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Uglies: Graphic Novel #2
Uglies: Cutters
The second novel in the Uglies Manga series, featuring Shay's point of view and set in the world of Uglies.
Experience the riveting, dystopian Uglies series seen as never before—through the eyes of Shay, Tally Youngblood’s closest and bravest friend, who refuses to take anything about society at face value.
“From the moment we are born, we are considered threats in need of ‘special’ management. We are watched and shaped and exploited by a force most of us never see. . . . All to keep us safe. . . . Do you feel safe?! Or do you feel like you’re in a cage?”—Shay
In Pretties, Tally Youngblood and her daring best friend, Shay, both underwent the operation that turned them from ordinary Uglies into stunning beauties. Now this thrilling new graphic novel reveals Shay’s perspective on living in New Pretty Town . . . and the way she sees it, there’s more to this so-called paradise than meets the eye.
With the endless parties and custom-made clothes, life as a Pretty should be perfect. Yet Shay doesn’t feel quite right. She has little to no memory of her past; it’s as if something in her brain has inexplicably changed. When she reunites with Tally and the Crims—her rebellious group of friends from Uglyville—she begins to recall their last departure to the wild, and the headstrong leader she used to be. And as she remembers the truth about what doomed their escape, Shay decides to fight back—against the status quo, against the mysterious Special Circumstances, even against her own best friend.
Experience the riveting, dystopian Uglies series seen as never before—through the eyes of Shay, Tally Youngblood’s closest and bravest friend, who refuses to take anything about society at face value.
“From the moment we are born, we are considered threats in need of ‘special’ management. We are watched and shaped and exploited by a force most of us never see. . . . All to keep us safe. . . . Do you feel safe?! Or do you feel like you’re in a cage?”—Shay
In Pretties, Tally Youngblood and her daring best friend, Shay, both underwent the operation that turned them from ordinary Uglies into stunning beauties. Now this thrilling new graphic novel reveals Shay’s perspective on living in New Pretty Town . . . and the way she sees it, there’s more to this so-called paradise than meets the eye.
With the endless parties and custom-made clothes, life as a Pretty should be perfect. Yet Shay doesn’t feel quite right. She has little to no memory of her past; it’s as if something in her brain has inexplicably changed. When she reunites with Tally and the Crims—her rebellious group of friends from Uglyville—she begins to recall their last departure to the wild, and the headstrong leader she used to be. And as she remembers the truth about what doomed their escape, Shay decides to fight back—against the status quo, against the mysterious Special Circumstances, even against her own best friend.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
32 people are currently reading
1934 people want to read
About the author
Scott Westerfeld
88 books21.3k followersScott Westerfeld is a New York Times bestselling author of YA. He is best known for the Uglies and Leviathan series. His current series, IMPOSTORS, returns to the world of Uglies.
The next book in that series, MIRROR'S EDGE, comes out April 6, 2021.
The next book in that series, MIRROR'S EDGE, comes out April 6, 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
April 25, 2025
Shay is such a compelling character not just in herself but in her special and different outlook of life and all her friend-las. I feel though instead of my initial cover impression and idea of the following the second and third books from her perspective but sadly it only dives deep into her life and actions throughout the second novel although in saying that we still seemed to get way more differed and specialized dialogue which I’m so glad they took notes from the previous book for and that odd in between fantasy story in her head all medieval adventure style was such a quirky but at times relieving in between, but by far the best scene finally visualized into this graphic novel has to be that descriptive blowing up of the ice rink I mean I thought my imagination had it pictured well but Scott made the scene just ten times more intense in its visualization
February 26, 2014
I took my time getting through this because I'm such a die-hard Uglies fan. Even though Tally isn't the main MC anymore, I still enjoyed and loved Shay. Just like with the first graphic novel I got to explore a whole new side to Shay's Story.
In this novel we start with Shay living and coping with being a pretty. She also struggles with remembering her life before being a pretty, I hadn't known she kinda lost her memory of her smoky days. For a while Shay's enjoying life and getting into her old ugly ways. Until Tally comes back into the picture and messes things up for Shay. Having read both Tally & Shay's sides I can totally understand them and there "frienemy" status.
This graphic novel was different from the first one in some good ways. First, between a certain amount of chapters we have this kinda fairy tale story of what's going to happen. In where Shay is like the fighter and has to protect her forest, while Tally's a princess that gets what she wants without really doing much. It really added a metaphoric picture to Shay's life.
Another thing was the romance. Now in the books Shay was with Daniel & Zane first before Tally but I thought she ended up alone, WRONG. In the novel we see Shay develope feelings for another character, that I did not see coming. TACHS. He had very little parts in the book but here he plays a major role with Shay. He & her actually discover that if they cut themselves they can clear there pretty bubbliness. So they actually started the cutters not Tally & Zane as I thought.
In the end Shay & Tach want to re-start the smoke, now that they remember, but there plan gets foiled and special circumstances comes in. Dr.Cable is even nastier than I though, she really knows how to push Shay's buttons to making her think that everything was Tally's fault.
Overall, I LOVED THIS. I might have rambled a bit but I'm pleased with this and i think all Uglies fan's will not be disappointed.It definitely gives a fresh breathe to the series. So a 4.5 from me :)
In this novel we start with Shay living and coping with being a pretty. She also struggles with remembering her life before being a pretty, I hadn't known she kinda lost her memory of her smoky days. For a while Shay's enjoying life and getting into her old ugly ways. Until Tally comes back into the picture and messes things up for Shay. Having read both Tally & Shay's sides I can totally understand them and there "frienemy" status.
This graphic novel was different from the first one in some good ways. First, between a certain amount of chapters we have this kinda fairy tale story of what's going to happen. In where Shay is like the fighter and has to protect her forest, while Tally's a princess that gets what she wants without really doing much. It really added a metaphoric picture to Shay's life.
Another thing was the romance. Now in the books Shay was with Daniel & Zane first before Tally but I thought she ended up alone, WRONG. In the novel we see Shay develope feelings for another character, that I did not see coming. TACHS. He had very little parts in the book but here he plays a major role with Shay. He & her actually discover that if they cut themselves they can clear there pretty bubbliness. So they actually started the cutters not Tally & Zane as I thought.
In the end Shay & Tach want to re-start the smoke, now that they remember, but there plan gets foiled and special circumstances comes in. Dr.Cable is even nastier than I though, she really knows how to push Shay's buttons to making her think that everything was Tally's fault.
Overall, I LOVED THIS. I might have rambled a bit but I'm pleased with this and i think all Uglies fan's will not be disappointed.It definitely gives a fresh breathe to the series. So a 4.5 from me :)
April 23, 2020
As someone who loved Shay's Story, I was very excited to read Pretties from her perspective as well. (So far, I've only read Uglies, Shay's Story, and Pretties.) The artwork, let me just say, was absolutely stunning. I love the character designs so much.
My one complaint would be that this book seems to stray a bit from Shay's actual story in Pretties. She seems remarkably clear-headed for the majority of the plot, which I didn't get a read for in Pretties. But Cutters was still really, really good.
I wish they made more of these, but it doesn't look like it. I don't know what happens with Shay after Pretties anyway, though, so maybe I just have to read the rest of the books. I am looking forward to that!
4/5 stars. These graphic novels were great companions to the books.
My one complaint would be that this book seems to stray a bit from Shay's actual story in Pretties. She seems remarkably clear-headed for the majority of the plot, which I didn't get a read for in Pretties. But Cutters was still really, really good.
I wish they made more of these, but it doesn't look like it. I don't know what happens with Shay after Pretties anyway, though, so maybe I just have to read the rest of the books. I am looking forward to that!
4/5 stars. These graphic novels were great companions to the books.
February 7, 2017
If Shay's Story was basically Uglies rewritten from Shay's perspective rather than Tally's, Cutters is even more precisely a retelling of Pretties from Shay's point of view. Now that Dr. Cable has arrested the Smokies, and Shay and Tally have undergone the Pretty-making procedure, the events of the previous book are less fresh and urgent in their minds. The Prettying operation includes invasive brain surgery to reduce problematic instinctive drives and tone down critical thinking abilities, and despite the trauma of betrayal and capture that beset Shay and Tally's friendship in Shay's Story, they've practically forgotten it as they attend extravagant nightly parties and make light gossip on the streets of New Pretty Town. Shay, Tally, Zane, Tachs, and their circle of Pretty friends are content to revel in their own newly acquired beauty, flirt with other good-looking teens, and watch the spectacular fireworks displays over the city, pyrotechnic light shows designed to please the Pretty mind. It's as though they weren't forced to become Pretty at all.
"It's important to understand that the human brain is filled with meaningless chatter. Improperly trained or augmented, it jumps between reliving past humiliations and worrying over future hypotheticals. This can cause serious inadequacies when the need for decisive action arises in the present. There are, however, small evolutionary benefits to this chronological chaos. Those with no concern for the future often fail to prepare for it adequately...while those who cannot remember the past are, in the words of an ancient Rusty philosopher, condemned to repeat it."
—from Cutters
History always eventually repeats when people aren't proactive about avoiding past mistakes, does it not? After Zane resurrects the old Crims clique and Shay and Tally impressively prove themselves worthy of inclusion, Tally effortlessly makes romantic inroads with Zane, the boy Shay likes now. Like David in the Smoke, Zane develops a preference for Tally over her friend, and the two of them often sneak away to attempt daring tricks the other Crims might hesitate to perform. One night after climbing a high tower and being removed and reprimanded by agents of Special Circumstances, Tally and Zane seem suddenly different: clear-headed, intelligent, reverting to the way they were before the brain lesions done as part of the Pretty-making surgery made them as vapid as every other Pretty. The term "bubbly" takes on subversive new meaning for these two: instead of using it as a junk word to describe anything good, attractive, or fun, Tally and Zane use it to talk about the mental clarity they've recently achieved. Shay is more frustrated than ever; how did those two regain their pre-surge mental faculties? She'd try anything to do the same and prove they're no better than she, even climb that dangerous tower and get in trouble with Special Circumstances. Hard as it is to focus on a longterm goal with the brain lesions limiting her, she vows to find the secret to being bubbly and remember what happened in the Smoke.
None of Shay's ideas seem to work, until she accidentally gashes open her arm climbing the same tower Tally and Zane did. The pain briefly crystalizes her mental processes, allowing her to recall Tally's betrayal at the Smoke, and Shay is desperate to retain this control over her own thinking. By purposely cutting herself a few times per day, she can override the brain damage and think as clearly as before her operation, and several other Crims join her to form an offshoot clique they dub the Cutters. Fearing that Special Circumstances is aware what the Cutters are doing, Shay decides its time for them to ditch New Pretty Town and head for the Smoke. Are David and the Smokies waiting for their return? But Dr. Cable is no clueless Pretty, and she's way ahead of Shay's angsty band of rebels. If Dr. Cable catches Shay again, what will the mastermind of Special Circumstances do to her this time?
"No one's as special as they could be. We all need a little push..."
—from Cutters
I'm not convinced the Uglies series translates well to graphic novels. The original books allow deeper thought and a more immersive experience, and I consider Uglies better than Shay's Story and Pretties better than Cutters. I also believe Uglies is superior to Pretties, so it makes sense that I rate Shay's Story higher than Cutters. The quality of thought in the first graphic novel overcomes its deficiencies, but that depth is mostly absent in Cutters. Ultimately, I think there's a reason the original Uglies series was told from Tally's perceptive and not Shay's: Tally's story is more dynamic and dramatic, and as Dr. Cable's main foe, her struggle is more compelling. A lot of what Shay does occurs on the periphery, with Dr. Cable's sights set on taking Tally down. Uglies fans should try these graphic novels, though; they do have some merit. Whatever the format, revisiting the social and moral entanglements of the Uglies universe is a reliably engaging experience.
"It's important to understand that the human brain is filled with meaningless chatter. Improperly trained or augmented, it jumps between reliving past humiliations and worrying over future hypotheticals. This can cause serious inadequacies when the need for decisive action arises in the present. There are, however, small evolutionary benefits to this chronological chaos. Those with no concern for the future often fail to prepare for it adequately...while those who cannot remember the past are, in the words of an ancient Rusty philosopher, condemned to repeat it."
—from Cutters
History always eventually repeats when people aren't proactive about avoiding past mistakes, does it not? After Zane resurrects the old Crims clique and Shay and Tally impressively prove themselves worthy of inclusion, Tally effortlessly makes romantic inroads with Zane, the boy Shay likes now. Like David in the Smoke, Zane develops a preference for Tally over her friend, and the two of them often sneak away to attempt daring tricks the other Crims might hesitate to perform. One night after climbing a high tower and being removed and reprimanded by agents of Special Circumstances, Tally and Zane seem suddenly different: clear-headed, intelligent, reverting to the way they were before the brain lesions done as part of the Pretty-making surgery made them as vapid as every other Pretty. The term "bubbly" takes on subversive new meaning for these two: instead of using it as a junk word to describe anything good, attractive, or fun, Tally and Zane use it to talk about the mental clarity they've recently achieved. Shay is more frustrated than ever; how did those two regain their pre-surge mental faculties? She'd try anything to do the same and prove they're no better than she, even climb that dangerous tower and get in trouble with Special Circumstances. Hard as it is to focus on a longterm goal with the brain lesions limiting her, she vows to find the secret to being bubbly and remember what happened in the Smoke.
None of Shay's ideas seem to work, until she accidentally gashes open her arm climbing the same tower Tally and Zane did. The pain briefly crystalizes her mental processes, allowing her to recall Tally's betrayal at the Smoke, and Shay is desperate to retain this control over her own thinking. By purposely cutting herself a few times per day, she can override the brain damage and think as clearly as before her operation, and several other Crims join her to form an offshoot clique they dub the Cutters. Fearing that Special Circumstances is aware what the Cutters are doing, Shay decides its time for them to ditch New Pretty Town and head for the Smoke. Are David and the Smokies waiting for their return? But Dr. Cable is no clueless Pretty, and she's way ahead of Shay's angsty band of rebels. If Dr. Cable catches Shay again, what will the mastermind of Special Circumstances do to her this time?
"No one's as special as they could be. We all need a little push..."
—from Cutters
I'm not convinced the Uglies series translates well to graphic novels. The original books allow deeper thought and a more immersive experience, and I consider Uglies better than Shay's Story and Pretties better than Cutters. I also believe Uglies is superior to Pretties, so it makes sense that I rate Shay's Story higher than Cutters. The quality of thought in the first graphic novel overcomes its deficiencies, but that depth is mostly absent in Cutters. Ultimately, I think there's a reason the original Uglies series was told from Tally's perceptive and not Shay's: Tally's story is more dynamic and dramatic, and as Dr. Cable's main foe, her struggle is more compelling. A lot of what Shay does occurs on the periphery, with Dr. Cable's sights set on taking Tally down. Uglies fans should try these graphic novels, though; they do have some merit. Whatever the format, revisiting the social and moral entanglements of the Uglies universe is a reliably engaging experience.
August 30, 2022
Trigger Warning: scenes of self harm.
Reading it was one thing, but seeing it depicted in the graphic novel was a little bit triggering.
Overall, I enjoyed this story just to be back in the Uglies world again. Wouldn’t mind another two installments, specials and extras from Shay’s POV.
Reading it was one thing, but seeing it depicted in the graphic novel was a little bit triggering.
Overall, I enjoyed this story just to be back in the Uglies world again. Wouldn’t mind another two installments, specials and extras from Shay’s POV.
March 6, 2015
Again, amazing.
It is so interesting to see how Shay was thinking and what Tally looked like through her eyes, especially in the Pretty-time. So much jealousy but mostly loss.
I like seeing the same story we already know from Shay's POV. I'm wondering when the next one will come out. "Specials" was my favorite book of the trilogy.
It is so interesting to see how Shay was thinking and what Tally looked like through her eyes, especially in the Pretty-time. So much jealousy but mostly loss.
I like seeing the same story we already know from Shay's POV. I'm wondering when the next one will come out. "Specials" was my favorite book of the trilogy.
April 16, 2018
2.5/5
A little disappointing. And a way big cliffhanger (and has it's been 5 years published, I'm pretty sure there won't be a #3)
A little disappointing. And a way big cliffhanger (and has it's been 5 years published, I'm pretty sure there won't be a #3)
April 8, 2019
Being a bit of a die-hard "Uglies" fan and adoring Scott Westerfeld, I was naturally pumped when I discovered manga adaptations were in the works. Sadly, I was never able to get my hands on a copy of "Shay's Story", but I was, in fact, lucky enough to win an ARC of "Cutters".
I must say it was thoroughly stunning, beyond my expectations. The illustrations, despite being black and white, are visually striking, and convey the world of the books exactly how I imagined it. The plot correlated with that of the original books while still providing new insight, and I wasn't confused even though I missed the first one.
My only problem with this adaptation was my initial inability to tell the male characters apart. Although Zane was easy to identify, I found Peris and Tachs to look extremely similar and could not differentiate between Ho and Fausto until about halfway through the story. Not having read the previous installment, I also wasn't able to experience comparing the characters' new "pretty" faces and demeanors to their previous "ugly" ones, but their respective personalities and relationship dynamics of the present came through vibrantly, and a few of the artist's sketches showing those changes are included in the book.
In short, if you are a fan of the Uglies series and feel you have a pretty good understanding of the plot and setting, I highly recommend you read "Cutters" as soon as it comes out.
As for me, I will definitely be purchasing "Shay's Story" very soon.
I must say it was thoroughly stunning, beyond my expectations. The illustrations, despite being black and white, are visually striking, and convey the world of the books exactly how I imagined it. The plot correlated with that of the original books while still providing new insight, and I wasn't confused even though I missed the first one.
My only problem with this adaptation was my initial inability to tell the male characters apart. Although Zane was easy to identify, I found Peris and Tachs to look extremely similar and could not differentiate between Ho and Fausto until about halfway through the story. Not having read the previous installment, I also wasn't able to experience comparing the characters' new "pretty" faces and demeanors to their previous "ugly" ones, but their respective personalities and relationship dynamics of the present came through vibrantly, and a few of the artist's sketches showing those changes are included in the book.
In short, if you are a fan of the Uglies series and feel you have a pretty good understanding of the plot and setting, I highly recommend you read "Cutters" as soon as it comes out.
As for me, I will definitely be purchasing "Shay's Story" very soon.
October 22, 2024
Fans of the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld will absolutely love these graphic novels. Not only is it a graphic novel adaptation, but it tells the story from Tally's friend, Shay's perspective. We see how Shay sees Tally as a friend and a betrayer in all things. Inviting Tally to join her at the Smoke ("Shay's Story," volume 1) may not have been Shay's best idea ever, for the Specials follow and make Shay a Pretty. When Tally arrives as a pretty, she takes Shay's boy, again, and seems to be the ruin and seed of Shay's anger.
These are great graphic novels for fans of the series who are already familiar with the dystopian world of the series (a world in which regular people get their surgery at age 16 to become Pretties, a surgery that is meant to keep people simple and happy to prevent crime and chaos in society). The art is great and it was fun to see a visual representation of the dystopian world.
These are great graphic novels for fans of the series who are already familiar with the dystopian world of the series (a world in which regular people get their surgery at age 16 to become Pretties, a surgery that is meant to keep people simple and happy to prevent crime and chaos in society). The art is great and it was fun to see a visual representation of the dystopian world.
December 24, 2012
3.5 stars - I like the main character far more than Tally, the hero of the novels.
However, and while I love (and really love) the series and this series being a complementing of the novels (love it!) as a stand alone GN is still a bit weak, because the story jumps by leaps and bounds, filling in the story from Shay's point of view. The problem is that if you didn't read the novels, you'll be missing a lot and not understanding the connection.
That's what costs this book 1.5 stars.
However, and while I love (and really love) the series and this series being a complementing of the novels (love it!) as a stand alone GN is still a bit weak, because the story jumps by leaps and bounds, filling in the story from Shay's point of view. The problem is that if you didn't read the novels, you'll be missing a lot and not understanding the connection.
That's what costs this book 1.5 stars.
February 11, 2016
I enjoyed this graphic novel just as much as the first and I hope the author decides to finish off the series from Shay's side. I would love to read what happens next in her POV. In addition to just really enjoying this story, the author has turned me on to the possibility of reading more Graphic Novel spin offs or retellings of my favorite books. I'd always shied away before thinking I wouldn't like them as much, but these books changed my mind.
July 31, 2017
Unimpressive. And really doesn't add anything. Which isn't completely fair because it's been awhile since I read this series. But other than reminding me of plot elements, I really didn't care about anything in it all that much. And the art didn't ring true either. But it wasn't bad. It just wasn't all that good. 2.5 of 5.
July 3, 2018
Writing a sci-fi novel for teen girls in which society is mind controlled to aspire to prettiness and cliquishness may appeal to its audience but making it so that the only way for teens to break fee and "see clearly" finally knowing themselves is to slit their wrists? That's not just dumb, it's wildly irresponsible.
July 10, 2025
Let's be honest, Scott Westerfeld could put a lump of coal on a platter and sell it to me if he said it was relevant to the Uglies's series, even in a tangential way.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed having additional content for this series in both a new format (graphic novel) and from a different character's perspective. But not just any random different or new character, like we see in Extras or the sequel series Impostors, but instead from a character we've all known and either loved or hated from the very beginning - Shay.
As far as the story-line goes, Uglies: Cutters brought several new scenes and events into the picture that we never saw or only had a basic understanding of from Tally's point of view. Both graphic novels had a unique way of showing the story's progression, from mission reports in the point of view of the Specials, to Shay's dream interpretations as she fights the effects of the brain lesions. I will say the art for the latter was gorgeous, but it did make the story itself a little confusion to follow at first.
The art overall was very fun to see, especially since we now have the Netflix movie to add to the interpretation pool. I love that all versions are different, from the movie to the graphic novel to the original picture I drew in my head when I first read this series. Some scenes in New Pretty Town are difficult to interpret though, especially at the parties when the outfits get a bit crazy-making. But I think that's part of the point.
Since it's been over 13 years since this originally came out, I think it's safe to say we won't be seeing any more additions to Shay's point of view. I think it would have dragged on and distracted from the benefits these first two graphic novels brought to the table if Scott Westerfeld had continued this for every book in the series. However, I would absolutely ADORE another graphic novel from Shay's perspective either during or following the events of Youngbloods. I think that would be the piece de resistance for the entire series.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed having additional content for this series in both a new format (graphic novel) and from a different character's perspective. But not just any random different or new character, like we see in Extras or the sequel series Impostors, but instead from a character we've all known and either loved or hated from the very beginning - Shay.
As far as the story-line goes, Uglies: Cutters brought several new scenes and events into the picture that we never saw or only had a basic understanding of from Tally's point of view. Both graphic novels had a unique way of showing the story's progression, from mission reports in the point of view of the Specials, to Shay's dream interpretations as she fights the effects of the brain lesions. I will say the art for the latter was gorgeous, but it did make the story itself a little confusion to follow at first.
The art overall was very fun to see, especially since we now have the Netflix movie to add to the interpretation pool. I love that all versions are different, from the movie to the graphic novel to the original picture I drew in my head when I first read this series. Some scenes in New Pretty Town are difficult to interpret though, especially at the parties when the outfits get a bit crazy-making. But I think that's part of the point.
Since it's been over 13 years since this originally came out, I think it's safe to say we won't be seeing any more additions to Shay's point of view. I think it would have dragged on and distracted from the benefits these first two graphic novels brought to the table if Scott Westerfeld had continued this for every book in the series. However, I would absolutely ADORE another graphic novel from Shay's perspective either during or following the events of Youngbloods. I think that would be the piece de resistance for the entire series.
May 17, 2024
Like the first graphic novel, Cutters follows Shay’s story during one of the main books. This time we get to see her side of the events of Pretties, the second book in the series. The second Uglies graphic novel structures itself like a fairy tale story. Each line of the fairy tale is revealed as we hit a different plot point in Shay’s life in New Pretty Town.
The anger in Shay is so present. It’s clear that, despite liking her friend Tally, there will always be a bit of resentment. A bit of anger in how the events of their life play out and how Tally’s involved with that. And also the underlying concern that, if Shay is open about her relationship, it will somehow be taken away from her by Tally. Shay is also more rebellious, being more critical of the government now.
I can’t blame her for that resentment. For someone that is supposed to be her friend, Tally keeps a lot of secrets, things that Shay would agree with and want to be a part of, all because Tally would rather share it with the guy in her life at that moment. It’s both reflective of how teenage relationships and friendships can be while adding depth to both characters because we are seeing them from the opposite perspective. I wish these continued, because seeing how this changes once they are both Specials would add so much to the story.
Once again, the artwork is beautiful and I particularly love the fairy tale panels, where we see Shay as a “ranger” and Tally as a “princess.”
The anger in Shay is so present. It’s clear that, despite liking her friend Tally, there will always be a bit of resentment. A bit of anger in how the events of their life play out and how Tally’s involved with that. And also the underlying concern that, if Shay is open about her relationship, it will somehow be taken away from her by Tally. Shay is also more rebellious, being more critical of the government now.
I can’t blame her for that resentment. For someone that is supposed to be her friend, Tally keeps a lot of secrets, things that Shay would agree with and want to be a part of, all because Tally would rather share it with the guy in her life at that moment. It’s both reflective of how teenage relationships and friendships can be while adding depth to both characters because we are seeing them from the opposite perspective. I wish these continued, because seeing how this changes once they are both Specials would add so much to the story.
Once again, the artwork is beautiful and I particularly love the fairy tale panels, where we see Shay as a “ranger” and Tally as a “princess.”
July 2, 2023
Scott Westerfeld created such an awesome universe.
Of course knowing a second graphic novel existed, I had to read it immediately. This one is also written from Shay's POV and we get more details from back in the original quartet.
We got more backstory on The "Cutters" and from who created them, Shay. We got bits and pieces from Tally's POV before. But it all made a little bit more sense reading it this way. I forgot back in this time frame how tense stuff got between Tally and Shay.
I still struggled visually telling the difference of Uglies, Pretties, and Specials in this one. I also wish that these were longer or that a third one came out. Seeing stuff from another POV is awesome. But I can't get enough of this universe and think we need another installment. It would be cool to see Scott come out with a graphic novel for the Impostors quartet. Those books are set in the Uglies universe but take place about fifteen years after we leave off there. It would be cool to see stuff from Rafi's POV as we see stuff from Shay's POV here.
Of course knowing a second graphic novel existed, I had to read it immediately. This one is also written from Shay's POV and we get more details from back in the original quartet.
We got more backstory on The "Cutters" and from who created them, Shay. We got bits and pieces from Tally's POV before. But it all made a little bit more sense reading it this way. I forgot back in this time frame how tense stuff got between Tally and Shay.
I still struggled visually telling the difference of Uglies, Pretties, and Specials in this one. I also wish that these were longer or that a third one came out. Seeing stuff from another POV is awesome. But I can't get enough of this universe and think we need another installment. It would be cool to see Scott come out with a graphic novel for the Impostors quartet. Those books are set in the Uglies universe but take place about fifteen years after we leave off there. It would be cool to see stuff from Rafi's POV as we see stuff from Shay's POV here.
June 25, 2020
I'd read the original Uglies series, but the comic adaption was a treat. The graphic novels look at the events from the perspective of Shay, a secondary character in the original novel.
It's refreshing to see this character renewed in her own series. I couldn't help but feel an empathy for her, going through the chain of events which lead her to some pretty dark places. Through this comic, I could get a better understanding of her actions. Shay's stance seemed totally out of the blue in the original novels, but with this peek behind the curtain all becomes clear.
One complaint I have is the comic medium itself. Maybe it's just me, but I found it hard sometimes to keep track of who was who and the speaker at the moment. Because the story is told through drawings, it can be a little unclear sometimes. At the very least, it gave me an excuse to pore over the detailed drawings of Shay's world.
Definitely recommended for readers of Scott Westerfeld's original novel Uglies, or for those who like a little antihero.
It's refreshing to see this character renewed in her own series. I couldn't help but feel an empathy for her, going through the chain of events which lead her to some pretty dark places. Through this comic, I could get a better understanding of her actions. Shay's stance seemed totally out of the blue in the original novels, but with this peek behind the curtain all becomes clear.
One complaint I have is the comic medium itself. Maybe it's just me, but I found it hard sometimes to keep track of who was who and the speaker at the moment. Because the story is told through drawings, it can be a little unclear sometimes. At the very least, it gave me an excuse to pore over the detailed drawings of Shay's world.
Definitely recommended for readers of Scott Westerfeld's original novel Uglies, or for those who like a little antihero.
November 21, 2019
This was another really fast read. Honestly, Shay's story is soooo much more interesting than Tally's. She's rebellious and never wanted to be pretty. She liked who she was, and didn't want to follow the social norms of society: Becoming pretty. She's so much cooler than Tally, and someone to look up to. Except for the fact that this book promotes cutting yourself (which I hate). I'm still not a fan of the art style as well. Some of the characters looked absolutely ridiculous. It felt like capturing someone who wasn't posed for a photo, and ended up looking dumb. The one thing I did like about this book was the fantasy aspect, where Tally is a princess and Shay is a ranger. But even then it felt really cheesy. I still don't like this series at all. It feels superficial and fake. Do not read this series at all. It sucks.
January 23, 2021
Amazingly, I liked this better than the first graphic novel. The plot is far more interesting, and it’s really cool seeing the plot of Pretties from a different perspective. With the first one taking place before Uglies, you don’t get the same parallels. I still don’t like Shay and I probably never will, but at least this goes into more depth as to why she is the way she is. The graphic novel format certainly works better with this plot than in Shay’s Story, which I found boring. I do wish it was in colour though. The only real critique I have is that you almost definitely have to have already read the original series in order to read this, otherwise it would be really hard to follow - nor would it be as fun. It’s unfortunate they never finished the graphic novel series.
June 9, 2022
That was worse than the first one.
I was reading and I had the feeling there were pages missing because nothing made sense anymore. One page they were doing something; the next they were in a different place and in a different time. It was a mess. And I finished Pretty two days ago, I should have known what was happening.
Even the art was uglier than the first volume. Pretty Tally was simply hideous. The little story to mark the beginning of a new chapter was... meh... my brain was too tired to make sense of it!
All in all, this graphic novel didn't make me appreciate Tally more. It just highlights what a negative character she is.
I was reading and I had the feeling there were pages missing because nothing made sense anymore. One page they were doing something; the next they were in a different place and in a different time. It was a mess. And I finished Pretty two days ago, I should have known what was happening.
Even the art was uglier than the first volume. Pretty Tally was simply hideous. The little story to mark the beginning of a new chapter was... meh... my brain was too tired to make sense of it!
All in all, this graphic novel didn't make me appreciate Tally more. It just highlights what a negative character she is.
June 3, 2022
This is the story of Shay during the Specials book. It is accomplishing the task of continuing to make me care about Shay. The Uglies series had made me dislike her. This second graphic novel has made me reconsider my opinion of Shay. I have enjoyed this series and if there are more to come I will read them. I'm glad I found this randomly at the library.
November 14, 2017
Not as much fun as the first manga, but that’s how I felt about Pretties after reading Uglies so it makes sense. Kinda sad that I don’t have manga of the third book here, because I would keep marathoning otherwise.
May 13, 2019
I enjoyed this one but I realllllly wish it was in color and that there would of been more. I felt like it was a fast version of Pretties in Shay’s POV. I wanted more out of the end. But still, it was good seeing things from Shay’s POV. Tally did really mess up a lot of things.
November 18, 2022
A dystopian, young adult, science fiction title based on the YA series. Teens have to decide if they want to be made "Pretty" at a certain age, but some are leaving the protection of the enclaves and choosing not to be cut.
August 30, 2017
eh... the story...
October 5, 2017
a nice little addition to the Uglies series. i read the series a long time ago so it was fun to go back and relive some of the characters and places in the series. :) light little read.
April 7, 2018
Good for what it was. Would keep reading thwm if there were more
October 16, 2018
Good volume. I mean I liked the books. Story was interesting. Also that art style is good.
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August 22, 2019The first graphic novel was better but this does help further my desire to reread the books.
April 9, 2020
A great read from start to finish. Can't wait to read the rest of the series and find out what happens to Tally and Shay.
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