An interesting book, I struggled slightly as I hadn't read the other in the series but I did enjoy it once I had got up to speed.

I would recommend reading the others first as I do feel there are a lot of references but overall I enjoyed the book, the premise and the characters!

This was such an interesting read! I found myself so engrossed in the story, the characters had such incredible arcs, and I can't wait to follow this author's journey!

The writing is captivating and the pace is perfect! It gets us to dive right into the world of the Belles and all their charm and magic. I loved the characterization - not just of Edel's, but every single character's, so much so that I'd love to read the history of each participant of the Beauty Trials to understand how they ended up there.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley & Orion Publishing Group for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I really loved the first book in this series and whilst the second wasn’t as great as the first, I still enjoyed reading that too. This one felt a little bit disjointed and separate from the others in the series in that it was from a completely different perspective. I often felt a little bit lost and like I had missed things from the previous plot despite this not being the case (although in fairness it was a while ago that I read those).

However, I will say that I enjoyed the authors descriptive language and ability to create a more dramatic and dark atmosphere in comparison to the other books. And it was definitely a comfy kind of nostalgia returning to the world of the Belle’s again! I’d recommend for fans of vibes like the hunger games meets the selection!

I think the cover does its job well as it sets the scene and feel well for the book that is dark & intriguing. The other book covers have also been re-done to make this a cohesive set. I bet they look amazing in physical form on a bookshelf *sigh*
On The Beauty Trials cover the golden challice is the first thing you see overflowing with the potentially deadly pomegranate tea. Theres also the other ancient treasures of the golden comb and the hand mirror, all ornate items, that play an important role in the trials.

The final book show's life for the Belles becoming even more dire with Belles being attacked and even worse going missing. Belles being found hooked up to machines, having their bodies drained of every last drop of their precious blood.

The big drama begins with Queen Charlotte declaring that she is not going to continue to rule she is going to invoke the ancient tradition of The Beauty Trials.
The ancient caisse is found and as it needs the use of a Belle's blood to be opened and Edel is the only Belle present when the Queen has the caisse ready in front of her Edel freely gives a few drops of her blood to open it.
Inside the caisse there is a jewelled chalice & pomegrate leaves. The pomegranate leaves are made into a tea inside the golden chalice. A golden comb which ensures each hair has its place. It is said that it reminds you to carry yourself with a sense of equilibrium.
The mirror of glass will show the truth of each competitor and reveal the inner self. Each item plays its own important role in the trials. The trials are full of rituals that need to be carried out and has rules that must be followed. First the pomegranate leaves are made into a tea that all those who wish to enter for a chance to take part in the trials must drink. The remaining items each represent one of the trials.
Theres a grand ball for potential entrants to attend to drink the tea, to take their chance to 'dance with death' you could say.
At first its unclear whether a Belle, Edel will be allowed to enter but as it is Goddess Beauty that decides it is left for her to choose the 8 anointed ones that will take part in the dark, mysterious dangerous sounding trials. Those who wish to enter take a drink of the specially brewed pomegranate tea and that determines who will enter the trials. Within a few hours of drinking the pomegranate tea if an entrant has been chosen a Belle rose will appear on their cheek. Despite the current Queen not wanting Edel to drink the pomegranate tea, another Belle and close confidante of Edel's manages to acquire some of the pomegranate tea and takes it to Edel. When Queen Charlotte discovers Edel is one of the anointed 8 she seems to accept the news easily despite previously being so against Edel even drinking the pomegranate tea.
Madame Bissett, Minister of Games will 'run' the trials along with a Gamekeeper chosen by the Goddess of Death. The Gamekeeper is Quentin Arnoux. The Trials will take place at Gravier Palace, though its resident Lady Angele is clearly unhappy about this she is not in a position to refuse her current Queen nor the dictates of the Godesses who invented the trials.
The Anointed 8 are a mixture of people from the different Royal & Merchant Houses, along with Iron ladies and of course a Belle. The general populace are not happy about a Belle being allowed to enter as they say she has powers that could give her an unfair advantage. Even Edel promising not to use her arcana powers does nothing to quieten their discontent but the Godess has spoken and given Edel the Belle Rose mark on her cheek just like the other chosen, anointed ones.

I adored the intricate history and background to everything that was happening in the book. Sadly the Belles are still not being seen as people, with feelings, thoughts & emotions. They are still just being seen as blood, a commodity to be taken any way possible. I enjoyed learning about each object in the caisse as well as the reason behind each trial with its details being slowly revealed. You soon realised which of the anointed were potentially worthy Queens and which would spell even more dire consequences and living conditions for the Belles. I totally fell in love with the quirky character of Quentin Arnoux. Quentin doesn't really have a choice about his part in the Trials. He has strict rules he must follow during each trial, guiding the competitors but not helping them in any way. Though his ever deepening friendship with Edel means he comes extremely close to breaking those rules. There are some really poignant scenes between the pair.
I thought that certain phrases were perfect such as
"May you always find beauty" and "May your threads be strong." Along with this, the way the surroundings are described makes it really easy to visualise them. In fact these books would be great as a TV Series or films. I really enjoyed this dark, dangerous, mysterious world, Dhonielle Clayton created. This book/series has it all, historical elements, including rituals and ancient laws. Relationships that are complex, friendships, betrayals, loves and losses.

Summing up, I really enjoyed each book in this series, though I think the last in the series is the darkest one, or perhaps it's that the fuller extent of the darkness is revealed. I will definitely keep my eyes open for other books by this author

Despite being billed as an all-new story, this was definitely intended as the third part of the story that started with The Belles, and was very difficult to get into without remembering much of the plot of the first two books, so that colours this review quite significantly! As a trilogy, I think this is an inventive, fairly dark, and very intriguing series, but as an individual book this felt rather muddled to me - the Trials of the title are sort of not enough of the focus of the book. I love a good YA fantasy competition, but the actual role of the Trials, and their time on page, was overshadowed by the politicking and pre-existing relationships of the series, which for me meant I wasn't immersed enough in the peril of the main plot.

The Beauty Trials is the third book in The Belles series, taking place three years after the end of the second and with a different protagonist. In this, we follow Edel Beauregard as she attempts to make a better life for the Belle’s while battling the confines of court. When Queen Charlotte triggers to Beauty Trials of legend to find the next queen, Edel puts her name forward and embarks on a deadly competition.

I really enjoyed the trial aspect. I liked how the trials worked, the sheer scale of magic involved and how the characters had to solve them in order to succeed. Edel grew as a character while participating in these from the character she was at the start and I liked her interactions with the other competitors and her own internal dialogue as she tried to reconcile her actions and her beliefs and what she stood for.

That being said, I did find the description of the book to not be completely accurate – a big thing is made of Edel binding her arcana for the trials, but this isn’t really a factor in the book. I kept waiting for this moment to happen and would have found it another interesting layer, but was disappointed to find that it didn’t really happen, more of a request that was quickly ignored.

There was a lot of scheming in this book, which I love – especially when deceptions are revealed and people aren’t who you thought they were. It’s almost a shame this wasn’t two books as I found that sections and reveals in particular felt a bit rushed, particularly towards the end. It would have been great to delve into this world and the ramifications of everything that happened a lot more.

Overall an entertaining read. The writing style was easily readable and engaging and I appreciated how the tone of it has evolved since the first book to match the goings on in the story. It was fun being back in this world, I just wish we got more exploration and focus on certain events and characters.

Fast-paced fantasy that provides a satisfying close to THE BELLES series. If you can overlook the flaws of THE BEAUTY TRIALS, you will enjoy this magical, vibrant adventure.

We're thrust straight back into the world of Orléans, this time from the perspective of wayward, headstrong Belle, Edelweiss Beauregard, who as unrest continues in the kingdom, enters the Beauty Trials, a set of harrowing challenges that will determine the next queen.

I would recommend you reread the first book before diving into this one, because THE BEAUTY TRIALS will not remind you who anyone or what anything is, which was a major struggle for me at first until I read a synopsis of the first two books. This includes many of the side characters who don't have huge roles. It took me a while to remember what the Gris were (grey people, A.K.A. the regular folks who are not naturally beautiful and must rely on beauty work from the Belles). I find it a bizarre choice not to offer short explanations to who people are, especially given that the second book came out in 2019, four years ago, but once I reacquainted myself with everything then it was easier to digest the opening.

As the upper classes revolt now that the Belles no longer do unlimited beauty work, Queen Charlotte instates the Beauty Trials so she can step down as queen. Edel enters the trial herself, even though many people veto the idea of a Belle queen. Edel is unfailingly my favourite character in this series for her blunt, cynical attitude. She doesn't let anyone's disdain rattle her and she frequently talks back to others when she disagrees. She is no walkover, no peacekeeper, a refreshing Belle amongst the other Belles, and a refreshing character overall. Not to say we don't see Camellia again, but her role is only brief, to let Edel tell her own story.

We're also (re-?)introduced to Gaelle, a socialite and Edel's on-off love interest (bisexual Edel was a nice surprise), and Quentin, a mysterious man from the House of Arnoux, the House of the Goddess of Death, who acts as Gamekeeper for the Trials and another love interest for Edel. I was genuinely torn about who I preferred – both characters offered Edel completely different experiences. I'm kind of sad how one character's story ended, but actually it suited them very well.

Both go with Edel to investigate missing Belles during the Trials, which become more horrible and terrifying as the games continue. I really loved some of the unexpected horror elements of this story – there is a lot more blood and death than I was expecting, but it's a nice contrast to THE BELLES' usually pretty, vibrant world-building. The other competitors unfortunately don't get much spotlight before they're unceremoniously killed off, so it's hard to feel the same pain Edel does with their deaths. Even those who survive longer, like Blais and Violetta, didn't feel like real characters to me. I also found it hard to care about the missing Belles when, again, we don't know any of them.

The previous antagonist, the disgraced Queen Sophia, returns again to act as the general Big Bad again in THE BEAUTY TRIALS – it doesn't exactly scream original and I don't think she does anything new here, but she is memorable in her mad-hatter, blood-drinking villainy. The big twist is very predictable and you will see it coming a million miles away, but the ending is electrically fun and fast-paced, and a nice close to the entire series.

WILL I READ MORE BY THIS AUTHOR? Depends entirely on what her next books are about.

As a fan of the Belles, I was really hoping that this book would do what the Everlasting Rose did not, and that was give me something less rushed. I was mostly given what I was hoping for, although I do still feel like there could have been more to the story.

That being said, I did enjoy being back in that world - but I would recommend re-reading the duology before diving into this as there was very little handholding and reminding.

The Beauty Trials by Dhonielle Clayton
Pub Date 14 February 2023
Publisher:Orion Publishing Group, Gollancz
Genre : Sci Fiction and Fantasy, Romance, Teens and Young Adult

As soon as I started reading this I was engrossed. Firstly about what these beauty trails were and secondly the writing style is very engaging.

We have the deadly Beauty Trails to decied who the next Queen is.




#NetGalley #bookstagram #bookreview #goodreads #romance #sciandfantasy #romance #TheBeautyTrials

I was so excited to see that there was a new addition to Dhonielle Clayton's The Belles series. I loved the rest of the series so much I just had to devour this book too. This book picks up from the aftermath of the last book. The dangerous and erratic former queen Sophia has been imprisoned and her sister Charlotte now sits on the throne.
Charlotte invokes the ancient tradition of the Beauty Trials―a series of harrowing tests meant to find the true ruler of Orléans. Edel the protagonist of this book decides to enter the trials, which is unheard of for a Belle to do.
Edel faces various challenges and obstacles.

The Beauty Trials was an amazing return to the world of the Belles, I loved how the brought back the feeling of reading the original Belles novels. This book absolutely exceeded my expectations, it was just amazing to return ti this world, the characters and the magical system. The pace of the book was exciting and I for one cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy when the book is published in March. If you have read the Belles series before definitely pick this up (do a re-read first) and if you haven't you are missing out!

say this quite frequently, but this time it's really pertinant. Recaps. Belles came out in 2018, The Everlasting Rose in 2019. Four and five years are a long time in kid's publishing. Going into this one, I remembered that Belles can magically change people's apppearances, and that there's tiny vesions of animals running around. I couldn't have told you anyone's names or really any plot points, and Dhonielle doesn't ease us in.

Although the plot was interesting, I felt that everything was very rushed. We wereen't given enough space to absorb what was happening. Perhaps that was deliberate, to echo how Edel felt (by the way, if she used her abilities to survive the Trials, I missed it - a couple of times she thought of things her mother had told her, but that was about it.) If it was deliberate, it was cleverly done, but it felt shorter than the average teen book to me.

There were some very clever ideas here, and I did enjoy the read. I just would have liked it better with a recap of the first two included so I could follow the nuances and characters with more ease.

Thank you to Orion Publishing Group and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

When I saw that there was a new book in The Belles series, I knew that I had to read it right away! The Beauty Trials by Dhonielle Clayton is the third book in the Belles series. The story revolves around Edel, a Belle, who enters the Beauty Trials, a new competition to choose the Queen of Orleans. However, not everyone is on board. It's unheard of for a Belle to become Queen, and Edel faces many obstacles. In addition, the Trials themselves are difficult and deadly. Will Edel succeed in her hopes of becoming Queen or will she die trying?

Here is a lovely, atmospheric excerpt from Chapter 1:

"People are drawn to death. They flirt with it like the bayou moths that draw too close to our red sill-lanterns, coveting the heat, only to burn themselves alive in the candlelight.
Orleans is that moth now; the rooftops of Trianon flicker like ignited wicks, and three guards lift a dead courtier on a stretcher out of the Chrysanthemum Teahouse. Windyseason rain soaks her lace veil. I watch as one of her arms flops out, grayish in color and haggard, a broken branch at her side."

Overall, The Beauty Trials is a fantastic return to the magical world of the Belles. One highlight of this book is the nostalgia factor. When I finished the second book in the Belles series, i remember feeling disappointed. I loved the first book in the series, and I was sad that the series had come to an end. Fortunately, this third book definitely delivers! I was so excited to see familiar characters and return to the magical system. Another highlight of this book is how fast-paced it is. I couldn't put this book down until I had finished reading it. I will definitely read any continuations of the series! If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of this series, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in February!

The Beauty Trials returns us to the World of Orléans and the fascinating magic of the Belles. This installment is told from Edel's point of view, and covers what happens after you think the war is over and won - things aren't always that easy.

I love the author's writing style and the world building in the books. However, The Beauty Trials did feel too short, with everything being over very quickly. It made it hard to feel anything for a lot of the characters!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

For all the blood and gore, this is a light read. The world is great, and the details of the magic and little things like teacup pets and postballoons are very enjoyable.
I love reading YA fantasy, but this is almost MG in feel. If you like cosy romances, and enjoyed the writing style of The Belles, the first in this series, you will definitely relish this.
I started reading The Belles, but didn't finish it because it just didn't grab me enough and I kept skipping passages to get to more action, so I didn't pick up the second in the series. Having said that, I did enjoy this ARC, and I finished this book, the third in the series. Worth a read, but I wouldn't go so far as to say I would recommend.

I absolutely loved the first Belles book, it was one of the first books I was granted an ARC on NetGalley for and I adored it. The sumptuous language, the world-building, the interesting premise and the plot were all top-notch and I was so excited to read the next in the series. Then I read The Everlasting Rose and was… disappointed. It felt very rushed, although the Dhonielle Clayton does explain that this had to change from a trilogy to a duology due to personal circumstances which was fair enough, but I just felt it was a real shame. Imagine my excitement to then be granted access to The Beauty Trials: ‘an all-new story’ set in the Universe of the Belles.

Part of my problem with this book was that everything I had read made it sound like it was a new story set in the same Universe as the duology. I read the 2nd Belles book 2 years ago (and it published 4 years ago), but I didn’t think I needed to re-read or check a synopsis as I remembered the broad-brush strokes of the Universe. I was incorrect - this is very much the third book in the Belles series just with a different narrator, and 30% of the way in I had to look up a synopsis to remember specific events and side-characters that were being referenced. Usually in a series, an author tries to help the reader out by reminding them of certain events or characters and give a little backstory as we go along. This unfortunately is not the case here and I really recommend readers go back and look at the other books before starting with this one.

My usual complaint with books is that they are too long, my most used reviewer phrase is ‘needs some editing to cut it down’, so I go very much against the grain by saying that I wanted more from this story. The plot of The Beauty Trials is really exciting: as the City of Orleans is imploding, an age-old tradition of The Beauty Trials is resurrected to declare the new Queen. Unfortunately, the whole book felt so rushed (just the same as Book 2 did), which was really disappointing. We hardly know anything about the other 7 competitors in the trials and this makes for low stakes when some of them are eventually killed off. Each of the trials only get a few chapters at the most and I would have loved more detail and more to happen in each one - particularly the first and last tasks which felt barely fleshed out. I did like that it was a self-contained story without much of a cliff-hanger ending, but I honestly wouldn’t have minded another 100 or so pages, or even another book to have made this story feel fleshed out. There were also some plot reveals and twists that felt *very* similar to events that happened in the other books, and I saw one twist coming a mile off for this very reason.

Overall, do not read this book without reminding yourself of what happened in the previous Belle books! There’s a great story here but I think it needed expositional reminders and more details about the tasks and characters to make it a 5 star read. Thank you to NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group – Gollancz for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.