Specials Book Review

Specials is a fast-paced, dystopian themed novel, as well as the 3rd book in the Uglies Series. This book is the third “stage” in Tally Youngblood’s life. First she was a daring Ugly, then an astonishing Pretty, and now she is a super-human Special, a creature that is programmed to keep the Uglies out of trouble, and the Pretties unknowledgeable about the real world. Throughout this novel, Tally goes on an amazing adventure because she is designed to destroy the New Smoke. But Tally remembers something, a detail about her life before being transformed into a Special, but it is easily ignored. It all comes down to one decision: listen to that vague remembrance or carry out the mission that she was made for. Tally's life will never be the same, all because of this one, simple choice.

Although this book is a mere 372 pages long, I couldn't get enough of it. Every time I turned the page I was on the edge of my seat, wondering whether Tally was going to be successful in defeat. I got hooked right from the beginning because of the amazing detail, crazy action, and the intriguing plot that Westerfeld included. Despite the fact that the first chapter was a little slow, the addiction that Westerfeld left me with at the end of each chapter made up for it. Westerfeld also did a good job at enhancing the characters and their personalities. I think that the author did this to make the reader feel enclosed in the world of Uglies, and that’s exactly how I felt! While I was reading, it felt like I was playing pranks and running along with Tally, Shay, and the other characters. I would recommend this book to anyone twelve or over because of kissing, nude figures, and language. It's gripping for teens, and sends a good message out about society and how everyone is beautiful.