The Belles

Dhonielle Clayton

In the opulent world of Orleans, beauty is a coveted commodity—and the Belles are the only ones who can create it. Camellia Beauregard, a talented Belle, dreams of becoming the favorite of the royal family, but life at court soon reveals that glamour and privilege conceal dangerous secrets. As she is drawn deeper into a world of rigid beauty standards, power, and manipulation, Camellia must question the role she has been given and the price of perfection. A richly imagined YA fantasy, the novel explores identity, agency, inequality, and the consequences of treating beauty as a form of control.

Dhonielle Clayton

With a price on her head and the ruthless Queen Sophia determined to silence her, Camellia Beaureguard—once the kingdom’s most celebrated Belle—must risk everything to find the ailing Princess Charlotte. Joined by her sister Edel, her guard and new love Remy, and unlikely allies, Camellia races through a world of political intrigue, dangerous secrets, and shifting loyalties. As the kingdom’s illusions begin to unravel, she must confront the true cost of beauty, power, and freedom in this richly imagined fantasy sequel.

Dhonielle Clayton

In the dazzling, dangerous world of Orleans, beauty is power—and the path to possessing it comes with a devastating cost. As young contenders face trials designed to test their talent, ambition, and loyalty, they must navigate a society where appearance can determine status, freedom, and survival. Blending lush world-building with sharp commentary on colorism, class, beauty standards, and control, this gripping tale explores what happens when the pursuit of perfection demands everything.