Reviews

The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

la_ravenreader's review against another edition

4.0

An endearing story about a young girl named Nina who is trying to find her place in society. Under her cousin's wife Valerie's uncaring wing, she is taught the proper way to navigate life in the city as a "beautiful one". All the white all Nina cares about is her insects and mastering her power. Enter Hector, a performer who shares her talent and helps her better handle it. It is an amazing story of love and heartache.

bethanylauren's review against another edition

emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

chelyely's review against another edition

5.0

Nostalgic

I have yet to read something by Silvia that I don’t like.
This reminds me of the old school telenovelas, full of secrets and agnst and passion and sadness and just so much. She has a touch of magic that captures you and keeps you glued to the pages. Such vivid description it is like being transported and seeing the story played out in real life.

totoreo's review

emotional hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

lentilkong's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A fun read with beautiful ambience, but not too deep! The characters and plot are soapy and predictable yet well executed. The vibes were great, but I wish there had been more emotional depth to the book. 

adajaa's review against another edition

Trying again later

furs's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

marimaraujo's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

keatonschmidt's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

liketheverb's review against another edition

4.0

In true Belle Époque fashion, The Beautiful Ones is the tale of a darling country girl from a wealthy family who moves into the city of Losail for her first Grand Season. In this brave new world, Nina Beaulieu must navigate the lion's den of the bourgeoisie all the while trying to master her telekinetic abilities while under the scrutiny of the wealthy elite. Surrounded by deceitful vipers, Nina must tread carefully as she searches for a suitable husband. Placing her trust in the wrong people, Nina suffers treachery and heartbreak at the hands of her family and friends, and must overcome her own troubles in order to find happiness.

I didn't think I was going to enjoy this book, and definitely not as much as I did. Silvia's enchanting characters, enticing imagery, and exceptional prose enraptures the reader in a unique story with a familiar feel. A delightful balance of heartbreak and happiness, of romance and repugnance, of devotion and deceit, The Beautiful Ones was an afternoon well-spent, and is worth a read when it's published later this month.