Cannonball Read 18

Sticking It to Cancer One Book at a Time

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“Lies are as dangerous as a sword. They can cut to the bone.”

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton

October 27, 2025 by faintingviolet Leave a Comment

I am so torn about the rating of The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton. Part of me was won over by the interesting world Clayton created where people are born alike, with red eyes and grey skin, and hair the texture of straw. What is considered “beauty” – a variety of skin tones, hair colors and types, and body shapes – does not come naturally unless they are a Belle. The Belles have the ability through their arcana (think natural magic ability) to change people’s appearances, but not their own. All varieties are considered various degrees of beautiful, but of course like […]

Filed Under: Fantasy, Fiction Tagged With: cbr17bingo, Dhonielle Clayton, magic, read harder challenge, Review, The Belles, we need diverse books

faintingviolet's CBR17 Review No:48 · Genres: Fantasy, Fiction · Tags: cbr17bingo, Dhonielle Clayton, magic, read harder challenge, Review, The Belles, we need diverse books ·
Rating:
· 0 Comments

Even a Gilded Cage is Still a Cage

April 5, 2018 by lumenatrix 3 Comments

Y’ALL, THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD! I heard the author, Dhonielle Clayton, interviewed on a Slate podcast one day (I can’t remember which one) and from the conversation thought her new book, The Belles, sounded interesting. I needed a new book, and I love supporting newer authors, so I figured I would check it out. I am so very, very glad I did. Clayton has written a Young Adult book that deals with consumption culture, the Cult of Beauty, the exploitation of power, the power […]

Filed Under: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult Tagged With: #YAFiction, Dhonielle Clayton, fantasy, The Belles

lumenatrix's CBR10 Review No:3 · Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult · Tags: #YAFiction, Dhonielle Clayton, fantasy, The Belles ·
Rating:
· 3 Comments


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    on “Life isn’t easy, no matter where you are. You’ll make choices you think are right, and then suffer for them.”
    I agree that you have great gif/memes. I also truly appreciate snark in reviews as I am a fan of...
  • Maximoff
    on “For a quart of ale is a dish for a king”- William Shakespeare
    Your review reminded me that I have the second book and should add to my TBR pile. Thanks!
  • Maximoff
    on “You must remember, family is often born of blood, but it doesn’t depend on blood. Nor is it exclusive of friendship. Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or not they are related to you, can be your family.”
    Glad to see someone else is meh on this book. Really bored me.
  • Maximoff
    on “Despite her past experiences with murders, she had not yet learned that the most inescapable force in the world is irony.”
    Have been avoiding this series however based on your review may give it a read.
  • narfna
    on “Life isn’t easy, no matter where you are. You’ll make choices you think are right, and then suffer for them.”
    Your gif/meme game is ON POINT.
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