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When Olivia and DeAnn were recruited into a secretive organization, they had no idea they’d accidentally find themselves on a field mission. Unprepared and unqualified, will they rise up to the challenge? Olivia is a British lawyer trying to start a family with her less than enthusiastic boyfriend. But when her happily-ever-after fails to materialize, hoping for a change, she tries for a job with the mysterious Cassandra Programme. Meanwhile, on the other side of the Pond, DeAnn has everything a woman could want: a prestigious career as a geneticist, a spotless, childless, successful life. Yet it all feels hollow somehow. Perhaps a new career in Cambridge could be the answer? As soon as the two women set eyes on each other, it’s instant dislike. As they vie for the top spots in the increasingly strange competition, it becomes clear that this is not your run-of the-mill organization. Some of The Cassandra Programme’s secrets are worth killing for and some secrets… could get them killed. Their lives at stake, will Olivia and DeAnn find a way to survive? And what if the Cassandra Programme’s secrets were beyond anything they’d ever imagined? Chosen is the first book in The Beautiful Ones trilogy, a series of adventure thrillers that feature surprising plot twists, rival secret organizations and two kick-ass yet relatable heroines. If you like fast-paced thrillers with a hint of adventure then you’ll love the first installment in this brand new series. Pick-up Chosen to start your exciting adventure today!

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2019

411 people are currently reading
613 people want to read

About the author

O.M. Faure

8 books13 followers
O. M. Faure studied political science at Sciences Po in Paris, before obtaining a Master’s degree in International Affairs at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in Boston. 


She has worked at the United Nations in Geneva and has extensive experience as a change and transformation manager in several banks over the last twenty years.

Today, she is a Principal at a Scenario Planning consulting firm, and she lectures and coaches at the Hult International Business School. 


Based in London, O. M. Faure is a feminist, a Londoner, a Third Culture Kid, an enthusiastic singer, and a budding activist.


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5 stars
86 (25%)
4 stars
95 (27%)
3 stars
100 (29%)
2 stars
47 (13%)
1 star
15 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Isabelle.
8 reviews1 follower
August 14, 2019
THE TRUTH IN THIS SERIES IS UGLY AND CAPTIVATING (not for the lighthearted)


There comes a point where a story relies on the reader to suspend their disbelief for the sake of plot—this is not one of those stories.

In THE BEAUTIFUL ONES series, O.M. Faure asks the very honest question “Is it ethically possible to decrease the human population?” in a way that will have fans of humanity, politics, and just a darn good book racking their brains for a better answer—good luck trying. Despite her usage of tangible research that makes the series breathe like real-life, never did I feel as if I was reading dumps of information or getting hit over the head with a message to do better, be better.

Nope! Instead, Olfa enthralled me with a vivid reading experience that blew my mind in brilliantly horrific and shockingly beautiful ways. I mean...


— Look at that cover! I say that for all three of them.
— The pages within are just as hard-hitting, but each book is also full of humor, warmth, and love. I found myself laughing, gasping, cringing, fuming, and “flipping to the next page.”
— No, the books aren’t standalones, but I guarantee you’ll feel the urge to jump into the next installment like with any good book. Plus, there are major things left open for the sake of the series, but there are plenty of conflicts resolved within each one.
— The three-part story alternately explores the perspectives of two compelling yet different women with rough journeys ahead of them. They aren't always likeable, but as they travel to different countries, deal with major racism and sexism, get to know various people on intimate and surprising levels, and learn so much about what is happening to human beings at such basic levels of life, it becomes almost impossible not to at least relate to the two women—and trust me, the further you get into the story, the more you’ll actually care about them. All of them.
— Women, children, and men—no one is left untouched, and in many ways, neither is the reader. Prepare yourself!
— Every plotline and major character experiences so much development, and by the end, everyone (yes, reader included) has learned something new about themself and social issues on a global scale.
— Readers need to be open to the fact that none of these characters are perfect and that makes them all the more real.
— Romance isn't the main plot, but it definitely takes a part in life and the main characters’ journeys.
— Every plot twist is shocking yet believable; they’re not just there for “shock value”. Everything is just well thought out, and I appreciate that so much.


I thought I was “woke” then BAM — this series came into my life. I've had to confront a lot of hard truths in it. Every scene is so deep with questions and quandaries about life, the characters, and me, the reader. You will find yourself examining your own life, too.

A dear family member of mine often tells me how she has these moments when she pauses and realizes that she is completely and utterly herself. The whole "I am me." That's how I felt reading this series. It brought a whole new perspective to my place in this world and my function in society.

All in all, THE BEAUTIFUL ONES shook me, captivated me, and left me wanting more of O.M. Faure’s writing. Ugly truths, satisfying truths, and everything in between never held her back.

I'm walking away very invested in the human and the environmental cost of our decisions. And I can’t wait for the next installments in the series. To O.M. Faure, thank you so much for being an author we need to keep our eyes on!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews133 followers
Want to read
July 23, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/23/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Anne D.
48 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2020
I always feel cheated when an author thinks it's okay to present an incomplete work as a book. This is not a story; it's a setup for a story. Two women are transported 65 years into the future via the Cassandra Project, a top-secret mission that's so secret the agents themselves aren't sure what their mission is, but we'll find out later. We start to learn about the world in 2081, where overpopulation and depleting resources have changed society, and toward the end there's some depressing social/political commentary on racism. The book ends abruptly on a flight to wherever it is they have been heading the entire book, with: "If you loved this, read the next book!" No, thank you.
28 reviews
August 3, 2019
Gripping and thought provoking

Couldn't put it down! The world building is as detailed as any scenario planner would ask for, the characters' inner monologues convincingly flawed, and the implications for our reality stark. Can't wait to start #2
Profile Image for Sara Eames.
1,728 reviews16 followers
March 1, 2020
3.5 stars

An ok book that couldn't really decide what it wanted to be - a time-travel adventure, a political thriller or a book that dealt with serious issues. I found the story disjointed and the characters unsympathetic. The ending annoyed me as the book just stopped so you had to buy the next book to find out what happens. However, I'm not that invested in the characters or the plot, so I probably won't bother.
Profile Image for Pam.
26 reviews
June 1, 2020
Slow and vague, but was intrigued to find out so I kept reading. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great and I kind of want to read the 2nd book in the trilogy to see what happens next. It's very thought provoking and disturbing towards the end of the book.
Profile Image for Amanda Jones.
158 reviews13 followers
July 31, 2019
I immediately warmed to Olivia and was fascinated by DeAnn. Two intelligent, imperfect women who would make rather unlikely partners! Initially I was as much caught up in the mystery of the Cassandra Programme as Olivia and DeAnn were.

I loved how we got to know about their normal pre-mission life. They are so relatable despite being so different. Olivia is loveable and DeAnn is aloof. One is looking for love and the other for material success and status. Neither signed up to be thrust into a future world where they fear they can trust or confide in no-one, where for all practical purposes they are trapped to the death.

Once the mystery of the Cassandra Programme unfolds, so many other questions come fast and furious. I won't tell you much about what they are because I don't want to give you spoilers. But it's ok to say that once they land in 2081, you want to know how the hell they'll ever get back, given that the new Programme is hostile to them, and whether they'll ever work together. Will they both survive or both be sacrificed somehow? Will one survive by saving the other?
Will Olivia find love in this crazy future? Will DeAnn find status and success in 2081 Uganda?

While you're bound to be caught up with DeAnn and Olivia, you'll still find it hard not to notice that this is a future we already have seeds for in our present politics. We could take white supremacy, ethnic nationalism, and non-co-operation between nations, to a future just like this one. We could take the question of how and if populations should be managed in all sorts of directions. And as it could even seem sane and normal to our future generations. O. M. Faure doesn't shy away from the heavy themes but she doesn't make them hard to read either. Because as with every story well told, it's the story that's driving you to turn those pages!

Having read the Disappearance novella - which is like a backstory prelude that doesn't give away anything but will bring your heart closer to Olivia whether you read it before or after the Beautiful Ones - Chosen got my Connection Radar going. I was relieved to see that Olivia's dad (who I didn't respect much in The Disappearance) had turned out to be a hero after all. How and when? Will this series answer that question? Did Arianna who got lost in The Disappearance turn out to be 'Mystery Woman A' in Chosen? Will I find out in United? Because I've read Chosen and Torn and that little mystery is yet to unfold!

The scene that impacted me most is the prologue and the scene that gets special mention for brilliant drama and action is the armed attack on The Cassandra Programme!

This above is my Amazon review just copied into Goodreads which is my home base for book reviews! Thank you O. M. Faure for allowing me an advanced copy of Chosen and The Beautiful Ones Trilogy in exchange for an honest review.
3 reviews
August 14, 2019
An exhilarating start to the trilogy, introducing you to the main characters, and setting the scene for one of the most plausible views of the near future on this planet. Ms. Faure's talents lie in her clarity of expression, ensuring the scientific aspect of the story is sound, and her fabulous ability to spin and weave stories in such a way that you're very quickly hooked. Warm and intimate at times, the story will gather you up in its arms and send you on an emotional roller-coaster of a ride. Ms. Faure's writing is such that becoming empathetic with the main characters is quick and easy - a deep rapport is formed, with narratives from each character's P.O.V. The end of this first book is so exciting, you'll really want to get the second book immediately. A great read indeed.
Profile Image for Paul.
20 reviews2 followers
September 18, 2019
The fact that I got this book for free, will make no difference in the manner in which I gush over this book (and the two that followed).

Chosen introduces us to Olvia and DeAnn - one you will love and one you won't... it is up to you to decide which is which.

For me Olivia was the sympathetic character that I rooted for from the start, she wasn't meant to be in the situation she found herself, the Programme was destined to clash with Olivia, whether she liked it or not. DeAnn, on the other hand, thought she deserved to have a spot and demeaned everyone and everything to get there. For me, in this first book, DeAnn has very few (if any) redeeming features. O.M. Faure gives us everything we need to dislike her and it's pretty easy.

Obviously, Chosen takes chances and gambles on making big leaps in the storyline - it is all set up rather quickly and then you get hit by facts; that if you are even slightly human, will start to make you think about the world we currently live in. The Trilogy is never preachy in its delivery, it just gives you the hard facts and allows your morality to decide whether the 'story' affects you or not.

This is the start of a journey that has so much going for it and will educate and entertain you in equal spadefuls.
Profile Image for Scott.
159 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2019
OM Faure

Well it was an interesting read. Sort of a tale of two halves.the first half we are learning about our maín character s plucking along then disaster strikes and the whole story takes a hard left turn. It then becomes a political and social statement. Not really my favorite thing. The author chooses a pretty dark path that was a part of the past and projects it to a dismal future. Yes I could see it happening with the people of today having zero morals and values. So I guess the veiled message is we must change for the future. I would like to see how the author progresses with the story.
As far as writing styles the author is of the mind that a lot of jumping back and forth between main character is a good idea. To me it seemed a bit disjointed. It takes place on an underdeveloped world. We are learning as to what has happened as we progress but by the end of book we still are asking how does society get to this extreme



















Profile Image for Claire Marshall.
47 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2019
One to watch

I am glad I took a chance and read this book. I am definitely going to read the next book in this series. I look forward to where this adventure will lead. I have a feeling its going to be a rough trip.
727 reviews1 follower
September 15, 2019
WOW!

Wow! What a great thriller! I didn't see what was going to happen. And I never expected what did happen. Thanks to O.M. Faure for leading us readers to a wonderful adventure. Can't wait for the next book!
54 reviews3 followers
May 3, 2020
Interesting

Started out very vague with not many details. About halfway through everything suddenly came together and I really started to get into the plot line. Highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoyed the Divergent or Hunger Games series. Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Dan Wilde.
29 reviews3 followers
September 9, 2019
Pretty good

A bit slow in many parts. Several typos. But the story line is good and books 2 and 3 were much better.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
365 reviews9 followers
October 8, 2019
Serial

I did not realize this is a trilogy. It started ok but kept repeating nonsense and actually became so boring you really don't mind when the end leaves you hanging!
Profile Image for Jolene Ko.
206 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2020
Dystopian time travel

It’s not often that authors weave scientific research in their novels. It’s exciting to read of a possible future but scary at the same time if us humans are destroying our own futures through different scenarios.

Nothing was mentioned how these two female protagonists careers was followed as they were selected and went through the intensive interviews for the Cassandra programme.

Without repeating the blurb, we can relate to Olivia as she was going through her final round of IVF with a less than enthusiastic boyfriend who in the end leaves her. And DeAnn who feels inadequate in the shadow of her narcissistic mother, even though she is a successful geneticists. It was easily to see their dislike for each other - Olivia with her child bearing hips, her passiveness. DeAnn with her killer body and confidence. Clearly they have their own insecurities that they are dealing with.

As they both make it through to the final rounds of being accessed, they don’t make it as field officers but as back office staff.

I’m not quite sure how they were ambushed as it happened too quickly as they were suddenly micro chipped and then sent to the future in 2085. This is then we see the possible future of a cashless society, where medical advances can prolong mortality, also the rise in population has depleted food production. It all becomes political and we see racism again. I don’t particularly like the idea that Olivia and DeAnn gets sent to Uganda for a mission to save the world.

Unfortunately the story ends with a cliff hanger.

P.s I love the cover design
389 reviews41 followers
September 15, 2020
Wow, that was quite the read, with a very intriguing plotline.

It has a political undertone, so the book might not be for everyone and it's also the first book in a trilogy, so that might put people off reading too.

It covered everything from sexism, racism, immigration policies to asking ethical questions as to whether it is ok to take certain measures to decrease the population.

Olivia was the much more sympathetic character, although at times I found her to be annoying. DeAnn was really annoying, but towards the end I did start feeling sympathetic towards her especially having to put up with Darren and Colonel Groebler (characters they bump into in when they jump into the future!)! I took an instant dislike to both on sight!

I'm definitely invested in the characters and really intrigued to know what happens to them next, so I'll definitely read the second and third books!
106 reviews3 followers
September 15, 2020
I read the whole trilogy so my review covers all three books.

This series has been a very difficult read and I mean that in the best sense of the word, the author tackles the serious problem of over-population and paints a very bleak picture to say the least of the possible outcome.
The story is based on facts and scenarios and it is evident throughout the story. Single events and developments are brutal and brutally honest and in line with the scenario envisioned. It is not a feel good story in any sense, but a truly captivated look into the future that may just be too real.

I look forward to the other trilogies, but am also happy to switch to something lighter after these three books.
Profile Image for Sherie.
38 reviews
July 20, 2020
Extremely disturbing but relevant

I was sick to my stomach at the end of this book. I don't even know how to feel because I can see this actually playing out in the future. The level of hatred and racism was so disturbing but considering the current world events, it was completely believable. I have to know what happens but I feel like this trilogy is only going to be more painful to read.
Profile Image for Lisa Wright.
Author 13 books50 followers
March 14, 2025
Not only is The Beautiful Ones trilogy a cracking and fast-paced read but it is also a social, political, economic and environmental commentary.
As all good sci-fi, should, Faure uses the future to shine a light on our present; a light which exposes our darkest fears and maybe suggests a way forward, which will bring about a different future before it’s too late.
Profile Image for Sophia Scarlett.
336 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2020
This is a brilliant sci-if thriller. It's definitely been a fantastic ride.
Olivia and DeAnn have been recruited by a secret company, they couldn't have imagined what was in store for them. The book is left at a cliff hanger, so you have to read book 2 immediately. Fabulous.
Profile Image for Blu.
73 reviews11 followers
August 9, 2020
I made it to about 10% on kindle before having to DNF this. The first person narrative was just bad... and I don't know any woman that would have a husband that is lazy, neglecting, and still getting sympathy without being abusive. Like... really???
Profile Image for Leah Murray.
55 reviews
June 27, 2025
Black mirror like but make it more sci-fi. Great concept for a story which I was not expecting but it’s unfinished. Feels like the story might just be chopped into 3 to make it a series?? Maybe if I read all of them as one it could be a great read
Profile Image for Richard Pierce.
Author 5 books41 followers
May 5, 2020
3.5 stars. Frighteningly real and prescient. I will be reading the rest of the trilogy.
1 review
Read
May 5, 2020
I was ok with this story but I like action packed and suspense more.
Profile Image for transfict.honnomushi.
69 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2020
Love love love this book, felt like a short story I read it so fast. Lots of questions, directions and theories my mind is frazzled in a good way. Can't wait to read book number 2.
87 reviews
Read
July 17, 2020
Really enjoyed this,so much so I immediately downloaded the next 2 books in the trilogy.
Profile Image for Donna.
18 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2020
Very interesting concept, but too short. Maybe the trilogy should just have been one book. I am hoping the story develops more in the following books.
Profile Image for J.J. Rosewood.
32 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2020
So much potential

Story is overall a good concept, but in execution there is a lot to be desired. Characters are typical and boring. I feel like I wasted time on this book.
573 reviews5 followers
December 4, 2020
A good book.
Highly recommend .
It will start you thinking more about life.
And may keep you thinking more about things.
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