Book Blurb:
New York Times bestselling author Renée Ahdieh returns with a sumptuous, sultry and romantic new series set in 19th century New Orleans where vampires hide in plain sight.
In 1872, New Orleans is a city ruled by the dead. But to seventeen-year-old Celine Rousseau, New Orleans provides her a refuge after she's forced to flee her life as a dressmaker in Paris. Taken in by the sisters of the Ursuline convent along with six other girls, Celine quickly becomes enamored with the vibrant city from the music to the food to the soirées and—especially—to the danger. She soon becomes embroiled in the city's glitzy underworld, known as La Cour des Lions, after catching the eye of the group's leader, the enigmatic Sébastien Saint Germain. When the body of one of the girls from the convent is found in the lair of La Cour des Lions, Celine battles her attraction to him and suspicions about Sébastien's guilt along with the shame of her own horrible secret.
When more bodies are discovered, each crime more gruesome than the last, Celine and New Orleans become gripped by the terror of a serial killer on the loose—one Celine is sure has set her in his sights . . . and who may even be the young man who has stolen her heart. As the murders continue to go unsolved, Celine takes matters into her own hands and soon uncovers something even more shocking: an age-old feud from the darkest creatures of the underworld reveals a truth about Celine she always suspected simmered just beneath the surface.
At once a sultry romance and a thrilling murder mystery, master storyteller Renée Ahdieh embarks on her most potent fantasy series yet: The Beautiful.
Find out more about the book on Goodreads
Ms. Ahdieh was nice enough to answer a few questions to help up get to know her character Odette
SBS: What house would Odette be sorted into if she attended Hogwarts and why?
Renée: Odette would definitely be a Ravenclaw . . . with a dash of Hufflepuff thrown in for good measure. When she loves, she loves fiercely, but as a Ravenclaw, she would be the first to admit that love itself is often irrational.
SBS: What or who was your motivation for the character of Odette?
Renée: I am so lucky to have so many wonderful women around me, many of whom I’m even luckier to call friend. So much of what I love in them manages to work its way into any female friendships I write. That sense of belonging and trust—of complete safety—is the thing I love most about my girlfriends. I am extremely fortunate to have them for inspiration.
SBS: If the Beautiful was made into a movie, what actress would you want playing the role of Odette?
Renée: I am soooooo bad at casting people! Someone with the personality of Jennifer Lawrence would be fantastic. When I see Odette in my mind, I think of someone who resembles Eva Green, with that same fantastic smirk.
SBS: Did you always know what path Odette would walk in the story or did her character surprise you?
Renée: Odette was always so clear in my mind. It isn’t often that a character springs into being with so many layers and facets. I knew exactly what I wanted to do with her the moment she stepped foot on the page, and I love that about her.
SBS: What would Odette’s favorite New Orleans restaurant be?
Renée: Odette is a decadent creature, first and foremost. Of the modern restaurants I love, she would probably enjoy Herbsaint or Compère Lapin the most. Definitely something with truffles.
You can catch up with Renée on Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
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