Sometimes you need the drama of a young adult novel, and when you add in a fantasy element, you get the perfect combination. My first look at Belles confirmed this has the perfect equation for light and easy entertainment. The story opens by introducing us to magical young women who have the ability to make other people beautiful. Apparently this is needed, because everyone is born a "Gris" with gray skin and hair and red eyes. These young women are trained to develop their arts until they are 16. The stage is being set that they are being introduced to the kingdom and they will compete for the best positions. This book unfolded with the right amount of tension and mystery to make me wish I had more to read. The author has a descriptive style that allows you to visualize the setting easily, and has introduced us to an intriguing young heroine.