Spencer covets her sister's boyfriend. Aria's fantasizing about her English teacher. Emily's crushing on the new girl at school. Hanna uses some ugly tricks to stay beautiful.
But they've all kept an even bigger secret since their friend Alison vanished.
How do I know? Because I know everything about the bad girls they were, the naughty girls they are, and all the dirty secrets they've kept. And guess what? I'm telling.Taken from GoodReads.
Ok, let me get this out of the way before I say anything else: I am really not a fan of the show, Pretty Little Liars. I think the acting is atrocious, and I think they've made it into a glorified Gossip Girl for ABC Family. That, in a nutshell, is why I almost never read this book. Now that that's out of the way, I'll get onto the review.
Pretty Little Liars follows the story of four girls, Hanna, Spencer, Aria, and Emily, as they make their way through the junior year of high school in the wake of their best friend, Alison's, disappearance. Alison was the ringleader, and the girls flocked around her, but now that she's gone, secrets that were meant to remain hidden are surfacing again, and a mysterious person that simply calls herself/himself "A" is hell-bent on getting their attention by whatever means necessary. Is it possible that "A" really is Alison, and if so, why is she trying so hard to ruin the other girls' lives?
Frankly, I didn't like high school for many of the reasons I was reminded of while reading Pretty Little Liars. Girls are catty, and high school is cruel, but this book takes it to the next level when Alison, who was once a best friend to Spencer, Aria, Hanna, and Emily, seeks only to pull them down. That said, I liked the pace of Pretty Little Liars. The story is fluid and, while ridiculously easy to read, it's entertaining - far more entertaining than that shitshow on TV by the same name.
I believe there are eight (8) books in this series (correct me if I'm wrong), and I'll definitely be getting my paws on book number two, Flawless. I give the book a 4 out of 5 for sheer entertainment value, and a fun, swift read. I would recommend this to teens and up, and I want to add this disclaimer: If you're not sure you want to read this series because of the show, I highly recommend you try it...it's fun, and I bet you'll want to read the rest of the series, too.
Have you started reading this series? If so, what are your thoughts on this/the show?
I recently finished the series, and believe me, it's something worth reading ! And yes, there are 8 books in the series :)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read this series!
ReplyDeleteI read probably 5 or 6 of these books and have pretty much enjoyed them all. Like you said, they're great entertainment! I've stayed away from the show, though.
ReplyDeleteIs it my imagination, or is your layout different??I like it!!
ReplyDeleteI actually like the show, but I didn't like the book when I read it b/c I thought they were just TOO mean. I'm glad you liked it!!
I don't watch the show, but I've been meaning to read the first book. I wonder how much the TV series deviates from the book series-- I mean, Gossip Girl the show is NOTHING like the book series.
ReplyDeleteThe show is not airing in Holland, but if it does great in the USA maye they will air it here someday too. ;) I love the covers of this series, they are so bright. I planned to read them in the Summer, but I bought different books. I think I will someday.. :) great review.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this series, or watched the show. I might have to pick one of these books up, but I'll wait until my reading list depletes a little. :) Great review! :)
ReplyDeleteHaven't watched the show...I'm afraid to, to be honest. I'd like to read the book first. But the show does give me an impression of Gossip Girl on ABC. Haha. I don't know if I'd like it...
ReplyDeleteAnd it's good to know that you liked the book! Phew. Now I'll just have to wait for the book at the library so I can borrow it!
lol i skiped reading this series but watch the TV show(love it) IDK how much the show sticks to the book. But i plan i reading this series soon :D
ReplyDeleteI read Pretty Little Liars, it was a light, fast read. But it took me back to high school too much for me to really enjoy it. I haven't watched the show and don't plan to. If my library had the next book I would read it, but they don't and I didn't like book 1 enough to buy the next one.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading the Pretty Little Liars series! :)
ReplyDeleteThe books are definitely better than the show, that's for sure. The mystery to them is so fun! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
I'm reading the seventh book now, and I have to say that I like the books better than the tv show. I still am a fan of the tv show though. Great review :)
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