impassionskin's review against another edition
4.0
I found this book entertaining. Not as much as the show, but it's still good. I consider it an introduction. Nothing too big happened in this book that hasn't already happened in the show up to this point. A lot of the events happened in different ways, so watching the show isn't a complete spoiler. I bought the second book today and will start reading it tonight.
stingrayafflictlon's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
islavita's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
_kendab's review against another edition
4.0
I knew I was gay when the author described Mya’s banana bubble-gum flavored lips. In 2010. And then I thought to myself, “that’s something I’m gonna ignore for at least another decade.”
nelsprid's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lyza_reads's review against another edition
3.0
“I'm still here, bitches. And I know everything."
-A
I didn’t watch the show growing up, but I’m definitely going to now as I read these books! I thought it was a great story, though it took me a while to get through the initial parts.
Tbh I thought all 4 (5 if we’re including the lead plastic, Ali) were so snobby and pretentious I found myself cringing at certain points. It’s definitely a good read bc it keeps you wanting more and keeps you reading, but oh my GOSH these girls are in high school!!! Maybe it would’ve been a bit more believable if they were in college, but their current ages is just throwing things off for me a bit.
-A
I didn’t watch the show growing up, but I’m definitely going to now as I read these books! I thought it was a great story, though it took me a while to get through the initial parts.
Tbh I thought all 4 (5 if we’re including the lead plastic, Ali) were so snobby and pretentious I found myself cringing at certain points. It’s definitely a good read bc it keeps you wanting more and keeps you reading, but oh my GOSH these girls are in high school!!! Maybe it would’ve been a bit more believable if they were in college, but their current ages is just throwing things off for me a bit.
hollybell21's review against another edition
5.0
Very easy read! I was intrigued by the series from the TV show, and the books (so far) are awesome! The way the author writes, you just can't help but to keep turning pages to learn more "secrets"and to figure out who "A" is.
maddsreich's review against another edition
Honestly I don't get it. It's too intense. Scandalous. Dramatic. Mysterious. It's just plain annoying. And there are like ten of them!
aliencatl0rd'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.
lelemontgomery's review against another edition
4.0
Title: Pretty Little Liars: A Compelling Thriller with a Divergent TV Adaptation
Rating: ★★★★☆
Sara Shepard's debut novel, "Pretty Little Liars," is a gripping and suspenseful tale that introduces readers to the enigmatic lives of four teenage girls: Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily. Set in the fictional town of Rosewood, Pennsylvania, this book kicks off a thrilling series that explores secrets, betrayal, and the consequences of keeping them hidden.
The plot revolves around the disappearance of their friend Alison, whose mysterious vanishing haunts the group even after she is presumed dead. As the girls struggle to move on, they start receiving anonymous messages from a figure known as "A," who threatens to expose their darkest secrets. The relentless pursuit of truth, mixed with psychological torment and unsettling revelations, keeps readers engrossed from start to finish.
Shepard skillfully weaves together the complexities of friendship, romance, and teenage angst with a well-executed mystery. The characters are multi-dimensional, each harboring secrets and flaws that add depth to the narrative. The author's writing style is accessible and engaging, making it easy to immerse oneself in the story and connect with the characters' emotional journeys.
However, it is important to note that the book series and the subsequent TV adaptation diverge significantly. While both mediums capture the essence of suspense and drama, they take different paths in terms of plot and character development. This divergence has led to the TV series gaining more popularity and widespread acclaim.
The TV adaptation of "Pretty Little Liars" benefits from the visual medium, allowing for intricate cinematography and compelling performances by the cast. The show expanded on the original story, introducing new plotlines, characters, and twists. It captivated audiences with its stylish aesthetics, glamorous setting, and addictive cliffhangers, effectively transforming the source material into a cultural phenomenon.
Moreover, the TV series benefited from the collaborative efforts of a team of writers and producers, who crafted a serialized narrative that could be explored over multiple seasons. This allowed for character arcs to be developed in more depth, offering viewers a chance to emotionally invest in the lives of the Liars and their evolving relationships.
The adaptation also leveraged the power of social media and engaged with fans in real-time, creating an interactive experience that transcended the confines of traditional storytelling. The show's online presence, fan theories, and discussion forums helped generate a dedicated following, further contributing to its popularity.
Despite these differences, Sara Shepard's original "Pretty Little Liars" book series remains a compelling read. The intricate web of secrets and lies, combined with the relatable struggles of teenage life, make it an engaging choice for fans of mystery and suspense. While the TV series may have surpassed the books in popularity, the novels still provide a solid foundation for the captivating world of Rosewood.
In conclusion, "Pretty Little Liars" by Sara Shepard is a thrilling opening to a series that delves into the dark underbelly of secrets. Although the TV adaptation veers off from the original storyline, it successfully captures the attention of a broader audience through visual storytelling and extended character arcs. Whether you prefer the books or the TV series, both offer an intriguing journey into the lives of the Pretty Little Liars.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Sara Shepard's debut novel, "Pretty Little Liars," is a gripping and suspenseful tale that introduces readers to the enigmatic lives of four teenage girls: Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily. Set in the fictional town of Rosewood, Pennsylvania, this book kicks off a thrilling series that explores secrets, betrayal, and the consequences of keeping them hidden.
The plot revolves around the disappearance of their friend Alison, whose mysterious vanishing haunts the group even after she is presumed dead. As the girls struggle to move on, they start receiving anonymous messages from a figure known as "A," who threatens to expose their darkest secrets. The relentless pursuit of truth, mixed with psychological torment and unsettling revelations, keeps readers engrossed from start to finish.
Shepard skillfully weaves together the complexities of friendship, romance, and teenage angst with a well-executed mystery. The characters are multi-dimensional, each harboring secrets and flaws that add depth to the narrative. The author's writing style is accessible and engaging, making it easy to immerse oneself in the story and connect with the characters' emotional journeys.
However, it is important to note that the book series and the subsequent TV adaptation diverge significantly. While both mediums capture the essence of suspense and drama, they take different paths in terms of plot and character development. This divergence has led to the TV series gaining more popularity and widespread acclaim.
The TV adaptation of "Pretty Little Liars" benefits from the visual medium, allowing for intricate cinematography and compelling performances by the cast. The show expanded on the original story, introducing new plotlines, characters, and twists. It captivated audiences with its stylish aesthetics, glamorous setting, and addictive cliffhangers, effectively transforming the source material into a cultural phenomenon.
Moreover, the TV series benefited from the collaborative efforts of a team of writers and producers, who crafted a serialized narrative that could be explored over multiple seasons. This allowed for character arcs to be developed in more depth, offering viewers a chance to emotionally invest in the lives of the Liars and their evolving relationships.
The adaptation also leveraged the power of social media and engaged with fans in real-time, creating an interactive experience that transcended the confines of traditional storytelling. The show's online presence, fan theories, and discussion forums helped generate a dedicated following, further contributing to its popularity.
Despite these differences, Sara Shepard's original "Pretty Little Liars" book series remains a compelling read. The intricate web of secrets and lies, combined with the relatable struggles of teenage life, make it an engaging choice for fans of mystery and suspense. While the TV series may have surpassed the books in popularity, the novels still provide a solid foundation for the captivating world of Rosewood.
In conclusion, "Pretty Little Liars" by Sara Shepard is a thrilling opening to a series that delves into the dark underbelly of secrets. Although the TV adaptation veers off from the original storyline, it successfully captures the attention of a broader audience through visual storytelling and extended character arcs. Whether you prefer the books or the TV series, both offer an intriguing journey into the lives of the Pretty Little Liars.