Review Detail

Reader reviewed by the book muncher

Tally is an ugly. Shes not necessarily ugly in the traditional use of the word; she just hasnt had an operation done to her to make her into a pretty. Thats because she hasnt turned sixteen yet unlike her best friend Peris, who just got the operation. Now he lives in New Pretty Town while Tally is stuck living with the rest of the uglies.

She is befriended by another girl names Shay, who she ran into while sneaking into New Pretty Town. She teaches Tally how to use a hoverboard. Shay is different in that she isnt looking forward to becoming a pretty. And then she runs away to Smoke.

Tally finds out from Dr. Cable, a special, that if she ever wants to become a pretty, then she has to bring Shay back from Smoke. Tally sets out to find smoke by herself, using cryptic instructions left by Shay and wearing a device that she can set off to let the specials know where Smoke is located. When Tally arrives, however, she starts to get used to the life there and even falls for David, which is unfortunately the guy Shay has also set her sights on.

Uglies is an amazing beginning to a series, and Scott Westerfeld has proven himself an amazing storyteller. The ideas are so original and new and yet so believable at the same time. The story is packed with action, suspense, betrayal, and even romance. It is easy to relate to Tallys character most of the time. I highly recommend this book to everyone who hasnt read it, especially for fans of futuristic fiction.