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nadiko's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
Such a disappointment. The story is boring, derivative, predictable, underdeveloped, with tired cliches and characters that could be cardboard cutouts, poorly edited and with a generous sprinkle of misogyny. Ugh.
The author can write very well, I don't know what happened here.
The author can write very well, I don't know what happened here.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny
esme_may's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Such a good read! Not without its flaws (a little slow paced at first) but the author can really write a good sentence. Found myself underlining things all over the place! Going to read more from her for sure. The more I think about this book the more I like it
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Sexism, Grief, Gun violence, Misogyny, Violence, Abandonment, and Classism
Minor: Alcohol, Murder, Pregnancy, and Sexual content
frogsreadfantasy's review
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
mooshake's review
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
thestarfly's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A wonderful book if you're a fan of Jane Austen and Fantasy. The plot is quite predictable, but in a comforting and familiar way. The fantasy/telekinetic elements are an interesting angle.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Infidelity and Sexism
Minor: Bullying, Mental illness, Misogyny, Grief, and Confinement
allisonwonderlandreads'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
caidyn's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Not my favorite by this author, but I still so enjoyed it. I'd been hoping for a creepy read since it is the season. Yet, it's more like a family drama and a period piece full of classism and sexism. An enjoyable read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Misogyny, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
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