The Weight of Crowns

The Order of Masks, Book 2

By: Alina Bellchambers

Narrated by: Ashley Tucker, Katy Sobey

Two queens. One throne. Who will claim the crown?

On the brink of war, Mira and Scarlett find themselves entangled in a deadly world of gods, magic and duplicity, with the stage set for the ultimate showdown.

Backed by her lover Aric and sorceress mother Zandri, Scarlett has Mira right where she wants her. But winning the Ravalian Empire requires spilling a river of blood, and as past secrets and new threats emerge, Scarlett must decide: is claiming the crown worth becoming as poisonous as the death magic she wields?

With Prince Roran's campaign of terror spreading, Mira desperately needs allies. Even as Scarlett offers Mira a deal she can't refuse, Mira embraces her dangerous blood magic and enlists the help of devious Prince Cassius. But can Mira trust him with her crown—or her heart?

As the fate of the empire hangs in the balance, both Scarlett and Mira are poised to shatter the world order—but there cannot be two queens. And only one will be left standing . . .

©2025 Alina Bellchambers (P)2025 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Critic reviews

The Weight of Crowns is truly exciting fantasy filled with fascinating characters, political intrigue, and unexpected twists. I loved it! (Marie Rutkoski, New York Times bestselling author of THE WINNER’S CURSE trilogy)

Oh my LORD. Reading this book felt like watching a magic show. The misdirects? *chef's kiss* Bellchambers knocked this book out of the park. The story did not go where I expected at all and yet every detail fell into place so perfectly that it seemed inevitable in hindsight. This book is so good that I forgot to EAT. The last half especially had me in a chokehold that had me dodging my responsibilities. (Morgan J. Watchorn, author of FIRE TO THE STARS (2026))