lindsay_g's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Fairly straightforward regency romance with a bit of magic sprinkled in. The perspective switching got annoying, and I didn't always enjoy Hector's POV. He came off as somewhat petulant and dull, and his motivations weren't always clear. Valerie was a bit of a flat, cliched villain but her POV was fun to read. Nina was likeable as a MC and had a great progression/maturing throughout the novel. There is a thoughtful deconstruction of women's role in society through the contrasting POVs of Valerie and Nina. I saw someone else mention that it's meant to read like a telenovela, and the slightly overdone drama is definitely more enjoyable if you read it with that lens. Overall, it was enjoyable if a bit slow and melodramatic at times. Excited to read more from Moreno-Garcia!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, and Gun violence
mjwhitlock18's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
3.5
Regency romance with a dash of magical realism. Overall entertaining and I love the character of Nina. In the end, I like Hector and the way he cares for Nina, but I spent 60% of the book just wanting to scream at him and shake him. My main gripe with this book is that so much of the conflict hinges on miscommunication/lack thereof, which I don’t usually like. But in the end
Spoiler
I love to see a bitch get what is coming to her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Bullying, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Gun violence and Sexism
Minor: Infertility and Sexual content
mooshake's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
valéries playing 4d chess while everyone else is playing checkers
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Classism, Gun violence, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
takarakei's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Having read some of Moreno-Garcia's other work, this wasn't exactly what I was expecting. I would categorize this as a historical romance, with a bit of magical realism. It's definitely not fantasy!
The basic premise is around a very messy melodramatic love triangle or almost like a love web of many characters (but not in a poly way haha). I found Hector to be a wet noodle. Many of the chapters from Hector's POV were hard to get through because of his whining. I found Hector and Nina to be a bit one-dimensional. Valérie at least has clear (evil/selfish) motivation behind her actions and that gives her character a bit of depth.
I hesitate to really say much more because it just wasn't for me because I'm not a bit fan of this genre, or the love triangle trope. If you are a historical romance fan you might enjoy this book more.
The basic premise is around a very messy melodramatic love triangle or almost like a love web of many characters (but not in a poly way haha). I found Hector to be a wet noodle. Many of the chapters from Hector's POV were hard to get through because of his whining. I found Hector and Nina to be a bit one-dimensional. Valérie at least has clear (evil/selfish) motivation behind her actions and that gives her character a bit of depth.
I hesitate to really say much more because it just wasn't for me because I'm not a bit fan of this genre, or the love triangle trope. If you are a historical romance fan you might enjoy this book more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Bullying, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Classism, Sexism, Gaslighting, and Gun violence
Minor: Sexual content
woolgatherer's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
3.0
I will read just about everything Moreno-Garcia publishes, especially because she writes beautifully and I love the way she approaches historical fiction. That being said, I probably should have taken the “romance” tag on this book a bit more seriously. Not being the biggest fan of the romance genre, I definitely was unprepared for what essentially was a historical telenovela that centered what was essentially a messy, messy (seriously, emphasize messy) love triangle full of melodrama. I thought the book was a bit predictable and had its fair share of clichés. One thing I felt was a bit forced was the telekinesis bit. It would have taken a lot away from the story if the author didn’t include it, but I also wish more was done with it, especially with the protagonist, Nina.
I didn’t hate reading this book, but it’s clear that I am not the intended audience, aha. But if you like messy romances, this is worth checking out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Bullying
Moderate: Sexism and Gun violence
Minor: Infertility
nytephoenyx's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Silvia Moreno-Garcia captured the attention of the online book community at large with Mexican Gothic in 2020, but her brilliance didn’t start there. While not her debut, The Beautiful Ones is a book of particular note, managing to both entice and disgust in easy flourishes. This book has one of the best crafted villains I’ve ever read, and an ending I didn’t expect.
The Beautiful Ones is more magical realism than fantasy. It is a bit of romance and a bit of the unusual, but the cold steel heart of it is an examination of social structure and elitism and it is harsh. Harsh in the best way possible. Subjects such as old money vs. new money, decorum, family responsibility, and honor are all on bright display here. I love being able to fall into step with the characters, but also the ability to detach and watch the storylines play out to their own nefarious ends. I savored The Beautiful Ones in a way I did not expect.
All the characters are intriguing, although the contrast between Nina and Valerie was my favorite. Valerie was a surprise – not mentioned in the book’s description but a constant presence in its pages. What a good foil they are to one another! I think, in its depths, this is more Valerie’s book than Nina’s. I generally find the description misleading, as it is much less about Nina’s ability and more about the twisted relationships between various parties.
Without specifics, the scene at Clocktower Hill and leading up to it was my absolute favorite. I was so, so certain there would be a different outcome. No idea what I’m talking about? You’ll have to read the book to see.
The Beautiful Ones is an easy recommendation, particularly for those who enjoy period romances without too much steam and with a great deal of manipulation. I would read it again, and I have placed it on my long list of books I want to purchase in hardcopy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism and Alcohol
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Sexual content
rorikae's review against another edition
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
‘The Beautiful Ones’ by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a novel of manners with a lightly fantastical edge.
The story circles three characters, Nina a young woman starting her debut year, Hector a magical performer who returns to reclaim lost love, and Valerie, his lost love who is now living in a loveless marriage. The story weaves between their different perspectives as relationships blossom and wither between the three as love, jealousy, and plotting reign.
This story is split into two parts and I found that the first part was incredibly slow while the second part picks up pace. The characters are the center of this story and unfortunately, during the first section, the only character that I cared for was Nina while I couldn’t stand Hector and Valerie. In the second half, Moreno-Garcia makes Hector far more interesting and likable while twisting Valerie further and further. She does a good job of making Valerie’s decisions and feelings understandable while also being despicable. I disliked her while also fully understanding the decisions she was making.
I went into this story thinking that the fantastical elements were going to be more overt but they are definitely a light spice to the romance and plotting that centers the story. If you are looking for those pieces, I think you will likely enjoy it though the beginning is definitely quite slow. The second half picks up and reads like a soap opera between terrible decisions, characters letting their emotions run their decisions, and a few twists and turns.
The story circles three characters, Nina a young woman starting her debut year, Hector a magical performer who returns to reclaim lost love, and Valerie, his lost love who is now living in a loveless marriage. The story weaves between their different perspectives as relationships blossom and wither between the three as love, jealousy, and plotting reign.
This story is split into two parts and I found that the first part was incredibly slow while the second part picks up pace. The characters are the center of this story and unfortunately, during the first section, the only character that I cared for was Nina while I couldn’t stand Hector and Valerie. In the second half, Moreno-Garcia makes Hector far more interesting and likable while twisting Valerie further and further. She does a good job of making Valerie’s decisions and feelings understandable while also being despicable. I disliked her while also fully understanding the decisions she was making.
I went into this story thinking that the fantastical elements were going to be more overt but they are definitely a light spice to the romance and plotting that centers the story. If you are looking for those pieces, I think you will likely enjoy it though the beginning is definitely quite slow. The second half picks up and reads like a soap opera between terrible decisions, characters letting their emotions run their decisions, and a few twists and turns.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Bullying, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Gun violence
sarasreadingnook's review against another edition
4.0
Another amazing book by one of my favourite authors!
I enjoyed the drama of it all so much, the story, and loved the second half of the book, especially! There are some amazing elements introduced into the book.
This book was very entertaining and special to read - I highly recommend it if you are looking to read some high quality drama and passion-filled content!
Themes: beauty, materialism, privilege.
I enjoyed the drama of it all so much, the story, and loved the second half of the book, especially! There are some amazing elements introduced into the book.
This book was very entertaining and special to read - I highly recommend it if you are looking to read some high quality drama and passion-filled content!
Themes: beauty, materialism, privilege.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Gun violence, Gaslighting, and Bullying
Minor: Sexism, Sexual content, and Infidelity
clarabooksit's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Sexism, and Bullying
Minor: Infertility and Gun violence
madamenovelist's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Violence, Gun violence, and Infertility