Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Kayla (Midnight Twilight)

Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license--for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally will be there.

But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. She'd rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world--and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can't imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.


You know a book is going to be interesting when the first sentience is "The early summer sky was the color of cat vomit." This was one of the best books I've ever read. Tally has a huge struggle to face. This book is full of romance, sci-fi, and the horrible effects humans can have on each other and on the world. This book reminded me of a Twilight Zone episode (that's the main reason i decided to pick it up) but it is one of the most original works I've ever read. I can't wait to read more by Scott Westerfeld.