Customer Reviews

Uglies, The Collector's Set: Uglies, Pretties, Specials, Extras

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The "Uglies" series is one of those rare cases when both I and my daughter (not yet 11) absolutely agree in our judgment of these books as absolutely brilliant - interesting, original and well written, as well as "mind-twisting", in Westerfeld's definition. If I think back, only Harry Potter books in our house received the same unanimous positive feedback.

Even though the "Uglies" series are targeted for teen audience, I would recommend these books for younger readers as well, especially if these readers are interested in Sci Fi books. Just be aware of mature themes and some frightening moments - think "Fahrenheit 451". The world of "Uglies" is definitely dystopian, even though in a different way than the world of Ray Bradbury. This world is strange and frightening, but also cool at the same time; it is future with mandatory cosmetic operations and endless parties, time where almost everybody can choose the way they want to look and even change it by will ... And as always, there are people - teens - who try to fit, or rebel against the existing order, or...
I liked the series, because it talks about very serious subjects (price of perfection, relations between individual and government/society, true identity of the person, love and friendship - to name just a few). However, at the same time it is engaging, very well written and resonates with many things that happen in modern teens' life.
With all this, it is incredible fun to read!

PS : I almost forgot : the book doesn't have any vampires in it - rarity in the modern teen fiction. It is original, refreshing - and very good reading.

Even though this series is written for teens, adults who love the genre will enjoy the Ugly Series. The books are well written; the characters are well developed; and the world Westerfeld creates is intriguing.
The box set is a great deal because you don't have to wait before jumping into the next story (and you will want to).

My 15 year old daughter and I read this series together (she read one book, then passed it to me). It was fast-paced, well-written and gave us lots to talk about. Get it and share with teen girls that you know!

This is a series about a different view of self-image. It takes place 300+ years after present time, and its about a culture where its normal to have plastic surgery - in the attempt to make everyone seem similar in looks and personality. The series is about a select few who seek to be unique and free this culture from its monotony. Although its a young adult series, its a very good read and I think an enlightening series for our youth and adults alike.

First let me say, I am not a teenager. I am 23 years old and I really enjoyed this series! It was thrilling and fast paced but also funny at times. I was never into this sort of genre before and now I can't get enough! I just started reading Westerfield's "Midnighters" series and it's equally enjoyable. I have a new author to add to my favorites list!

My daughter brought the first book home from school, couldn't stop telling me about it so I had to read it. It was one of those books that keeps you interested - she told me it was one of a series. I started reading the first book as she doesn't go ga-ga over many and decided she needed them! Now I am getting ready to start book #4 but have not been disappointed yet! Just know there is a fifth book out there "Bogus To Bubbly" - have it on order right now- not sure if its just extras to the series or an actual book in and of itself but I definately feel this set was worth the price!

Well, I am definitely not a teen but am 50+ and enjoyed this entire set immensely. I don't remember how I happened to hear about this set of books but I have been reading more Young Adult fiction lately. The calibre and volume of writing out there targeted to our teens has vastly improved over the last few years. Rather than 150+- page "Goosebumps" books (nothing wrong with these - my kids read them years ago), our teens are actually reading 400-700 page tomes that they actually have to think about.

This set of books, from "Uglies" with its commentary on self-image, to "Pretties" with its ideas on individuality, to "Specials" and fighting for our freedoms, to "Extras" and its very up-to-date ideas on privacy, technology, public image gave me a lot to ponder. I liked the strong female roles in all the books. And I shared the set with my teenage granddaughter and she loved them. Win-win. There were adult situations in these books - partying, drinking, self-mutilation, dangerous escapades. But I believe that this set of books, if you read them along with your teen, could provide hours of back-and-forth dialogue.

Some other young adult books that are outstanding are: The Hunger Games; Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games); and the third book of the trilogy comes out next month Mockingjay (The Final Book of The Hunger Games) (you can see my review on these). One of my favorite books of all times is Ender's Game (Ender, Book 1); I didn't like the ones that followed it much but loved the first of the series and it can stand alone. Some others that I have on my future reading list and have heard good things about are Graceling; Fire (Graceling); Leviathan with its second book Behemoth (Leviathan) coming out in October 2010.

As you probably expect this is another boring review.... blah bla blah bla blah..... im going to get strait to the point.... these are some ass-kicking novels that will not only blow your socks off, but may even blow your heart up from all the anticipation and exelaration. YES, i am not even 13 yet, and you may have noticed that it says in fine print 13+ , nothing much was wrong with it except bad language in a few spots and the usual makeout scenes......therefor... i would recomend it for ages 11-70 yah ... thats a long range.....but i think if you are any older than 70 you might have a heart attack from excitment !!!!! I lovvvvvveeeeeddd these novels...and would totally give Scott a tumbsup ..... the only thing i would have done diffrent is made tally more relevant in the book Uglies. Thanks for reading..or listining or whatever you want to call it.....
-Faith Quigley

p.s) if your out there erin..... u have to finish the books...... i love u

I have enjoyed the series so far. However as a warning to others CHECK BOOK 4 FOR MISSING PAGES. The Extras book was missing pages 121-149. They are sending a new set but it is still frustrating. So check before you start reading it.
Other than that these books have been a fun easy read.

This is one of those series that once you pick up the first book you'll be done with the fourth by the end of the week. It was an excellent story and I imagine that anyone who likes books like The Hunger Games would really enjoy it. The packaging is really nice as well. I've always preferred paperback books, and having them all in this boxed set keeps them protected and nicely displayed. It's also a great value to get them all together.