Slow beginning, quick ending

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I wish I had liked this book more. I love the cover and it was the main reason I picked it up. The plot is very much dystopian, girls forced to serve other because of their powers, very much in the same vein of The Jewel by Amy Ewing.

The main character, Camellia, was too safe. I felt like she didn't do anything for herself and didn't try to help her situation. All throughout the story I was wishing she was smarter or more devious. I did like the setting of a magical Orleans and the lavish details.

While I appreciate the concept, the beginning was so slow. I like the underlying themes and commentary of beauty, society and cruelty but I struggled to get into it. Then I felt like the ending happened so quickly and abruptly. It was one extreme to another. While I know there is a sequel I feel like we didn't get enough answers to be invested in continuing the story. I knew basically nothing more than when I started the book.