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Pretty Furious
#1 NYT Bestseller E. K. Johnston returns to contemporary feminist YA. This story of a small town, fierce friendships, and revenge served cold is a perfect companion to Exit, Pursued by a Bear.
In the small town of Eganston, Ontario, five good girls have had enough. They’ve experienced the best of what their community has to offer, but they’ve seen the darker side too. Together, they’ve decided that it’s time for a reckoning and that justice is their privilege to give.
In the small town of Eganston, Ontario, five good girls have had enough. They’ve experienced the best of what their community has to offer, but they’ve seen the darker side too. Together, they’ve decided that it’s time for a reckoning and that justice is their privilege to give.
ebook
First published April 16, 2024
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About the author
E.K. Johnston
23 books2,674 followersE.K. Johnston had several jobs and one vocation before she became a published writer. If she’s learned anything, it’s that things turn out weird sometimes, and there’s not a lot you can do about it. Well, that and how to muscle through awkward fanfic because it’s about a pairing she likes.
You can follow Kate on Twitter (@ek_johnston) to learn more about Alderaanian political theory than you really need to know, or on Tumblr (ekjohnston) if you're just here for pretty pictures.
You can follow Kate on Twitter (@ek_johnston) to learn more about Alderaanian political theory than you really need to know, or on Tumblr (ekjohnston) if you're just here for pretty pictures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
April 17, 2024
Reread:
I have now read this twice in two days. I bought it yesterday, read it in one sitting, and sat down today to reread and annotate it. I'm so glad I did. I was so frantic to know how it would end yesterday that I missed a lot of little details. Johnston is really good at setting things up with her characters.
This is such a satisfying read. I'm going back to a contemporary era, it seems.
First review:
I read Exit, Pursued by a Bear last year and it made me cry. When I heard Johnston is releasing a book in the same vein of Exit, I knew it was going to punch me in the gut.
The good news is I read it in one sitting.
The bad news is that I already way to reread it because I desperately want to annotate it.
This tackles a wide range of topics. It's about a group of girls who, on their birthdays, make a wish about something bad happening in their town...and then formulate a plan to take care of it. It's messy, it's stressful, it's bold...three things E.K. Johnston is good at writing. We got to dive deep into all the characters lives, which was amazing. This just has so much going for it. I am so obsessed with it.
I have now read this twice in two days. I bought it yesterday, read it in one sitting, and sat down today to reread and annotate it. I'm so glad I did. I was so frantic to know how it would end yesterday that I missed a lot of little details. Johnston is really good at setting things up with her characters.
This is such a satisfying read. I'm going back to a contemporary era, it seems.
First review:
I read Exit, Pursued by a Bear last year and it made me cry. When I heard Johnston is releasing a book in the same vein of Exit, I knew it was going to punch me in the gut.
The good news is I read it in one sitting.
The bad news is that I already way to reread it because I desperately want to annotate it.
This tackles a wide range of topics. It's about a group of girls who, on their birthdays, make a wish about something bad happening in their town...and then formulate a plan to take care of it. It's messy, it's stressful, it's bold...three things E.K. Johnston is good at writing. We got to dive deep into all the characters lives, which was amazing. This just has so much going for it. I am so obsessed with it.
April 19, 2024
This was a FANTASTIC story about rural life in small town Ontario, female friendship and revenge as a group of teen girls band together to get vengeance on some of the boys and people of the town who have wronged them.
I loved this on audio with a full cast of Canadian narrators. It was also really fun to recognize all the Huron County references sprinkled throughout thanks to the insights of this locally born author!
Highly recommended for fans of books like The revenge game by Jordyn Taylor and by far my new fav from E.K. Johnston!! Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
⚠️CW: abortion
I loved this on audio with a full cast of Canadian narrators. It was also really fun to recognize all the Huron County references sprinkled throughout thanks to the insights of this locally born author!
Highly recommended for fans of books like The revenge game by Jordyn Taylor and by far my new fav from E.K. Johnston!! Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
⚠️CW: abortion
January 5, 2026
Fantastic YA story about revenge, female friendship and like in a rural community, set in Canada.
This is a quick and entertaining audiobook.
3.5 stars
August 23, 2023
ARC provided by Penguin Teen (thank you!) Pretty furious follows 5 girls who live in a small town in rural Canada. After years of suffering injustice and prejudice (but mostly witnessing it, they’re all white and privileged), they decide to take matters into their own hands. For each of their birthdays, the girls make a wish, which they later put in action to get revenge on those who have wronged them.
This book is honestly nothing special. We’ve all read about small towns and their bigotry. While it’s important, I was simply dragging myself through the book. We’re told the stakes are high if they get caught, but the author doesn’t do much to create a tense atmosphere. The actual crimes they commit are mild (excluding arson) and are vaguely explained. We don’t really get to see the effect of their execution.
The pacing was also strange. There’s a lot of info dumping about the town and characters’ relationships, lives, and families, and not a lot of it becomes relevant at all. The author spends pages doing mundane things like watching a movie but only sentences describing the crimes committed. I don’t mind things like this, but it had to be done well and be balanced with the actual plot (it was not).
Another thing I disliked about this book was the writing. I feel as if the author went into the book expecting us to know things about the characters that we didn’t. For example, I didn’t even know they were in Canada until halfway through, because it’s alluded to but not confirmed. I tried my best to follow the larger cast of characters, but it was so difficult that I eventually gave up.
One thing I did appreciate about this book is its portrayal of female friendships. The main characters were all girls, and it wasn’t forced or awkward at all. Each girl was complex and interesting. These girls were genuinely friends and interacted in ways that I could definitely envision off page.
If you go into this book with lower expectations, you might have a good time reading it.
This book is honestly nothing special. We’ve all read about small towns and their bigotry. While it’s important, I was simply dragging myself through the book. We’re told the stakes are high if they get caught, but the author doesn’t do much to create a tense atmosphere. The actual crimes they commit are mild (excluding arson) and are vaguely explained. We don’t really get to see the effect of their execution.
The pacing was also strange. There’s a lot of info dumping about the town and characters’ relationships, lives, and families, and not a lot of it becomes relevant at all. The author spends pages doing mundane things like watching a movie but only sentences describing the crimes committed. I don’t mind things like this, but it had to be done well and be balanced with the actual plot (it was not).
Another thing I disliked about this book was the writing. I feel as if the author went into the book expecting us to know things about the characters that we didn’t. For example, I didn’t even know they were in Canada until halfway through, because it’s alluded to but not confirmed. I tried my best to follow the larger cast of characters, but it was so difficult that I eventually gave up.
One thing I did appreciate about this book is its portrayal of female friendships. The main characters were all girls, and it wasn’t forced or awkward at all. Each girl was complex and interesting. These girls were genuinely friends and interacted in ways that I could definitely envision off page.
If you go into this book with lower expectations, you might have a good time reading it.
April 21, 2024
This was like reading only the middle of a more well rounded and fleshed out book.
dnf
March 29, 2024DNF at 50%.
I'm always down for female rage and revenge, which is why I picked this one up. The execution just left a lot to be desired especially since the abuse/bullying for each of the situations can't be addressed until it's one of the girls' birthdays and they make a wish to do so.
I'm always down for female rage and revenge, which is why I picked this one up. The execution just left a lot to be desired especially since the abuse/bullying for each of the situations can't be addressed until it's one of the girls' birthdays and they make a wish to do so.
Read
April 27, 2024I'm a big fan of E.K. Johnson and this book was fun yet had a lot of thought-provoking elements.
Review to come and I'm adding it to some book lists!
Read more of my reviews on JenRyland.com Let's be friends on Bookstagram!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
Review to come and I'm adding it to some book lists!
Read more of my reviews on JenRyland.com Let's be friends on Bookstagram!
Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!
August 11, 2024
"Sometimes the smallest movements were the hardest."
I wanted more fury
Read
January 17, 2024DNF. The writing here is confused by me and doesn't seem clear. I'm out.
January 12, 2024
Small towns truly can feel like they were made by the devil, as the saying goes. It can be even harder if you fall outside the lines of what's considered "good" by the majority. That's something that the girls of this story know all too well - they may be "good girls," but that doesn't mean that they don't hear and see what's going on around them. And when it gets to be too much, they take action - because who would suspect the good girls?
Hands down, the strongest part of this book is the epilogue. Not only does it do a beautiful job of bringing the overarching philosophy of the plot and characters together, it also manages to be quietly powerful in a way that the main narrative can't always pull off. But even with what feels like a bit of bloat (I understand the urge to give so much space to the townsfolk, but it doesn't always work), the story of how five girls have just had enough of the blame game people play with girls is solid. Why only blame the girl when she gets pregnant? She didn't do it by herself. Why panic when a girl steps out of line? Boys do it, too. The heroines see this injustices and decide that if people aren't going to see their own hypocrisy, they'll force them to. (Or at least burn some things down along the way.)
It's not as strong as Johnston's Exit, Pursued by a Bear, but it's still a good book about people who are tired of the world not thinking that it needs to change.
Hands down, the strongest part of this book is the epilogue. Not only does it do a beautiful job of bringing the overarching philosophy of the plot and characters together, it also manages to be quietly powerful in a way that the main narrative can't always pull off. But even with what feels like a bit of bloat (I understand the urge to give so much space to the townsfolk, but it doesn't always work), the story of how five girls have just had enough of the blame game people play with girls is solid. Why only blame the girl when she gets pregnant? She didn't do it by herself. Why panic when a girl steps out of line? Boys do it, too. The heroines see this injustices and decide that if people aren't going to see their own hypocrisy, they'll force them to. (Or at least burn some things down along the way.)
It's not as strong as Johnston's Exit, Pursued by a Bear, but it's still a good book about people who are tired of the world not thinking that it needs to change.
April 18, 2024
Thank you Penguin Teen for the #gifted ARC and thank you PRH Audio for my #gifted listening copy of Pretty Furious! #PRHAInfluencer #PRHAudioPartner #PenguinTeenPartner #PrettyFurious
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐄.𝐊. 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬: 𝐋𝐨𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐙𝐡𝐮, 𝐉𝐞𝐧 𝐙𝐡𝐚𝐨, 𝐌𝐚𝐫ÿ𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐬𝐞, 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐢
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
Pretty Furious is a YA contemporary fiction novel about a group of five good girls who have had enough. They live in a small town in Ontario, and while they have seen some of the good in their community, they have also witnessed some of the bad. Now, they have decided to come together and bring justice.
I really loved how this book centered around female friendship. Their relationships were complex but I really loved how that was a main focus of this book and their loyalties to one another when they come together. I think this book would be very empowering for a young adult reader. It’s a short read, that I definitely think is worth it!
Perhaps my favorite part was the last chapter titled “A Letter to the Editor.” I found it to be very impactful.
🎧I found the cast of narrators to be epic. I enjoyed that many were new to me but that I would love to listen to more audiobooks narrated by them in the future! I felt like they did a great job portraying such strong emotions and I really loved my time listening to this audiobook. I would definitely recommend this one in audio format if that option is available to you.
𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞: 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬
𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐄.𝐊. 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬: 𝐋𝐨𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐙𝐡𝐮, 𝐉𝐞𝐧 𝐙𝐡𝐚𝐨, 𝐌𝐚𝐫ÿ𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐬𝐞, 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐢
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
Pretty Furious is a YA contemporary fiction novel about a group of five good girls who have had enough. They live in a small town in Ontario, and while they have seen some of the good in their community, they have also witnessed some of the bad. Now, they have decided to come together and bring justice.
I really loved how this book centered around female friendship. Their relationships were complex but I really loved how that was a main focus of this book and their loyalties to one another when they come together. I think this book would be very empowering for a young adult reader. It’s a short read, that I definitely think is worth it!
Perhaps my favorite part was the last chapter titled “A Letter to the Editor.” I found it to be very impactful.
🎧I found the cast of narrators to be epic. I enjoyed that many were new to me but that I would love to listen to more audiobooks narrated by them in the future! I felt like they did a great job portraying such strong emotions and I really loved my time listening to this audiobook. I would definitely recommend this one in audio format if that option is available to you.
February 14, 2025
Here's a super strong entry in the recent mini-trend Nice White Girls Resist: 5 friends who enact 6 acts of resistance (they think about calling it revenge, but decide that since they're also trying to raise consciousness in their small town, resistance is more appropriate).
What I like: their do-or-die friendship, the variety of family structures (big, little, single mom, etc), the supportive parents and sibs - indicating that values such as decency and loyalty can be grown at home - and the very careful way they plan and execute their actions. From ensuring that grass will never grow around the church's monument to the unborn (blech) to burning down a hateful billboard, I am all about it.
I am also taking notes on what you need for a perfect slumber party - each person's favorite chips, each person's favorite soda, a fruit platter in case anyone gets a fit of virtue, beanbag chairs, a big TV, and absolute trust and love.
What I like: their do-or-die friendship, the variety of family structures (big, little, single mom, etc), the supportive parents and sibs - indicating that values such as decency and loyalty can be grown at home - and the very careful way they plan and execute their actions. From ensuring that grass will never grow around the church's monument to the unborn (blech) to burning down a hateful billboard, I am all about it.
I am also taking notes on what you need for a perfect slumber party - each person's favorite chips, each person's favorite soda, a fruit platter in case anyone gets a fit of virtue, beanbag chairs, a big TV, and absolute trust and love.
May 12, 2024
So many thoughts!
I can't say enough how much I loved this book. Go. Find it. Read it. Now! I'll wait.
If you've grown up in a small town, loved in a small town, or never set foot in a small town, you will love this book.
Are you a "good girl" who's been wronged? Read this book.
Are you a "good girl" who can't stand by when someone else is wronged? Read this book.
Do you want to see some justice done in the world even on a small scale? Read this book.
I was so invested in the story of Mags, Maddie, Jenn, Jenny and Louise that I blew through the book in 3 days (the third day was only because I couldn't put it down before midnight rolled over). I'll definitely be reading this one again in short order!
I can't say enough how much I loved this book. Go. Find it. Read it. Now! I'll wait.
If you've grown up in a small town, loved in a small town, or never set foot in a small town, you will love this book.
Are you a "good girl" who's been wronged? Read this book.
Are you a "good girl" who can't stand by when someone else is wronged? Read this book.
Do you want to see some justice done in the world even on a small scale? Read this book.
I was so invested in the story of Mags, Maddie, Jenn, Jenny and Louise that I blew through the book in 3 days (the third day was only because I couldn't put it down before midnight rolled over). I'll definitely be reading this one again in short order!
May 28, 2024
love me some female rage
September 6, 2024
let's go girls
March 9, 2025
My favorite book so far this year. One-day read, you won’t want to put it down!
Read
July 21, 2025I DNF at about 40% in.
I didn't see a point. I was expecting more from the blurb and that's probably where my issues started.
I didn't see a point. I was expecting more from the blurb and that's probably where my issues started.
October 2, 2025
rtc 😵💫
April 28, 2024
True to its name, 22 pages into this book I was messaging the author that I was furious. Still set in the small Ontario town of Eganston like Exit, Pursued by a Bear, this town is filled with self-righteous, judgemental and obnoxious people. But this group of five high school girls is determined to get even and serve the town some much needed justice.
Honestly, these girls are brilliant. The way they plot out their revenge to leverage their privilege to get justice for the people they know are being wronged in their town is mastermind. Plus, they're smart enough to not get caught in a town where everyone is in everyone else's business. If you're from a small town like me, you know how fast drama travels. I also loved all the Ontario references because I totally relate to them. Getting my driver's license, applying to University, the cities they reference are also pretty close to where I live which is super cool to me!
I've read some of the less positive reviews and I think some people are forgetting that this book is YA, not dark romance. These characters are in high school and being read by high school students. They're also in a small town with their entire futures ahead of them. I think their methods of revenge were very appropriate to the situations they were avenging. Some of them were also pretty funny - you know, karma wise.
Honestly, these girls are brilliant. The way they plot out their revenge to leverage their privilege to get justice for the people they know are being wronged in their town is mastermind. Plus, they're smart enough to not get caught in a town where everyone is in everyone else's business. If you're from a small town like me, you know how fast drama travels. I also loved all the Ontario references because I totally relate to them. Getting my driver's license, applying to University, the cities they reference are also pretty close to where I live which is super cool to me!
I've read some of the less positive reviews and I think some people are forgetting that this book is YA, not dark romance. These characters are in high school and being read by high school students. They're also in a small town with their entire futures ahead of them. I think their methods of revenge were very appropriate to the situations they were avenging. Some of them were also pretty funny - you know, karma wise.
March 28, 2025
I wish this book was longer and went a bit more in depth.
May 7, 2024
Sooooo good!!!
I love this angry girl theme.
And, I love that it's unapologetically Canadian and unapologetically Ontarian.
I love this angry girl theme.
And, I love that it's unapologetically Canadian and unapologetically Ontarian.
May 3, 2024
My favorite thing about EK Johnson is how they write about female relationships, they always feel very genuine.
This is a book for someone who also grew up in a small conservative town where stuff like abortions, sexuality and anything not approved by their local church was frowned upon and how a group of friends get back at it, making me wish I had done that in high school. The ending is pretty satisfying and bittersweet.
This is a book for someone who also grew up in a small conservative town where stuff like abortions, sexuality and anything not approved by their local church was frowned upon and how a group of friends get back at it, making me wish I had done that in high school. The ending is pretty satisfying and bittersweet.
April 8, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
"Pretty Furious" by E.K. Johnston is a short and fast-paced book set in a small, judgmental town where five girls navigate the confines of societal expectations and injustices. As young women, they witness the biases and prejudices prevalent in their community, prompting them to take matters into their own hands through acts of vigilante justice when the young women all come together on their individual birthdays.
I really enjoyed the book’s exploration of the girls' frustrations and their desire to challenge the status quo. Johnston skillfully portrays the complexities of female friendships and the bonds forged in adversity, highlighting the genuine friendships that developed among the main characters, friendships that may not have existed due to their differences, but they were able to come together due to their shared experiences. I really enjoyed the strength of the female friendships that were developed as Johnston showcased the strength and loyalty women have when they come together to fight common enemies. The vigilante aspect was also fun in the book, though I almost wish that aspect went a bit further than was shown in the book. However, this vigilante aspect felt realistic with what actual teenage girls would be able to do in real life. I think that pop culture skewed my expectations a bit, though I still enjoyed reading about the actions the girls took as revenge.
While I found the pace to be quite fast, there were times when the plot seemed to be weighed down by unnecessary subplots and side characters. There were just so many names and characters introduced that I found it difficult to keep track of them all. While the book did provide a character guide at the beginning (which should have been a sign for me that I would struggle as I am horrible at keeping track of characters), I still found it difficult to navigate all the characters as well as their different subplots.
Overall, I enjoyed how "Pretty Furious" offers thought-provoking commentary on societal hypocrisy and the power dynamics at play in small communities. If you are from a small town, then you may be better able to connect with the plot/characters. If you’re looking for a quick, fast-paced book focusing on deserved revenge, then you will definitely enjoy this book.
"Pretty Furious" by E.K. Johnston is a short and fast-paced book set in a small, judgmental town where five girls navigate the confines of societal expectations and injustices. As young women, they witness the biases and prejudices prevalent in their community, prompting them to take matters into their own hands through acts of vigilante justice when the young women all come together on their individual birthdays.
I really enjoyed the book’s exploration of the girls' frustrations and their desire to challenge the status quo. Johnston skillfully portrays the complexities of female friendships and the bonds forged in adversity, highlighting the genuine friendships that developed among the main characters, friendships that may not have existed due to their differences, but they were able to come together due to their shared experiences. I really enjoyed the strength of the female friendships that were developed as Johnston showcased the strength and loyalty women have when they come together to fight common enemies. The vigilante aspect was also fun in the book, though I almost wish that aspect went a bit further than was shown in the book. However, this vigilante aspect felt realistic with what actual teenage girls would be able to do in real life. I think that pop culture skewed my expectations a bit, though I still enjoyed reading about the actions the girls took as revenge.
While I found the pace to be quite fast, there were times when the plot seemed to be weighed down by unnecessary subplots and side characters. There were just so many names and characters introduced that I found it difficult to keep track of them all. While the book did provide a character guide at the beginning (which should have been a sign for me that I would struggle as I am horrible at keeping track of characters), I still found it difficult to navigate all the characters as well as their different subplots.
Overall, I enjoyed how "Pretty Furious" offers thought-provoking commentary on societal hypocrisy and the power dynamics at play in small communities. If you are from a small town, then you may be better able to connect with the plot/characters. If you’re looking for a quick, fast-paced book focusing on deserved revenge, then you will definitely enjoy this book.
May 2, 2024
This story follows 5 good girls who look for justice through fierce friendships. This is a book that I read in one sitting due to how short the story was. I enjoyed the overall plot of the story and the message that the author was giving to its readers. It showed a different side of society especially with the way people think in a small town and how it can affect the young ones. I do wish there was more of a strong conflict in the story as it was like nothing happened but instead we get a message. The story is told from the different perspectives of the girls with their wishes.
I won’t go into each character since there’s a lot of FMCs but I enjoyed most of them. I did feel a bit like I was missing some of their stories from the start of the book but I guess that’s the perspective we are supposed to get. I did enjoy the wishes aspect of the story for each character and how it is associated with them. They all developed in some way but the story mostly showed how the society worked in that world. There are many side characters in this book which most I didn’t enjoy but it’s because it was the way the characters thought of them.
The ending was well done but overall it was a pretty good read. I enjoyed the fierceness of each character and how their relationship was strong showing that no one can mess with them. I do wish there was more of a conflict to keep the story entertaining.
*this e-arc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*
I won’t go into each character since there’s a lot of FMCs but I enjoyed most of them. I did feel a bit like I was missing some of their stories from the start of the book but I guess that’s the perspective we are supposed to get. I did enjoy the wishes aspect of the story for each character and how it is associated with them. They all developed in some way but the story mostly showed how the society worked in that world. There are many side characters in this book which most I didn’t enjoy but it’s because it was the way the characters thought of them.
The ending was well done but overall it was a pretty good read. I enjoyed the fierceness of each character and how their relationship was strong showing that no one can mess with them. I do wish there was more of a conflict to keep the story entertaining.
*this e-arc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*
June 27, 2025
I like the dark, angsty side of the story, but then it moves a little too far in an inexplicable realm of these good girls using that cover to do bad things and right wrongs (for good reasons). Ultimately each girl on their birthday makes a wish to fix something and/or provide justice for an unjust action and then work together to fulfill that wish for their friend- so it's the strength of their bond and then the community's issues that knit together.
It's a mix of The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks and The Black Coats with a little Gabi, a Girl in Pieces thrown in for good measure and has the element of justice that was SO powerful in her novel Exit, Pursued by a Bear.
I'm sure it's one that will fester in my mind for a while.
It's a mix of The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks and The Black Coats with a little Gabi, a Girl in Pieces thrown in for good measure and has the element of justice that was SO powerful in her novel Exit, Pursued by a Bear.
I'm sure it's one that will fester in my mind for a while.
January 22, 2024
Thank you SO much to Penguin Group for the ARC of Pretty Furious in exchange for an honest review.
Pretty Furious follows five girls – Maddie, Mags, Louise, Jen and Jenny – who have had enough with the injustices of their small town of Eganston, Ontario, and attempt to bring forth a reckoning that puts right what’s gone all wrong. I’m such a fan of Johnston’s Star Wars books, from Ahsoka to her Amidala trilogy, that I was immediately excited to read something of her own creation and step into her world. As our five good girls take turns making birthday wishes, i.e. plots for revenge, we follow them on a presumed harrowing journey… that left a little to be desired. In short, I liked this book, but I didn’t love it.
While it’s always a treat to read something that is a tribute to the power of female friendship, and while I supported them tackling each revenge, I was somewhat underwhelmed by the final product, and this one was slow for me to get through. There was something about it that was difficult to keep up with, whether it be the expansive history of the friend group or their various family and friends. I really hate to DNF books and what Pretty Furious had going for it was that it was a short read, so in the end I didn’t have to. In this case, it was more of a flame than a roaring fire. Must add more kindling.
Pretty Furious follows five girls – Maddie, Mags, Louise, Jen and Jenny – who have had enough with the injustices of their small town of Eganston, Ontario, and attempt to bring forth a reckoning that puts right what’s gone all wrong. I’m such a fan of Johnston’s Star Wars books, from Ahsoka to her Amidala trilogy, that I was immediately excited to read something of her own creation and step into her world. As our five good girls take turns making birthday wishes, i.e. plots for revenge, we follow them on a presumed harrowing journey… that left a little to be desired. In short, I liked this book, but I didn’t love it.
While it’s always a treat to read something that is a tribute to the power of female friendship, and while I supported them tackling each revenge, I was somewhat underwhelmed by the final product, and this one was slow for me to get through. There was something about it that was difficult to keep up with, whether it be the expansive history of the friend group or their various family and friends. I really hate to DNF books and what Pretty Furious had going for it was that it was a short read, so in the end I didn’t have to. In this case, it was more of a flame than a roaring fire. Must add more kindling.
August 19, 2024
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*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
5 girls in a small town in Ontario decide that they've had enough and take matters into their own hands to seek revenge on the people who have wronged them.
I'm usually a big fan of female rage and revenge stories, and I wanted to like this, but unfortunately I found it extremely boring. It is a very quick read, that I finished in one sitting, but I can't say I necessarily enjoyed it. I thought the pacing was a bit off, and it felt a bit stilted at times. It almost felt like you were dropped into the middle of a random story, and you were meant to know who each of these characters were and their history. I listened to it on audio, which I do think helped with my enjoyment in the end. I think the narrators did a great job with these characters and their raw emotions. I did like the female friendships in this, and thought that the girls cared deeply for one another, which was nice to see.
Overall, this just wasn't for me.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
5 girls in a small town in Ontario decide that they've had enough and take matters into their own hands to seek revenge on the people who have wronged them.
I'm usually a big fan of female rage and revenge stories, and I wanted to like this, but unfortunately I found it extremely boring. It is a very quick read, that I finished in one sitting, but I can't say I necessarily enjoyed it. I thought the pacing was a bit off, and it felt a bit stilted at times. It almost felt like you were dropped into the middle of a random story, and you were meant to know who each of these characters were and their history. I listened to it on audio, which I do think helped with my enjoyment in the end. I think the narrators did a great job with these characters and their raw emotions. I did like the female friendships in this, and thought that the girls cared deeply for one another, which was nice to see.
Overall, this just wasn't for me.
January 16, 2025
Exit, Pursued by a Bear is one of my all time favorite books, one of my favorite stories of grief, of trauma and working through it was a treat, even in spite of the heavy subject matter. The friendship at the center of it it was particularly fantastic.
So, when I saw this billed as, "a perfect companion to Exit, Pursued by a Bear," I was pretty excited to see some awesome female friendships, perhaps some good female rage. This book certainly has those things, but I think with the framing of the marketing, I was expecting a whole lot more.
Nothing in this book made me feel anything anywhere near as deeply as Exit, Pursued by a Bear did and, on top of it all, most of the wishes ended up feeling a little toothless compared to others. It would just feel like a wish would be made and the plan would go off without a hitch every time.
I also didn't buy into the friendships the same way I did with Polly and Hermione's bond in Exit, Pursued by a Bear and I wish I had been able to love these girls even a fraction as much.
Really, it seems like I just should have read Exit, Pursued by a Bear again instead of expecting another book as good as that to be able to strike twice. Maybe another time, Johnston.
So, when I saw this billed as, "a perfect companion to Exit, Pursued by a Bear," I was pretty excited to see some awesome female friendships, perhaps some good female rage. This book certainly has those things, but I think with the framing of the marketing, I was expecting a whole lot more.
Nothing in this book made me feel anything anywhere near as deeply as Exit, Pursued by a Bear did and, on top of it all, most of the wishes ended up feeling a little toothless compared to others. It would just feel like a wish would be made and the plan would go off without a hitch every time.
I also didn't buy into the friendships the same way I did with Polly and Hermione's bond in Exit, Pursued by a Bear and I wish I had been able to love these girls even a fraction as much.
Really, it seems like I just should have read Exit, Pursued by a Bear again instead of expecting another book as good as that to be able to strike twice. Maybe another time, Johnston.
April 19, 2024
This was fairly unique. It's a sort of thriller about a bunch of "good girls" who use their reputation to do something about the injustice they see in the world as part of a birthday wish. Over the course of a year, each girl's birthday includes a wish, which is usually some sort of scheme to address a wrong they have seen in their community.
I enjoyed the premise and while it's quite non-sensational in terms of the usual thrillers (there are no murders or sexual violence, just ordinary prejudice and boys behaving badly), the girls gain a bit of empowerment and learn how to use their squeaky clean reputations to benefit others and work together to plan and execute these "wishes". This is certainly a unique premise and a fun one.
I removed one star because, as always, I love characterization and this book is too short and plot-focused to really dive deeper into the characters of each girl as I would like. We get the gist of their situation and character, but not much beyond that, which is a shame.
I enjoyed the premise and while it's quite non-sensational in terms of the usual thrillers (there are no murders or sexual violence, just ordinary prejudice and boys behaving badly), the girls gain a bit of empowerment and learn how to use their squeaky clean reputations to benefit others and work together to plan and execute these "wishes". This is certainly a unique premise and a fun one.
I removed one star because, as always, I love characterization and this book is too short and plot-focused to really dive deeper into the characters of each girl as I would like. We get the gist of their situation and character, but not much beyond that, which is a shame.
May 14, 2024
What happens when good girls are pushed to their limits?
Pretty Furious follows a group of friends who have had enough of the injustice and prejudice around women, especially young girls. They set out to get even in a series of rebellious acts to bring shame to the boys who committed the offenses and the adults who let them.
Coming into this story as a reader in my mid-thirties, Pretty Furious transported me back to my 14-year-old self, navigating the complexities of adolescence alone. The freedom we, as girls, experience is not the same as the freedom boys enjoy. Girls are constantly under scrutiny, often for the wrong reasons. In contrast, boys often go unnoticed.
The true strength of Pretty Furious lies in its transformative journey. The characters, initially feeling helpless in the face of injustice, evolve into individuals who, through their actions, demand respect as human beings with equal rights. Not everything is revenge-seeking; the characters outweigh the impact of their actions against their values and good citizenship.
This empowering narrative is sure to resonate with readers interested in young adult literature, gender issues, and social justice.
Pretty Furious follows a group of friends who have had enough of the injustice and prejudice around women, especially young girls. They set out to get even in a series of rebellious acts to bring shame to the boys who committed the offenses and the adults who let them.
Coming into this story as a reader in my mid-thirties, Pretty Furious transported me back to my 14-year-old self, navigating the complexities of adolescence alone. The freedom we, as girls, experience is not the same as the freedom boys enjoy. Girls are constantly under scrutiny, often for the wrong reasons. In contrast, boys often go unnoticed.
The true strength of Pretty Furious lies in its transformative journey. The characters, initially feeling helpless in the face of injustice, evolve into individuals who, through their actions, demand respect as human beings with equal rights. Not everything is revenge-seeking; the characters outweigh the impact of their actions against their values and good citizenship.
This empowering narrative is sure to resonate with readers interested in young adult literature, gender issues, and social justice.
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