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!