I loved this book when I first read it a decade ago. Rereading it, I wondered what it says about teenaged me that this series was one of my all time favorite series. Not that I think this series is bad (because I don’t think it is), but that it is yet another YA series that I loved that revolves ultimately around imbalanced power in relationships and involves rape (and people trying to rape others). I have found this to be true with other series I loved in Middle/High School. Maybe it was empowering to see these female characters move past bad relationships and people trying to make their bodies into commodities to use and/or sell? Maybe it was “adult” to read about these things which made me feel grown? I don’t have an answer, but I am sure to continue pondering this as I look back to favorites from my childhood. I don’t think I would rate this book as high now. However, with respect to my younger self who read this book and found entertainment, joy, enthusiasm, and some level of understanding from it, I will keep the rating the same. After all, they are the expert as to what reaches a YA audience.