The Belles is a dark academia novel about a girl (Deena) with a big secret and her attempts to fit in at all costs at an exclusive southern boarding school for girls set in the 1951 (and present day). Deena is the main character but there are many different POVs of the other “Belles” at school. It has a great eerie/spooky atmosphere and I enjoyed her style of writing. It’s a fitting read for the BER months/back to school season. The secret society/girlhood cultish aspect was intriguing, but maybe not enough? Though it had many POVs there were no characters I loved. It was enjoyable, but not a reread.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately this book wasn't really for me! The premise sounded so good, I love a dark academia thriller... But unfortunately I just found it hard to stay interested, the characters weren't very compelling to me and overall it just felt like something I'd already read before tbh. I think this book certainly.has it's place and that people will enjoy it, but it wasn't for me.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me with an advanced digital copy!

i finished that one a few days ago and i’m still thinking about it. I really liked the vibe and the overall atmosphere, something about dark academia just speaks to my soul. Also, that cover is A++.
Love it’