Pretties is the second book in the Uglies trilogy.  Fortunately, we just got the third book at the library, so I was able to read all three in quick succession.  (I’ll review one per issue.)  These are the sort of books where you want to find out what’s going to happen next.

All of the books have a kicker ending.  So I don’t want to say too much about the plot of Pretties, so as to not give away what happens in Uglies.  We’re back in the future world where mankind has abolished prejudice—by making everyone look alike, all conforming to standards of beauty determined by scientific studies to be appealing to others.

At sixteen, all the “uglies” are given dramatic surgery, changing their whole bodies.  In this book, we’re focusing on the pretties who have been through the operation.  Why do they seem so empty-headed?  Why is it difficult to think clearly?  Why do they have to do something dangerous to become “bubbly”?  Could it be that the surgery affects more than a person’s external appearance?  And what can they do about it?

This book has a fascinating background, compelling characters, and quick-paced action.  I wish I could hoverboard along with the main characters.  Or maybe use a bungee jacket and jump off of a building.  Highly entertaining reading.

Reviews of other books by Scott Westerfeld:
Uglies
Specials
Leviathan
Behemoth
Goliath
So Yesterday