This book is so very beautiful. From the lush descriptions of location, to food, to beauty and fashion, this is a book to fall into and let it overwhelm your senses. And the plot is very engaging and fun, which is certainly an added bonus! I was initially drawn to the book because of its cover and the hype around it, and I was not led astray on either count. It's wonderful to have a popular YA novel (and duology, since this has a sequel) that's set in such a femme-centric, beauty-centric world that features Black girls and other people of color in primary roles. More than this, darker skin tones are glorified and praised in this novel, and I can't wait for the generation of younger readers who grow up with this novel and similar books to hopefully translate those internalized messages of beauty into the world. (I also hope there's an adaptation soon, because wow would that be something.)