we do.
Last week we had a very special visit at Book Hero. Local author and fellow bookseller Daniel Devenney dropped by to say hello, bringing along his fiancé Ronald for the ride. It is always a treat when members of our tight-knit book community pop in. There is something pretty magic about getting to celebrate a Kiwi author in person, especially one who understands the bookselling world from the inside.
Daniel spent time in store with the team, signing copies of his brand-new novel Counting Down with Theodore Brown.
About the book
Counting Down with Theodore Brown is a heartfelt, music-infused story that follows Theodore as he navigates love, uncertainty, and the ticking clock of relationships. Structured around a countdown, the novel blends emotional depth with a unique narrative style, with music woven throughout, even shaping the chapter headings. It is a story about connection, timing, and what it means to truly show up for the people in your life. Thoughtful, bittersweet, and full of personality, it is a story that stays with you.
We also put Daniel through a rapid-fire round because we could not resist:
Quickfire QUESTIONS
Messy creative or Organised Planner ?
Summer romance or Forever Love ?
Music or Movies for comfort?
Rule Follower or rule breaker?
Logic or Instinct ?
Countdown or lose track of time?
Know how long a relationship will last, or Stay in the Dark ?
Favourite comfort read? The Perks of Being a Wallflower
What are you currently watching? Sex Education and Buffy the Vampire Slayer
What are you currently reading? The Raven's Eye Runaways
Dream casting for Theo and Lil? Noah Jupe and Isabella Ferreira
We are so proud to have had Daniel visit us, not just as an author, but as part of the wider bookselling whānau. This industry might be small, but that is what makes moments like this so meaningful. Supporting each other, celebrating wins, and connecting readers with stories is what it is all about.
Huge thanks to Daniel and Ronald for stopping by. Come back anytime, we will have the books ready. 📚
Signed copies of Counting Down with Theodore Brown are in store now, but not for long ✨
New local voice who nails a coming of age story
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Counting Down with Theodore Brown is not my usual genre but I absolutely adored every page of this novel about Theodore Brown, a 19 year old navigating the challenges of love and life, mental health and friendships. On top of all of that Theodore also has the complicated addition of being able to see a number in people's eyes that reveals how long they will be in his life.
This book is perfect if, like me, you love John Green's coming of age stories, or if Perks of Being a Wallflower made you feel seen unlike anything else. It's life affirming, full of lovable characters and great lines that had me laughing out loud.
You’ll love this if you like:
- Bittersweet, emotional reads that mix humour, heartbreak, and big life questions.
- Books that explore mental health, identity, and first love in a real, raw way.
- Romantic stories with a twist of magical realism (like unique abilities shaping relationships)
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower–style coming-of-age stories full of emotion, honesty, and growth.