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A review by calistacyq
Specials by Scott Westerfeld
5.0
Action-packed and thought-provoking, Specials by Scott Westerfeld follows where the second book has left off as Tally navigates her new life as a Special, with her body and mind changed yet again.
Summary: Tally Youngblood has been turned into a Special against her will, but she has since been brainwashed into accepting her state. When the New Smokes threaten the controlled order in the city, the Cutters have to get to the bottom of it, and Tally is eager to prove her worth as a Special.
Tropes/Genres:
• dystopian
• science fiction
• young adult
• post-apocalyptic
Review: The brainwashing is so much more evident in this book. I feel so bad for Tally even though she doesn't feel bad for herself because the way she thinks has been altered by the procedure that turns her into a Special. Anyway, it's very interesting to read through her perspective now that her mind has been changed yet again!
It was advertised that being a Special turns you back to normal (not pretty-minded, basically) with some perks. However, in this book, it becomes clear that Specials are also brainwashed to think in a certain manner, and they can't help but possess a sense of superiority over others. Their memories of the past are also altered to suit the agenda of Special Circumstances. It's harrowing. Tally just can't catch a break.
Once again, Shay is irritating. I know it's just how her character is. I don't mind it that much. I just find it funny how they somehow altered Tally's memories, making her think that David played with both Shay and her to make him out to be a villain in her mind. Shay and David never dated. Shay merely had a crush on David, but David liked Tally, and Tally liked David back. That's it. Well, anything to turn Tally against the New Smokes, I guess. It's scary how easy it is to twist the truth to change someone's opinion on something.
I think that this trilogy puts forth a great message that free will and truth are more important than a false sense of security. Even though the people in the city are safe from the dangers, and the environment is protected, the fact that people are under control cannot be brushed off. It's simply not ethically correct to rob people of their autonomy to their body and mind. Brainwashing people into consenting is false consent. I think that message is good.
Overall, this is an interesting conclusion to the trilogy. There isn't much of a romance subplot in this book, but the action and adventure are awesome. I find Tally's journey of rewiring her brain to what it used to be on her own through her experiences quite cool. She's just special.
Summary: Tally Youngblood has been turned into a Special against her will, but she has since been brainwashed into accepting her state. When the New Smokes threaten the controlled order in the city, the Cutters have to get to the bottom of it, and Tally is eager to prove her worth as a Special.
Tropes/Genres:
• dystopian
• science fiction
• young adult
• post-apocalyptic
Review: The brainwashing is so much more evident in this book. I feel so bad for Tally even though she doesn't feel bad for herself because the way she thinks has been altered by the procedure that turns her into a Special. Anyway, it's very interesting to read through her perspective now that her mind has been changed yet again!
It was advertised that being a Special turns you back to normal (not pretty-minded, basically) with some perks. However, in this book, it becomes clear that Specials are also brainwashed to think in a certain manner, and they can't help but possess a sense of superiority over others. Their memories of the past are also altered to suit the agenda of Special Circumstances. It's harrowing. Tally just can't catch a break.
Once again, Shay is irritating. I know it's just how her character is. I don't mind it that much. I just find it funny how they somehow altered Tally's memories, making her think that David played with both Shay and her to make him out to be a villain in her mind. Shay and David never dated. Shay merely had a crush on David, but David liked Tally, and Tally liked David back. That's it. Well, anything to turn Tally against the New Smokes, I guess. It's scary how easy it is to twist the truth to change someone's opinion on something.
I think that this trilogy puts forth a great message that free will and truth are more important than a false sense of security. Even though the people in the city are safe from the dangers, and the environment is protected, the fact that people are under control cannot be brushed off. It's simply not ethically correct to rob people of their autonomy to their body and mind. Brainwashing people into consenting is false consent. I think that message is good.
Overall, this is an interesting conclusion to the trilogy. There isn't much of a romance subplot in this book, but the action and adventure are awesome. I find Tally's journey of rewiring her brain to what it used to be on her own through her experiences quite cool. She's just special.