emjrasmussen's review against another edition
In Belles, the scandal runs high, the drama runs higher, and the money runs highest. Jen Calonita's tale is wonderfully soap opera-esque in a sophisticated, fabulous way, and the backstabbing events in this novel will ring true with many teens, but in this story, everything is taken to the level of the extremely privileged. I often felt my heart breaking for Izzie when her classmates judged her even more harshly than the average high schoolers might, and found myself cringing at the situations only a girl in her situation could get herself into. Anyone who has ever been in a position similar to Mira's will feel for her as well, as she tries to choose between her cousin and her friends.
All of this is set off perfectly by Calonita's amusing use of stereotypes. Phrases like "All EC girls…" and "People from Harborside…" were used frequently, providing a perfect irony when the characters' actions defied these statements, and contrast between the two groups of people, both the facts and ideas about them, that adds that interesting extra layer to the plot.
This book focuses more on Izzie's acclimation to her new home rather than the big secret mentioned in the synopsis, so, despite my expectations of a stronger mystery storyline, nothing regarding the secret happens until the very end. I did not find this disappointing, though; when it was finally revealed, I was shocked, because I somehow did not see that coming. Belles leaves plenty of room for the next novel, Winter White, to deal with the aftermath, which actually works very well.
The only concern of mine was the author's tendency to tell readers about the characters rather than let them find out for themselves through thoughts, action, and dialogue. I got to know all of them very well, but they always seemed a bit two-dimensional. I would have liked a little less "Mira was…" and more "Mira did…"
Despite my wishes for better characterization, I really liked this first book in a new series from and author I adore. I have high hopes for the sequel, and with any luck, there will be fewer character descriptions, since we have already been introduced to the people in the story. If you are not too picky about your protagonists and want a great drama, I definitely recommend Belles.
This review originally appeared at www.foreverliterary.blogspot.com.
All of this is set off perfectly by Calonita's amusing use of stereotypes. Phrases like "All EC girls…" and "People from Harborside…" were used frequently, providing a perfect irony when the characters' actions defied these statements, and contrast between the two groups of people, both the facts and ideas about them, that adds that interesting extra layer to the plot.
This book focuses more on Izzie's acclimation to her new home rather than the big secret mentioned in the synopsis, so, despite my expectations of a stronger mystery storyline, nothing regarding the secret happens until the very end. I did not find this disappointing, though; when it was finally revealed, I was shocked, because I somehow did not see that coming. Belles leaves plenty of room for the next novel, Winter White, to deal with the aftermath, which actually works very well.
The only concern of mine was the author's tendency to tell readers about the characters rather than let them find out for themselves through thoughts, action, and dialogue. I got to know all of them very well, but they always seemed a bit two-dimensional. I would have liked a little less "Mira was…" and more "Mira did…"
Despite my wishes for better characterization, I really liked this first book in a new series from and author I adore. I have high hopes for the sequel, and with any luck, there will be fewer character descriptions, since we have already been introduced to the people in the story. If you are not too picky about your protagonists and want a great drama, I definitely recommend Belles.
This review originally appeared at www.foreverliterary.blogspot.com.
chapteriosity's review against another edition
5.0
This review is also appears in my blog: Pansycake Reader.
Oh. My. Gosh. Belles was awesome! Awesome! Honestly I prefer first-person-POV, but once I had adapted to third-person-POV, this book became so engrossing. The book switches POV between Izzie and Mira, which let us get to know both girls. The sentences just flow and I enjoyed the writing very much. I think the author has chosen the words well and I actually shed tears at heartbreaking moments.
I could relate with the characters easily, especially with Izzie. Her character felt real and I was rooting for her for the entire book through the happy and sad moments. Mira took a while for me – she’s too submissive when it comes to her friends, but gradually I began to understand her more and at the end I liked her too. I was glad that eventually, she learns to trust and accept Izzie in her life – even stands up for her. Hayden is a kind brother and he always tries to encourage Izzie when she feels bad about herself. I loved these characters. They are not perfect, but they seem real and every breakdown they have only makes them even more realistic.
Let’s not forget about the romance. Yes. Well, I think it’s too predictable that Brayden is Izzie’s love interest. But that didn't stop me from being curious about how their relationship would turn out.
The plot is in fact very common among YA books but somehow it managed to keep me wondering what would happen next. School’s Queen Bee torturing the lower classes with a sprinkle of family issue, full of drama and not to forget well-concluded ending. The author practically closes Belles perfectly, but with a little hint of the next book. Recommended.
Quote:
"I want someone who builds people up, not tears them down. I need someone who makes me laugh and isn't afraid to rib me when I'm being a royal jerk." She smiled a little. "You're that girl. I want to be with you, and I want everyone to know it."
Oh. My. Gosh. Belles was awesome! Awesome! Honestly I prefer first-person-POV, but once I had adapted to third-person-POV, this book became so engrossing. The book switches POV between Izzie and Mira, which let us get to know both girls. The sentences just flow and I enjoyed the writing very much. I think the author has chosen the words well and I actually shed tears at heartbreaking moments.
I could relate with the characters easily, especially with Izzie. Her character felt real and I was rooting for her for the entire book through the happy and sad moments. Mira took a while for me – she’s too submissive when it comes to her friends, but gradually I began to understand her more and at the end I liked her too. I was glad that eventually, she learns to trust and accept Izzie in her life – even stands up for her. Hayden is a kind brother and he always tries to encourage Izzie when she feels bad about herself. I loved these characters. They are not perfect, but they seem real and every breakdown they have only makes them even more realistic.
Let’s not forget about the romance. Yes. Well, I think it’s too predictable that Brayden is Izzie’s love interest. But that didn't stop me from being curious about how their relationship would turn out.
The plot is in fact very common among YA books but somehow it managed to keep me wondering what would happen next. School’s Queen Bee torturing the lower classes with a sprinkle of family issue, full of drama and not to forget well-concluded ending. The author practically closes Belles perfectly, but with a little hint of the next book. Recommended.
Quote:
"I want someone who builds people up, not tears them down. I need someone who makes me laugh and isn't afraid to rib me when I'm being a royal jerk." She smiled a little. "You're that girl. I want to be with you, and I want everyone to know it."
marryallthepeople's review against another edition
4.0
Off to read the second book as I liked this one a lot!
shalenaimathews's review against another edition
4.0
Though I was unsure about Belles at first, I'm glad I stuck with it. It ended up being a great story about two girls with more in common than they think. With tons of family and friendship drama, vivid settings, and a lot of heart, this Southern contemporary YA is a fun one to cozy up with. I am super excited to read the sequel, Winter White.
*8.5/10*
Find my full review here.
*8.5/10*
Find my full review here.
heyitstay19's review against another edition
5.0
I feel like everyone else didnt like the book but I LOVED it. I really was surprised I liked it so much. I can't wait to read the second. I will admit it took a few chapters for me to get into it (like most books). I definatly think you should read it if you like drama books.
alexisneuville's review against another edition
4.0
REVIEW: http://theliteraturelion.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-belles-by-jen-calonita.html
Isabelle Scott knew she didn't have it all, but she was happy with that. She had friends, she had a life, and even though she didn't have her parents to guard her, she still had her grandma. Soon she is shipped to Emerald Cove to live with her uncle, who she never know about. Mirabelle Monroe lives there and Mira and
My friend was nagging me to read this for quite some time. She knew I had an ARC of it and never picked it up, and every time I rhetorically asked her what I should read, she always said "BELLES!" Finally, I gave in and picked up the novel and finished it all in one sitting.
The novel was very light-hearted in some aspects when it came to the materialistic things with Mira and her friends. Everything going on with Izzie seemed a bit more heavy and drew me in. I really liekd both of the girls as characters, but I preferred everything going on in Izzie's life over Mira's fake life.
That doesn't mean I didn't like Mira though. I actually, really REALLY liked her. She seemed like she was constantly torn between two things, and had troubles making decisions. Sometimes she would make the wrong decision, but she would soon come to her senses and make everything okay.
I think my favorite thing about the whole novel was the setting. Emerald Cove vs. the boardwalk. I liked both of them, as it pleased both sides of my fantasies. I currently live in a very chill laid back area, and I always dream of setting up a family here. I know it's not the best of places, and there are some bad things that happen here, but it's still a good place! I think that's what Izzie thinks of where she lives. On the other side, Emerald Cove is where the elite and rich live. It's not really a big city, but it's clear that it's for the upper class of society. I always wish I could live in a place as posh and wonderful as Emerald Cove, so I think that's why I liked it so much.
There were actually a lot of twists and turns in the novel! Some twists that I really liked were Izzie's romantic interest, Mira's romantic interest, and then the final outcome of the book. I think the reason I wanted to keep reading this novel was because of those twists and turns!
I'm going to give this novel four stars. It was a good novel, nonetheless, but it didn't rock my socks off. Of course I"m going to be reading Winter White soon because the next one seems even more interesting and I can't wait to get wound up in Emerald Cove again!
Isabelle Scott knew she didn't have it all, but she was happy with that. She had friends, she had a life, and even though she didn't have her parents to guard her, she still had her grandma. Soon she is shipped to Emerald Cove to live with her uncle, who she never know about. Mirabelle Monroe lives there and Mira and
My friend was nagging me to read this for quite some time. She knew I had an ARC of it and never picked it up, and every time I rhetorically asked her what I should read, she always said "BELLES!" Finally, I gave in and picked up the novel and finished it all in one sitting.
The novel was very light-hearted in some aspects when it came to the materialistic things with Mira and her friends. Everything going on with Izzie seemed a bit more heavy and drew me in. I really liekd both of the girls as characters, but I preferred everything going on in Izzie's life over Mira's fake life.
That doesn't mean I didn't like Mira though. I actually, really REALLY liked her. She seemed like she was constantly torn between two things, and had troubles making decisions. Sometimes she would make the wrong decision, but she would soon come to her senses and make everything okay.
I think my favorite thing about the whole novel was the setting. Emerald Cove vs. the boardwalk. I liked both of them, as it pleased both sides of my fantasies. I currently live in a very chill laid back area, and I always dream of setting up a family here. I know it's not the best of places, and there are some bad things that happen here, but it's still a good place! I think that's what Izzie thinks of where she lives. On the other side, Emerald Cove is where the elite and rich live. It's not really a big city, but it's clear that it's for the upper class of society. I always wish I could live in a place as posh and wonderful as Emerald Cove, so I think that's why I liked it so much.
There were actually a lot of twists and turns in the novel! Some twists that I really liked were Izzie's romantic interest, Mira's romantic interest, and then the final outcome of the book. I think the reason I wanted to keep reading this novel was because of those twists and turns!
I'm going to give this novel four stars. It was a good novel, nonetheless, but it didn't rock my socks off. Of course I"m going to be reading Winter White soon because the next one seems even more interesting and I can't wait to get wound up in Emerald Cove again!
yungokssss's review against another edition
5.0
Having read one of Calonita's other books (RealityCheck), I was skeptical about trying this one. BUT it was so good, and didn't have any of the annoying stuff that sometimes appeared in RealityCheck. I actually ENJOYED this book and wanted more!! Can't wait to read the second book!! Everyone should try this book out - they won't regret it.
shogins's review against another edition
2.0
Here's the thing: while i enjoyed this book, I assumed the twist was the true from about the second chapter. It's also pretty thematically similar to Messy and Spoiled, by the Fug Girls, and you should probably just read those instead?
kristaallysa1's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun, quick read full of all the drama we love to hate. Due to her grandmother's deteriorating condition, Izzie is forced to move in with a distant uncle's family. Her uncle is nice, but he's a politician and cares more about what his campaign manager says will look good in the press than the needs of his family. Izzie's new family is also very wealthy and spends money like it grows on trees. In addition to family drama, this book is full of private school angst and a queen bee set on ruining Izzie's existence. This plot may read like something you'd see in a gossip magazine, but Calonita writes well and keeps the story interesting. Plus, unlike many books in this category, the characters aren't super flat. Most of the characters have a variety of different aspects to their personalities and confused, sometimes conflicting motivations. Belles is a good book for when you just want to escape and not have to think. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.