What a treat to read my first book by the author, breakout star with MEXICAN GOTHIC, Amazon’s #1 Best Seller in gothic fiction. It’s a new genre for me, a welcome relief from WWII novels ad infinitum. Stunning writing, a mesmerizing love triangle, heartbreak, magic, and more make THE BEAUTIFUL ONES unputdownable. And what about that cover?

5 of 5 Stars
Pub Date 11 May 2021
#TheBeautifulOnes #NetGalley

Thanks to the author, Macmillan-Tor/Forge, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.

Evoking the yearning angsty love of a Bronte novel, ‘The Beautiful Ones’ by Silvia Moreno-Garcia had me enthralled from the first page with its lyrical descriptions, sharply defined characters, and a sprinkle of magic for spice. The story winds around and upon itself as each chapter shifts focus to another point of view, from naive Nina to heartsick Hector to venomous Valérie, and I felt all the angst and the yearning and the betrayal, as well as the satisfaction of the resolution and ultimate revenge. This novel is gorgeous, indulgent, and indeed a beautiful one.

Aristocracy, passion, betrayal, and rear telekinetic powers- The Beautiful Ones is a mix of regency romance and science-fiction. Antonina “Nina” Beaulieu has set her eyes on Hector Auvray, someone who is below her station but shares the same telekinetic powers as herself. Hector has a past with a member of Nina’s family. Hector had once been engaged to her cousin's wife, Valérie, and no one is aware of their former connection. Secrets and ulterior motives create societal scandal in a time where gossip can destroy a young woman’s life.

Silvia Moreno-Garcia has a very unique writing style that was easy to visualize, and I liked how the point of view switched between the three main characters. I did not, however, connect with any of the characters, which made it difficult to become invested in this book.

Valérie was cold hearted, manipulative, and somewhat bitter about where she had ended up in life. Nina was naive, slow, and also not very fun to read about. Hector was little better, especially because he used Nina as an excuse to visit Valérie, his childhood sweetheart who had since gotten married. Quite honestly, it was a mess. It did get better towards the end, but it seemed to take forever to get there.

If the plot had been interesting, it might have made The Beautiful Ones a more compelling read. However, it largely centered around the three aforementioned characters in a maligned love triangle. The psychokinetic subplot did little to redeem the tedious storyline.

As I mentioned earlier, I did appreciate how descriptive the writing style was. The Beautiful Ones was very well written and edited, and there was something compulsively readable about it. I’d tentatively compare this novel to The Great Gatsby, and I know there will definitely be readers out there that will enjoy this book.

I received an ARC of this book curtesy of Netgalley and the publisher, opinions are my own.

I love Silvia Moreno Garcia’s books! I really do! If I had a chance to give Gods of Jade and Shadow or Mexican Gothic ten shiny stars I would do it instantly!

When I read the blurb which excited me about its paranormal vibes ( since I’ve read Carrie when I was 13, my special interest about telekinesis has been growing for years) and romance parts made me intrigued!

But... this book’s genre is closer to historical telenovella. Most of the book is about love triangle. My favorite heroine Nina was kind hearted, quirky, witty, cheery, innocent, naive character. As Valerie and Hector met 10 years ago, engaged, parted their ways when Valerie decided to save her family from debt by marrying Gaetan. And Hector returns back Louisal to see her one more time to change her mind , rekindling their love story but Valerie cares more about her reputation. She doesn’t want to be gossip material, losing her position at societal hierarchy by divorcing her husband. So Hector decides to charm Gaetan’s young cousin who is also our main character Nina to be closer to the Valerie!

As you may imagine I hate the direction of the story because I already invested in Nina. I also hate to read POV’s Valerie: she was cynical, unhappy, whiny, selfish cutthroat bitch from the beginning. I didn’t care she left her love of life to save her family. I’m not so sure this manipulative, calculating character can love a person properly.

I also hated Hector and his intentions about Nina but thankfully his change of heart earned him several brownie points which help me to erase his cumulative punching points.

The story starts Antonia “Nina” Beauliau’s attended to a ball to meet young proper gentlemen candidates to get marry. She meets with Hector Auvrey who is telekinetic performer. Nina has also that kind of power which gave her bad reputation, resulted in people’s calling her witch when she was just a little girl. She talks and dances with Hector all night and as Hector learns his love of his life married to Nina’s cousin, he sees this as an opportunity to reconnect with Valerie by befriending this awkward girl.

At first it starts as a part of vengeance plan. Hector thinks by marrying with Nina , he can break avenge Valerie’s betrayal. But as he starts to spend more time Nina for sharpening her telekinesis powers by showing how to control them, their relationship slowly blooms. But Valerie has no intention to let them ride into the sunset.

Overall: I didn’t like this book as much as the author’s previous works:

It was too long, repetitive, melodramatic and full of cliches!

I didn’t like to read Valerie’s POV: she was vindictive, unlikable, very very punchable character!

Paranormality didn’t take much place at the story. I wanted to see more juicy, exciting chapters: like Nina moves entire sharp objects with her eyes to chase Valerie’s ass out of the town!

So I’m rounding up 2.5 starts to 3 for the love of Nina and Hector! But I’m a little disappointed. After seeing this remarkable cover ( actually the artist Ms Moreno works is amazing! I adore all of her book covers!) I was expecting something more mind blowing! But I’m still do hopeful about her other upcoming book! Fingers crossed!

Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan/ Tor- Forge for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.