Local Adelaide author Alina Bellchambers has launched her debut novel, The Order of Masks. The book is a blend of romance and fantasy, perfect for readers of Throne of Glass and Fourth Wing. With a highly anticipated global launch taking place in her hometown this week, it marks the beginning of an exciting journey for Bellchambers, who has secured an two-book deal with Pan Macmillan Australia and Hodderscape UK.
Bellchambers, who is also an actor, model, and public speaker, will bring her captivating fantasy novel to readers around the world this week. The book’s launch is particularly special for Bellchambers, who grew up surrounded by books in her parents’ Adelaide CBD bookstore.
“I spent my childhood immersed in fantastical worlds, falling in love with books before I could even
read,” Bellchambers said. “Now I write on a forty-acre hobby farm in the Adelaide Hills, and it is incredibly special to launch my first book in the city that shaped me.”
The Order of Masks will transport readers to a brutal Roman-inspired empire, following the intertwined fates of two strong female protagonists, Mira and Scarlett. As they grapple with magic, court politics, and heart-wrenching choices, the novel explores themes of love and power with gripping intensity.
Bellchambers has infused her narrative with psychological depth, drawing from her background in psychology to explore the complex dynamics faced by women in positions of power.
“I wanted to explore moral complexities with these characters, are they going to survive and if so, at
what cost? It’s a high stakes fantasy that will keep you guessing,” she said.
The dark and romantic nature of the story, combined with its seductive intrigue and powerful heroines, promises to capture readers from the very first page.
To celebrate the release, Bellchambers will host two launch events this week, featuring special guests such as New York Times bestselling fantasy author Dr. Sean Williams and celebrated writer Lyndall Clipstone. The first event took place at Dymocks and Blackwood Library on Tuesday September 10th and the next one will be on Thursday September 12th. It will give readers insights into the fantasy genre and the making of The Order of Masks (attendance is free but ticketed).
The Order of Masks is now available in stores across Australia, in paperback at leading bookstores including Dymocks, QBD, Harry Hartog, and Readings, as well as major retailers like Big W and Amazon. Ebook and audiobook formats will also be offered. The novel is set for release in the UK in December, with a sequel planned for next year.
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