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kaylielongley 's review for:
Impostors
by Scott Westerfeld
As a teenager, I was obsessed with Westerfeld's original Uglies series. Just this weekend I saw an advertisement for the new installment (book 1 of 4!), so I raced to the library and read it all today.
Maybe because I'm older or maybe because I didn't reread the beloved original series, but this wasn't that great: pure setup, no plot, and all concept. I like the theme of identity and dependency: the protagonist is a twin, meant to protect her slightly older sister and remain hidden to the public. But because of Frey's first person narration, everything feels narrow:
1. Though he was cruel, the father becomes the villian. It's true he was ruthless to his daughters, but this feels like a copout. He doesn't even speak until the last chapter!
2. The relationship between Frey and Col blossoms quickly, how can she fall for him, just days (pages) after being bored, untrusted by him? Insta-love is a lazy, tired YA standby, and Westerfeld is better than that.
3. This is a tale of 2 ladies, and twin Rafi never has a voice. Sure, her side would have been passive (read: boring) because she's their father's pet. But presenting another perspective would have strengthened the central theme, setting, and possibly plot.
Am I excited for the eventual return of Tally? Certainly! Did I devour this book? You bet! But after 10 years of no Uglies, I expected more.
Maybe because I'm older or maybe because I didn't reread the beloved original series, but this wasn't that great: pure setup, no plot, and all concept. I like the theme of identity and dependency: the protagonist is a twin, meant to protect her slightly older sister and remain hidden to the public. But because of Frey's first person narration, everything feels narrow:
1. Though he was cruel, the father becomes the villian. It's true he was ruthless to his daughters, but this feels like a copout. He doesn't even speak until the last chapter!
2. The relationship between Frey and Col blossoms quickly, how can she fall for him, just days (pages) after being bored, untrusted by him? Insta-love is a lazy, tired YA standby, and Westerfeld is better than that.
3. This is a tale of 2 ladies, and twin Rafi never has a voice. Sure, her side would have been passive (read: boring) because she's their father's pet. But presenting another perspective would have strengthened the central theme, setting, and possibly plot.
Am I excited for the eventual return of Tally? Certainly! Did I devour this book? You bet! But after 10 years of no Uglies, I expected more.