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The Beautiful Ones #1

The Chosen Ones: The Chosen Ones

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I have known nothing but fear and death since the truth was I am a chosen one. For centuries we have been raised as food for those who need our life’s blood in order to survive. But I’m done being a pawn in the sick and twisted lives of the beautiful blood drinkers. Determined, I will do whatever it takes to end the reign of the beautiful ones. Fortunately, I’m not alone in this war. With the help of other escaped chosen ones, and the mysterious and stunning Thanatos, I will discover a way to destroy those who wish us harm. But first, I must give up everything that matters and do the hardest thing of all…learn to trust myself. They took my friends, my family, and will take my life if given the chance. I won’t let that happen. I am a chosen one. The Chosen Ones The Beautiful Free Short story Prequel The Chosen Book 1 The Forsaken Book 2 This books contains kissing, cursing and violence. It is best for ages 15 and up.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2014

166 people are currently reading
667 people want to read

About the author

Lori Brighton

26 books722 followers
As a child, thoughts of far-off places and adventure consistently kept Lori up late at night. After graduating high school, she came to the conclusion that there was no better way to seek adventure and nourish her love of history than to become an archaeologist. She went on to receive a degree in anthropology, but digging in the dirt during humid Midwestern summers wasn’t exactly as fun as she thought it would be.

Instead, she went to work in an air conditioned museum where she spent her days surrounded by creepy Victorian animal mounts. Still, she wasn’t satisfied.

Deciding the people in her imagination were slightly more exciting than the dead things in a museum basement, she set out to write her first romance novel. That book was soundly rejected. As was the next. Years went by and she began to wonder if she’d ever see her dream fulfilled. Until one day she came up with an idea for a book that brought together her love of history and adventure: a book now titled Wild Heart. Since Wild Heart's release, Lori has written Historical Romance, Contemporary Paranormal Romance and Young Adult.

Lori currently resides in the Southern U.S., where she juggles her time between a husband, a son, a golden retriever, a cat and the many, many people in her imagination.

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5 stars
389 (41%)
4 stars
327 (34%)
3 stars
168 (17%)
2 stars
41 (4%)
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21 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,847 reviews500 followers
September 16, 2017
I have very mixed feelings about this book and until the very end I'd decided to call it quits on the next one but....
The ending changed that and despite all my reservations I'm seriously considering continuing on.

With the help of Thanatos Jane has escaped and she now knows the truth, the chosen ones are food, the beautiful ones are vampires and as we'd worked out Thane is a dhampir.

I really like Thane I thought he was an intriguing character and I'd like to discover more about him my main problem was, most of the time (especially early on) I just didn't like Jane. She was annoying, whiny and incredibly childish at times although she did improve towards the end.

I'm aware that I'm way older than the target audience but I believe that despite the target age all book should live up to a certain standard and this didn't, there's a lot of mistakes and inconsistencies.



I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley and Season Publishing.
Profile Image for Grace.
80 reviews13 followers
December 31, 2014
It actually pains me not to give this 5 stars, as I did with the prequel. But when I think about it, I just can't bring myself to.

The prequel? AMAZING. This one? Almost amazing. It kills me, just a few changes and it would have been there. Here's why:

1. Too much romance. I loved the subtlety of this in The Beautiful Ones. It was obvious whom Jane shared chemistry with and I liked that it wasn't dwelled on for too long. From the beginning of this book I slowly started dreading . Honestly, some of the scenes with Jane and were interesting and intense, but a lot of the time I felt like her thoughts about him were redundant. She trusts him, she doesn't. He's fishy, he's not. I understand her confusion and why it was needed, but I thought some of his actions and her initial reactions to them showed enough. Having said that, I do like them together.



2. Showing vs. Telling. I didn't see this as an issue in the prequel. Maybe I pick up on clues easily, I don't know, but I felt like I knew a lot of things and then Jane would keep thinking things that confirmed them. I think this was a failed suspense tactic.

3. To avoid spoilers, I'll say this: I would have loved to know more about the "doctor's" backstory.

BUT WAIT! There were so many good things!

1. There were bits that dragged for me, but it mostly involved what I just went over. Towards the second half the story really picked up for me and I was glad to see more twists again. I love Brighton's twists, action scenes, and suspense.

2. Jane's confusion is understandable (even if I felt somewhat repetitive to read at times) and her reactions were believable. Likewise, the author succeeds a lot in being realistic about things that wouldn't cross most author's minds; after Jane's inactivity she struggles to run with the others and keep herself moving. She has real clumsy moments like an actual person would and she seems to be affected like someone in her situation would be.

3. Character development. It was here, it was great, it was grand. Brighton seems to realize that characters make the story.

4. The ending. This was the best part for me. It ended on the right note and the climax did not disappoint. There was a good balance of loose ends and a kind of conclusion to this part.

If you enjoyed the prequel, read it. And if you, like me, found a few areas lacking, I still think you should stick with the series. Brighton is a good writer and I have high hopes for the last one now that . The excitement is worth the money!
Profile Image for Dee/ bookworm.
1,400 reviews4 followers
November 28, 2017
The Chosen Ones was a great novel that was very hard to put down. There was a lot of betrayal and backstabbing going on, hard to know who was a friend and who was an enemy. A lot of sad parts and some happy ones too. It had a whole new dynamic as a vampire novel. It had humans as a slave society or kept in pens, so to speak, as food. While vampires were the dominate species. Very good read!!


I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
43 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2016
Amazing read that you will not be able to put down!!!

I absolutely loved this book! The characters are amazing and you will fall in love with them all! Every tuen was unpredictable, and was on the edge of my seat the entire time! Just a warning, if you have anything to do like work, sleep, run errands....do not start this book. You will not be able to put it down once you begin! Recommended for anyone that loves paranormal, or dystopian books.
Profile Image for Vivi.
449 reviews33 followers
January 5, 2021
4 stars!

This is book #1 of The Beautiful Ones Series. BUT it should only be read AFTER reading the prequel - The Beautiful Ones!


The Chosen Ones was a pretty good book!

There were surprises here and I liked how the story progressed.

There's a love triangle (square?) here... And I wasn't much for it. But, I did root for and liked 1 of the love interests.

There's, also, a Love-hate relationship here, that is pretty fun. I loved this relationship, it was funny - their banter, their contradictory feelings and the jealousy.

There are things here that I wasn't expecting... And that's, mostly, what makes this an enjoyable read.

Overall, if you're looking for a simple; but entertaining Dystopian book; with brave and strong willed characters; I'd say give this book/series a chance... I think you'll like it.

Jane's story continues in book #2 - The Forsaken Ones - which I'll be reading next.
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,401 reviews140 followers
July 20, 2018
The chosen ones by Lori Brighton.

I have known nothing but fear and death since the truth was revealed: I am a chosen one.
For centuries we have been raised as food for those who need our life’s blood in order to survive. But I’m done being a pawn in the sick and twisted lives of the beautiful blood drinkers. Determined, I will do whatever it takes to end the reign of the beautiful ones.

Fortunately, I’m not alone in this war. With the help of other escaped chosen ones, and the mysterious and stunning Thanatos, I will discover a way to destroy those who wish us harm. But first, I must give up everything that matters and do the hardest thing of all…learn to trust myself.

They took my friends, my family, and will take my life if given the chance.
I won’t let that happen.
I am a chosen one.

This was slow to start with but then after a while I just couldn't put it down.  I loved Tom and Bradshaw. My favourite part was the bunker part. Brilliant. A very enjoyable read. I love how Tom got Edward back with his bit at the end. I never did like him. 5*.
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,401 reviews140 followers
July 20, 2018
The chosen ones by Lori Brighton.

I have known nothing but fear and death since the truth was revealed: I am a chosen one.
For centuries we have been raised as food for those who need our life’s blood in order to survive. But I’m done being a pawn in the sick and twisted lives of the beautiful blood drinkers. Determined, I will do whatever it takes to end the reign of the beautiful ones.

Fortunately, I’m not alone in this war. With the help of other escaped chosen ones, and the mysterious and stunning Thanatos, I will discover a way to destroy those who wish us harm. But first, I must give up everything that matters and do the hardest thing of all…learn to trust myself.

They took my friends, my family, and will take my life if given the chance.
I won’t let that happen.
I am a chosen one.

This was slow to start with but then after a while I just couldn't put it down.  I loved Tom and Bradshaw. My favourite part was the bunker part. Brilliant. A very enjoyable read. I love how Tom got Edward back with his bit at the end. I never did like him. 5*.
16 reviews6 followers
August 15, 2015
5star book

I read The Beautiful Ones and I had to get this book. I enjoyed this book as much and I am ready to continue on. I thought this book was worth every star I gave it and I am excited to start on the next book in this series. I can't wait to see what happens next with Jane!
Profile Image for Kay Terrell.
80 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2015
This is probably one of the most interesting books I have read this year. It is about a future world where humans are kept in compounds and "raised" for food for the vampire population. The main characters, Jane and Thantenos lead a group of rebels to fight for the freedom of humans. Really interesting.
Profile Image for Alicia Rise wells.
4 reviews
November 14, 2015
Loved it can't wait to start the next one



Loved it. Getting ready to buy the next book. Kept me on my toes. Always keeping you guessing. This definitely is an author not messed with. A superb book
92 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2019
Great read I really enjoyed 1 & 2 quite abit!,

A really good series, A bad boy, sexy. Yet hard to figure out, sorta vampire...
Just keeps you guessing, and just when you think you know
What's going on, boom! The impossible plot twist.
Very talented writer! ! Sissy
Profile Image for Brandy.
3 reviews
October 21, 2015
This book keeps you reading. Lori Brighton is brilliant!
Profile Image for Sophie Wieland.
129 reviews1 follower
August 24, 2018
Well, this could be worse I suppose. At least the prequel is at least sort of redeeming.
Profile Image for Riley Ashby.
Author 13 books83 followers
September 21, 2017
Minor spoilers from The Beautiful Ones below, which I highly recommend reading before this one.

*
*
*

It's been awhile since I read some good YA post-apocalyptic dystopian romance but I am BACK thanks to this tale. Picking up two weeks after The Beautiful Ones ends, we find our heroine with a small band of rebel humans, still recovering from the trauma of seeing her friend torn open by vampires, and trying to regain control of herself as she's more or less catatonic (who wouldn't be, even if they were saved by a sexy, good-smelling, dark-haired dhampir?) and pretty damn useless. She is suddenly snapped back into reality when it becomes apparent that it's up to her to protect the children of the camp from a surprise vampire attack. From then on, she makes it her mission to be more than just a hassle to the rebels and actually help out with the rebellion, even if it risks her life.

This story is definitely heavier on the romance than it is on the action, but the plot is still well-developed. I noticed a few things that seemed inconsistent to me - like, it's mentioned that there are really only two ways to kill a vampire (drowning [what? why?] or beheading), but later in the book they 'kill' a few by shooting them through the brain and heart while apparently still leaving their heads intact. There's some repetition too, as Jane "flushes" every time she catches Will or Thane checking her out.

(While we're on the topic, can we all just agree right now that we're team Thane? Yes? Good.)

Also, the final showdown was just WAY too easy. I'm expecting something bigger to finish out the next book but this one just seemed rushed.

Jane's not the perfect heroine but she doesn't crumble at the first sign of adversity either. She seems pretty dumb to me but she HAS been locked up in a compound her entire life, and catches on pretty quick considering. I'm looking forward to reading the conclusion to this story in The Forsaken Ones to round out this story.

P.S. Team Thane
Profile Image for ☘Tara Sheehan☘.
580 reviews23 followers
September 18, 2017
This is an imperfect story that the Twilight fandom will love; you just need to ignore the repetition of phrases that will come up enough that you can recite them from memory during your dreams. Is that so bad? It just reminded me of this English professor I had that would make us go through our work and highlight repetition of words on the same page and phrases within the whole paper then give us limits in order to help us build our vocabulary so we didn’t bore or irritate the reader. I really want to find that professor and ask her to proofread this author’s works because she has talent to tell a story she just needs help ironing out the nuts and bolts.

We get a quirky female character (Jane) and potential male love interests that will have you harking back to the days of Bella, Eddy and Jakey who seem to have their personalities downloaded from the brain of the actors playing them. Jane can be difficult to like as I often found her to be on the annoying side but then many people felt that same way about Kristen Stewart’s take on Bella.
Teens are obsessed with love and the paranormal which is why Twilight became such a huge phenomenon and since this series is dedicated to that age group I know this will do fine.

You should read the prequel which is crazy good and will help you go into this with better feelings. This one is just romance heavy and not in a good way, there were a few too many inconsistencies, the dreaded love triangle that has become a mainstay YA trope, and the emotional rollercoaster of you like him, you don’t gets annoying but teens in general think of that stuff as swoon worthy.

The similarities to Twilight do end and unlike that series we get more adventure, plot twists, and deception with the requisite love and friendship angles that smooth out the rough edges. If you hang in there then the ending is good enough you’ll be glad you overlooked the warts and focused on the beauty.
Profile Image for Laurie Beemer.
679 reviews28 followers
September 19, 2017
This book was great. I loved the build up the characters went through when they learned their fate. When Jane has to decide to fight or wither and die that marks the turning point in the book. I enjoyed the connection that Jane had with Thane even though he wasn't supposed to be anything that she was thinking about, Who can she really trust, will it be to late? Thank you NetGalley and Lori Brighton for allowing me to read this book and write a honest review.
Profile Image for Kat.
1,707 reviews29 followers
September 24, 2017
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an E-ARC copy of this novel.

I will be brief on my review. I enjoyed this book, but it is not one you would take too seriously. It is a quick, fast read with quite a bit of romance for a apocalyptic background. The humans are treated like cattle and the main character, Jane, is learning that war will come. She will have to make choices that will change her future. I personally think this book is more New Adult or Adult than for teens.
Profile Image for A. Powers.
Author 12 books26 followers
June 17, 2019
Why am I still reading this series? I hate vampires, and this is a series about vampires. I don't know why I can't put it down. Is it really unique or something? Maybe a little bit, with a major dystopian feel to it, like a crossover between a zombie apocalypse survival adventure and a controlling "government" dictating how people live (and die). Regardless, I find myself attached to the characters and wanting to read more.
321 reviews3 followers
October 28, 2021
really good story

I really appreciate the support. Although it has bodyguards cleaning on the language and sexual content. Recommend this to anyone interested in a dystopian type stories. The main character is A human who escapes from a vampire city. With the help of other humans and some half vampires she manages to survive.
Profile Image for Leah Reise.
Author 4 books53 followers
March 30, 2019
A delight to know Brighton wrote a vampire series

Interesting story behind vampires and humans. I enjoyed the relationship between Jane and Thane, and I’m curious to see where their journeys head in the next book.
32 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2022
Suspense, terror and love.

Keeps you on the edge of your seat. Never know what will happen next. Clean romance mixed in with fighting, running and learning how to live a new reality.
Profile Image for Tiffany Parsons.
11 reviews
November 26, 2025
Waiting for the next book!

Lots of plot twists, love the character development and realistic personalities. The fight scenes are cool. I really like her take on vampires and half bloods. Only a couple typos. Eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
208 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2018
A lot of fun times

This anthology is destined to be a classic this read has captivating filled with some wonderfully crafted characters
That you will not forget.
Profile Image for Joni Clemens minica.
16 reviews
February 27, 2018
Good Book

This was a great twist on an age old story. Main character is a little too dramatic, but levels out later in book. All in all a good read.
Profile Image for Ale Carstairs.
95 reviews2 followers
June 11, 2018
Hmm

I had mixed feelings for this book. Even now I don't know how to feel. The only thing I know for sure is that I only loved one character.
86 reviews2 followers
September 4, 2019
So engrossed with this series

I live getting out of my mundane world and left myself go into the world with these characters and just believe everything is going to be good.
51 reviews
October 21, 2019
Oh, ye-ah!

Probably the best vampire with a twist story I've had the pleasure of reading. I'm looking forward to the next story.
Profile Image for Mrz.
Author 3 books2 followers
November 4, 2016
Love Thane and Jane

This was a untraditional vampire love story. I was amazed with Jane's resilience for everything that had happens to her. Thantos was unconventional. I don't want to give Amy spoilers but it's a great read. I look forward to part 2.
Profile Image for Sydnee.
1 review
Read
March 1, 2016
Put it on the list of must read paranormal romances

This is the story of Jane, a girl discovering the harsh world outside the compound where her life has been based on a complete fantasy. The book opens after she unintentionally escapes the compound, and is barely able to function upon learning the truth of her existence. She is then forced to take action when lives are at stake, and her journey to discover what her purpose outside the compound is begins.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has elements of romance, vampires, a coming of age of sorts, daily fight for survival, and more. What made the story so enjoyable, was it included all these elements with out focusing too much on a single one. It is a very cohesive story.

The main characters are well developed, distinct, and genuine. Jane is innocent without being too innocent and tough without being too tough. The way she processes her experiences is not too far fetched like some books with similar themes. The male characters are also not too much on either end of the spectrum. They are attractive and endearing, but not too much, and also flawed and aggravating, but again, not too much.

I am not one to write a review, but Lori Brighton is a pragmatist, and does not continue to invest herself in a story her readers do not invest in as well. It's the reality of making a living as an author. So after you read this book, please leave a review so she will continue this story. It's not a perfect or groundbreaking read, but it is thoroughly enjoyable, and definitely should be on the list for must read paranormal romances.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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