Escape from the Castle of Illusions

by Alex Bell

Is this the end of the line for the Train of Dark Wonders?

Trouble is brewing at the Odditorium, where the gateway to the Land of Fairy Tales is about to open. For, as Bess knows only too well, fairy tales are nothing like the ones from the storybooks. Queen Cinderella wants her stolen magic slipper back and nothing will get in her way.

It soon becomes clear that Bess’s only choice is to travel to the Land of Fairy Tales and face Cinderella. With her friends by her side, she is determined to finish what her grandfather started by venturing to the queen’s legendary castle of illusions.

But as Bess and her friends fall victim to a series of sneaky tricks and enchantments, time is running out in their quest to find their happily ever after. And there's a chance they may never escape unless they defeat the evil fairy-tale queen once and for all...

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2025

About the author

Alex Bell signed her first book deal at nineteen and, since then, has written multiple books for both adults and young people. After completing a law degree, she now works for a legal advice charity. Alex lives in Hampshire with her husband, sons and Sphynx cats. She also writes as Alexandra Bell.

Reviews

[Stephanie Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant 3rd book, really hoping they’ll be more in this series.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was as good as the previous 2 books. There was more peril, danger and adventure.
The whole way through the book you will root for these friends.
I hope there is more to come.