In this all-new novel from the world of Dhonielle Clayton's sweeping,
lush Belles series, rebellious, outspoken, fan-favorite Edel Beauregard
enters the Beauty Trials--a deadly competition to find the next Queen of
Orléans.
Sophia, the dangerous and erratic former queen, has been imprisoned,
restoring peace to Orléans. Now her sister, Charlotte, sits on the
throne and has decided to invoke the ancient tradition of the Beauty
Trials--a series of harrowing tests meant to find the true ruler of
Orléans. Edel, who has always aspired to be more than a Belle, decides
to enter and, after promising to bind her arcana to keep from having an
unnatural advantage, joins a few dozen other hopefuls intent on becoming
the next Queen of Orléans.
But the Trials are far worse than any of them bargained for. As the
women are put through tasks that test their strength, confidence,
composure, and bravery, many perish, and Edel is mysteriously attacked
by one of the other competitors--forcing her to use her powers just to
survive. Will her subterfuge cost her the crown, or is there a larger
conspiracy at play?
New York Times best-selling author Dhonielle Clayton returns to her
sweeping, lush fantasy series with an all-new story teeming with
high-stakes court intrigue and danger disguised by beauty.