This was a really good book! I normally don’t get into books about vampires, or werewolves, but this was a fantastic exception. I love the characters and loved how they all interacted and grew in front of my eyes. The author really did heavy, lifting on character development, and it shows! definitely looking forward to more of the books in this series to follow Celine and Bastien’s misdeeds and future!

What a wonderful book!

The beautiful is as the title says filled at it's very core with beautiful writing. While slow paced, this novel gives the reader a chance to take in the world and it's characters through luscious descriptions, and a vibe of mystery that will have you unable to put the book down.

The characters are so unique with interesting backstories that had me feeling care and connected with the throughout the entire book

Celine Rousseau has left her life as a dressmaker in Paris to start over in the New World. She is brought to the convent of the Ursulines in New Orleans. It is 1872 and the Crescent City already has her reputation of the haunted city, full of paranormal activity. On her way to the convent, she crosses paths with Sebastien Saint Germain, a very mysterious being that leads her to the Court of Lions. I loved the mystique, the flamboyant characters, the forbidden romance, and I absolutely lived how Celine was aware of her attraction to the darkness, yet she befriended the sweetest mist genuine girl of the convent: Pippa. I loved the way the story ended, and I was super excited to get a sneak peek of the second book of the series. I really want to continue reading this series. Author Renée Ahdieh did a wonderful job encapsulating the vibe of the city of New Orleans and gave us a strong, fun, and multi-faceted protagonist within Miss Celine Rousseau.
Give me more of The Beautiful!

Thank you Net Galley and Putnam for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I have seen so many good things written about Renée Ahdieh and her beautiful writing and books, so of course I was excited to dive into her work and see what's there. This will not be a very long review because the one big thing that became very clear to me basically the second I started "The Beautiful" ist that I understand why Ahdieh has her fans, but she is not the author for me.

The prose is very, and I mean VERY purple all throughout, and I don't mind a good dose of purple actually, I quite enjoy it. But here, I couldn't even really follow the plot because the writing was distracting and felt, to me, like an example of "trying way too hard to make the writing seem grandiose and elegant" while failing at it. It's not organic, it doesn't serve the story.
The story in this is rather minimal to begin with. There really isn't that much happening, especially in the first half. Add to that my distaste for genuinely every single character - including our protagonist Céline, whose personality consists mostly of being appalled by the injustices and inegality women have to face on about every page because she has the morals of the 21st century while living in the 19th (which, admittedly, she shares with way too many ya historical/historical fantasy protagonists) and acts SO REBELLIOUS because of it. The side characters are barely characters, and the love interest wants to be an alluring bad boy character so badly but he really isn't. The romance lacks a good foundation and actual chemistry.

Basically, I didn't care at all about anyone and anything which disappointed me so much because the premise of this book is so good, actually: 19th century New Orleans and vampires is a delicious combination. But nothing worked for me and I was bored most of the time, starting to skim early on but trying my best to get through it because I WANTED it to get better and wow me.

But as I said, I'm not the target audience and the author's general writing style just doesn't work for me. I cannot give this more than 2 stars, but I did like the setting at least so there's that.

I was excited to read this one, between the setting (New Orleans) , the YA love triangle, the gothic vibes and vampires this book seemed like the ultimate guilty pleasure.

I would say that this book is good but not great. The slow pacing and purple prose made me quick to loose interest. I would consider trying other titles by this author, but this one just wasn’t for me.

Thank you to Penguin for providing me with an eARC of this book to read and review.

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.

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.