Book Review: “The Beautiful Ones” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

I really liked Gods of Jade and Shadow (2019), and thought this story might be more of the same. But this isn’t related at all, except by Moreno-Garcia’s style.

This is a romantic story about a wedding.  Not generally my cup of tea.  But Moreno-Garcia made it work for me, even though there is a lot more detail about dresses and home décor than I really need, or even am able to follow.

In this fantastic land that feels like nineteenth century Latin America only way more magical, the Beautiful Ones are the wealthy socialites who dominate the city and countryside with their wealth, power, and complicated rules.

And, of course, the “Beautiful Ones” aren’t, and the outcasts are the real beautiful people.

Young Nina is wealthy, but she is a country girl more interested in beetles than bonnets.  She is sent to the city for the Season, to find husband.  Nina also has psychokinetic powers, which she hasn’t really mastered.

Hector is a professional performer, with fabulously developed psychokinetic powers.  Nina has read about him in a scientific journal. (Nina reads.)

These two are made for each other, no?

Obviously, life is not that simple.  Stuff happens.

Nina’s protector, Valerie, jilted Hector long ago, and that connection lingers.  Is Hector using Nina to get back to Valerie?  Is Valerie using Nina for her own Beautiful Ones games?  Can Nina and Hector work it out, despite everything?

Overall, it’s a charming story.  I liked it.

And, of course, the “Beautiful Ones” aren’t, and the outcasts are the real beautiful people.

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1. Silvia Moreno-Garcia, The Beautiful Ones. TOR, New York, 2021.

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