Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
The Belles is a study in contrasts that is compelling and artfully written. Beautiful and lush, it is also full of darkness, intrigue, and violence. Set in world obsessed with physical appearance, the author deconstructs the concept of beauty and the illusion of effortless glamour. In this world, Belles are the only people born beautiful and have the ability to change the appearance of others. Everyone else has naturally grey skin, red eyes, and straw-like hair, but those who are wealthy enough to regularly secure the services of a Belle can be beautiful.
Camellia Beauregard is one of the latest Belles being introduced to society. Powerful and ambitious, she hopes to be named the Favorite and work in the palace beautifying members of the royal family. However, nothing is as simple as it appears and she soon finds herself in a dangerous world that she is unprepared for. Full of twists and turns, this book was compelling, terrifying, and laden with vivid imagery.
The world-building was detailed and thoughtful. The lifestyles of the wealthy are outrageously hedonistic. They even own miniaturized wild animals as pets, i.e., bears, lions, and even dragons. Decadent food is constantly available and those who overeat simply have a Belle remove excess pounds. Princess Sophia is reminiscent of Marie Antoinette in many ways, and by the end of the book I was sort of hoping she would be guillotined!
There are scenes that evoke things like plastic surgery and child beauty queens, calling into question our own societal obsession with physical appearance and the impossible standards many feel they must live up to. Camellia sees the innate beauty of those who cannot see it in themselves and I found myself feeling sad for them. I liked the fact that in this book, in-fashion looks (changing minute to minute) are incredibly diverse in terms of skin color, hair texture, and degree of curviness.
The story itself is fast-paced and engrossing with plenty of intrigue. I began to suspect one of the later revelations partway through, as there were definitely several clues throughout the story. The only reason this isn't 5 stars is that I was a little underwhelmed with the love interests and I wanted to experience more of Camellia's emotions in some parts of the book. I might have liked the book to be a bit longer. However, I absolutely want to continue on with the series and can't believe I have to wait to find out what happens next!
I received this e-book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Belles is a study in contrasts that is compelling and artfully written. Beautiful and lush, it is also full of darkness, intrigue, and violence. Set in world obsessed with physical appearance, the author deconstructs the concept of beauty and the illusion of effortless glamour. In this world, Belles are the only people born beautiful and have the ability to change the appearance of others. Everyone else has naturally grey skin, red eyes, and straw-like hair, but those who are wealthy enough to regularly secure the services of a Belle can be beautiful.
Camellia Beauregard is one of the latest Belles being introduced to society. Powerful and ambitious, she hopes to be named the Favorite and work in the palace beautifying members of the royal family. However, nothing is as simple as it appears and she soon finds herself in a dangerous world that she is unprepared for. Full of twists and turns, this book was compelling, terrifying, and laden with vivid imagery.
The world-building was detailed and thoughtful. The lifestyles of the wealthy are outrageously hedonistic. They even own miniaturized wild animals as pets, i.e., bears, lions, and even dragons. Decadent food is constantly available and those who overeat simply have a Belle remove excess pounds. Princess Sophia is reminiscent of Marie Antoinette in many ways, and by the end of the book I was sort of hoping she would be guillotined!
There are scenes that evoke things like plastic surgery and child beauty queens, calling into question our own societal obsession with physical appearance and the impossible standards many feel they must live up to. Camellia sees the innate beauty of those who cannot see it in themselves and I found myself feeling sad for them. I liked the fact that in this book, in-fashion looks (changing minute to minute) are incredibly diverse in terms of skin color, hair texture, and degree of curviness.
The story itself is fast-paced and engrossing with plenty of intrigue. I began to suspect one of the later revelations partway through, as there were definitely several clues throughout the story. The only reason this isn't 5 stars is that I was a little underwhelmed with the love interests and I wanted to experience more of Camellia's emotions in some parts of the book. I might have liked the book to be a bit longer. However, I absolutely want to continue on with the series and can't believe I have to wait to find out what happens next!
I received this e-book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.