Hi all!
Today I am back for Day #6 of the Black Resilience Booksta Challenge. I explained all the rules in my first post here. I’m hoping this will inspire other readers to read, review and amplify more black voices. Feel free to join me! You can refer to the template below.
I chose The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton for Day #6 because I would consider the protagonist, Camellia Beauregard, to be a black role model in the world of Orléans. She’s sassy, independent and refuses to play by the rules. I admire her strength, resilience and compassionate heart.
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, 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 and tend to the royal family. 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…
This book was so unexpectedly dark and creepy. I couldn’t put it down! I loved the world building and in my opinion, the villain could’ve rivaled Umbridge. She was hateful! I was mesmerised by the vivid descriptions of the food, colours, fashion, hair and makeup. I highly recommend it! Camellia is the perfect protagonist.
If you are interested in getting a copy, you can order it here.
Thank you so much for reading, I will see you next time for Day #7!
Peace & Love xoxo
Disclaimer: This post contains a link to my Book Depository Affiliate. I am not being paid or sponsored for this post/products – all my thoughts/opinions are my own