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8.28.2009

Specials by Scott Westerfeld


Specials, is the third book in the Uglies series and wraps up the story of Tally Youngblood. Mr. Westerfeld has done a wonderful job with this series and I was very pleased with all three of his books (Uglies, Pretties, Specials). For YA novels they possessed a depth that I haven't experienced with other newer authors. Mr. Westerfeld's commitment to his writing, characters and plot had me categorizing him with other great authors that I love as a child such as CS Lewis and Madeleine L'Engle. I mentioned in an earlier review of Uglies that Tally Youngblood wasn't so much a likable character as a respectable one, and she remains that way throughout the series. In Specials, Tally transforms from the bubbly pretty into a Cutter which takes her character from vapid to vicious. This transition is the hardest one that Tally has to face, but underneath it all she is still Tally and she has to fight against the gods. The book takes you on a break neck journey through Tally's world. It introduces you to new things that you only suspected were in existence, but the author never revealed. The Smokies take the game to a whole other level...and Tally finds herself facing off against people she once loved and called friends. With each twist of the plot Mr. Westerfeld led me down paths that I never expected, all the while entertaining me and making me question my beliefs and prejudices. I also do not feel that the conclusion of the Zane/David/Tally triangle was an easy way out, my opinion is that the author handled it very well - in a way that I did not expect. A wonderful conclusion to a great series. I recommend this for adults and their teenagers.

11 comments:

Cheryl said...

I wanted to leave you a comment about the Facolner book Lift. If you go to the author's page and contact her, she may send you a copy to give to your brother as this book does not release till November.

Rebecca is really nice.

Anonymous said...

Nice review...I havent read this series yet..my TRB pile is out of control...I love the black cat in the corner...

Anonymous said...

nice review...I havent read this series yet my TBR pile is out of control, I love the black cat in the corner..

MARY IN SCOTLAND said...

OMG Your Blog is so cool! Well, your in graphic design, so you can make all kinds of amazing stuff!

I've been wanting to get into the Uglies series....I'm going to HAVE to give them a try!

Thanks for following The Sweet Bookshelf!

ParaJunkee said...

The cat in the corner is Bobbie...my poly-dactyl, co-dep 2nd child.

Al said...

Hi Rachel,
Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog.
I really like the look of your blog, kind of makes me think I should spruce mine up.
That attack on you by Lane, ouch!
Some people have no sense of perspective. But then many authors to get very wrapped up in their "babies".

~THE OPTIMISTIC PESSIMIST ~ said...

Oh I love your Blog! The colors are so cheerful. My fav graphic is right hand corner pic's with the kitty!~

~THE OPTIMISTIC PESSIMIST ~ said...

Gurr... I ment to also say thanks for checking out my blog.! I am now a follower.

Terra said...

I read this series last year and enjoyed. I got a little bored with the fourth book, Extras, though. I've been thinking that I might revisit the series again sometime soon. Good review. I think I agree with your description of Tally as a respectable character as opposed to a likable one.

Al said...

Hi Rachel, I've nominated you for a Bingo Award.

Take Care

Lea Bristow said...

Wow what a cool blog. Love the review. I am also a fan of Anne Rice and Stephenie Meyer. I became a follower too.

Lea
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