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sunlightandstories's review against another edition
4.0
The world of Orleans is vastly original the idea of the magic system is what drew me to this, it was as wonderful as I'd hoped it would be. The writing is beautiful but at times too flowery, there are too many overly descriptive passages on hair and rooms. The world is very dark and it grows darker as the story progresses, the villain is obsessed with being the most beautiful and simply pure evil. I thought they were well done, all of their scenes are intense, I simultaneously wanted and didn’t want to know what they were about to do.
I thought Camila would be an unlikable protagonist, obsessed with becoming the favorite but it turns out she’s not what I wanted or expected. Camila wants to make people love themselves she wants to improve the world, she’s more kind and empathetic then anyone else in this world. Despite having admirable qualities I oftentimes found her aggravating. The other Belles are ushered out of the story early on, their only in a few scenes not enough for any development, I would like to see more of them in the next book.
I didn’t think there was any real chemistry between Camila and the love interest every scene between them was both boring and frustrating. I think he should have been cut from the book, the plot would only have needed to be slightly tweaked, and I would have enjoyed it a lot more. There are two scenes that I’m not sure are necessary they seem more for shock value then anything else. One of them definitely could have been removed without greatly affecting the plot. I have no idea how many books are going to be in this series I think everything could be sufficiently wrapped up with just one more book. I am definitely interested in seeing where the story goes.
I thought Camila would be an unlikable protagonist, obsessed with becoming the favorite but it turns out she’s not what I wanted or expected. Camila wants to make people love themselves she wants to improve the world, she’s more kind and empathetic then anyone else in this world. Despite having admirable qualities I oftentimes found her aggravating. The other Belles are ushered out of the story early on, their only in a few scenes not enough for any development, I would like to see more of them in the next book.
I didn’t think there was any real chemistry between Camila and the love interest every scene between them was both boring and frustrating. I think he should have been cut from the book, the plot would only have needed to be slightly tweaked, and I would have enjoyed it a lot more. There are two scenes that I’m not sure are necessary they seem more for shock value then anything else. One of them definitely could have been removed without greatly affecting the plot. I have no idea how many books are going to be in this series I think everything could be sufficiently wrapped up with just one more book. I am definitely interested in seeing where the story goes.
jonezeemcgee's review against another edition
4.0
3.75-4.0
I am stuck between a 3.75 and a 4 stars for this book. I think the setting was well described, the plot was very interesting (the ability to change inward and outward beauty and how that is weaponized), and I appreciated the court intrigue. The characters were, however, not fully fleshed out. Some were very one dimensional, and none really seemed to experience any character growth. The world building was only slightly lacking, and there was a lot of telling and not showing, but honestly, that is something that almost every YA fantasy seems to suffer from, in my opinion. Make no mistake that there was actually a lot of depth that Clayton has written here, and I am excited to pick up the next book and see how things progress. I am hoping that the main character, Camelia, shows growth in the first book that I think she was lacking in the first.
I am stuck between a 3.75 and a 4 stars for this book. I think the setting was well described, the plot was very interesting (the ability to change inward and outward beauty and how that is weaponized), and I appreciated the court intrigue. The characters were, however, not fully fleshed out. Some were very one dimensional, and none really seemed to experience any character growth. The world building was only slightly lacking, and there was a lot of telling and not showing, but honestly, that is something that almost every YA fantasy seems to suffer from, in my opinion. Make no mistake that there was actually a lot of depth that Clayton has written here, and I am excited to pick up the next book and see how things progress. I am hoping that the main character, Camelia, shows growth in the first book that I think she was lacking in the first.
britsonit's review against another edition
4.0
I LOVED this book. I had been looking forward to it for so long and it did not disappoint. It is so magical and refreshing. At first it was a bit confusing and difficult to learn/understand the Belles power, where it manifests and comes from, etc. but the story built beautifully. Sophie is the perfect villain and you just love to hate her. Remy is my favorite character and I can’t wait for more with him! The last few chapters had surprising twists that I did not see coming! I will anxiously await he next book in this series. This book earned my highest review thus far this year! This was right up my ally. So much fun to read.
lyraggs's review against another edition
4.0
3,5
Buena historia, interesante y poco cliché. No insta-Love.
Pero, no sientes demasiado a los personajes. Hay situaciones que deberían tomarse de manera diferente (ejem. Mandan a torturar a alguien leal tuyo que aprecias y te vale un carajo).
Ahora el mundo, está genial, los humanos "Grises" y las "Belles" quienes le regalan el aspecto de ensueño. Un país superficial que ama y explota a estas chicas singulares. Lo ridícula es el gobierno y por ente la antagonista, ja, la verdad me pareció muy tonto que siempre se saliera con la suya por más princesa que fuera (acaso sus padres no podía. Decirle que no), sin mencionar el final, donde el Rey vale un carajo para plantar frente.
Estaré esperando una mejora muy considerable con el dar profundidad a los personajes porque la historia lo vale para mejorar, por su interesante mundo.
Buena historia, interesante y poco cliché. No insta-Love.
Pero, no sientes demasiado a los personajes. Hay situaciones que deberían tomarse de manera diferente (ejem. Mandan a torturar a alguien leal tuyo que aprecias y te vale un carajo).
Ahora el mundo, está genial, los humanos "Grises" y las "Belles" quienes le regalan el aspecto de ensueño. Un país superficial que ama y explota a estas chicas singulares. Lo ridícula es el gobierno y por ente la antagonista, ja, la verdad me pareció muy tonto que siempre se saliera con la suya por más princesa que fuera (acaso sus padres no podía. Decirle que no), sin mencionar el final, donde el Rey vale un carajo para plantar frente.
Estaré esperando una mejora muy considerable con el dar profundidad a los personajes porque la historia lo vale para mejorar, por su interesante mundo.
mybooksarenovel's review against another edition
4.0
The Queen of Hearts has a working relationship with her roses...and they have thorns.
This may very easily become a 5
This may very easily become a 5
secretmagic's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the setting and the magic. Can't wait to see what happens next.
cupcates's review against another edition
2.0
DNF'd because I'm a picky biatch regarding fantasy books and the writing style didn't help me build any interest in the book
mcbibliotecaria's review against another edition
4.0
This book is truly scary and thought provoking. Can't wait to read the second. The world always struck me as Lisa Frank in real life, probably driven by the gorgeous cover. Definitely going to read the second.
mizzlroy's review against another edition
3.0
By the end, I really did like the book. The reason I gave it 3 stars is because it took me almost halfway through the book before I was hooked. If felt the beginning had too much description and not enough action, but that changed about halfway through the book. I am looking forward to the second book, but I’m kind of hoping it doesn’t become a trilogy.
bardo's review against another edition
4.0
There is always a price to beauty Want a smaller waist? A fuller bust or maybe a darker complexion. No longer do you have to go under the knife and have long recovery times. Instead of a surgeon doing alterations, the Belles are the artists. Every year there is a celebration to introduce all the coming of age Belles and to choose the Favorite, which will serve the royal family. Camellia is a Belle participating and hoping to become the Favorite. But be careful what you wish for because there is always a price for beauty and the standards are always moving.
Pro:
- Camellia is an amazing character. I loved her fierce determination and bold ideas. She wanted to create a path for herself that did not conform to others perspective. Even though sometimes these strong ideas and stubbornness would get her in trouble, she always tried to do whats best. Talking with others and checking her emotions to come to a clearer conclusion. Yet, she was made human by making mistakes and in turn trying to learn from her mistakes. I loved her resistance to the standards of beauty and the maintenance it required. She wanted to find the natural beauty in every person she tended to and met.
- The idea of individuals manipulating features on a person was fascinating to me. How the Belles, through their gift, can change a person drastically in a small amount of time. They can change height, weight, skin color etc to what the person envisions. Clayton does a beautiful job of describing the process of manipulating beauty. Clayton also does an amazing job in displaying how the standards of beauty are constantly changing and the pressure of keeping up with the trends, the toll it takes on both the Belles, culture, and population.
- This book I feel reflects the relationship we have with beauty presently. There is an impossible standard that is being set with the filters, social media and makeup that want to enhance, cover or correct. More is needed instead of less and the need to show the world how beautiful and perfect you are is reflected in the plot of this book. I have nothing against looking your best and wanting to put your best foot forward. It just seems instead of having conversations and learning we are replacing this with who has the most likes or the best contouring.
_ I loved the mixture of relationships in the book. Although the alternative relationships were not accepted, Camellia had an open mind and saw past sexual preferences. This too reminded me of how our culture tends to be a don't ask don't tell society. The princesses ladies and the court had one life that was what the princess wanted but often that did not mirror their private lives.
Con:
-Some of the twist and surprises were anticipated and I could guess early on. Maybe I have read a lot of YA to know the clues.
- I would have liked to learn more about what the Belles learned before they came to court and their history. So when they go to their coming out celebration a stronger bond with each character and really cheer for Camellia.
Quotes:
- Dreams remind us of who we are and how we feel about the things around us
- Lies are as dangerous as a sword. They can cut to the bone.
- No one is a prisoner... Even you have the power to make your own choices
- Love is when hearts beat together
Pro:
- Camellia is an amazing character. I loved her fierce determination and bold ideas. She wanted to create a path for herself that did not conform to others perspective. Even though sometimes these strong ideas and stubbornness would get her in trouble, she always tried to do whats best. Talking with others and checking her emotions to come to a clearer conclusion. Yet, she was made human by making mistakes and in turn trying to learn from her mistakes. I loved her resistance to the standards of beauty and the maintenance it required. She wanted to find the natural beauty in every person she tended to and met.
- The idea of individuals manipulating features on a person was fascinating to me. How the Belles, through their gift, can change a person drastically in a small amount of time. They can change height, weight, skin color etc to what the person envisions. Clayton does a beautiful job of describing the process of manipulating beauty. Clayton also does an amazing job in displaying how the standards of beauty are constantly changing and the pressure of keeping up with the trends, the toll it takes on both the Belles, culture, and population.
- This book I feel reflects the relationship we have with beauty presently. There is an impossible standard that is being set with the filters, social media and makeup that want to enhance, cover or correct. More is needed instead of less and the need to show the world how beautiful and perfect you are is reflected in the plot of this book. I have nothing against looking your best and wanting to put your best foot forward. It just seems instead of having conversations and learning we are replacing this with who has the most likes or the best contouring.
_ I loved the mixture of relationships in the book. Although the alternative relationships were not accepted, Camellia had an open mind and saw past sexual preferences. This too reminded me of how our culture tends to be a don't ask don't tell society. The princesses ladies and the court had one life that was what the princess wanted but often that did not mirror their private lives.
Con:
-Some of the twist and surprises were anticipated and I could guess early on. Maybe I have read a lot of YA to know the clues.
- I would have liked to learn more about what the Belles learned before they came to court and their history. So when they go to their coming out celebration a stronger bond with each character and really cheer for Camellia.
Quotes:
- Dreams remind us of who we are and how we feel about the things around us
- Lies are as dangerous as a sword. They can cut to the bone.
- No one is a prisoner... Even you have the power to make your own choices
- Love is when hearts beat together