The Beautiful Ones

In a Belle Epoque—inspired setting, the author of Signal to Noise and Certain Dark Things tries her hand at romance with excellent results. Hector Auvray, a world-renowned telekinetic performer, has returned to the posh city of Loisail after years away with one purpose in mind—to see Valérie Beaulieu, his former fiancée, who broke their engagement to marry for money and security instead of the passionate love they shared. He decides to court Antonina Beaulieu, Valérie's husband's young country cousin, who has telekinetic powers of her own and doesn't quite fit in during her first Grand Season. Unaware of the part that she is playing in the bigger plot, the curious and awkward Antonina falls for the mysterious Hector, especially because he accepts her abilities. This novel of manners presents carefully crafted characters with nuanced motivations to rival any Thomas Hardy classic. Moreno-Garcia adeptly captures the ecstatic highs of first love and the bitter disappointments of first heartbreak. Hints of the paranormal and dashes of adventure and feminism are subtly interwoven, making for an unforgettable work.