Let me introduce you to my new favorite book: THE BEAUTIFUL ONES by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. I previously read her other book, Mexican Gothic, which I loved, and yet she still continues to amaze me with her writing, especially with this one. 

The Beautiful Ones are society’s elite and this Grand Season is Nina’s chance to join them. Yet even with the help of her cousin, Gaétan, and his cunning wife, Valérie, Nina fails to make an impression and what’s expected of her. It doesn’t help either that she has been called the Witch of Oldhouse due to her attempts at controlling her telekinesis. When Nina meets entertainer, Hector Auvray, she feels she has finally found a kindred spirit. Hector shares the same telekinetic ability as Nina and helps her harness her gift through their newfound friendship. The closer they grow, however, soon brings to light the true intent of Hector’s courtship of Nina and how the past could affect their blossoming relationship.

Captivating is one word I can use to describe this book. Silvia Moreno-Garcia is seriously one of the best writers of our time. I felt it with Mexican Gothic and it’s further solidified with this book. She has a way with words and every sentence immediately grabs you at every page, with characters and a story that is just as rich and compelling as they are written. Reading The Beautiful Ones felt reminiscent of classic literature that could have been inspired by The Age of Innocence, Persuasion, The Great Gatsby, with very slight touches of The Prestige, Stranger Things, and even Bridgerton, but turned into its own story.

Hector and Nina. Even now I’m still not over them. Both characters were so developed and truly grew between Part One and Two, and how it all came together had me floored. I pined for them just as they did for each other, from their unrequited to requited attraction. I even loved the telekinesis element. I’m sure there’s much that could be analyzed about it, but I loved how it was utilized. The other characters as well were great, even Valérie, who I absolutely despised but also felt sorry for.

This was utterly gorgeous, impeccable, immaculate *chef’s kiss*