Author: Scott Westerfeld
Genre: YA Science Fiction, Series #1
Published: 2005
Personal Rating: 4.25/5 (better than very good)
Yearly Count: 132
In Uglyville, at the age of 16, you gleefully and thankfully receive an operation to become pretty, then you can live in Pretty Town. With her operation only weeks away, Tally befriends Shay (whose operation is also around the corner), and she sheds a new light on the much awaited change.
I love suspense. Especially when I don't want to put the book down. This one was like that for me. It is another science fiction novel that has realistic elements that holds it together, which helps me accept it. As for the plot - it never stopped and even surprised me a time or two. And, interestingly enough, I even joined in on a few rides - too fun!
I teetered between a 4 and 4.25/5 because while I thought it was very good, I thought the YA showed through with its simplistic language. Unfortunately (for me), I don't like to feel like I'm reading a YA book when in fact it is. Despite that, keeping up the suspense and intrigue warranted the higher rating.
My husband loved this whole series. I've got it since he read it, but haven't had time to read it yet. So glad to see you enjoyed it too.
ReplyDeleteBermudaonion ~ I have 3 of the 4, and unfortunately, the 2nd (Pretties) is the one I'm missing. I think you'll really enjoy it, and it's a fast read.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I've seen this series around the blogs for quite a while but only now, after reading your review, am tempted to read it. Nice review, Joy!
ReplyDeleteWas it a listen or a read?
Good to see you liked this one. I've been wanting to read it, but I'm committed to reading books I already own for October and November. I'm letting myself go back to the library in December and this is definitely on the list for me to check out soon.
ReplyDeleteI really liked this one, too -- I thought the concept was very intriguing. Unfortunately, I didn't think the rest of the series was quite as compelling...I'll be interested to hear your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteYahoooo! Another sci-fi hit for Joy!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this series yet, though I'm chomping at the bit to, it's just the thought of starting another series that is keeping me away. Next year, I keep telling myself ....
Totally loved what you had to say. This book is a big hit at my middle school library. I'm sad to admit that I haven't read them ....yet!! But I will !
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this one as well but still haven't picked up the 2nd one yet. I even had it in my hands at the library but ended up setting it down for something else ;)
ReplyDeleteWow. You better be careful, Joy. You might actually become a fan of sci-fi! ;)
ReplyDeleteMary ~ Hey! It's a new you! I had to check to see if you were Mary - Bookfan. Love the new pic. :) I read Uglies, and it was a fast one at that. It's a squat chunky book, but still goes quickly. I love short chapters. :)
ReplyDeleteSuzi ~ I know you'll enjoy it - to what degree, I'm not sure. It's worth checking out. Tee Hee
Cassie ~ Pretties is the only one I do not have, so I probably won't get to it in the near future. The second book in a series usually isn't as good as the first, so I'm prepared.
Nicola ~ I know! Isn't that amazing?! :) At this point there are only 4 books in the series, but I don't know if that's the end or not. As I said up above, it was a light, fast read, so no worries to only read 4. :)
Staci ~ There's a lot happening with some twists and turns - you'd enjoy it. And, btw, your comments are always very encouraging to me. Thank you.
Samantha.1020 ~ I hope it still holds my attention. I think having distance between the two will help, so there won't be a big comparison.
Les ~ LOL Joy, a sci-fi fan!?! That sounds hilarious. However, there is some truth to it! Never would I have ventured into that genre if it wasn't for the blogosphere. (warm fuzzies) It has never been appealing, so I have always stayed clear. I have to tweak my song and dance now. :)
I've heard such good things about this series. I try to be very selective about YA because if I added every one that bloggers loved to my list I would be reading nothing but books for young adults! But, your review has be thinking maybe I should at least take a peak at this one :)
ReplyDeleteI really loved Uglies. I think that good science-fiction always has insightful or poignant social commentary, and Uglies definitely has that. I didn't like Pretties as well - but my sister and a friend both liked it even better than Uglies.
ReplyDeleteThe series is good, but light at the same time as suspenseful. I guess it was suspenseful in a YA way. I totally get what you said about the writing though. Reading this series is like cotton candy - good, but light and fluffy, and gone in an instant.
ReplyDeleteStacybuckeye ~ It's a high profile series with an outcome of high regard. I can't imagine you not liking it, but I understand the selection dilemma.
ReplyDeleteAlisonwonderland ~ At some point, I will be giving Pretties a go. I hope I at least like it well enough to want to continue with the series.
Raidergirl3 ~ I agree - "suspenseful in a YA way." Also, keeping with your cotton candy metaphor: . . . but if you eat too much, you get sick. LOL Sorry, but I can only take so much YA at one time. :)
I would love to read this book too! Came across some positive reviews of it.
ReplyDeleteJosette ~ I hope you enjoy it! :)
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