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amyg_42's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
jamies24's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
Big fan of the style of this book. I think it was beautifully written and the romance was very well done. While I enjoyed this book, the fantasy element felt unnecessary to the plot for me personally. But still an overall enjoyable read!
venneh's review against another edition
4.0
You can tell this is a first novel (recently republished, though!) - Moreno Garcia manages to blend a high society romantic setting with telekinesis, but it that first thing first and foremost. The telekinesis ends up being a bonding point and a bit of a deux ex machine towards the end of the book, but isn’t otherwise detailed overly much. The romance itself is honestly incredibly well done, and the antagonist is honestly incredibly well characterized and one of the main draws of the story. Definitely read through this if you come across it.
amritamaha's review against another edition
4.0
i'm utterly obsessed with moreno-garcia's writing style. each sentence is thoughtful, each description meaningful. it's a slow book that deserves and works for it's slowness, laying out each piece of a dramatic romance for you to find. not only do we view it through the eyes of our two leads, but válerie's as well, that makes us hope and wonder all the way to the end.
what a wonderful introduction into her writing, my tbr just got her entire collection of works longer
Spoiler
the ending was tied in a bow, sweet and gentle, and while the characters deserved it, i will admit it surprised me. despite it's endearing touches of fantasy, this is a period romance through and through. i still enjoyed it though.what a wonderful introduction into her writing, my tbr just got her entire collection of works longer
dennatannen's review against another edition
4.0
Very different than Mexican Gothic content-wise, but Moreno-Garcia's lush writing style and penchant for fabulous plot make me eager to read more of her work... might I be headed toward a new favorite author??
bookwoods's review against another edition
4.0
I required something to read during my holiday in Estonia and this cover called to me in the bookstore. I’ve also been wanting to pick up something from Silvia Moreno-Garcia for a while, and I can now say that The Beautiful Ones is not going to be the last book of hers that I’ll read! I’ve actually already reserved Mexican Gothic from the library.
The Beautiful Ones is a kind of period romance in the style of Austen, but set in an imaginary civilization where telekinesis exists. The title refers to the highest class of people, a class which our main character Nina is part of due to her heritage, but because of her looks and manners she doesn’t seem to truly belong. Her cousin’s wife on the other hand is a prime example of The Beautiful Ones, and in charge of preparing Nina for her debut in the Grand Season.
Nina has grown up in the countryside where she is known as the ‘Witch of the Oldhouse’ due to her telekinetic powers, being able to move things with her mind. However, Nina’s control of these powers remain weak. That’s until she meets Hector - a famous performer who has perfected the use of telekinesis. What follows is a highly entertaining and quite perfectly written drama, I just wish the magical element had played a bigger role than it did.
“Nina had never had much appreciation for talks of damnation and sins. She existed, and had always existed, in a rather untamed state, which was facilitated by her family, who confused her intellectual inclinations with a wholesome disposition. They saw her explosions, when they took place, as a child’s tantrums and could not imagine she was like the rivers and streams and forests she loved, riotous and luxuriant. “
The Beautiful Ones is a kind of period romance in the style of Austen, but set in an imaginary civilization where telekinesis exists. The title refers to the highest class of people, a class which our main character Nina is part of due to her heritage, but because of her looks and manners she doesn’t seem to truly belong. Her cousin’s wife on the other hand is a prime example of The Beautiful Ones, and in charge of preparing Nina for her debut in the Grand Season.
Nina has grown up in the countryside where she is known as the ‘Witch of the Oldhouse’ due to her telekinetic powers, being able to move things with her mind. However, Nina’s control of these powers remain weak. That’s until she meets Hector - a famous performer who has perfected the use of telekinesis. What follows is a highly entertaining and quite perfectly written drama, I just wish the magical element had played a bigger role than it did.
“Nina had never had much appreciation for talks of damnation and sins. She existed, and had always existed, in a rather untamed state, which was facilitated by her family, who confused her intellectual inclinations with a wholesome disposition. They saw her explosions, when they took place, as a child’s tantrums and could not imagine she was like the rivers and streams and forests she loved, riotous and luxuriant. “