Helpful Score: 8
Despite having loved Uglies, I spent much of the time feeling disappointed while reading Pretties.
The relationship between Zane and Tally never felt natural or convincing in the way her relationship with David was. The book retreads too much territory covered in the first book, merely changing the nature of tricks while tediously avoiding progress and revelation about the world and its social conflict. It only got interesting to me about 4/5ths of the way through... and even then, there were no surprises because the twists Westerfeld uses were all on display in Uglies, and this book follows formula rather than significantly expanding the mythos.
That said - I do like the series, and have high hopes for book 3. Its just a shame that you have to read book 2 to get there.
I rate it 3 of 5, based on the momentum of book one.
The relationship between Zane and Tally never felt natural or convincing in the way her relationship with David was. The book retreads too much territory covered in the first book, merely changing the nature of tricks while tediously avoiding progress and revelation about the world and its social conflict. It only got interesting to me about 4/5ths of the way through... and even then, there were no surprises because the twists Westerfeld uses were all on display in Uglies, and this book follows formula rather than significantly expanding the mythos.
That said - I do like the series, and have high hopes for book 3. Its just a shame that you have to read book 2 to get there.
I rate it 3 of 5, based on the momentum of book one.
Helpful Score: 4
Finally, a sequel that does not disappoint!
Tally finally has all she ever wanted: She's pretty, she's popular, she's in the coolest clique in New Pretty Town. What could possibly go wrong now?
Nothing does...until the night of the coolest costume party ever when a blast from the past shows up and leaves her a mystery to follow. All of a sudden Tally and her new friend Zane not only have a mystery to solve, but two tiny white pills to take...and no clue what they will do to them.
Once again Westerfeld has whisked us off to a sci-fi adventure world with more twists and turns that even a Hoverboard can handle. I can't wait to read the next book!
Five stars!!!
Tally finally has all she ever wanted: She's pretty, she's popular, she's in the coolest clique in New Pretty Town. What could possibly go wrong now?
Nothing does...until the night of the coolest costume party ever when a blast from the past shows up and leaves her a mystery to follow. All of a sudden Tally and her new friend Zane not only have a mystery to solve, but two tiny white pills to take...and no clue what they will do to them.
Once again Westerfeld has whisked us off to a sci-fi adventure world with more twists and turns that even a Hoverboard can handle. I can't wait to read the next book!
Five stars!!!
Helpful Score: 2
Second book in the "Uglies" trilogy and even better than the first.
Helpful Score: 2
Very good sequel to Uglies. Can't wait to read the next in the series, Specials.
Helpful Score: 2
The story didn't seem to cover as much substance in this one as the first one, but worth reading. Goes quickly.
Helpful Score: 2
2nd Book in Trilogy (Uglies is first and Specials is 3rd).
As good as, if not better than, the first one.
As good as, if not better than, the first one.
Helpful Score: 2
A bit slower in the beginning compared to Uglies. You have to get used to their pretty talk (they say bubbly a lot and other odd slang words that you have to figure out exactly what they mean). But once Tally and her new friend/boyfriend Zane stop using them every sentence, the storyline starts to flow a lot better and the action kicks in. Another wonderful story. I cannot wait for Specials!!!
Helpful Score: 1
At the end of 'Uglies', the first book in this series, Tally Youngblood agrees to leave her new friends and go back to Prettytown, undergoing the operation that will make her happy and ditzy (as well as beautiful), so that her can be an experimental guinea pig for a cure. However, once she's back, she forgets all about her plans, falling into a routine of parties and fun - not to mention a new, gorgeous boyfriend. However, she's still one of the "bubbliest" (most daring and alert) Pretties, and her friends manage to sneak her the cure. Things don't go quite right though... and soon her boyfirend seems to be getting sick. They must try to escape Prettytown, avoid the scary Special Circumstances who are after tally, and get back to the rebels outside the city.
This is a fun series, but it does suffer from big gaping holes in its logical believability.
This is a fun series, but it does suffer from big gaping holes in its logical believability.
Helpful Score: 1
This series is addicting! Spoiler...they don't seem to end. You have to get the next in the series to find out what happens, and then that one doesn't end! Frustrating. But not as frustrating as watching the heroine keep making the same stupid mistakes! You want to shout at the book, "Hey STUPID!!! Don't fall for it!" Great for tween read (11 - 14), and for Mommy quick beach read.
Helpful Score: 1
A continuation from the first book that was well done, but wasn't as strong as the first. It was a well written story though. I do like that this one shows how when people change they don't always cling to the people they once loved long ago even if their idea of life is just as strong as it once was. Time can change people and sometimes for the better.
If you haven't read the first book, I don't really want to talk much about what goes on in this one because it gives too much away. I have been really liking this series though so far!
If you haven't read the first book, I don't really want to talk much about what goes on in this one because it gives too much away. I have been really liking this series though so far!
Helpful Score: 1
This book is more action packed than the first one (Uglies) looking forward to the next one. Very well written series. I like that I can read without worries of swearing and inappropriate content (probably because it's a YA series.) Great read! Very realistic sci-fi/fantasy!
Helpful Score: 1
The whole uglies series is amazing! I loved these books so much, I had to read them again. This is a Teen action/adventure/romance novel that includes very high tech world. Some of Tally's forgotten past comes back, with that comes her old heart-throbe from the Smoke, David. David has slipped her mind when she meets the handsome Zane that teaches her so many things. She is so confused and when her head finally clears, Specail Circumstances is on their way. This book is a must read for any person. Its high tech adventure, keeps you on the edge of your seat. When ever anybody I know asks for a book recomendation, the uglies series is the first word off my tongue! Don't miss out on these books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Helpful Score: 1
I thought it was ironic, reading a book where we're supposed to not like that the people in it are being conditioned against their will, yet the reader is being the subject of subtle brain-washing by all the repetition in this book.
I'm sure that kids are supposed to thing that being a Pretty is awful, but the older I get, the thought of a stress-free life where I don't have to worry about my job, my looks, what I eat, my health and believing I'm happy all the time sounds pretty appealing. (pun mostly not intended) I really like the idea of not having to diet and things that are used are efficiently recycled. In this day and age where everyone is suffering from some kind of illness physically or mentally, I think the trade-off is pretty fair.
As for the words Bubbly & Bogus... It's like the author got lazy and didn't want to use a thesaurus. I can understand these words being used in conversation, but he uses them as random adjectives when it's not necessary. I even read a handy little glossary sheet that had come with my boxed-set that tries to defend the overly-rampant use of these words, I'm guessing as a result of too many readers becoming irate.
I'm still not sure how I feel about the series as a whole, as it seems to be going downhill with a lot of unnecessary situations and the characters not really growing. Or when there's the part that Tally lets a primitive-like culture believe she's a god. That in itself adds some paradox because isn't she trying to fight against that type of thinking? I also have a hard time agreeing with the message given of wanting a society where people can get angry, violent and destructive (if they've been unconditioned) instead of a peaceful one where the people are blissfully happy (and healthy) in their ignorance. It makes me think of how people want peace but refuse to sacrifice anything for it.
I'm sure that kids are supposed to thing that being a Pretty is awful, but the older I get, the thought of a stress-free life where I don't have to worry about my job, my looks, what I eat, my health and believing I'm happy all the time sounds pretty appealing. (pun mostly not intended) I really like the idea of not having to diet and things that are used are efficiently recycled. In this day and age where everyone is suffering from some kind of illness physically or mentally, I think the trade-off is pretty fair.
As for the words Bubbly & Bogus... It's like the author got lazy and didn't want to use a thesaurus. I can understand these words being used in conversation, but he uses them as random adjectives when it's not necessary. I even read a handy little glossary sheet that had come with my boxed-set that tries to defend the overly-rampant use of these words, I'm guessing as a result of too many readers becoming irate.
I'm still not sure how I feel about the series as a whole, as it seems to be going downhill with a lot of unnecessary situations and the characters not really growing. Or when there's the part that Tally lets a primitive-like culture believe she's a god. That in itself adds some paradox because isn't she trying to fight against that type of thinking? I also have a hard time agreeing with the message given of wanting a society where people can get angry, violent and destructive (if they've been unconditioned) instead of a peaceful one where the people are blissfully happy (and healthy) in their ignorance. It makes me think of how people want peace but refuse to sacrifice anything for it.
I thought it was a good continuance of the story. Had some twists I wasn't expecting. I don't think that the story repeated unnecessarily anything from the 1st book. Any review seemed just enough. I think Tally's character had some real mental growth. Now onto the 3rd book.
Helpful Score: 1
Would it be worth it to have no war - worth it to be "pretty-minded" all the time (always fuzzy headed and never able to think clearly)? Obviously those people in charge of this world think so. And Tally herself starts wondering if perhaps they are right. It's a scary thought that in some ways it makes sense. But no, it would be too high a price to pay.
This sequel to "Uglies" follows the adventures of Tally Youngblood after her "surge" to become "pretty." Our heroine alternates between likeable and smackable, but Westerfeld has created a fascinating future world that makes this series worth reading.
Really enjoyed this book. Loved how the story evolved! I enjoyed how the romance involved served a higher purpose. It was fun to see Tally through the eyes of a 'Pretty'.
I was really looking forward to this second book in the series after reading and LOVING uglies but this book unfortunately a bit of a let-down, it took me a long time to get through, and I felt like I was constantly bored. I honestly thought this book was going to focus more on Talley's life as being a pretty but it was more about her escaping being a pretty and being on the outside again. I kept wanting something exciting to happen, but for me it just didn't happen.
I really enjoyed this book. I read this one before Uglies, and enjoyed it the most out of the series. I really liked the unexpected language used by the pretties. Recommended.
thoroughly enjoyed.
If you enjoyed hunger games, you would like this series!
If you enjoyed hunger games, you would like this series!
I LOVED IT! enough said
Good book, great series. Thought provoking and a little scary.
Would it be worth it to have no war - worth it to be "pretty-minded" all the time (always fuzzy headed and never able to think clearly)? Obviously those people in charge of this world think so. And Tally herself starts wondering if perhaps they are right. It's a scary thought that in some ways it makes sense. But no, it would be too high a price to pay.
A good book so long as you've followed along with the rest of the series and know what miss Tally Youngblood is up too.
I loved this book as much as the first. Tally is now beautiful, everyday is just one big party. BUT Is this what she wants? I don't want to give away the plot, but I loved it.
I liked the first book better than the second book but overall it was a fun read!
I liked this book better than the first one. Often I like the second of any trilogy series because it has all the conflict. I like the conflict and the open-ended questions that are brought up by in the storyline. I thought this book had much more meat because the first book had to set up the story and this one could get to the heart of the matter. I am intrigued to read the third book.
First of all, this trilogy is nowhere near as good as "The Hunger Games," so lower your expectations. Still- I'm not sure why I have seen so many reviews hating on the second book in comparison to the first. To me, the first book was entertaining but very flawed. Same with the second.
\\SOME (mostly vague) SPOILERS IN THIS GRAPH:
Granted, perhaps because I didn't love the characters (Tally is no Katniss) I was less disappointed by Scott Westerfeld's decision to completely shift gear on the teenage romance subplot in "Pretties." (I do think that was a deliberate decision on Westerfeld's part, since he includes some fairly obvious commentary late in the book about how it's possible to fall in love with one person, and then as you keep growing up and changing, fall in love with another.)
//END SPOILER WARNING.
This book still includes some interesting ongoing commentary on society, human nature, and (although he's reaching a bit for this one) even gender stereotypes. Westerfeld's made-up jargon ("bubbly" and attaching "-making" to create an adjective, as in "pretty-making" or "panic-making," for example) is annoying and his plotting remains as shallow as it was in the first book (it just stands out more here, since he's relying on his past world-building).
I can't highly recommend this book or this series, but it's an interesting concept and fast read, so I wouldn't call reading these books a waste of time.
\\SOME (mostly vague) SPOILERS IN THIS GRAPH:
Granted, perhaps because I didn't love the characters (Tally is no Katniss) I was less disappointed by Scott Westerfeld's decision to completely shift gear on the teenage romance subplot in "Pretties." (I do think that was a deliberate decision on Westerfeld's part, since he includes some fairly obvious commentary late in the book about how it's possible to fall in love with one person, and then as you keep growing up and changing, fall in love with another.)
//END SPOILER WARNING.
This book still includes some interesting ongoing commentary on society, human nature, and (although he's reaching a bit for this one) even gender stereotypes. Westerfeld's made-up jargon ("bubbly" and attaching "-making" to create an adjective, as in "pretty-making" or "panic-making," for example) is annoying and his plotting remains as shallow as it was in the first book (it just stands out more here, since he's relying on his past world-building).
I can't highly recommend this book or this series, but it's an interesting concept and fast read, so I wouldn't call reading these books a waste of time.
I really liked this book. It wasn't as good as the Uglies, but it was still pretty good. Some of the lingo in this book can get on your nerves after a while, but if you stick with it the ending is really good. :)
This second installment of the young adult dystopian Uglies series continues in the same vein. Tally Youngblood has undergone the knife. As a popular new-pretty, she still faces choices that lead her back to challenging the control of the authorities. The one-plot-twist-at-a-time and pretty slang confirm that the writing is geared towards a less sophisticated target audience. I'll likely read the next book, Specials, just because I have it, but not out of any sense of suspense or urgency created by the writing.
This book did not hold my attention like the first did - I suppose the novelty wore off. Tally has been made Pretty, but somehow she is not content. Memories of her adventures and friends in the Smoke have been erased but are slowly coming back. When she is contacted by an old "Smokie" friend, she remembers what she is supposed to be doing - prove that the cure for Prettiness works, and try to escape to the New Smoke. With her boyfriend Zane to help, they set about trying to liberate their Pretty friends.
The book was okay, but I found myself losing interest in Tally as a character, as well as the story as a whole. I suppose that young adults will find this series more compelling but for an adult it's pretty unsubstantial fare. Oh, I would read the next book if it comes my way for free, but I won't spend on it and would even hesitate to use a credit for it on my trading sites, depending on my mood.
The book was okay, but I found myself losing interest in Tally as a character, as well as the story as a whole. I suppose that young adults will find this series more compelling but for an adult it's pretty unsubstantial fare. Oh, I would read the next book if it comes my way for free, but I won't spend on it and would even hesitate to use a credit for it on my trading sites, depending on my mood.
bought this not knowing exactly what it was about, it is very 'young adult' reading, too immature for me.
Not my favorite out of the trilogy, but still an interesting read. The first was better, and i hope the third is better than this one.
Once again Westerfeld has spun a continuation of a masterfully told story. Again, I was caught up with Tally Youngblood's story as it unfolded. It kept me by the edge of my seat. I truely fear for her to as to what is to happen to her at the ending of this book
I enjoyed the first one more than this one, can't wait to read the last installment to see what happens to Tally Youngblood.
I dont want to give anything away, so Ill just say once you finish the first book you will have to read this one and once you finish this one, youll want to see what happens in the third one.
An exciting, thought-provoking, and really entertaining follow-up to Uglies. You get to see a lot more into Tally's personality, which is interesting. The author also reveals a lot more about the origination of the brain lesions and you get a bigger peak into the workings on New Pretty Town and Tally's new world. If you liked Uglies you'll DEFINITELY want to read this!
The first book and the beginning of this book was great. It was captivating and different. But the end was annoying...***SPOILER ALERT****
The main character has escaped the city, then came back to rescue her friends. Next she escapes with her friends and decides to go back to the city only to escape again. And the annoying part was at the end of this book after she escapes the city she decides to go back again. The next book will be about her friends trying to rescue her or get her to escape again. Are you kidding me? I mean the author changes it up a bit, but it turned me off and I barely want to read the next book.
The main character has escaped the city, then came back to rescue her friends. Next she escapes with her friends and decides to go back to the city only to escape again. And the annoying part was at the end of this book after she escapes the city she decides to go back again. The next book will be about her friends trying to rescue her or get her to escape again. Are you kidding me? I mean the author changes it up a bit, but it turned me off and I barely want to read the next book.
This is a really good book. I have very much enjoyed both in the series and look forward to the next! Very unique storyline and Tally is a wonderful character.
Exciting adventure continues in this series. Tally becomes pretty in order to test a new method the "smokies" have discovered that can reverse the mind control that new pretties are subject to.
This is a very popular book at our middle school right now.
