Beautiful, Once by Mia Dalia is a horror and science fiction novel about an island utopia that encounters a foreign object. The book is light on both horror and science fiction but heavy on themes about society, which in some ways can be more unsettling.
The novel asks deep questions about how society functions and how humans might build something better. It explores ideas surrounding Marxism, small government, and immigration. At times, it even suggests that the world might be better off if left to animals.
The core premise is simple: what happens when an island utopia is disrupted by an alien object that may be a weapon.
The balance between genres is where the book struggled for me. Horror makes up about 20 percent of the story, while discussions about society take up the other 80 percent. I enjoy social commentary, but this ratio did not work in a horror novel. Even when characters are affected by an alien virus that turns them into ravenous, bloodthirsty versions of themselves, they remain focused on philosophical discussions. When horror elements occur, the characters often misinterpret what is happening, which keeps the reader from fully experiencing those moments and weakens the impact.
The ending felt more like a strange joke or the actions of a madman. It did not tie back to the societal themes that dominated the rest of the book. Instead, it focused on ideas like happiness, curiosity, and personal drive. This disconnect made the conclusion unsatisfying.
I did enjoy two characters, Ronan and Martha. Dalia does solid character work with both, and they were the main reason I continued reading.
At one point, I thought the novel might become a modern retelling of Roanoke. I was expecting a “croatoan” moment, but that direction never materialized.
Beautiful, Once by Mia Dalia was first published on March 20, 2026 by Crystal Lake Publishing.
Why did I read Beautiful, Once by Mia Dalia?
I am a member of the Crystal Lake Street Team, where I read at least one advanced reader copy each month. I enjoyed my previous reads from them, including Humbug and A Blackened Heart, A Blackened Soul, but unfortunately Beautiful, Once did not work for me. I selected it based on the premise and the striking cover art.
A quick video book review of Beautiful, Once
Plot Summary:
An island paradise is formed by people who are fed up with society and government and want to create a utopia. That vision is shattered when a mysterious foreign object arrives and turns what was once beautiful into something far more dangerous.
What I Liked:
Martha and Ronan share a strong and compelling platonic relationship. Their dynamic adds emotional weight to the story and kept me engaged.
The fairy tale style story at the end of the book was well done and provided a clear summary of the events.
I do like that they discuss the Alex Garland’s novel and film The Beach, when talking about island society.
Some of the early discussions about society were interesting and thought provoking, even if they became excessive later on.
I liked that the dog was named Jupi after Jupiter.
The cover art is absolutely stunning.
What I Disliked:
The ending does not align with the book’s focus on society. With so much emphasis placed on those themes, I expected a conclusion that explored the collapse or transformation of that system.
When the events involving the object unfold, we do not get to see how society responds because it is already resolved off page.
The journalist character reacts too casually to extreme violence. Seeing multiple bodies and body parts should have had a stronger emotional impact.
The horror elements are weakened because they are rarely shown directly. When the journalist does witness these moments, they are not described in enough detail to be effective.
Ronan does not have a point of view, which feels like a missed opportunity. Other characters talk about him often, but hearing directly from him would have strengthened the story.
There is a flashback where the journalist watches Ronan give a talk, and it feels as though the entire presentation is included, which slows the pacing.
Recommendation:
Beautiful, Once was not for me. Readers who enjoy heavy philosophical discussions about society with light horror elements may find more to appreciate here. I would not recommend this book to my followers.
Rating:
Beautiful, Once by Mia Dalia
1.5 out of 5
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