I didn't like this one as much as I liked the first three, but it was still enjoyable. It's interesting seeing how a city different from Tally's city responded to the changes. I also found it interesting how similar the reputation economy is to the influencers of today. Since this book was published in 2007, it seems almost like a prediction of Tik Tok. There were times where I felt the Japanese influence could've been better handled, as with Aya always talking about sushi as if that is the only thing Japanese people eat. Also, I wasn't sure if the timeline of events was totally accurate. Overall, I enjoyed the story and may check out Westerfeld's other novels that take place in the same universe. ( )

It's funny how an "extra" book that looks like simple addition to the series managed to get so lively and good. Ah, there is much to argue and say, but when ideas get the right concentration with language and story (well, almost here!) I can't say anything against top score. This book look like a ready meme to me, alive with words and ideas to spread. ( )

This one was ok. While I still enjoy Westerfeld's writing and the beginning of the story and some of the themes were really interesting, the ending fell a little short for me. I also wasn't as big of a fan of these new characters as I was of the original Uglies group. ( )

I understand what the author is going for, but the language used in this book drove me up a wall. It was not pleasant to read. He should have stopped at the third book and I would have been content. As it is, I did not enjoy this read, but I kept with it because I had hope that it would get better.

The characters are weak, the plot felt like it was reaching, and the details were vague. I am intrigued by the idea of the story; how to deal with humanity that is reverting back to taking over the environment and has no boundaries.

That being said, I wouldn't recommend this book. It fell flat and I am disappointed with it. ( )

With the approach of the Uglies Netflix movie getting closer I thought it was time to return to that particular universe with this add-on book to the original trilogy. We start in a new city and with a new set of characters, although some familiar faces make their appearance later in the book. Aya Fuse lives in a city where reputation is everything and video-blogging is a way to get massive recognition and credits. Aya has filmed what she thinks are some good stories but so far nothing has gone viral and hit the big time. Her face rank is a lowly 451,369 and to compete with her successful older brother, Hiro, Aya will need to break the top 1,000 like he’s just done. Luckily for her she has uncovered what could be the scoop of the century by stumbling on a clique who pull dangerous stunts in total anonymity. Can she infiltrate the Sly Girls, get footage and break the story? And if she does will Aya be ready for what follows if she becomes famous and leaves the Extras life behind?

It’s interesting to take a look at a different part of the Uglies universe and the after-effects of what happened in the previous book in the series. Introducing it through a new character’s eyes was also the right way for the author to go. Unfortunately it seems to have left a lot of the excitement of previous books behind even though Aya’s adventures take her on some very unexpected pathways. It just feels like a step towards a younger audience than even the original trilogy had. Half-formed basic characters bounce from one encounter to the next and even when those we’ve met previously do show up they are almost unrecognisable from their previous incarnations. I now have serious doubts of continuing to the new trilogy. ( )