A Rose By Any Other Name

The Everlasting Rose (The Belles #2)
​by Dhonielle Clayton

​Camille is a Belle, which means she has a form of magic that allows her to manipulate the beauty of others. She has been on the run since the ascension of a new queen who intends to subjugate all the Belles, so that Orlean's punishing system of beauty remains as intact as ever.

I hadn't read the first book and I think my enjoyment suffered because of that (the same box of bargain books is to blame!), mainly because I hadn't built up any connection to the characters. The world itself is fascinating. I would love some teacup dragons! But I wasn't particularly invested in the story, since the stakes seemed low and Camille never really encountered what I would consider true danger on her path to revolution. Maybe I've read too many YA fantasy novels like this lately. I don't know. I don't think I'll seek out the first book.

---