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 admired her strength, resilience and compassionate heart.

Camellia Beauregard is a Belle. In the opulent world of Orléans, Belles are revered; for they control beauty, which is a commodity coveted above all else. In Orléans, people are born gray and damned. Only with the help of a Belle, can they transform and be made beautiful. But it’s not enough for Camellia to just be a Belle. She wants to be the favorite – the Belle chosen by the Queen of Orléans, to live in the royal palace, tending 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. 

This book was so unexpectedly dark and creepy. I couldn’t put it down! In my opinion, the villain could’ve rivaled Umbridge. She was hateful! I was mesmerised by the world-building, vivid descriptions of the food, colours, fashion, hair and makeup. I highly recommend it! Camellia is the perfect protagonist.

Order a copy here.

Thank you so much for reading, I will see you next time for Day #7!

Peace & Love xoxo