the beautiful series in order renee ahdieh

But within hours of meeting her, the members casually reveal that they are more than human – and then that’s it. Withholding information makes sense: she’s new to the city, new to the Court of Lions, and as a stranger wouldn’t be told all their secrets. To back up a little bit, the vast majority of this story is told from Celine’s point of view. I feel like I can’t even discuss the true conflict at the center of the book because it isn’t revealed until the last 30 pages, and that in and of itself is the problem. Unfortunately, for some unknown reason, the author chose to keep that premise buried in vague allusions and withheld information, blocking from view anything that would have made this book truly interesting and a worthy and engaging read. There is an excellent premise at the core of THE BEAUTIFUL, one that could have beguiled me for pages and pages. Celine must figure out why these murders are being committed, and what they have to do with the Court of Lions, before she ends up the next victim. But mingling with the Court of Lions (and in particular, with their leader Sébastian) comes with risks, for soon a string of murders are being committed across the city, and they seem to be happening to people connected to Celine. But within days of arrival, Celine finds herself crossing paths with members of the mysterious Court of Lions, men and women from all walks of life who defy society and live by their own rules, and who seem to possess an unearthly power.

Fleeing a murder she committed in self-defense, she’s come to the New World to lead a quite, demure life and find herself a husband. When Celine arrives in New Orleans in 1872, having traversed the ocean from Paris, she’s hoping for a new lease on life. Note: I was given a free ARC by the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.

The beautiful series in order renee ahdieh