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chroniclerofcreepy's review against another edition
4.0
This is not something I'd typically read by far, as I find that teen novels are typically poorly written and quite shallow, lacking any true literary worth. I haven't seen the TV show which apparently is quite popular at the moment, but I finally caved into reading it after hearing plenty of adults rave about its high entertainment value.
Despite having a bad opinion about teen reads, I was quite impressed by this first book of the series. It's very well composed, lacking any plot holes from what I could tell. The wording is excellent and although each chapter is split between the girls, they flow nicely and you aren't left with any impression of missing something. Although it's an easy read, it doesn't feel like you're reading a 13 year old's book, which gives this first book (and probably the rest of this series) major points for me.
The plot itself isn't terribly original, but it's extremely well done. Again, most teen murder mysteries or ones involving rich, snobby little girls are usually quite an annoyance for the lack of maturity and actual important detail. However, regardless of how stereotypically trashy these girls are (drinking, smoking pot, and provocatively luring young adults into precarious, sexual situations) and how many designer names are thrown around (Chanel, Tiffany, Dior, etc etc), the drama surrounding them is not one of lowly, teenage intrigue. Even the trouble they get into from day to day is put across so eloquently that it doesn't make me scoff and roll my eyes. To be honest, it did at first, but it didn't take me long to discover the delicious prose of this little gem.
To be fair, I don't want to spoil anything for other readers who like me didn't know any real detail about the plot prior to picking it up. Just know that this is a genuinely spooky murder mystery and deserves to be tried out by everyone.
Despite having a bad opinion about teen reads, I was quite impressed by this first book of the series. It's very well composed, lacking any plot holes from what I could tell. The wording is excellent and although each chapter is split between the girls, they flow nicely and you aren't left with any impression of missing something. Although it's an easy read, it doesn't feel like you're reading a 13 year old's book, which gives this first book (and probably the rest of this series) major points for me.
The plot itself isn't terribly original, but it's extremely well done. Again, most teen murder mysteries or ones involving rich, snobby little girls are usually quite an annoyance for the lack of maturity and actual important detail. However, regardless of how stereotypically trashy these girls are (drinking, smoking pot, and provocatively luring young adults into precarious, sexual situations) and how many designer names are thrown around (Chanel, Tiffany, Dior, etc etc), the drama surrounding them is not one of lowly, teenage intrigue. Even the trouble they get into from day to day is put across so eloquently that it doesn't make me scoff and roll my eyes. To be honest, it did at first, but it didn't take me long to discover the delicious prose of this little gem.
To be fair, I don't want to spoil anything for other readers who like me didn't know any real detail about the plot prior to picking it up. Just know that this is a genuinely spooky murder mystery and deserves to be tried out by everyone.
aalleia's review against another edition
2.0
Honestly I just wanted to rewatch the TV series for the umpteenth time but it got removed on Netflix... so I decided to start on the books instead. Also, I thought it would be interesting to see how the story unfolds differently.
Characters are less likeable in the books. And not that this impacted my rating, but in my head I just can’t picture some of the characters w/ blonde hair ??? T.T (could be because I saw the series before I read the books)
Character: 2/5
Plot: 2.5/5
Setting: 3/5
Style: 2.5/5
Theme & Symbolism: 3/5
Recommendation: 2.5/5
Overall: 2.6/5
Characters are less likeable in the books. And not that this impacted my rating, but in my head I just can’t picture some of the characters w/ blonde hair ??? T.T (could be because I saw the series before I read the books)
Character: 2/5
Plot: 2.5/5
Setting: 3/5
Style: 2.5/5
Theme & Symbolism: 3/5
Recommendation: 2.5/5
Overall: 2.6/5
ashuhlee's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
storyflowsolutions's review against another edition
3.0
Iread Pretty Little Liars so that I would have an idea of what's happening in the show. Unfortunately, I couldn't really get through it. I read the whole thing, but it took me a lot longer than usual. I found out that I don't really like to read books like this. I can watch the show and I might like it, but I don't like books like this. It's just not the type of reading that I would choose.
happilyhalliwell's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
beapetrox's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Iconico
irissophie's review against another edition
5.0
Start reading the books after I watched the series some years ago. Good story, addicting.
anikarajan's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0