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raynireads 's review for:
The Beautiful Ones
by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Wow, I loved this book!
First thoughts after finishing:
I need to read every book by this author +
I need to read more books like this
What hooked me into reading The Beautiful Ones was hearing it described as Jane Austen vibes x telekinesis x suuuuuper slow burn romance and yes, yes it was all those things and more in the most wonderful way (though I’d argue the “super slow burn romance” is more one “u” in “super” than five, if it requires a “super” at all).
I love character driven books, I love fantasy, I love historical fiction, and I love romance. This was a win.
I’m sure some people will find this book boring, but as in Jane Austen, it doesn’t require some epic battle plot or the like to make it engaging, even if it is “fantasy.” The character interactions and the setting alone are enough to keep me invested. In addition to Jane Austen, this book also reminded me of the slice of life and subtle magic in Studio Ghibli movies.
My only complaint is that I would have liked Valerie to have a little more depth, or I at least think the story would have benefited from exploring her and Hector’s past romance more in depth rather than through those characters thinking about it and the readers being told about it. I think it would have made for a more impactful emotional punch (and perhaps some torn feelings?) if we were made to like their romance before we get invested in the one between Hector and Nina.
That being said, I adored the romance between Hector and Nina. And Nina! What a lovely and genuine character. I appreciated how she wasn’t fitting the all too common mold of “modern feminist character/girl boss in period piece.” The first meeting between the two is also wonderful. Hector comes off as a bit of a jerk and from his reflections about Nina and the situation, you just can’t wait to see him get punched in the face with feelings for her.
I must also add, though it is not exactly a complaint, I thought the telekinesis and magic would play a larger role in the story. It might have been nice to have more scenes featuring Hector helping Nina develop her abilities, but I also kind of love how the telekinesis is just part of the world without being the focus.
I was in such a reading slump (I used to be an avid reader and then turned into someone who, though was reading lots of stories in other formats, didn’t read more than a few books per year) and The Beautiful Ones reignited my passion for books. I was enjoying every moment and looking for my next book (or two, or three) while I was reading. This one will stick with me for a long time. Perhaps a new favorite.
First thoughts after finishing:
I need to read every book by this author +
I need to read more books like this
What hooked me into reading The Beautiful Ones was hearing it described as Jane Austen vibes x telekinesis x suuuuuper slow burn romance and yes, yes it was all those things and more in the most wonderful way (though I’d argue the “super slow burn romance” is more one “u” in “super” than five, if it requires a “super” at all).
I love character driven books, I love fantasy, I love historical fiction, and I love romance. This was a win.
I’m sure some people will find this book boring, but as in Jane Austen, it doesn’t require some epic battle plot or the like to make it engaging, even if it is “fantasy.” The character interactions and the setting alone are enough to keep me invested. In addition to Jane Austen, this book also reminded me of the slice of life and subtle magic in Studio Ghibli movies.
My only complaint is that I would have liked Valerie to have a little more depth, or I at least think the story would have benefited from exploring her and Hector’s past romance more in depth rather than through those characters thinking about it and the readers being told about it. I think it would have made for a more impactful emotional punch (and perhaps some torn feelings?) if we were made to like their romance before we get invested in the one between Hector and Nina.
That being said, I adored the romance between Hector and Nina. And Nina! What a lovely and genuine character. I appreciated how she wasn’t fitting the all too common mold of “modern feminist character/girl boss in period piece.” The first meeting between the two is also wonderful. Hector comes off as a bit of a jerk and from his reflections about Nina and the situation, you just can’t wait to see him get punched in the face with feelings for her.
I must also add, though it is not exactly a complaint, I thought the telekinesis and magic would play a larger role in the story. It might have been nice to have more scenes featuring Hector helping Nina develop her abilities, but I also kind of love how the telekinesis is just part of the world without being the focus.
I was in such a reading slump (I used to be an avid reader and then turned into someone who, though was reading lots of stories in other formats, didn’t read more than a few books per year) and The Beautiful Ones reignited my passion for books. I was enjoying every moment and looking for my next book (or two, or three) while I was reading. This one will stick with me for a long time. Perhaps a new favorite.