AS 2020 ravaged on, millions yearned for that perfect "escape" from the constant negative news, and fierce disruption to their lives. Nobody empathises with them more than Melissa Hawkes – who knows that feeling of wanting to "run away from everything" all too well.

Melissa, 21, grew up in, and has only recently left, the foster care system. Writing became a cathartic therapy for her, and a way to deal with the mental health issues many foster children experience.

She says: "I grew up in foster care from the age of nine and needed to escape the trauma that was happening around me.

"I needed a distraction and being a keen music lover, I began to write songs. It wasn't until I was ten that I fell completely in love with reading after being appointed a library monitor in my primary school. I then turned my love for song writing into writing stories. I wrote my first novel aged 15 and have continued to write stories throughout my teen and adult life."

Melissa's latest book is 'Cloaked Shadows', described as an intense and intricate fantasy adventure, where one girl's coming-of-age, magic and desire to save humanity collide in spectacular fashio."

"As lockdown began, I became depressed," admits the author. "And I knew I wasn't alone. But I did have this writing talent, diligently carved and crafted from my experiences in foster care and my own desire to seek that perfect escape – so I knew I had a duty to write something that would allow readers to briefly depart reality, and experience something fantastical.

"Reading has become a very therapeutic activity for millions; the one thing in life they can control right now. I'm so proud to be releasing this debut novel, and this time one with a very special purpose. The story is fast-paced and laden with twists. For those who read it, I hope they find the solace they're craving."

'Cloaked Shadows' is due for release on 28 February, and available to pre-order from retailers and Amazon now. For pre-order terms and conditions click here.

Anyone who pre-orders the book will be sent the following items via standard post:

• A letter from the author
• A5 book cover poster
• A signed book plate
• A Cloaked Shadows corner bookmark
• A Cloaked Shadows character drawing
• A Class of Magic pin badge