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Belladonna · A Belladonna Novella

Maelin

Short filmAdapted into an animated short film by Mel TorrefrancaYoung AdultDystopianMystery

Uncover the shocking truth behind Maelin’s death through the eyes of a young Blimmery, long before his time as Nightshade Academy’s beloved instructor.

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What readers are saying
I read this in one sitting and was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Abbey Heron ★★★★★ Goodreads
Maelin is a comedic tragedy and it hits the mark on both of those… allowing you to feel every aspect of the story—laughing one minute and sobbing the next.
Ishana ★★★★★ Goodreads
This is the third book I’ve read by Torrefranca, and I truly enjoy her writing style. She is quickly becoming a new favorite of mine.
Melanie Deal ★★★★★ Goodreads
About the story

For fans of the Belladonna trilogy and newcomers alike:

“My name is Blimmery Owding, and I dug Maelin’s grave.”

To salvage his family’s reputation, sixteen-year-old Blimmery joins the Empire’s military boarding school. There, he meets Maelin, a principled orphan, and Taig, her insufferable childhood friend.

Their fates entangle post-graduation, when Blimmery faces a problem—Maelin’s imminent demise. He teams up with Taig to save her, and the odd pair launches a mission that spirals into a night of total devastation.

Lost in the aftermath, Blimmery puts his life on the line to write a book. He titles it Maelin. And these are his words…

Publisher
Lost Island Press
Pages
163
Early release
Publication
Formats
Ebook, Paperback, BlueBound
School SettingAction-PackedCrimeForbidden RomanceLove TriangleMilitary
Morally GrayRetro FeelPolitical IntrigueTragedyUnlikely Allies
Free sample

Content warnings

Mel Torrefranca
About the author

Mel Torrefranca is a full-time author and founder of Lost Island Press. Her books feature morally gray characters, bold endings, and a pinch of awkward humor. Mel discovered her passion for writing at the age of seven and published her debut novel Leaving Wishville during high school. She also drinks way too many lattes.

Press kit

Ready to use for a post, review, or interview about Maelin.

  • Fact sheet
  • Press release
  • Blurbs
  • Author bio
  • Reader praise
  • Short excerpt
  • Credit lines
  • Covers and mockups
  • Logos
ZIP · free to use for coverage

Ready to get lost in ?

3 books + 2 extras

The Belladonna series

Start with Book 1 or either novella, then read on in order.

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1
Nightshade​ Academy
Great place to start
1.5
Maelin
Great place to startA novella you can read before, between, or after the novels.
Spinoff novella
2
Underground Royalty
Read Book 1 first
2.5
Avarium
Great place to startA novella you can read before, between, or after the novels.
Spinoff novella
?
3
Untitled
Not included
Prototype · test data