Genres: New Adult, NA Fantasy, Romantic Fantasy | Release Date: 10 September 2024 | Series: The Order of Masks | Series Book: #1 | Pages: 498 | Publisher: Pan Macmillan | Review
“What do you know of fear?“
Alina Bellchambers
Overview:
When I dived into The Order of Masks by Alina Bellchambers, I had no idea that my heart was going to be in my throat for the majority of this NA romantic fantasy! But this first instalment in The Order of Masks duology is a rollercoaster of a ride, and trust me when I say that’s a huge compliment. But before I go into all of the happiness boosts, let’s give you an overview!
Mira’s been on the run all her life, but when soldiers from the Ravalian Court manage to capture her? It becomes clear that the only way for her to survive is to participate in the upcoming Trials, becoming a member of one of the three magical royal Orders. Yet this is easier said than done, and not everyone who participates manages to survive. As for Princess Scarlett? She’s had to fight for her survival, with her half-brothers determined to dispose of the threat she poses to their line of succession. Can Mira still hope for a future with the man she’s loved for years? Or will her quest for vengeance drown out any chance of happiness? An uprising is brewing, and the outcome could mean the end for both Mira and Scarlett’s plans for the future…
Happiness Boost:
The Order of Masks is a brilliantly written NA romantic fantasy full of morally grey characters and terrifying choices. And yes, I absolutely love that we get this!! Every single character hides secrets within this story, and we’re never sure who we can trust amongst this cast. It is a riveting instalment which leaves you begging not only for answers, but for the tiniest glimpse of a light at the end of the tunnel. Trust me, if you want something dark and increasingly perilous? This is the book for you.
Can we talk about Mira’s ability to pivot when life tries to shove her down? And what about her ability to fight for happiness, for redemption, and even for an entire kingdom in the end? This FMC is a warrior who’ll never stop trying to make things better for those she loves. But more than that, Mira’s a heroine who is real in her stubbornness and her response to traumatic events. She isn’t perfect, she isn’t someone who sails through life without making mistakes… Yet I know I’d certainly welcome having Mira at my back if I were trying to survive this court! In fact, I wouldn’t choose anyone else.
Listen, I need to talk about Severin in The Order of Masks. I know, I know, unless you’ve read this book you’ll have no idea who he is. But Alina made this secondary character someone for whom I desperately wished a happy ending, and I truly think Severin helped make this novel as amazing as it is. This imposing male could see the various paths the future could take, and yet even then he was hoping for better, for something good to come out of the darkness. I honestly got chills when I read this sentence: “Some fates shouldn’t be changed.”
Downside:
I have no downside for this beautiful book!
Final Thoughts:
The Order of Masks by Alina Bellchambers is a romantic fantasy full of morally grey characters, fascinating politics, and a broken kingdom. I love everything about this! But I actually have some great news for any of you US + Canadian bookworms… This duology will be releasing independently in your countries, and Alina has made your editions darker, spicier, and grittier. So really, what are you waiting for?! If you don’t want to dive straight into the traditionally published copies, make sure you grab the indie editions for your collection as soon as possible. If you love the sound of this story from my review? Just click on any of the links below to grab a copy! Happy reading, glitterbugs!
You can order The Order of Masks via these links:
