“The Belles” Book Review

Title: The Belles (First book in a series)

Author: Dhonielle Clayton (narrated by Rosie Jones)

Date/year published: 2018

Genre: YA (young adult), fantasy, fiction

Format: audio, borrowed from local library using Libby app

Why did I choose to read it: I’m working my way through a challenge on The Storygraph – “50 fantasy books by women” – and Dhonielle Clayton was on the list. I chose this one because it’s the first in a series and the premise sounded intriguing.

Synopsis:

In Orleans, everyone is born grey, except the Belles. They have the power to control beauty, and beauty is a sought after commodity. The highest position a Belle can achieve is that of Queen’s favorite. Camellia wants to be the favorite above all else. But once she achieves her dream, Camellia quickly learns the dangers of her position. There are dark secrets behind palace walls, and a Belle’s power is much more than Camellia ever imagined. When she is asked to risk her life by using her powers in unintended ways, Camellia must make a decision that will change her world forever. There’s romance, betrayal, political upheaval, revenge, escapes, and torture. And everything takes place in a gilded, flouncy, beautiful world.

Thoughts:

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this one. Reading the description on the app, I wasn’t sure I’d like it – as I mentioned, it sounded intriguing, but I’m not a beauty pageant fan. But, being a fantasy novel, the Belles have a “power” that magically allows them to alter appearances. So while there where images of ball gowns, and people dripping with jewelry, the beauty aspect was more about control and who could afford a Belle’s fee for the latest fad.

I also found it a fun read because of the pageantry of it. Meaning, it was a typical political upheaval story but all the swashbuckling was done in frippery.

Would I re-read or recommend it?

Re-read? Possibly. It was the first in a series, and I could see myself reading the rest of the series. Does that count as re-reading? Probably not.

Recommend? Yes. It was well written. Despite the seemingly feminine theme, I think ya readers who enjoy an adventure, other world, or political upheaval themed book would find it holds their interest.