Area author debuts new fantasy-themed book

Elly Blake signs a copy of her new book “The Cursed Queen’s Daughter.”

A new fantasy-themed book was released at a recent book launch and signing event.

Elly Blake’s latest book “The Cursed Queen’s Daughter” is the second in her “Thirstwood” series. 

The first book in the current series is “The Forest King’s Daughter” but “The Cursed Queen’s Daughter” was the book that was the subject of the most recent launch.

“I wrote a trilogy a few years ago,” Blake said in reference to her New York Times bestselling Frostblood Saga. “Now I’m writing a new one.”

Blake said her original trilogy was written in the 2017-18 time period.

“The Cursed Queen’s Daughter is a young adult fantasy and the synopsis of the book is “Thea, a fierce warrior princess raised in endless war, wants only to become her father’s First Huntsman—until enchanted gowns begin appearing in her home. Drawn in by their dark magic, she’s transported to a forgotten shadow realm ruled by a dangerously charming prince who may know what happened to her missing mother. All he asks in return is for Thea to dance with him, their dangerous attraction growing each time she returns for more information. Meanwhile, shadows are seeping into the living realm, and Thea may have to embrace her own darkness if she has any chance of saving her beloved sisters and home from an otherworldly threat.”

The concept for Blake writing fairytales started in 2020 when she was reading books in the genre. Her father came up with the idea of writing a fairytale and “The Forest King’s Daughter” was written.

Now, “The Cursed Queen’s Daughter” is a follow-up to that.

Blake and her family live in Harrow and she has worked for the Essex County Library for 15 years. Her book signing event at the River Bookshop featured a reading, Q&A and signing. 

Blake added she grew up in Colchester and while she loves her home community, she also enjoys coming to Amherstburg.

“I love my town and I love Amherstburg too,” said Blake. For more information, visit www.ellyblake.com. 

Area author debuts new fantasy-themed book

By Ron Giofu