I received a free digital copy of this book from the publishers/author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In Orleans, people are born with grey skin, red eyes and straw-like hair. The only people born with natural beauty are The Belles - a group of young women who have magical powers, and the ability to temporarily make others look whatever way they want. Camellia longs to be the Queen’s favourite but soon discovers that the court is not as beautiful as it first appears.

This was a really descriptive book full of flowery writing, and everything was just really indulgent, and over the top but in the best possible way. I immediately liked Camellia - she was fierce but unafraid, and wasn’t afraid of taking a risk or standing out from the crowd. There’s definitely something you can admire about her - she loves her sisters but at the same time allows herself to be selfish and to want things just for her.

This is definitely a very unnique book and I haven’t seen the concept anywhere else - the closest I can think of it Glitter by Aprilynne Pike because of the glamour of the courts and obsessive with fashion and make-up.

This book really takes a look at the world’s obsession with outward beauty, and particularly towards the women in society. Men do get beauty treatments in this book but the majority seen getting extreme treatments are women.

There were times during the story that Camellia did annoy me a good bit. I felt like she was pretty slow to everything, and could clearly see that Sophia was no good but did nothing. She left it SO late to try and help Charlotte, it was really frustrating. The relationship with Auguste also felt a little bit forced.

I did enjoy the ending though, and will definitely carry on and read the next book!