The way she describes the food and fashion of the time is absolutely mesmerizing. You can tell Renee Ahdieh did her research when writing this book. There is a benefit to the denseness of her writing- it really, really helps set the scene and make the setting feel alive. If you’ve read Renee Ahdieh, this will be no surprise to you (in fact, I think her writing has gotten even better than previous books), but if you’re coming into this expecting something easy to jump into, you’ll be disappointed.

However, the reason I think the writing might be a downside to some people, is that it’s a little dense. While I loved each perspective, I think the mystery murderer was the most interesting (plus they quoted Aida so I love them now). The majority of the book is in 3rd person, following Celine and Bastien, but there are 1st person chapters interjected, told from the point of view of the mystery murderer. The prose is elegant, while still including fun banter between the characters and interesting asides. If you’re familiar with Renee Ahdieh’s books, then you know her writing style. There are two aspects of this book that I think are causing people to not enjoy it.

I promise I will never forget you.” Writing & Setting

I watch as you step into my web.īut do not fear. The Damned, Renée’s latest installment in The Beautiful series is just as decadent, thrilling, and mysterious as her last, as she continues her most potent fantasy series yet.“I am the spider. And just as Bastien and Celine begin to uncover the danger around them, they learn their love could tear them apart. And she doesn’t know she has inadvertently set into motion a chain of events that could lead to her demise and unveil a truth about herself she’s not ready to learn.įorces hiding in the shadows have been patiently waiting for this moment. Still recovering from injuries sustained during a night she can’t quite remember, her dreams are troubled. The price of loving Celine was costly.īut Celine has also paid a high price for loving Bastien. The treaty between the Fallen and the Brotherhood has been broken, and war between the immortals seems imminent. New York Times bestselling author Renée Ahdieh returns with the second installment of her new sumptuous, sultry and romantic series, The Beautiful.įollowing the events of The Beautiful, Sébastien Saint Germain is now cursed and forever changed.

Renee ahdieh the beautiful