The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton {review}

The Belles
by Dhonielle Clayton
♦publisher: Disney-Hyperion
♦release date: Febuary 6th, 2018
♦hardcover, 448 pages
♦intended audience: Young adult
♦series: The Belles, book 1
♦source: from publisher for honest review

Camellia Beauregard is a Belle. In the opulent world of Orléans, Belles are revered, for they control Beauty, and Beauty is a commodity coveted above all else. In Orléans, the people are born gray, they are born damned, and only with the help of a Belle and her talents can they transform and be made beautiful.

But it’s not enough for Camellia to be just a Belle. She wants to be the favorite—the Belle chosen by the Queen of Orléans to live in the royal palace, to tend to the royal family and their court, to be recognized as the most talented Belle in the land. But once Camellia and her Belle sisters arrive at court, it becomes clear that being the favorite is not everything she always dreamed it would be. Behind the gilded palace walls live dark secrets, and Camellia soon learns that the very essence of her existence is a lie—that her powers are far greater, and could be more dangerous, than she ever imagined. And when the queen asks Camellia to risk her own life and help the ailing princess by using Belle powers in unintended ways, Camellia now faces an impossible decision.

With the future of Orléans and its people at stake, Camellia must decide—save herself and her sisters and the way of the Belles—or resuscitate the princess, risk her own life, and change the ways of her world forever.

{Amy's Thoughts}

 

In a story that can only be described as glittery, lavish and extravagant, The Belles is as beautiful as it was promised to be.  Exploring a world that is hidden behind the glamour of beauty, readers are thrown right into the world of opulent beauty and the lengths ones’ will go to get what they desire.  Where honeycomb dresses with live bees, and diamond encrusted hair are just the normal fashion for the palace.

 

Dhonielle Clayton’s words drop off the pages like ripe juice crushed from a pomegranate, meant to be devoured like an exquisite, fine sugary treat with rose tea, savoring each page like a delicacy.  Characters of every depth, walk of life and personal values, leave you wondering who they can trust, and who is out only for personal gain.  Clayton’s glamourous world opens the door to extravagance, in an explosion of color and raining flower petals where flamboyant fashion is most coveted.

 

Dhonielle Clayton writes with such deep emotion and description that you will not be able to help but fall right into her world, where obsession meets sacrifice.  Even with its large size, the tempo is fast-paced and compelling. Ultimately asking readers the question- What would you risk for beauty?

In this overly lavish and ostentatious world that can only be described as a  match to, Hunger Game’s Panem the fashion alone is worth reading this book for. Truly a treat for your imagination, this book is perfectly paired with a plate of pink macaroons and a large cup of tea. 

 

•ABOUT THE AUTHOR•

 

 

Dhonielle Clayton is the co-author of the Tiny Pretty Things series. She grew up in the Washington, DC suburbs on the Maryland side and spent most of her time under her grandmother’s table with a stack of books. A former teacher and middle school librarian, Dhonielle is co-founder of CAKE Literary—a creative development company whipping up decidedly diverse books for a wide array of readers—and COO of the non-profit, We Need Diverse Books. She's got a serious travel bug and loves spending time outside of the USA, but makes her home in New York City, where she can most likely be found hunting for the best slice of pizza. 

 

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