"Belles are the descendants of the Goddess of Beauty, blessed with the arcana to enhance the world and rescue the people of Orleans."
As I read this lyrical excerpt, I couldn't help hearing two songs play over and over in my head, like an imaginary soundtrack on repeat. If I was one of those people that liked music to accompany my reading session (I'm not), BORN THIS WAY by Lady Gaga and BEAUTIFUL by Christina Aguilera would be added to the playlist. Visually, the colorful words that Clayton uses to build the world of the Belles, a land called Orleans, had me picturing the opulent French court of Marie Antoinette. Needless to say, this is a story filled with beauty. Clayton has a delicious way with words; each sentence scrumptious as a pretty, pink petit-four.
Every three years, a new generation of Belles are presented to the Royal court and people of Orleans. Like magical make-up artists, a Belle is trained in the art of beauty and each Belle has her own unique talent. Belles have the ability to turn plain into perfect. They control beauty. Belles are revered and worshipped. But, even a beautiful Belle desires more than just beauty. Camellia Beauregard wishes to be the best and hopes to be chosen as Her Majesty's favorite.
Like some reviewers, I was reminded of a Hunger Games-like beginning, the difference being, beauty is the weapon here. Honestly, I didn't expect to fall in love with a book based on outward appearances, but I was unable to resist its charm. After all, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. My first impression: IRRESISTIBLE. Crushing on the cover, too.
As I read this lyrical excerpt, I couldn't help hearing two songs play over and over in my head, like an imaginary soundtrack on repeat. If I was one of those people that liked music to accompany my reading session (I'm not), BORN THIS WAY by Lady Gaga and BEAUTIFUL by Christina Aguilera would be added to the playlist. Visually, the colorful words that Clayton uses to build the world of the Belles, a land called Orleans, had me picturing the opulent French court of Marie Antoinette. Needless to say, this is a story filled with beauty. Clayton has a delicious way with words; each sentence scrumptious as a pretty, pink petit-four.
Every three years, a new generation of Belles are presented to the Royal court and people of Orleans. Like magical make-up artists, a Belle is trained in the art of beauty and each Belle has her own unique talent. Belles have the ability to turn plain into perfect. They control beauty. Belles are revered and worshipped. But, even a beautiful Belle desires more than just beauty. Camellia Beauregard wishes to be the best and hopes to be chosen as Her Majesty's favorite.
Like some reviewers, I was reminded of a Hunger Games-like beginning, the difference being, beauty is the weapon here. Honestly, I didn't expect to fall in love with a book based on outward appearances, but I was unable to resist its charm. After all, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. My first impression: IRRESISTIBLE. Crushing on the cover, too.