A Santa Fe Sunday to Remember

Metal Viper at Collected WorksMetal Viper at Collected Works

Ron Schultz, fresh off the energy of Inklight, and co-author, Sarah Lovett, brought Metal Viper to Santa Fe’s beloved Collected Works Bookstore for a Sunday reading that was equal parts moving, joyful, and unforgettable.

The timing couldn’t have been better. Just the day before, Metal Viper received a remarkable review from the Midwest Review of Books, written by Suzie Housley — a review that beautifully captured the heart, urgency, and emotional depth of the novel. Housley praised the book as “a gripping political thriller that combines suspense, international intrigue, and humanitarian advocacy into a compelling and emotionally charged narrative,” and highlighted Kae Zhang as “a memorable and admirable character” whose compassion and courage anchor the story. With that kind of momentum behind them, Sarah and Ron stepped into Collected Works with a room full of readers ready to listen.

And then came the poem.

Sooner or later, Ron may learn how to read that pivotal piece of the story without tearing up… but Sunday was not that day. His emotion only underscored the human cost at the center of Metal Viper. Sarah, meanwhile, was her usual radiant, commanding self — steady, composed, and fully in her element. Together, they balanced each other perfectly, just as they do on the page.

The audience was engaged, the questions thoughtful, and the atmosphere warm and intimate. Books were sold, books were signed, and more than a few readers walked away newly invested in Kae Zhang’s world.

Collected Works once again proved why it’s one of the great independent bookstores in the Southwest — welcoming, beautifully curated, and staffed by people who genuinely love connecting readers with stories worth reading.

A wonderful event, a wonderful space, and a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do.