Thank you to Penguin Teen for a copy of this book in exchange for a review. I Really enjoyed this one. I’ve found myself returning to Vampire fiction this year, but in more gothic style novels then past vampire books I’ve read *cough cough* Twilight. And I’m not mad about coming back to this kind of genre. What can I say… I love a vampy novel and this book was a good start to a series I hope to read more of.

Reading this book was one of the strangest experiences I've had in recent times as a reader.

I started it super excited because I had seen VERY good opinions. When I started reading it didn't excite me as much, it didn't hook me as much as I thought it would, and then (more than halfway through the book) I couldn't put it down and when it was over I said "I need the second one NOW." Yes, all that in one book. At one point I even thought about putting it off and leaving it. Luckily I didn't.

Hermosa eternidad or in English The Beautiful (What would that translation be?) is a fantasy book that advances very slowly where we gradually get to know the protagonists, where several events happen but that seem isolated or that do not end up connecting. Maybe it didn't grab me at a good time of year or I simply couldn't connect with the way it was written, but on many occasions I found it difficult to continue reading.

I liked both protagonists, Celine especially for her way of being and facing things. I liked that it is set in 1872, in New Orleans. I LOVED that ending.

Personally, I feel that this book is the tip of the iceberg and that the author has much more to show us, I trust that. And with that confidence I will be waiting to read the second one.

Thank you PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, Nancy Paulsen Books for the digital copy I read on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved everything about this story. The world building was great, I really felt like I was there. The characters were interesting and the plot held my attention. Can't wait to read book 2 to see what happens next.

This was a great start to this series, it had everything that I enjoyed from the vampire genre. The characters felt like they were meant to be in this universe and were written perfectly. Renée Ahdieh has a great writing style and can’t wait for more.

I have been provided with a review copy of The Beautiful from NetGalley for an impartial review. This book was just so easy to get lost in. I completely got lost in the story and I just loved getting to see these new characters come together. I just absolutely love this story and I just didn’t want to put it down. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

This one started out fairly well, despite the tiny print on my e-version provided by NetGalley. I loved the bits of French interspersed in the text, most of which I could translate with my limited knowledge of the language (although most were translated for me, some were not). The pace was pretty quick, but the character development was weak. I felt like I was coming into the middle of a series rather than the first book.

This was a slow start for me, but I eventually got so sucked into this book that I was legitimately shrieking by the end. Speaking of which, I’m immediately going to jump into book #2, so I think that speaks volumes about my feelings towards this book. It was SO ANGSTY, which isn’t for everyone, but I ATE. THAT. SHIT. UP. I love books that sort of sneak up on you like this one did. Overall, while I wouldn’t call this a new favorite, I did have a ton of fun reading this, and I’m so excited to continue the series!

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"The Beautiful" by Renée Ahdieh is a lush and captivating young adult novel that revives the allure of vampire fiction with a fresh and romantic twist. Set in the vibrant and mysterious backdrop of 1872 New Orleans, the story follows Celine Rousseau, a seventeen-year-old French immigrant who finds herself entangled in a dangerous underworld far beyond her imagination.

Ahdieh's New Orleans is a character in its own right, teeming with life, culture, and a palpable sense of the supernatural. The city's rich history and diverse influences are woven into the narrative, creating a setting that is both enchanting and eerie. Celine, as a protagonist, is compelling and relatable. Her struggle to find a place in this new world, coupled with the dark secrets of her past, makes her journey intriguing.

The novel shines in its depiction of the vampire underworld, particularly the enigmatic La Cour des Lions and its leader, Sébastien Saint Germain. Ahdieh successfully reinvents vampire lore, blending traditional elements with new, intriguing twists. The romantic tension between Celine and Sébastien is electric, adding a layer of intrigue and passion to the story.

One of the strengths of "The Beautiful" is Ahdieh's prose, which is rich and evocative. She captures the essence of a Gothic novel while maintaining a modern sensibility that will resonate with today's readers. The mystery at the heart of the story, involving the deaths of girls from the convent and Sébastien's possible involvement, is well-crafted and keeps the reader guessing.

However, the novel goes beyond just a paranormal romance. It delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the moral complexities of survival. Celine's internal conflicts and the choices she must make add depth to the narrative, making it more than just a tale of forbidden love.

"The Beautiful" is a strong start to what promises to be an enthralling series. It is perfect for fans of vampire fiction and readers looking for a YA novel that combines romance, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. Ahdieh's skillful storytelling and rich character development make this book a standout in its genre, offering a story that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! No spoilers. Beyond amazing I enjoyed this book so very much. The characters and storyline were fantastic. The ending I did not see coming Could not put down nor did I want to. Truly Amazing and appreciated the whole story. This is going to be a must read for many many readers. Maybe even a book club pick.

This was a spellbinding journey through the enthralling and mysterious streets of 1872 New Orleans. Celine Rousseau, is a 17-year old who is running from her past in Paris. She finds herself entangled in the allure of a city ruled by the dead. The novel is full of historical intrigue, romance and even supernatural elements. There was even a murder mystery element that adds a bit of a plot twist.

The city was a vivid picture painted in my mind full of life and secrets. The portrayal of New Orleans as a safe haven for Celine, adds depth to the narrative, and the incorporation of the Ursuline convent and the underworld of La Cour des Lions adds layers of complexity to the story. The characters were well developed; the internal struggles and battles keep a tension that made me keep turning the pages.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

The vibe of The Beautiful gives me pre-Twilight vampire/werewolf feels and I'm absolutely here for it. The prose is slow and beautiful. This is not a fast paced action book, but one that slowly introduces you into a world full of mystery and danger while setting the building blocks for the characters. I really enjoyed the mystery aspect of it. It was done well enough that I had to change my theories a few times. I can see how the book can be frustrating for some as there is very little explaination given as to who/what are the Fallen and the Brotherhood. It is only towards the end that we are given an inkling of what they all might be. I found this added to my overall enjoyment, however. I look forward to what The Damned will bring.

My only complaint is with the potential love triangle that is being set up.. mostly from the side of Michael. The build up between Sebastian and Celine is slight, but there. With Michael it feels very out of no where and I had to go back and re-read parts just to make sure I didn't miss little connection moments.

3.5 stars

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was incredibly difficult to get into, the beginning/setup was very slow. I did like it much more towards the end and I may read the next book just to see if it’s pace is better.

The story begins in 1872 in New Orleans, where Celine Rousseau has just arrived from Paris, France. She finds shelter in the Ursuline convent with six other girls, with the nuns intent on finding suitable matches for them.

Celine is drawn to the French Quarter, where she encounters a mysterious underground society called La Cour des Lions. She finds herself unable to resist the secretive leader of the group, Sébastien Saint Germain, who meets all the young adult book criteria for the irresistible bad boy.

Meanwhile, bodies drained of blood are being discovered, and Celine is determined to find out what is going on. The handsome lead detective on the case, Michael Grimaldi, keeps thwarting her efforts however. Then there is Bastien, yet another bad boy who interacts with Celine.

If you like young romance and its accompanying angst combined with the supernatural and set in a magical place like New Orleans, you will be eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Well this one was just a tad disappointing, it wasn’t really a vampire story and thankfully I knew that as I had seen some other reviews mention it. I liked the main characters story and her arc was super interesting but I felt that the world building and pacing of the book made me not enjoy the book as much as I could have. Overall though the story was engaging enough and I’m intrigued with the ending to keep reading this series, perfect timing as the last book in the series just came out this week.

Thanks to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for the ebook copy in exchange for an honest review

Loved!! This book was so good. I can't wait to continue reading the series. I've always loved a good vampire story and this did not disappoint. The love story between Bastian and Celinei sso good. I can't wait to see what happens. It so well written and easy to read. Thank you for the chance to read this one. Will most definitely be getting the next book asap.

This was a bit of a tough one for me, as I enjoyed the novel - and will for sure pick up the next ones in the series - but it wasn’t quite the home run I expected. First, I absolutely love Renee Ahdieh’s writing style, she combines beautiful prose with rich settings and characters. Unfortunately some parts of the story were slow. Ahdieh excels when she is developing characters, especially under uncertain circumstances, and that was the case with The Beautiful.

New Orleans + vampires + a budding friendship + some very warm attraction … this book should have been absolutely wonderful. It fell a bit flat in the storytelling. The premise went on too long, the juicy bits were too tame, and the absolutely lovely parts (the relationship growth between the main female character and her bestie, as well as the main female character and her love interest) were farther between than I would have preferred.

I look forward to the next one, but will take a break in between.

This is one that lived up to the hype! What a great book. I love vampires and this one was a really fun read on them.

“Rage is a moment. Regret is forever.”

“The Beautiful” by Renée Ahdieh is a YA book about Celine. Celine Rousseau, a seventeen-year-old girl, runs to New Orleans to get away from her life in Paris. Now living with the sisters of the Ursuline Covent, she is in raptures by the night life of her new city. That awe she is absorbed in leads her to Sébastien Saint Germain. Sébastien, a mysterious man who runs the underground group that Celine falls into. When murders start happening around her Celine must decide who she can trust.

I absolutely loved this book. The aesthetic of luxury and darkness was so good. Celine and her relationship with the “good guy” could have had more time for me to be conflicted by her choice between the love interests but I think the next book will probably go into that relationship more. I loved the characters and how they reacted to each other, and I love the imagery of excess luxury foiled with dark and dirty murders. I will definitely be reading the next book. 5 out of 5 stars.

-Beautiful Cover
-Morally Grey MMC
-Forbidden Romance
-Magic

I went into this book blindly, which I always find to be the best way with a lot of books.
I have had this novel on my tbr for the longest time and so happy to finally mark it off.
The beginning was a little slow for me but the author is an amazing writer which kept me intrigued. Details were perfect, character layout was perfect. It was a good adventure.
Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to read this novel!

This is a book about vampires. But not sparkly vampires, more like “Interview with a Vampire” vampires. They are not hiding- they blend seamlessly into society.
I like that Celine is bold, especially for the time period. As much as I tried to piece together who the killer was I didn’t have a clue! I hated the ending but only because I think I see what’s being set up and I’m ready to confirm if I’m right. I have books two and three ready to go.