This is in my top three favorite books I’ve read this year so far!

The world of the Belles absolutely dazzles! Clayton has done a brilliant job creating this world. It feels like 1700 France with people dressed in silks, satin, and lace. The lucky ones born into royalty spend their days feasting on pastries and savory meats while the common folk eek out a living and try to scrap enough currency or beauty tokens to pay for a visit with an official Belle. I love the use of miniature blimps (this is how I envisioned them) to send messages between people. Each blimp or balloon had a different color denoting the different sender. They also served as instant beauty lighting since some had lights attach underneath. I also loved all the descriptions given to the Belles’ many tools they use to alter appearances. It’s a cross between a mad scientist and a hair/makeup artist. The world also has a rich history that is embedded in the way the characters speak and think. Nothing about the world building is info dumped. There lots more dazzle in this book. Cruel characters, plot twists, themes on what is beauty, who decides what is beautiful, and the lengths some will go to obtain it.