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naomiel's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
elchucochick's review against another edition
4.0
Orleans reminded me of the Capitol in the Hunger Games. Everyone was obsessed with beauty, fashion, and gossip. But in this world, beauty comes at a steep price. Body modifications by the Belles are painful to the point that people need pain relievers to endure them. These changes are also temporary. They constantly have to have their look refreshed. Belles can have harmful effects if they do too much before their arcana (the energy they use to perform modifications) are replenished.
Camille has wanted to be the best Belle, the favorite of the royal family, like her maman. As the story unravels, the façade of this perfect place begins to crumble. She begins to question everything she thought she knew.
At first the beauty aspect was hard for me to get into. But the mystery was enough to keep me reading and ultimately it had a good payoff. I can't wait for the sequel. The story is vivid and well-written. I hope to see future books delve into some of the other characters thoughts (like Edel and Amber).
Camille has wanted to be the best Belle, the favorite of the royal family, like her maman. As the story unravels, the façade of this perfect place begins to crumble. She begins to question everything she thought she knew.
At first the beauty aspect was hard for me to get into. But the mystery was enough to keep me reading and ultimately it had a good payoff. I can't wait for the sequel. The story is vivid and well-written. I hope to see future books delve into some of the other characters thoughts (like Edel and Amber).
kailansunshine's review against another edition
3.0
Very interesting world building, but the story and details all fell apart at the end. Not sure if I'll pick up the sequel.
cinahelina's review against another edition
3.0
I thought I was really going to love this book. I didn't. Instead, I found it to be sooo slow and at times tedious to read. I'm relieved to be done so I can move on to something else. But I might give the sequel a chance considering the ending finally livened the story up.
What I did like:
Unique world-building.
Beautiful writing.
What I didn't like:
Slow as snails pacing.
I wasn't too fond of any characters.
Too much flowery and foody descriptions.
Bury your gays.
What I did like:
Unique world-building.
Beautiful writing.
What I didn't like:
Slow as snails pacing.
I wasn't too fond of any characters.
Too much flowery and foody descriptions.
Bury your gays.
nianiadina's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so good. It took me a long time to finish because when I first started I was like, "This is too young adult!", but things definitely started heating up from the middle to the very end. Descriptions are on point and I feel like I know exactly how everyone looks, how the leeches feel (lol), and I can see how much of a MONSTER Sophia is. It is not only about society's obsession with the female physical body, but a great example of the pros and cons of sisterhood and how the fashion in which you were raised can greatly influence how you feel about your sisters. Great Read!
fliplamkenyahoocom's review against another edition
4.0
In the archipelago of Orleans, individuals are born without beauty; they have gray skin and hair. Their eyes are red. But the citizens of Orleans worship beauty and they pay vast sums to be beautiful. All beauty comes from the magic of the Belles. The Belles are born beautiful. More importantly, they can create beauty. Camellia is a belle. And now on her sixteen birthday, she is competing with her sisters for the position of being Court belle.
But soon Camellia discovers that the glory and position she coveted for so many years has many perils. Beauty is a commodity. The wealthiest citizens undergo pain and near death to maintain their attractiveness. For some individuals, comeliness is a form of power, and they want to be the most beautiful in the land. Some individuals desire to abuse the power of the Belles to hurt others.
Then there are secrets. Why does Camellia hear crying at night? Who can she trust? Has her entire training been a lie? Soon Camellia discovers her sister Belles are also having difficulties with their new positions.
The Court is not a safe place for anyone. There is intrigue. There are power struggles. Eventually, Camellia must choose between her sense of honor and her duty. But her decision might be costly to everyone Camellia holds dear.
It was hard to put this novel down. The author created a fascinating world. The story begins with a competition. Despite the results, all the belles face perils in their new positions. There are deceptions on many levels. In the midst of this fantasy-mystery novel, there is an exploration of the dangers of beauty as a commodity. This novel both entertained and challenged the reader to consider an important issue regarding our culture and beauty.
But soon Camellia discovers that the glory and position she coveted for so many years has many perils. Beauty is a commodity. The wealthiest citizens undergo pain and near death to maintain their attractiveness. For some individuals, comeliness is a form of power, and they want to be the most beautiful in the land. Some individuals desire to abuse the power of the Belles to hurt others.
Then there are secrets. Why does Camellia hear crying at night? Who can she trust? Has her entire training been a lie? Soon Camellia discovers her sister Belles are also having difficulties with their new positions.
The Court is not a safe place for anyone. There is intrigue. There are power struggles. Eventually, Camellia must choose between her sense of honor and her duty. But her decision might be costly to everyone Camellia holds dear.
It was hard to put this novel down. The author created a fascinating world. The story begins with a competition. Despite the results, all the belles face perils in their new positions. There are deceptions on many levels. In the midst of this fantasy-mystery novel, there is an exploration of the dangers of beauty as a commodity. This novel both entertained and challenged the reader to consider an important issue regarding our culture and beauty.
kahlisi's review against another edition
4.0
I LOVED THE world of The Belles - it's so sumptuous, well-realised and unique. I think this story started out super strong and I really wanted to get lost in it, and then about a third of the way I literally got lost in it, in the sense that it got a little messy and loose. Would have benefited from a slightly tighter plot, but because the world and premise are so incredible and the characters have promise, I think the sequel will nail it and I'm looking forward to reading it!
starrynews's review against another edition
4.0
Wow! Very engaging commentary on perceptions of beauty. Full of surprises and secrets about the Belles and their world. I'm eager for the sequel.
jenlyn's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. The world-building was A+, a little weird and off-putting at times but mostly in that way where suddenly you remember this world is different from your own. The descriptions were magnificent, especially when it started to sink in just why everything was often compared to food: beauty is a consumable product in the world of The Belles, one that people often treat decadently. I love Camille as a character; sometimes she made stupid decisions and got distracted and didn't ask the right questions, but I related to her so much. She was trying so hard to be the best, to be perfect, all while still being herself and totally unprepared for the cutthroat world she's been plunged into. I loved the mystery elements of the story and trying to puzzle out exactly what was going on behind the scenes along with Camille. I loved her relationship with her sisters and how messy and complicated things became due to the competition they're all forced to take part in. I loved Camille's friendships with both Bree and Remy. I liked that the book, even as it started to feel a bit predictable, was able to surprise me and throw me for a loop (the whole last 20% of the book was amazing and terrifying because I didn't quite expect it all to hit that hard and fast but when it did :-O holy moly). And I so can't wait for the sequel and to read any other books Dhonielle writes!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me early access to this book in exchange for an honest review. If you like interesting fantasies with great world-building, strong character development, and a twisty-turny plot, check out The Belles.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me early access to this book in exchange for an honest review. If you like interesting fantasies with great world-building, strong character development, and a twisty-turny plot, check out The Belles.
zumbador's review against another edition
2.0
DNF
I read only the first two chapters. The writing style reminded me of "The Night Circus", overly lush and descriptive, and (possibly because of this florid style) I felt no connection to the character. I also got a strong sense of on-the-nose allegory approaching, rather than an engaging story, so I bailed.
I read only the first two chapters. The writing style reminded me of "The Night Circus", overly lush and descriptive, and (possibly because of this florid style) I felt no connection to the character. I also got a strong sense of on-the-nose allegory approaching, rather than an engaging story, so I bailed.