A debut author from Maple Ridge has released her first novel, a gothic fantasy geared towards young adults.
'What Wakes the Bells' by Elle Tesch was inspired by a historic Prague legend.
The novel tells the story of Mina, the keeper in charge of Vaiwyn's bells in the city of Vaiwyn. She is in charge of keeping the bells silent to prevent slumbering evil from being awakened.
However, one afternoon, to Mina' s horror, she hears the bells peal 13 times, releasing the soul of a twisted and power-hungry saint.
Stone gargoyles come to life, along with bronze statues, that hunt people through the streets of the city.
As the death toll rises, Mina is forced to find the saint's new host and destroy it. But, even her loved ones are suspects and she must decide how she'll go to save her city, and who she is willing to kill.
Publicist Erika Medina with Raincoast Book Distribution Ltd. said the novel combines dark magic, betrayal, and romance with a message about the far-reaching effects of power and sacrifice.
Fans of authors like V.E. Schwab, Adalyn Grace, and Margaret Rogerson, will enjoy 'What Wakes the Bells', she noted.
"Where many stories focus on individual battles, 'What Wakes the Bells' flips the script by exploring the consequences of collective actions," said Medina, who personally enjoyed the novel's reflection on unchecked power and how it shapes not only individuals, but entire societies.
"I think Elle brings a fresh voice to fantasy with her debut. Her focus on complex relationships and moral dilemmas makes this novel perfect for readers who want more than just an escape—they want a story that carries emotional weight and societal relevance," she added.
'What Wakes the Bells' by Elle Tesch will be on sale starting Tuesday, March 11, and is available for pre-order at a number of book retailers at: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250322807/whatwakesthebells/.
