First of all, very happy about a black belle. There needs to be some diversity in these books!
In a world where everyone is cursed to be dull and lifeless looking, belles exist. They have magic in their blood that can (temporarily) alter their looks and make people look however they want to. With enough money.
The belles are trained in all styles and compete against each other to be the Queen's belle, or at least go to a respectable house.
The story follows Camellia as she tries to become the favorite and go live on the palace with the queen. Battling her fellow belles isn't easy but she is determine.
Unsurprisingly, there are dark undercurrents as Camellia finds out that things are never quite what they seem.
This book reminds me of Uglies by Scott Westerfield, which I loved as a kid. But this was elevated and diverse and so much more interesting!
In a world where everyone is cursed to be dull and lifeless looking, belles exist. They have magic in their blood that can (temporarily) alter their looks and make people look however they want to. With enough money.
The belles are trained in all styles and compete against each other to be the Queen's belle, or at least go to a respectable house.
The story follows Camellia as she tries to become the favorite and go live on the palace with the queen. Battling her fellow belles isn't easy but she is determine.
Unsurprisingly, there are dark undercurrents as Camellia finds out that things are never quite what they seem.
This book reminds me of Uglies by Scott Westerfield, which I loved as a kid. But this was elevated and diverse and so much more interesting!