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ameliabee33's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have always loved Silvia Moreno-Garcia's work, and this book just reestablishes her ability to write in any genre. This is a romantic story, which has balls, rich aristocracy, lost and fraught love, magical powers, insects. Nina is instantly a loveable character, who just wants to find love in Hector. However, as will any dramatic, romantic tale, Hector has an ulterior motive. His ulterior motive is Valerie, his childhood love, which also happens to be Nina's cousin's wife. A complicated web is weaved! There is even a duel! The story really sucks you in and you want to finish to see how the love between Nina and Hector plays out. Also to see if the bitch Valerie gets what she deserves- what a beautifully written terrible character.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Alcohol
anniestevens's review
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
turtlebrainlibrarian's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, and Gun violence
rebeccameyrink's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was enjoyable! I went into this book not realizing it was a romance, for some reason I thought the romance was secondary so I was slightly let down by that. Moreno-Garcia is truly a queen of atmosphere and I want everything she writes to be turned into movies!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence
kachina's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
definitely a stray from SMG’s previous two titles in many ways, yet maintains her signature sense of impending doom. A darkly complicated romance, the plot runs aside those historical classic greats such as the Bröntes and Austen’s, yet stands out in the rich complexity of each character—and of course, in that sense of encroaching danger that vibrates along the edges of all three of SMG’s releases.
I will admit the “two act” format of this book was a little jarring as an audio listener, and I do feel it created a sense of a lag in the middle (though this was slightly off-putting to me at the time, now finding myself at the end I do think it greatly contributes to SMG’s air of mystery by shifting pace mid-tale.
4/5 stars
I will admit the “two act” format of this book was a little jarring as an audio listener, and I do feel it created a sense of a lag in the middle (though this was slightly off-putting to me at the time, now finding myself at the end I do think it greatly contributes to SMG’s air of mystery by shifting pace mid-tale.
4/5 stars
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcohol, Violence, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Infertility, and Gun violence
marigo1ds's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Nina is such a great lead. To me, she’s coded as autistic, and I absolutely loved it. The romance in this book is so sweet, and Valérie is a really compelling antagonist. But excluding certain sections, the telekinesis is totally random. The world-building isn’t great, but the characters are interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Infidelity, and Toxic relationship
goblingirlreads's review against another edition
emotional
tense
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
4.0
I genuinely really enjoyed this book but I remain with the firm opinion that it's not for everyone. Silvia said "I'm going to write a novel of manners with a dash of magic" and that is exactly what you will find here - no more no less. I'd say the magic puts a slight spin on the genre and one of the main characters, Nina, defies many societal expectations but otherwise it fits all the shapes and tropes of a novel of manners pretty much to the t. I found that fun and it was exactly what I was looking for but I definitely don't favor it as much as her other writing. However, Moremo-Garcia remains one of my favorite authors and so far I've liked everything she's written. She can probably do it all!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship and Bullying
Minor: Gun violence
jamieleepilk's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thank you so much to Quercus for the Proof copy for Review. UK Release 27/4/21.
Jane Austen meets Erin Morgenstern in this sweeping romance. Silvia Moreno Garcia has done it again. Another beautifully written story with lyrical writing and a gloriously glamours setting.
Told from multiple perspectives which really helps push the story along nicely. Mainly characters driven. Silvia is crazy talented and has quickly become an auto-buy author for me, her versatility is mind blowing how she can write all these different genres without missing a beat. Beautiful romantic read.
Jane Austen meets Erin Morgenstern in this sweeping romance. Silvia Moreno Garcia has done it again. Another beautifully written story with lyrical writing and a gloriously glamours setting.
Told from multiple perspectives which really helps push the story along nicely. Mainly characters driven. Silvia is crazy talented and has quickly become an auto-buy author for me, her versatility is mind blowing how she can write all these different genres without missing a beat. Beautiful romantic read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Bullying, and Toxic relationship
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