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
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
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
ila_mae's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-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
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Sexual content
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
corar's review against another edition
emotional
medium-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Gun violence, Sexism, and Infidelity
Minor: Infertility and Sexual content
anniestevens's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
i literally hate all of the characters except etíenne (if that's even how you spell it) & nina's aunts. and quite literally both parties were in the book very little. the only main character i would say i lowkey like was hector & gaétan. listen, i'm a feminist & i'm all "women supporting women," but i hope valérie fucking burns in hell & i am glad she got what she deserved. literally no ounce of sympathy. none. she literally was satan in human form. like she is what dark energy feeds off of.
but overall, not too bad of a book. it had me hooked at some parts, but the drama & tension especially towards the end had me FUCKED up lol
but overall, not too bad of a book. it had me hooked at some parts, but the drama & tension especially towards the end had me FUCKED up lol
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Bullying
Moderate: Sexual content and Gun violence
Minor: Suicide
more romance than fantasyallisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-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
3.0
The Beautiful Ones has this knack for veering close to familiar historical romance tropes, only to cast everything in an unexpected, almost off-putting light. Things are a bit darker, more bitter in flavor. There is still joy to be found in these pages, but it comes alongside the uglier emotions and the sillier ones, cold calculation and bold naïveté woven through the threads of romance. There is also a layer of fantasy here, where some are born with a talent for telekinesis. Two of our main characters have the ability, and though it does impact the plot, world-building is light, and I would argue that the romance is the larger part of the story.
The first half of the book was iffy for me. It relies on a love triangle, which is often an irritating contrivance I would prefer to skip past. The characters have unlikable motives, and each of the three characters' perspectives has the power to ruin the other two for you. I was relieved when it all blew up without having to wait for the end of the book. A toxic secret comes to light, throwing all relationships and feelings into turmoil, requiring a cautious rebuilding in the second half. At that point, I found the plot more enjoyable. After the tension snapped, the characters settled more fully into their roles and chose what to fight for. Where I had been lukewarm towards all three leads at first, the latter part of the story allows one character to step forward into a role of ruthless villainy both alarming and impressive. The other two face reality in a way that makes both seem more balanced and thoughtful, which in turn made me value their goals more.
This book is a compelling twist on a story of society romance with elements of critique and magic layered in. I listened to the audiobook and appreciated the voice acting, carrying off French-sounding names I definitely would have butchered in my head. While I had a mixture of reactions throughout, the writing was elegant, and I appreciated a narrative that somehow managed to be both unexpected and recognizable in its path.
The first half of the book was iffy for me. It relies on a love triangle, which is often an irritating contrivance I would prefer to skip past. The characters have unlikable motives, and each of the three characters' perspectives has the power to ruin the other two for you. I was relieved when it all blew up without having to wait for the end of the book. A toxic secret comes to light, throwing all relationships and feelings into turmoil, requiring a cautious rebuilding in the second half. At that point, I found the plot more enjoyable. After the tension snapped, the characters settled more fully into their roles and chose what to fight for. Where I had been lukewarm towards all three leads at first, the latter part of the story allows one character to step forward into a role of ruthless villainy both alarming and impressive. The other two face reality in a way that makes both seem more balanced and thoughtful, which in turn made me value their goals more.
This book is a compelling twist on a story of society romance with elements of critique and magic layered in. I listened to the audiobook and appreciated the voice acting, carrying off French-sounding names I definitely would have butchered in my head. While I had a mixture of reactions throughout, the writing was elegant, and I appreciated a narrative that somehow managed to be both unexpected and recognizable in its path.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Death of parent, Gun violence, Infertility, and Suicide attempt
honeyreads1066's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.25
First off, this book was a brilliant change of pace from what I've been reading recently. It reminds me a lot of Bridgerton with just an abundance of drama and parties, but also a magical element.
The book is about a girl named Nina who comes to Loisail to join the Grand season of parties and balls in the effort of finding herself a suitor. She becomes entranced with Hector, a performer with telekinesis like her own and while her love for him goes deeper, so does the secrets and betrayals that threaten to end their courtship.
This story is one of identity, innocence, love, and the way the decisions around you shape the person you become.
The characters were incredibly complex, for each you had varying feelings for. They were not equally good or bad and for once a characters naivety and innocence do not lead them to be coddled or for them to somehow always make the right decisions, nor is this character seen as perfect. I like that it's realistic, that particular aspects of a person do not make them the villain or the hero and you don't know who you want to get together until the story unfolds. It helps bring the characters off the page and make them real people.
The telekinesis was subtle there was little focus on it unless it became apparent and little exploration about its origins. I enjoyed this, it worked well with the content of the story and kept the focus on other things while still adding a little bit of magic to the story.
The plot itself was full of secrecy and deception. You find yourself drawn in and rooting for different characters as the book plays out but you also understand decisions made and how each person is. Reputation in this book is everything and scandal is the weapon that everyone seems to be using.
Overall, I enjoyed this, it was lush, fun and just as romantic as I hoped. I need to read more books with drama and love like this one. I would absolutely recommend this book.
The book is about a girl named Nina who comes to Loisail to join the Grand season of parties and balls in the effort of finding herself a suitor. She becomes entranced with Hector, a performer with telekinesis like her own and while her love for him goes deeper, so does the secrets and betrayals that threaten to end their courtship.
This story is one of identity, innocence, love, and the way the decisions around you shape the person you become.
The characters were incredibly complex, for each you had varying feelings for. They were not equally good or bad and for once a characters naivety and innocence do not lead them to be coddled or for them to somehow always make the right decisions, nor is this character seen as perfect. I like that it's realistic, that particular aspects of a person do not make them the villain or the hero and you don't know who you want to get together until the story unfolds. It helps bring the characters off the page and make them real people.
The telekinesis was subtle there was little focus on it unless it became apparent and little exploration about its origins. I enjoyed this, it worked well with the content of the story and kept the focus on other things while still adding a little bit of magic to the story.
The plot itself was full of secrecy and deception. You find yourself drawn in and rooting for different characters as the book plays out but you also understand decisions made and how each person is. Reputation in this book is everything and scandal is the weapon that everyone seems to be using.
Overall, I enjoyed this, it was lush, fun and just as romantic as I hoped. I need to read more books with drama and love like this one. I would absolutely recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence and Violence
Minor: Sexual content
More...