BOOK CLUB: The Order of Masks

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The Order of Masks by Australian author Alina Bellchambers is her debut fiction novel. It’s a work of fantasy, romance, action, and adventure subgenres.

Mira from the Elusive Isles has lived many lives on the run from strange criminals with her mother. By the time she had turned sixteen, all the roles she had played were blurred together. Now a circus performer her dream is to join one of the magical Royal Orders and declare herself a candidate to compete in the deadly Trials.

Princess Scarlett wants to carve out a place for herself in the Ravalian Court. In doing so she has to persevere with the attempts on her life by her half-brothers Roran who wants to seize power. Inheriting magical abilities from her mother she is ready to be taken seriously and compete in the games. When Scarlett meets Mira, she seizes the opportunity for an alliance. Will they both get what they want?

Author Alina Bellchambers has crafted a pacy, atmospheric, and highly riveting read that strikes a great balance between fantasy, romance, and the complexities of power and allegiance.

The narrative style is richly imaginative and detailed, offering vivid atmosphere and locations alongside swift plot twists that keep you engaged from beginning to end. Political intrigue where deception and ambition play pivotal roles, offering a deeply complex but well-paced adventure that never lets up on excitement.

One of the features that really impressed me was the many complex characters, all of whom are given a full treatment for unique dialogue styles, attitudes, and emotions so that they feel like real people we can be totally invested in. The character development is particularly compelling as they grapple with their roles in the unfolding conflict and seek to define their destinies.

Using a dual POV helped me understand the dynamics between the characters, building focus on the thoughts and feelings of Mira and Scarlett, and creating a sense of empathy with them. Mira was a character I adored and wanted her the greatest of success.  I loved Scarlett’s determination to carve a place for herself. Whilst they had love interest it didn’t overpower the storyline which I valued. 

The cover is beautiful and alluring with its rich detail, the colours and lettering strike a perfect balance and fit tremendously well with the book.

The Order of Masks sets up a lot of intriguing political and personal storylines for future exploration, promising a lavish and captivating epic for fantasy enthusiasts that will have plenty of thrilling places to take us next.

A selection of our Beauty and Lace Club members are reading The Order of Masks by Alina Bellchambers. You can read their comments below, or add your own review.

8 thoughts on “BOOK CLUB: The Order of Masks

  1. Thank you Beauty and Lace for giving me the opportunity to read this fantastic fantasy book. I like finding new fantasy books to read and this one was a favourite for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

  2. The Order of Masks by Alina Bellchambers ( Pan Macmillan Australia) is the first book in what promises to be an enthralling fantasy series.

    In a world full of political intrigue, cut throat power plays, romance, vengeance, magic and (lots of) deception, the two main character – circus performer Mira and Princess Scarlett – find their lives and fates heavily intertwined.

    The story is told from both Mira and Scarlett’s perspectives and in doing so the author reveals each characters similarities, motivations and their moral depth … Lies and deception are a means to survive (and get ahead) in this world, and it is interesting to see what each woman is prepared to do and sacrifice.

    The storyline is initially a little slow to get started, as the author focuses on setting up the characters and their backstories, and establishing what is at stake.
    But once it gets going, The Order of Masks is hard to put down – I read it long into the night…

    The fights for the throne, the backstabbing, the deception, the revenge plays and the changing loyalties are fascinating, and there are quite a few dramatic twists thrown in to keep you guessing —nothing is certain.

    The novel is well-written, features romance, intrigue, drama and well-crafted worldbuilding. I cant wait to read the next books in the series.

  3. Wow! The Order of Masks is a captivating exploration of secrets, shifting power, and hidden identities. Set in a dark, immersive world, it follows characters who conceal themselves behind both literal and figurative masks, weaving a story filled with complex relationships and unexpected alliances.

    The author’s storytelling keeps readers guessing, balancing suspense with rich character development and themes of identity and self-discovery. Far more than a typical fantasy, The Order of Masks delves into the cost of authenticity and the challenges of unmasking one’s true self. It’s a compelling read that will leave you thinking long after the last page.

    Highly recommend!

  4. The Order Of Masks by Alina Bellchambers is a tale of a different world with magic and much danger included. It’s the story of Mira, a circus worker who has been on the run her whole life with her mother. It’s also the story of Princess Scarlett has trouble via her half brothers, and her desire for power as well. Mira feels that her best chance of getting somewhere in the Kingdom is to take part in the deadly Trials. Both women want to turn the tables for most women in their situations and ultimately rule the Kingdom. They don’t tell each other everything and hope the other can help their ambitions. There are a lot of players big and small in this story and they all have grey morals and there are many different ways things can go. I enjoyed not knowing what was around each corner, and with the addition of magic, anything could and did happen. The politics of the regions was a large theme and governed the book. There is a lot of action and quite a bit of it is bloody. That being said, the storylines were what captivated me, romance even being woven in in small doses, and the feeling that anything could happen. I am really glad to know there will be a sequel as there are so many situations that are fluid.

  5. One of the best books I have read in a long time. One of those that you never want to end. Mystery, romance, alternative world, magic. The way the characters evolved throughout the story was genius. I really hope there will be a sequel.

  6. Thank you, Beauty & Lace, for allowing me to read and review ‘The Order of Masks by Alina Bellchambers’.
    Mira and Scarlett come from different backgrounds but have many similarities and motivations for what they want in the future. They both learn to navigate the intrigues of politics in a world continually shifting with its deception, power plays and hidden identities.
    The fully developed characters had me eagerly following along, wanting to know more about their fate, together or apart in a not-so-easy world. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Thank you ‘Beauty & Lace Bookclub’ for the opportunity to read ‘The Order of Masks by Alina Bellchambers’.

  7. The Order of Masks by Alina Bellchambers is an exceptional fictional story led by unforgettably fierce female protagonists.

    Though fantasy is not normally my go-to-genre, this story completely drew me in right from the beginning. Mostly told through the eyes of Mira and Scarlet, I was pulled into a realm filled with magic, political intrigue, romance and shifting loyalties. The characters are richly developed and the dynamic mix of action, strategy and romance kept me hooked throughout the novel.

    Alina has crafted a beautifully written story that promises to be the start of a brilliant series. I am eagerly anticipating the sequel.

    Thank you Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read and review this great book!

  8. The Order of Masks by Alina Bellchambers .
    If you love reading fantasy then this is the book for you .
    It is a mesmerising fantasy novel with complex characters and a grippling plot who will survive and who will not. Mira and Scarlet are the main characters in the magical story about love sacrifice power and revenge
    Thankyou beauty and lace I enjoyed reading this magical book .

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