Specials

Specials by Scott Westerfeld, 350 pages

This is the third book in the Uglies series.  Tally and most of her friends have been made into Specials.  They can think more clearly than most pretties, although their brand of Specials are called Cutters, because they cut themselves and the pain helps see and think clearly.  They are also enhanced physically and are basically killing machines.  They are charged with finding New Smoke, where people are trying to undermine the whole system of uglies and pretties.  Tally and Shay figure out a way to help Tally's boyfriend, Zane, escape from New Pretty Town.  Tally is sure that Zane will prove that he can be a Special too, if he can get out.  Shay also thinks that they can use Zane to find New Smoke.  The plan works, but New Smoke is not at all what they expect.  I've enjoyed this series.  I can't say that I love it but I also think that it probably has a fairly wide teen appeal, especially those that like science fiction.