Monday, February 23, 2015

Review: Pretty Little Liars


Title: Pretty Little Liars (books 1-4)

Author: Sara Sheppard

Why I read it: I was addicted to the show

Summary: Three years ago, Alison disappeared after a slumber party, not to be seen since. Her friends at the elite Pennsylvania school mourned her, but they also breathed secret sighs of relief. Each of them guarded a secret that only Alison had known. Now they have other dirty little secrets, secrets that could sink them in their gossip-hungry world. When each of them begins receiving anonymous emails and text messages, panic sets in. Are they being betrayed by some one in their circle? Worse yet: Is Alison back? A strong launch for a suspenseful series.

Opinion: Despite the fact that I don't usually go for "chick-lit" these books hooked me on page one. The story is intense, action packed, and full of drama that feels believable and rarely overdone. I read the first four books in three days, needing to know what happened.

Ratings
Female Representation: 5 (With four strong lead female characters, the story is driven by very realistic and dynamic women).
Writing Style: 4 (Nice descriptions, witty voice, suspenseful, quirky) 
Plot: 5 (Mystery, suspense, drama, romance--this book has a bit of everything and it's all neatly tied together in a well thought out plot (at least, as far as the first four books go))

Overall: 5