It’s not Harry Potter, but the vampire romance series by Stephenie Meyer, launched by the book Twilight, has enough of a following to generate big book release parties at Barnes & Noble outlets across the nation on Aug. 1.

The popular series is about a love triangle between Bella, the vampire she loves, Edward, and a boy she befriends, Jacob. The series has earned comparisons to the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but Meyer told the press she’d never seen a single episode of the series.

Store officials said they don’t know how many fans will turn out for the release party, but they’re prepared for a lot.

“It’s very hard to tell, but the buzz among the stores across the nation are that we are expecting a sizable and excited crowd,” said Thom Anderson, community relations manager at the Denton Barnes & Noble. “We’ll have enough room for everybody.”

Wristbands are available for readers who want to reserve a space in line as early as 9 a.m. Aug. 1. The wristbands guarantee the wearer a spot in the line.

The release party includes a “speed chess” tournament and demonstration, a costume parade, and a prediction pool on three topics. The reader with the closest predictions to what happens in the book will win the pool.

The event also includes a “recycled bad bridesmaid gown contest” that pits members of Team Jacob against Team Edward. (Fans of the books have fallen into two main relationship camps — those who want Bella to end up with Jacob and those who want her to end up with Edward.)

April Kendra, a local private instructor and book discussion group facilitator, will lead discussions throughout the evening. Guests Kenzie Eckles and Brandon Sharp will present a reading of the first chapter of Breaking Dawn. Readers can visit an art card trading dem­onstration and a craft table coordinated by local card trader and quilter Debbie Smith.

What: event for Breaking Dawn, the fourth book of the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer

When: Activities start at 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1. Book goes on sale at midnight; doors close at 12:30 a.m.

Where: Barnes & Noble Booksellers Denton, 2201 S. Inter­state 35E, in Golden Triangle Mall

Details: For more information, call 940-383-9261.