And I've now knocked down one of the trilogies I started last month. The climatic chapter to Scott Westerfeld's Uglies series, Specials, was a fun ride. Promises were fulfilled, consequences were brought about, and people were changed. It was a satisfying ending to the series and despite an ending that could be seen as an environmentalist plug it wasn't over the top or distracting. Here is the link to Audible's page for the book. It was narrated by Carine Montbertrand, again not my favorite but a decent job and this recording didn't have some minor anomalies that Ugilies did.
.jpg)
Plot: Tally has always been special, but now she really is - part of an elite team and connected to her fellows via skin-tennas and rituals. Their mission is to destroy that which Tally has held dear. However, there is one good thing about this new group, Tally is reunited with Shay. Unfortunately, she still longs to be near Zane. But Zane is not the same as he used to be. He is the only crippled pretty in the city and Tally is torn between her memories of what he was like to who he is now. Wanting to be with him, she and Shay embark on a trip that changes them. Seeking for the new smoke, they find it in a place they never would have expected. But that's not the only surprise. Smokies have gained access to new technologies and are fight back - not just running. Madi, David's mother has been developing new cures. And Tally's body and mind are fighting her heart. What's more, the consequences of Shay and Tally's biggest trick ever effect more than just them. Things have been put into motion that only Tally can fix. It's one thing to rewire your own brain, but will Tally be able to rewire others?
My personal favorites: The action, suspense, and tension of this book were more than the other two and made for an exciting read. Tally was again a very believable character and her and Shay's motivations were convincing. This book also introduced some new technologies that were pretty cool and helped enhance the world. The ending was satisfactory and I am content with the direction it went. The time line was also well done. Meaning that time passed in a believable pace. The climaxes to the different situations were well done as well.
Considerations: The biggest item for consideration is that several characters practice self-harming behaviors as it helps them to think clearer. This is not portrayed as overly positive, and several characters remark on the practice in negative ways. the scenes are not very graphic, but can be emotionally disturbing. Ultimately the practice is discontinued by all characters, but not before becoming a predominate element of the story. As usual, I mention this so readers can be informed. I will also mention a minor item - environmentalist. I had a bad experience when upon finishing a book I got hit in the face by a page and a half of pro-environmental propaganda. It was such a shock as I hadn't encountered anything similar anywhere else in the book. Don't mistake by comments as an anti-environmental position, but rather an issue with hamfisted political or social declarations. Specials leaned towards active environmental statements, but the thoughts were natural to the character and where not of the "hit you over the head" variety. The ending maintained that position, but was well done, logical, and not invasive.
Overall, I am content with the series and enjoyed listening to it. I do not know when I will mention it to my children - the discussions of what constitutes beauty are good, but I believe the self-harm, not eating, and alcohol use require maturity and some stability of values. Definitely a young adult as opposed to a middle grade. In many ways, the books are no worse (and in many ways better) then many that I read as a teen. My concern stems from the fact that unlike fighting dragons or leading armies, self-harm, not eating, and alcohol are issues that teenagers come across more often. Perhaps that is a reason that teens should read this as it gives reasons why people may choose to engage in these activities and then shows why it is better not to. The jury may be out on that for a while. It was a well told story with very, very good characters. The total length was just under 11 hours.
.jpg)
Plot: Tally has always been special, but now she really is - part of an elite team and connected to her fellows via skin-tennas and rituals. Their mission is to destroy that which Tally has held dear. However, there is one good thing about this new group, Tally is reunited with Shay. Unfortunately, she still longs to be near Zane. But Zane is not the same as he used to be. He is the only crippled pretty in the city and Tally is torn between her memories of what he was like to who he is now. Wanting to be with him, she and Shay embark on a trip that changes them. Seeking for the new smoke, they find it in a place they never would have expected. But that's not the only surprise. Smokies have gained access to new technologies and are fight back - not just running. Madi, David's mother has been developing new cures. And Tally's body and mind are fighting her heart. What's more, the consequences of Shay and Tally's biggest trick ever effect more than just them. Things have been put into motion that only Tally can fix. It's one thing to rewire your own brain, but will Tally be able to rewire others?My personal favorites: The action, suspense, and tension of this book were more than the other two and made for an exciting read. Tally was again a very believable character and her and Shay's motivations were convincing. This book also introduced some new technologies that were pretty cool and helped enhance the world. The ending was satisfactory and I am content with the direction it went. The time line was also well done. Meaning that time passed in a believable pace. The climaxes to the different situations were well done as well.
Considerations: The biggest item for consideration is that several characters practice self-harming behaviors as it helps them to think clearer. This is not portrayed as overly positive, and several characters remark on the practice in negative ways. the scenes are not very graphic, but can be emotionally disturbing. Ultimately the practice is discontinued by all characters, but not before becoming a predominate element of the story. As usual, I mention this so readers can be informed. I will also mention a minor item - environmentalist. I had a bad experience when upon finishing a book I got hit in the face by a page and a half of pro-environmental propaganda. It was such a shock as I hadn't encountered anything similar anywhere else in the book. Don't mistake by comments as an anti-environmental position, but rather an issue with hamfisted political or social declarations. Specials leaned towards active environmental statements, but the thoughts were natural to the character and where not of the "hit you over the head" variety. The ending maintained that position, but was well done, logical, and not invasive.
Overall, I am content with the series and enjoyed listening to it. I do not know when I will mention it to my children - the discussions of what constitutes beauty are good, but I believe the self-harm, not eating, and alcohol use require maturity and some stability of values. Definitely a young adult as opposed to a middle grade. In many ways, the books are no worse (and in many ways better) then many that I read as a teen. My concern stems from the fact that unlike fighting dragons or leading armies, self-harm, not eating, and alcohol are issues that teenagers come across more often. Perhaps that is a reason that teens should read this as it gives reasons why people may choose to engage in these activities and then shows why it is better not to. The jury may be out on that for a while. It was a well told story with very, very good characters. The total length was just under 11 hours.
No comments:
Post a Comment