The Illusionist meets Jane Austen in this historical inspired novel with a speculative twist. A performer with telekinetic abilities returns to see his first love, now married, only to court her cousin by marriage in order to spend more time with her. A novel of manners and a novel of errors. I loved the blending of a fictional historical setting with speculative elements in the background, the extremely imperfect characters, the lush world building, and the voice. If you're coming to this one off of Moreno-Garcia's Mexican Gothic, you may be surprised by how different it is in terms of story, genre, and feel, but that is actually one of the things I love about her as an author-- how wide-ranging and far-reaching her skills as a storyteller are. In short: don't go into it expecting a Mexican Gothic, but just a really good book.

Because of the synopsis and the author I had hoped to like this book more than I did. The main characters Hector, Nina and Valerie were well drawn, but the pace of the writing was too slow, the book too long, and I quickly lost interest. I was also hoping for more of a supernatural/ magic element because of the characters telekinesis abilities.
Without giving too much away, when Nina goes to Hector in his rooms leaving her important event, I felt a sense of deja vu, like I’d read from this scene to the end of the book before, but I can’t remember where or why I feel this way.

I absolutely loved Mexican Gothic. I made it a selection for a book club that I host and sent a copy to my sister. So I was beyond thrilled to get an ARC of Silvia Moreno-Garcia's newest book. I was equally excited to hear that this book would be different from Mexican Gothic. I adore authors who can write different types of stories. This story was beautiful. I enjoyed it immensely.

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I didn’t really know what to expect going into it but I really did enjoy it in the end. The characters are very well written and the three different perspectives help the plot progress while keeping the book engaging.
That said, this book does go at a slower pace and i think it’s more enjoyable if you focus on the characters as you read the book.
The book was significantly more romance focused than I had realized but I did end up enjoying it. I think I really like the authors writing style and how she crafts her characters. I’m looking forward to the next book I can read from her (:
Review found at https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3725643107?book_show_action=false

Damn, I knew I was right to be excited about this book. It wasn't what I expected at all, but I was utterly enchanted, like, reading-on-the-subway-with-a-stupid-smile-on-my-face enchanted. I actually read half of this book in one day, reading into the night, so enamored I was. Moreno-Garcia has created captivating, vibrant characters in a novel written with grace and elegance.

Immediately upon beginning this book, I felt like I was reading a Jane Austen novel (well...I've only ever read a single Jane Austen novel, Pride & Prejudice, but you get the idea). This is fitting, considering the author, on her blog, describes this book as a novel of manners. According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, a novel of manners is "work of fiction that re-creates a social world, conveying with finely detailed observation the customs, values, and mores of a highly developed and complex society. The conventions of the society dominate the story, and characters are differentiated by the degree to which they measure up to the uniform standard, or ideal, of behaviour or fall below it."

To that end, the story is told from the perspectives of three very different characters: Hector, Nina, and Valerie. Hector is a telekinetic "talent" who has clawed his way out of poverty by becoming a stage performer. He is also, despite his aloof exterior, a shy romantic who has spent a decade pining for his first love, Valerie, who left him for a wealthier man. Valerie, the antagonist of the novel, is a bitter, jealous woman, shaped by her upbringing as the daughter of a family that has lost its former glory. Essentially guilted into marriage to a wealthy man who could uplift her family, Valerie is utterly resentful of Nina, who has a world of choices ahead of her. Nina, Valerie's cousin by marriage, is a budding entomologist who seems to have little regard for the social mores of the world she lives in. She is honest and straightforward, naive and somewhat impulsive, and she is, like Hector, a telekinetic who resents being told her powers are not "ladylike."

The story begins with Hector and Nina, in what I'm tempted to call a "meet cute." Soon after, Hector realizes that Nina is related to the woman he is still pining over, and he begins courting Nina as an excuse to see Valerie. However, eventually, in a beautifully written-slow burn romance, Hector begins to fall for Nina instead. With excellent craft and technique, Moreno-Garcia traces significant character development for all three of her main characters. Hector comes to see the error of his ways as he slowly opens up and allows himself to care for someone again. Nina sheds some of her gullibility and youth, yet retains the open-eyed wonder of an ingenue. Valerie grows more bitter and cruel by the chapter, yet the reader is not totally unsympathetic towards her fall from grace as she elucidates her disappointment with the turn her life has taken (she reminds me quite a bit of Cersei Lannister, actually...make of that what you will).

As I said, this novel was not what I expected. I thought I was going to read something heavy on the fantasy, and I was definitely left wanting in that arena. I would have liked more emphasis on world-building; it's not super clear whether this is meant to be a straight-up second world fantasy or some kind of alternate European country. In that same vein, I wish the existence of powers in this society had been expounded upon more, because for me it was fascinating to see telekinetics existing openly in a society that very closely resembled a mixture of early 20th century England and France. However, I do think that none of that was really the "point" of the novel; it's a story about love and relationships, with a touch of the fantasy element to add some color. I was reminded, in a way, of the film Another Earth, in which the fantastical (or sci-fi, in that case) elements were really only window-dressing to the overarching story of love, regret, and redemption.

Despite its underdevelopment, the touch of the fantastical definitely added to the story. Nina is made even more of an outsider because of it, having grown up under the epithet of "the Witch of Oldehouse." It has certainly shaped her character, perhaps even spurring her various acts of rebellion. In Hector I think she meets a kindred soul, a fellow telekinetic who has made something of himself because of his talent and not despite it. It is significant that Hector, I think, is the only person who never admonishes Nina for using her talent in public and being "unladylike." For all his flaws (and there are many, which is what makes him such a fascinating and likable character!), he respects Nina's autonomy and he loves her for who she is: an excitable, enthusiastic, and forthright young woman.

Minor characters were similarly endearing. Etienne, Hector's only friend, somehow manages to read him like a book, commenting wryly on Hector's various subtle changes of emotion throughout. Nina's sister, Marlena, is only around in a few scenes, but her love for her sister in those moments is clear and shining. Luc, Etienne's younger brother and would-be suitor for Nina at one point, is capricious and impetuous, but also childish in his innocence. Gaetan, Valerie's husband and Nina's beloved cousin, is seen as weak-willed and pathetic in his wife Valerie's eyes, but is shown to be a kind, indulgent, and forgiving man. Garcia-Moreno brings all of these characters to life in a narrative style that straddles third-person limited and third-person omniscient.

If it hasn't been clear amidst all this ebullient praise, I absolutely loved this book. I can see it as the kind of book to be read in schools one day as a classic, and I will definitely be recommending it for my library. More importantly, it has also inspired me as a writer. The vibrant characters, the deftly elegant writing style, the simple yet engaging plot - it has made me want to write my own novel of manners someday, in homage to this lovely book. 4.5 stars!

I went into this book as a huge fan of Mexican Gothic. I did read the author's warning that it was nothing like Mexican Gothic and I was a little nervous, but there was no need. The Beautiful Ones is such a lovely, whimsical, romantic story which such complex characters. I loved the magical realism element within the story and how something mentioned infrequently lines the plot out perfectly.

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.