I passed the chance to preview this book many times because I do not like the cover. Once I actually decided to try it, I was pleasantly surprised because it is not at all what I expected it to be. In Orleans, the people are born gray and without beauty. It is the privilege of a selected few to be the instruments with the ability to change that and provide beauty. I am left with many unanswered questions as I read the excerpt as to who is granted this change - is it purchased, earned or just how is one chosen to receive the gift of beauty. The author's writing style is eloquent and Camellia's character is written in a way that represents her entitlement and desire to become the best but again many questions linger. Is this a blessing or a curse? The girl that is chosen for Camellia to demonstrate her talents on shows us that maybe this need for beauty isn't desirable by everyone, perhaps hinting at conflict inevident in the story. I look forward to reading the full novel and seeing where it leads.