applesaucecreachur's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
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
Honestly? I liked it! Pretties is peak YA sci-fi dystopian in its simplicity, approachability, ridiculousness, lukewarm romances, unexpected nuggets of wisdom, and charm. Did Shay ? Sure. Was Tally and ? Predictably. Was the explanation of what made someone "pretty" problematic? Oh, absolutely. But the tale that Westerfield spins is fun and even insightful (though ultimately misguided) in assessing the weaknesses that make topple societies. I'm happy that stories like these exist.
Spoiler
ultimately feel like a character of plot convenienceSpoiler
David's relationship cookie-cutter and dull
Content Warnings
Moderate: Eating disorder, Fatphobia, and Body shaming
noraconradcom's review
2.0
I wanted to reread this series ahead of the Netflix movie for the books. I wish this held up better but it is 100% made for 12-13 year olds. The writing is immature and the dialog is unnatural. We listened to it on audiobook which made it worse. The amount of description about the hover crafts and boards is strangely in-depth and completely unnecessary. I gave it an extra star for the nostalgia but I’m just hoping the show is better than the book because it’s pretty bad.
miecznik's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dthndk's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
ashlynel56's review
2.0
This is one of those books I tried to read but could never get into it for whatever reason. I may try it again, just depends on how many other books I want to read.
harb's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
claireteichman's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
ziltoidia's review
2.0
I suspect I am reading this series a bit too late. Both in terms of age, and in terms of how many, more recent, dystopian future YA books I have read prior to this book. A lot of the themes have since become tropes, making it a rather predictable read.
But seriously though, every major character in this book were really, really, dumb! Tally, Shae, David... you name it. I also did not like that, for the vast majority of the book, things simply "happened to" Tally. Words were put into her mouth and actions into her hands, without her seeming to have any opinions, intentions or willpower to speak of.
It was a good story and an exciting read though. I suspect most of my annoyance was caused by the awful audio book narrator. She more or less made everyone sound downright stoned.
But seriously though, every major character in this book were really, really, dumb! Tally, Shae, David... you name it. I also did not like that, for the vast majority of the book, things simply "happened to" Tally. Words were put into her mouth and actions into her hands, without her seeming to have any opinions, intentions or willpower to speak of.
It was a good story and an exciting read though. I suspect most of my annoyance was caused by the awful audio book narrator. She more or less made everyone sound downright stoned.
xbeltanis's review
4.0
Interesting story of how the world could end up in a few more years... teen book, but a fun read.