Book 10), Ruthless (Pretty Little Liars
BySara Shepard★ ★ ★ ★ ★ | |
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ | |
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆ | |
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ | |
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ |
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Readers` Reviews
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
sean golden
I loved the story and couldn't put it down. That's why I rated the book with 5 stars. My only complaint is that I preordered this book and when it arrived on release date I noticed that one page had a tear and near the end of the story two pages had large black ink marks over some of the text.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
cass
I was at my local Barnes and Noble when they opened to get my copy of Ruthless. I just finished it, and man, what a ride!
In this go around, all of the Pretty Little Liars are trying to put what happened on Spring Break in Jamaica behind them, but A knows what happened, and won't let them forget it. A is still a controlling factor in their lives.
Emily - In the past, she's been the perfect friend, perfect daughter, and perfect student. In the last book, Twisted, Emily started exploring her "wild side" and she continues to explore and and be a wild child, and is pretty much out of control. To make matters worse, she's getting taunting notes from A, and that just adds to Emily's troubles. She meets a new friend in Ruthless, and this friend has secrets of her own.
Spencer- This girl is in a slippery downward slope, and moving at a fast pace that's out of control. Someone from her past meets up with her, a person that Spencer has long forgot about, as usual, some secrets don't stay buried. In fact, sometimes, they bite you on the butt. With all of this is going on, Spencer has to prepare for a school play. It was interesting to see what is happening with her. A is there to witness all of it.
Hanna - She's helping her father get elected to public office, but started up a friendship with an unlikely person. She tried to fight the demons of her past, and A makes sure all of the demons are out and about.
Aria - Aria is a mess. Someone is after her boyfriend, someone from her past comes back and that just complicated things and A is there every step of the way, just to make this that much harder for Aria.
What I really like about this is the development of the characters. Far to many times, authors don't develop their characters, and keeps them the same. I'm pleased to say that this isn't the case with this series. In the early books, Emily, Aria, Spencer, and Hanna were pretty much innocent, and A was just torturing them and they were innocent for the most part. In the past 2 books, they're not innocent. After what happened in Jamaica, the "innocents are over", and the Pretty Little Liars get whats coming to them. It's the end of the innocents, and A is there to make sure they don't forget.
There are a lot of plot twists that will keep you hooked to the last page. I read this book in one sitting and was sorry to see it end. Stephen King once said, "Good books don't give up all of their secrets all at once." Well, he'd be happy as a clam with this series. All of the secrets aren't given up all at once, and it's still fresh and exciting.
If you buy the hardback, take off the dust jacket, and you'll find a hidden message from A to all of us.
This is such a fantastic read! The next book, Book 11, comes out on June 5th. Alls I can say is buckle up it's going to be a bumpy ride for your pretty little liars.
The all knowing A Rules!!
***UPDATE***
I just found out there will be a new installment called "Pretty Little Liars: Pretty Little Secrets! This comes out Jan 3, 2012!!! I soooo can't wait!!!
In this go around, all of the Pretty Little Liars are trying to put what happened on Spring Break in Jamaica behind them, but A knows what happened, and won't let them forget it. A is still a controlling factor in their lives.
Emily - In the past, she's been the perfect friend, perfect daughter, and perfect student. In the last book, Twisted, Emily started exploring her "wild side" and she continues to explore and and be a wild child, and is pretty much out of control. To make matters worse, she's getting taunting notes from A, and that just adds to Emily's troubles. She meets a new friend in Ruthless, and this friend has secrets of her own.
Spencer- This girl is in a slippery downward slope, and moving at a fast pace that's out of control. Someone from her past meets up with her, a person that Spencer has long forgot about, as usual, some secrets don't stay buried. In fact, sometimes, they bite you on the butt. With all of this is going on, Spencer has to prepare for a school play. It was interesting to see what is happening with her. A is there to witness all of it.
Hanna - She's helping her father get elected to public office, but started up a friendship with an unlikely person. She tried to fight the demons of her past, and A makes sure all of the demons are out and about.
Aria - Aria is a mess. Someone is after her boyfriend, someone from her past comes back and that just complicated things and A is there every step of the way, just to make this that much harder for Aria.
What I really like about this is the development of the characters. Far to many times, authors don't develop their characters, and keeps them the same. I'm pleased to say that this isn't the case with this series. In the early books, Emily, Aria, Spencer, and Hanna were pretty much innocent, and A was just torturing them and they were innocent for the most part. In the past 2 books, they're not innocent. After what happened in Jamaica, the "innocents are over", and the Pretty Little Liars get whats coming to them. It's the end of the innocents, and A is there to make sure they don't forget.
There are a lot of plot twists that will keep you hooked to the last page. I read this book in one sitting and was sorry to see it end. Stephen King once said, "Good books don't give up all of their secrets all at once." Well, he'd be happy as a clam with this series. All of the secrets aren't given up all at once, and it's still fresh and exciting.
If you buy the hardback, take off the dust jacket, and you'll find a hidden message from A to all of us.
This is such a fantastic read! The next book, Book 11, comes out on June 5th. Alls I can say is buckle up it's going to be a bumpy ride for your pretty little liars.
The all knowing A Rules!!
***UPDATE***
I just found out there will be a new installment called "Pretty Little Liars: Pretty Little Secrets! This comes out Jan 3, 2012!!! I soooo can't wait!!!
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
kiki03c
This series is like crack. No matter how bad, ridiculous or infuriating it gets, I always come back begging for more.
3 crack-addicting, bad decision making stars.
Perhaps you've never heard of Ms. Shepard's "Pretty Little Liars", or maybe you religiously watch every episode that airs on TV and have read all ten (now eleven) books multiple times and you are a die hard fan.
Me? I'm somewhere in the middle of the madness. I don't watch the show, but I have read all of the books (only once). No matter how awful they get, I always find myself going back for each new book. I've even read all of the books of her latest series.
I believe that does say something about the author herself. While I don't think many of the situations that occur with the girls are logical or realistic, Ms. Shepard does it in such a way that you can't help but feel deliciously intrigued. These books may never win an award, but there is a reason for their popularity.
One of those reasons is that Ms. Shepard is an author who keeps her readers on their toes. She always ends her novels with a plot twist and a cliff hanger. It may not be the strongest of endings, but her sales can certainly testify that they work. Another is that her characters are all incredibly relatable. I absolutely refuse to believe that there is any human being alive capable of making as many bad choices as all of these girls - but the fact that they do make these choices also makes them vulnerable. And vulnerability is reassuring.
Overall, if you enjoy a quick, beach read and are willing to not dissect these books too much and end up hating them, I would recommend them. I have every intention of reading the next book in the series. Maybe they'll become like the Anita Blake series (without all of the crazy group sex and... well, any sex, actually. This is YA.) but I believe that their sales speak for themselves. No matter how you look at it, these books are ridiculously addicting.
3 crack-addicting, bad decision making stars.
Perhaps you've never heard of Ms. Shepard's "Pretty Little Liars", or maybe you religiously watch every episode that airs on TV and have read all ten (now eleven) books multiple times and you are a die hard fan.
Me? I'm somewhere in the middle of the madness. I don't watch the show, but I have read all of the books (only once). No matter how awful they get, I always find myself going back for each new book. I've even read all of the books of her latest series.
I believe that does say something about the author herself. While I don't think many of the situations that occur with the girls are logical or realistic, Ms. Shepard does it in such a way that you can't help but feel deliciously intrigued. These books may never win an award, but there is a reason for their popularity.
One of those reasons is that Ms. Shepard is an author who keeps her readers on their toes. She always ends her novels with a plot twist and a cliff hanger. It may not be the strongest of endings, but her sales can certainly testify that they work. Another is that her characters are all incredibly relatable. I absolutely refuse to believe that there is any human being alive capable of making as many bad choices as all of these girls - but the fact that they do make these choices also makes them vulnerable. And vulnerability is reassuring.
Overall, if you enjoy a quick, beach read and are willing to not dissect these books too much and end up hating them, I would recommend them. I have every intention of reading the next book in the series. Maybe they'll become like the Anita Blake series (without all of the crazy group sex and... well, any sex, actually. This is YA.) but I believe that their sales speak for themselves. No matter how you look at it, these books are ridiculously addicting.
Wanted (Pretty Little Liars, Book 8) :: Pretty Little Liars #14: Deadly :: Pretty Little Liars #13: Crushed :: Breakfast at Tiffany's and Three Stories :: Twisted (Pretty Little Liars, Book 9)
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
regina
While not a bad entry, the premise of "Ruthless" was flawed. My main issue is with the "primary new character" which in this case, is Kelsey. Actually, no, not with Kelsey herself, but with how the 4 girls handle her. As has been the case in previous books, there are a silly series of coincidental timings, endless flimsy accusations / assumptions, and wild misunderstandings.
Outside of that primary vein in the story, there were new plot elements here and there that were actually interesting, and some cool story tidbits that furthered this third story arc positively. Although it was a lot of relationship drama, very little "A", and mostly just each girl questioning past events and if they'll come back to ruin them. A lot of nightmare or daydream sequences. Too much focus on the past, in what is already a great deal of referential material.
Okay, back to the 'primary story'. The Kelsey-is-A plot. I've complained about this before in the PLL franchise. Multiple times, unfortunately. Whenever a new character is introduced that has some sort of past connection to the group (whether a long time ago, like Toby, or more recent, like Kelsey), I can already map it out:
***POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW***
- Some or all of the girls will interact with (insert character) in the modern day
- Inexplicably, (insert character) will not be around for certain times when "A" sends them texts, because the coincidences need to be there
- It's certain that (insert character) will act a bit suspicious at times, and the girls will believe it's because he or she is "A"
- The four girls WILL NOT talk often enough to sync up their stories or reveal what "A" has on them, because if they did, there'd be no mystery to ponder and their combined knowledge would actually come to understand that their theory doesn't hold water
- The accusations made linking "A" to (insert character) generally have little solid evidence, and linking to the previous point, are even more baseless because the girls don't openly or consistently communicate to one another
- There will be some crazy misunderstanding in a climactic scene -- both this one and the Toby one I could see from a mile away (Emily and Toby were talking about completely different people) and it's the same here all because Spencer was SO sure that the text Kelsey mentioned was the "A" text? She had received 20+ texts that night. This is sloppy.
- The girls realize slowly that they could be mistaken (ya think?)
- The girls realization that (insert character) is not "A" are confirmed when "A" texts them as they are all together, which they seemingly only do once in a blue moon...
I'm sorry, but why? You introduce a "Kelsey" type, and I know she'll be accused of being A with some very shoddy evidence, some convenient timing, and some random assumptions. Then she'll be disposed of in a way where they move on to someone else.
Again, outside of this primary gripe, there was nothing wrong with this title. Shepard wouldn't still be writing books if they didn't have entertainment value, or if they weren't as well worded as they are. She has a way with words, imagery, and well placed metaphors. But obviously the Kelsey / "who is A?" mystery is this series' central structure, and here it fell back into old, predictable patterns.
I generally rate PLL books better, but this entry is a 6/10 at best.
Outside of that primary vein in the story, there were new plot elements here and there that were actually interesting, and some cool story tidbits that furthered this third story arc positively. Although it was a lot of relationship drama, very little "A", and mostly just each girl questioning past events and if they'll come back to ruin them. A lot of nightmare or daydream sequences. Too much focus on the past, in what is already a great deal of referential material.
Okay, back to the 'primary story'. The Kelsey-is-A plot. I've complained about this before in the PLL franchise. Multiple times, unfortunately. Whenever a new character is introduced that has some sort of past connection to the group (whether a long time ago, like Toby, or more recent, like Kelsey), I can already map it out:
***POSSIBLE SPOILERS BELOW***
- Some or all of the girls will interact with (insert character) in the modern day
- Inexplicably, (insert character) will not be around for certain times when "A" sends them texts, because the coincidences need to be there
- It's certain that (insert character) will act a bit suspicious at times, and the girls will believe it's because he or she is "A"
- The four girls WILL NOT talk often enough to sync up their stories or reveal what "A" has on them, because if they did, there'd be no mystery to ponder and their combined knowledge would actually come to understand that their theory doesn't hold water
- The accusations made linking "A" to (insert character) generally have little solid evidence, and linking to the previous point, are even more baseless because the girls don't openly or consistently communicate to one another
- There will be some crazy misunderstanding in a climactic scene -- both this one and the Toby one I could see from a mile away (Emily and Toby were talking about completely different people) and it's the same here all because Spencer was SO sure that the text Kelsey mentioned was the "A" text? She had received 20+ texts that night. This is sloppy.
- The girls realize slowly that they could be mistaken (ya think?)
- The girls realization that (insert character) is not "A" are confirmed when "A" texts them as they are all together, which they seemingly only do once in a blue moon...
I'm sorry, but why? You introduce a "Kelsey" type, and I know she'll be accused of being A with some very shoddy evidence, some convenient timing, and some random assumptions. Then she'll be disposed of in a way where they move on to someone else.
Again, outside of this primary gripe, there was nothing wrong with this title. Shepard wouldn't still be writing books if they didn't have entertainment value, or if they weren't as well worded as they are. She has a way with words, imagery, and well placed metaphors. But obviously the Kelsey / "who is A?" mystery is this series' central structure, and here it fell back into old, predictable patterns.
I generally rate PLL books better, but this entry is a 6/10 at best.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
dallas
It's no secret around here that I adore the Pretty Little Liars series. Yes, the books are not life changing or especially well developed, but I love them nonetheless, and there's little (if anything) that can change that. Therefore, when Ruthless showed up on my doorstep the eve of its release, I dove right in, because I was dying to know what was up next for my four favorite Pretty Little Liars! As it turns out, it was just as scandalous and juicy as the previous ones, especially given the cameos and surprises that were often thrown in.
With Ruthless, the tenth Pretty Little Liars book, readers are thrown back into the world of Rosewood, where secrets grow with every word spoken. Aria, Spencer, Emily, and Hanna are still dealing with the things that haunted them in the previous book: the Tabitha problem and the new, deadly A. However, little's going to get them down given how well things have been going lately. Aria's old love is back and better than ever. Spencer is the lead in the play and may have even caught the eye of another over achiever. Emily's also found love in a new place thanks to her oldest sister's crazy new ways. Lastly, Hannah's gone back to being daddy's favorite and met a new guy who makes her heart flutter in ways it has never done before. However, as with most things in Rosewood, not everything is as it seems, especially when A is involved. What way is she going to torment them and their lives next? Better yet, what's up with Tabitha and new A? Well, only time and more pages can tell in this heart racing new addition!
One of my favorite parts of this series has been seeing the point of views of the four girls, and it was just the same in Ruthless. I loved watching the girls get involved in new trouble, because not only did it provide for a suspenseful read, but it also provided some amazing cameos, especially when it came to Aria's storyline. The only problem I had with the characters in this one was the little character development that occurred, but there's still the chance of it being helped in future books.
Moving on, I loved the plot in this one! It was so SCANDLOUS! There was always a new twist or turn with every chapter. In addition, for once every girl got a chance at love in this one, which proved not only some sweet moments but also some big secrets. The ending was also shocking, and given that cliffhanger ending, I can't wait to see what's up next!
Full of suspense, romance, and lots of secrets, Ruthless is yet another fun addition to the Pretty Little Liars series, one that I'm sure diehard fans of PLL were eagerly eat right up, even if it means waiting for the next one that's sure to leave them with even more questions than answers.
Grade: A-
With Ruthless, the tenth Pretty Little Liars book, readers are thrown back into the world of Rosewood, where secrets grow with every word spoken. Aria, Spencer, Emily, and Hanna are still dealing with the things that haunted them in the previous book: the Tabitha problem and the new, deadly A. However, little's going to get them down given how well things have been going lately. Aria's old love is back and better than ever. Spencer is the lead in the play and may have even caught the eye of another over achiever. Emily's also found love in a new place thanks to her oldest sister's crazy new ways. Lastly, Hannah's gone back to being daddy's favorite and met a new guy who makes her heart flutter in ways it has never done before. However, as with most things in Rosewood, not everything is as it seems, especially when A is involved. What way is she going to torment them and their lives next? Better yet, what's up with Tabitha and new A? Well, only time and more pages can tell in this heart racing new addition!
One of my favorite parts of this series has been seeing the point of views of the four girls, and it was just the same in Ruthless. I loved watching the girls get involved in new trouble, because not only did it provide for a suspenseful read, but it also provided some amazing cameos, especially when it came to Aria's storyline. The only problem I had with the characters in this one was the little character development that occurred, but there's still the chance of it being helped in future books.
Moving on, I loved the plot in this one! It was so SCANDLOUS! There was always a new twist or turn with every chapter. In addition, for once every girl got a chance at love in this one, which proved not only some sweet moments but also some big secrets. The ending was also shocking, and given that cliffhanger ending, I can't wait to see what's up next!
Full of suspense, romance, and lots of secrets, Ruthless is yet another fun addition to the Pretty Little Liars series, one that I'm sure diehard fans of PLL were eagerly eat right up, even if it means waiting for the next one that's sure to leave them with even more questions than answers.
Grade: A-
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
joanne isamuse
The cover:
This new set of covers is cool. I probably wouldn't like it as much if it were a real model on the cover ;).
The storyline:
This story was great, I did love it but it had some things that just ruined everything.
Summary:
So basically, things are almost back to normal. Until the Liars start getting crazy new "A" messages. Hanna is supposed to be helping her Dad with his campaign but instead she almost wrecks it with her search for true love.
Aria is happy that her old teacher (and romance) is back but doesn't realize that maybe she doesn't want both.
Spencer is crazier than ever especially when an expected person she framed is back I Rosewood. Her actions might just make her alone again.
Finally, Emily, is experiencing a new side in her. The wild side, which in turn introduces her to a new friend who also might be an enemy to all of them.
What I loved:
- The plot. It is new and unexpected.
- The writing is awesome.
- Emily's struggle to find the truth.
- The suspense and mystery of who "A" is.
- Unlike the previous books, in this one "A" sends a message at the end of the book to all of them <3.
What I hated:
- Mostly the characters. Especially Spencer's character. She was reckless, loosening in her studies, obsessed and almost crazy! It was unbearable for me.
- These girls are acting like they have absolutely nothing to worry about besides their love lives and "A". Hello? You're seniors and you have school stuff to worry about too! It's not supposed to be an easy year!
The characters:
Aria: I liked her character this time. She acted more rationally and sounded more mature than usual.
Hanna: I don't know what's wrong with her jumping from one boy to another. However, this time she tries from her heart to help her Dad and get along with his family.
Spencer: Is ridiculous in this book. She's struggling with her guilt for what she did in their trip to Jamaica (which all of them can't get over yet) and with what she did to an old friend too. She's starting to act a little bit meaner, crazier and almost gets herself arrested for assault. Yep. No comment.
Emily: She's gone wild! Well, for some chapters only, actually. I appreciated her character. She's friendly, nice, sweet and protective about those she cares about.
Other characters worth mentioning are: Kelsey: I still have no idea what her deal is. Kate: Hanna's stepsister, she surprised me at the end although we don't see a lot of her in the book. That transfer student (I can't remember her name and I won't try to look it up): I just hate her. She acts like she came for the sole purpose of messing with Aria. Noel Khan: I actually really like him. His nice in the books.
Conclusion:
I still adore this series. Although it's different from the TV show, I find them better in some aspects.
I can't wait to finish my current reading pile so I could jump to the next one, Stunning.
This new set of covers is cool. I probably wouldn't like it as much if it were a real model on the cover ;).
The storyline:
This story was great, I did love it but it had some things that just ruined everything.
Summary:
So basically, things are almost back to normal. Until the Liars start getting crazy new "A" messages. Hanna is supposed to be helping her Dad with his campaign but instead she almost wrecks it with her search for true love.
Aria is happy that her old teacher (and romance) is back but doesn't realize that maybe she doesn't want both.
Spencer is crazier than ever especially when an expected person she framed is back I Rosewood. Her actions might just make her alone again.
Finally, Emily, is experiencing a new side in her. The wild side, which in turn introduces her to a new friend who also might be an enemy to all of them.
What I loved:
- The plot. It is new and unexpected.
- The writing is awesome.
- Emily's struggle to find the truth.
- The suspense and mystery of who "A" is.
- Unlike the previous books, in this one "A" sends a message at the end of the book to all of them <3.
What I hated:
- Mostly the characters. Especially Spencer's character. She was reckless, loosening in her studies, obsessed and almost crazy! It was unbearable for me.
- These girls are acting like they have absolutely nothing to worry about besides their love lives and "A". Hello? You're seniors and you have school stuff to worry about too! It's not supposed to be an easy year!
The characters:
Aria: I liked her character this time. She acted more rationally and sounded more mature than usual.
Hanna: I don't know what's wrong with her jumping from one boy to another. However, this time she tries from her heart to help her Dad and get along with his family.
Spencer: Is ridiculous in this book. She's struggling with her guilt for what she did in their trip to Jamaica (which all of them can't get over yet) and with what she did to an old friend too. She's starting to act a little bit meaner, crazier and almost gets herself arrested for assault. Yep. No comment.
Emily: She's gone wild! Well, for some chapters only, actually. I appreciated her character. She's friendly, nice, sweet and protective about those she cares about.
Other characters worth mentioning are: Kelsey: I still have no idea what her deal is. Kate: Hanna's stepsister, she surprised me at the end although we don't see a lot of her in the book. That transfer student (I can't remember her name and I won't try to look it up): I just hate her. She acts like she came for the sole purpose of messing with Aria. Noel Khan: I actually really like him. His nice in the books.
Conclusion:
I still adore this series. Although it's different from the TV show, I find them better in some aspects.
I can't wait to finish my current reading pile so I could jump to the next one, Stunning.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
priyank jaini
When I first started reading the Pretty Little Liars books, I never imagined that I would grow to love them as much as I do now. They're by no means perfect or even of an awesome quality. But, they're a fun, light read that's a great distraction from my normal serious reading and all of the analyzing I do for school. I would recommend them to anyone and I've never written a review for any of the books before- until now.
Ruthless was another great book. One thing I like about this series is it's consistency. None of the books are ever bad or a let down (to me, anyway). They all hold interesting plot twists and are written in the same fashion. I never feel like Shepard cheats us out of anything, like some other authors do when they stretch a series out. I have noticed a distinguishable difference between the two newer books and 1-8, though. First off, they're darker. Maybe it's because the girls have aged more or because they've committed worse crimes. Either way, these books seem more serious and dangerous for each character- which I like. Also, I feel like the girls are slipping further and further into madness, so to speak. Their guilt is getting the better of them and it's hard to determine what is reality and what is paranoia. This is another attribute that I like, actually. But, I felt the need to point it out, because it IS different than in the other books.
At the same time, there are some things that I didn't like. The more you read the PLL books, the more you can predict them. I never predict the exact twists so to speak, but I'm so familiar with Shepard's writing style that I can tell which direction the next chapters are going to take or when a character's suspicions are false. For me, however, this still doesn't take the fun out of reading it. Because I can never predict the exact twists, I'm always on my feet! Also, sometimes I wonder if so much boy drama is necessary. It feels like so many guys are introduced and then taken away that it's pointless. But, at the same time, that's how it is in a lot of teenager's lives. Finally, there was just something a little... off with the writing in this novel. I'm not sure if Shepard was rushing to get it done, but the first half especially was different for me. Most of the character's held up to normal, except for Ezra. I really thought that he acted a little bit out of character here. But, maybe that's just me. Either way, I felt that the beginning was kind of weird and it took me a while to push through it. Once I got about a hundred pages in, though, it did get a lot better.
I'm not sure why I felt the need to review this book. I guess I just wanted to put my opinion out there. But, all in all, Ruthless is another awesome PLL book! I'm loving the drama and new twists that are in the newer books! I can't wait to read Stunning. It seems like no matter what, these books stick with me (and probably the other readers, too). By this point, I've devoted so much time to reading it that I couldn't stop now. They almost all start to blur together after a while, which is why I've given each book four stars. In the end, though, they're always a good, quick read!
Ruthless was another great book. One thing I like about this series is it's consistency. None of the books are ever bad or a let down (to me, anyway). They all hold interesting plot twists and are written in the same fashion. I never feel like Shepard cheats us out of anything, like some other authors do when they stretch a series out. I have noticed a distinguishable difference between the two newer books and 1-8, though. First off, they're darker. Maybe it's because the girls have aged more or because they've committed worse crimes. Either way, these books seem more serious and dangerous for each character- which I like. Also, I feel like the girls are slipping further and further into madness, so to speak. Their guilt is getting the better of them and it's hard to determine what is reality and what is paranoia. This is another attribute that I like, actually. But, I felt the need to point it out, because it IS different than in the other books.
At the same time, there are some things that I didn't like. The more you read the PLL books, the more you can predict them. I never predict the exact twists so to speak, but I'm so familiar with Shepard's writing style that I can tell which direction the next chapters are going to take or when a character's suspicions are false. For me, however, this still doesn't take the fun out of reading it. Because I can never predict the exact twists, I'm always on my feet! Also, sometimes I wonder if so much boy drama is necessary. It feels like so many guys are introduced and then taken away that it's pointless. But, at the same time, that's how it is in a lot of teenager's lives. Finally, there was just something a little... off with the writing in this novel. I'm not sure if Shepard was rushing to get it done, but the first half especially was different for me. Most of the character's held up to normal, except for Ezra. I really thought that he acted a little bit out of character here. But, maybe that's just me. Either way, I felt that the beginning was kind of weird and it took me a while to push through it. Once I got about a hundred pages in, though, it did get a lot better.
I'm not sure why I felt the need to review this book. I guess I just wanted to put my opinion out there. But, all in all, Ruthless is another awesome PLL book! I'm loving the drama and new twists that are in the newer books! I can't wait to read Stunning. It seems like no matter what, these books stick with me (and probably the other readers, too). By this point, I've devoted so much time to reading it that I couldn't stop now. They almost all start to blur together after a while, which is why I've given each book four stars. In the end, though, they're always a good, quick read!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
daniel etherington
The PLL are still trying to shake the elusive A, who has been hounding and stalking them. In fact, the 1983 Police song, "Every Breath You Take," which I never liked fits A like DNA.
Dramatis Personae:
Aria, my favorite Liar has more complications in her life. Her former boyfriend Noel's resident exchange student, Klaudia is coming on to just about everybody, including a man from Aria's past. Yes, a MAN. We remember from early in the series Aria kissed and became involved with her then future English teacher, Ezra Fitz. Well, he's back with some shocking surprises and so is her nemesis from Finland, the Ruthless Ms Klaudia Huusko!
Hanna, who has the least toehold anywhere. Plagued by an eating disorder, she has to endure her spoiled same-age stepsister Kate, who is a Champion Beyotch and her indifferent stepmother. Her dad, who is running for Senate encourages her to spend more nights at his house. He had always been unloving and dismissive of her in the past, so what could be his agenda, if any? Perhaps only to secure her help in winning the election. Hanna meets with someone who may mean her ill and if so, is this person also A or another A? Does her new friend have secrets to hide as well? A, whoever s/he/they are seem to know all the Liars' secrets, including what took place in Jamaica in an earlier installment.
Spencer is the grind. Sadly, she has gotten involved in speed aka EAsy A, which sends her reeling off her feet. She also helps to frame someone who may mean her well or ill. Still, she agrees to do this. She even has a falling out with another Liar which makes one wonder if perhaps Spencer has some secrets. After all, she DID frame somebody to save her skin. A knows about this as well. Could it be that she knows who A is? After a successful showing as Lady MacBeth in the school play and a hopeful nod from Princeton, Spencer goes into meltdown mode because of A or possibly a new A or a group of As?
Emily, who is bisexual has always had an on-again, off-again toehold in her family. She has 2 older sisters and a brother and they accept her in varying degrees. We know from "Twisted," Emily is starting to take more walks on the wild side. A gets wind of this and steps up his/her/their techno terrorism. First come the texts. Then the e-mails. A never seems to sleep. A might even be her newest friend or at least know her newest friend.
Readers go on some harrowing rides with the Liars and A or As, as it mAy turn out. As with all the books in the series, friendships shift and change and masks come off the most unlikely characters. Revenge is a trenchant theme in the Liars' series. One Liar exacts delicious revenge on someone she thought was a friend.
Be sure to stay tuned for Installment #11, "Stunning" which promises to be a spine tingler as well!
A is here to stAy.
Dramatis Personae:
Aria, my favorite Liar has more complications in her life. Her former boyfriend Noel's resident exchange student, Klaudia is coming on to just about everybody, including a man from Aria's past. Yes, a MAN. We remember from early in the series Aria kissed and became involved with her then future English teacher, Ezra Fitz. Well, he's back with some shocking surprises and so is her nemesis from Finland, the Ruthless Ms Klaudia Huusko!
Hanna, who has the least toehold anywhere. Plagued by an eating disorder, she has to endure her spoiled same-age stepsister Kate, who is a Champion Beyotch and her indifferent stepmother. Her dad, who is running for Senate encourages her to spend more nights at his house. He had always been unloving and dismissive of her in the past, so what could be his agenda, if any? Perhaps only to secure her help in winning the election. Hanna meets with someone who may mean her ill and if so, is this person also A or another A? Does her new friend have secrets to hide as well? A, whoever s/he/they are seem to know all the Liars' secrets, including what took place in Jamaica in an earlier installment.
Spencer is the grind. Sadly, she has gotten involved in speed aka EAsy A, which sends her reeling off her feet. She also helps to frame someone who may mean her well or ill. Still, she agrees to do this. She even has a falling out with another Liar which makes one wonder if perhaps Spencer has some secrets. After all, she DID frame somebody to save her skin. A knows about this as well. Could it be that she knows who A is? After a successful showing as Lady MacBeth in the school play and a hopeful nod from Princeton, Spencer goes into meltdown mode because of A or possibly a new A or a group of As?
Emily, who is bisexual has always had an on-again, off-again toehold in her family. She has 2 older sisters and a brother and they accept her in varying degrees. We know from "Twisted," Emily is starting to take more walks on the wild side. A gets wind of this and steps up his/her/their techno terrorism. First come the texts. Then the e-mails. A never seems to sleep. A might even be her newest friend or at least know her newest friend.
Readers go on some harrowing rides with the Liars and A or As, as it mAy turn out. As with all the books in the series, friendships shift and change and masks come off the most unlikely characters. Revenge is a trenchant theme in the Liars' series. One Liar exacts delicious revenge on someone she thought was a friend.
Be sure to stay tuned for Installment #11, "Stunning" which promises to be a spine tingler as well!
A is here to stAy.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
hector benita
ok, so I finally read ruthless... would've got done sooner... like in a day or 2, but I have also been reading sisterhood everlasting and a few other books... I am behind on all my reading because I got busy in school :( Anyways... I am guessing in book 11 if she wanted to throw a twist she could say like the article was something kate did, and liam wasn't the person in the article. Like he wasn't calling or texting hannah because he thought she published it... anyways maybe something like that will happen, and then they can get back together, but i doubt it... they will probably bring in someone new for hannah. Unless somehow they can write it out that her and Mike get back together. Spencer and Beau need to be put together, or they need someone new for spencer... Noel and Aria are good together, but my best guess is something will happen and they will break up or something... Then they need someone new for Emily, either that or she needs to help Kelsey, and maybe they can work it through everything. And we never did find out what happened to Emily's baby. Actually, it looks like I got caught up in time because book 11 is being released june 8th, which means only 1 more book because I heard a rumor that their was going to be 12 books in all.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
polly alida
I love everything about PLL, the shows and the books but I have to agree with the other reviews about this book being extremely repetitive. There are so many themes that are overused I felt like I was reading Twisted all over again. I am trying to figure out why Sara feels the need to bring cliffs as the big clincher once again into this book. We get it, you like to kill people off using them but come up with something fresher.
The girls in the books are annoying, unlike the show, in the books they are so weak and are not thinking ahead. how stupid can Emily be? Seriously, her babbling gets annoying. Not only that but Sara needs to do a better job with the flashbacks and how she transitions into them and out of them, it's almost like you don't know where they start and stop without rereading it again. She should take a few pointers from the show though, this is yet another book where the girls are not friends anymore until the end because A brought them together. Time to change that to be like the show where the girls are friends.
It's a good read, but like the other PLL books it doesn't actually become good until the last few chapters. I don't care about the designer brands or details about the same old coffee shop Steam. It's like she is just trying to fill space, they have nothing to do with the book's plot either. If she would just add more action it would be better. I still believe A is Alison, the real Ali, not Courtney. I am just confused as to how she plans on making this series into 14 books. She recently said in a tweet there would be 14 books in the series. It just seems a little much, and far fetched that A really cares that much, or that the girls really do anything so bad A continue to follows them. I am still confused over the whole Tabitha thing and why it matters to A at all.
Again, pick up the book, it's just a filler but a good read.
The girls in the books are annoying, unlike the show, in the books they are so weak and are not thinking ahead. how stupid can Emily be? Seriously, her babbling gets annoying. Not only that but Sara needs to do a better job with the flashbacks and how she transitions into them and out of them, it's almost like you don't know where they start and stop without rereading it again. She should take a few pointers from the show though, this is yet another book where the girls are not friends anymore until the end because A brought them together. Time to change that to be like the show where the girls are friends.
It's a good read, but like the other PLL books it doesn't actually become good until the last few chapters. I don't care about the designer brands or details about the same old coffee shop Steam. It's like she is just trying to fill space, they have nothing to do with the book's plot either. If she would just add more action it would be better. I still believe A is Alison, the real Ali, not Courtney. I am just confused as to how she plans on making this series into 14 books. She recently said in a tweet there would be 14 books in the series. It just seems a little much, and far fetched that A really cares that much, or that the girls really do anything so bad A continue to follows them. I am still confused over the whole Tabitha thing and why it matters to A at all.
Again, pick up the book, it's just a filler but a good read.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
kelly
While I was highly anticipating this book, especially after the end of Twisted, I was slightly disappointed. There's been a lot of commentary about Sara Shepard dragging the series on too long. It could have ended at 8, surely, but I was happy to find out there would be a 9th book.
I love being involved in the girl's lives as a reader, it feels like I've known them forever.
But, things are starting to get a bit out of hand. Just how much can these girls go through? And how is it that all of these "A's" just happened to be in the same health facility with Courtney/Ali? Plus, they're almost out of high school years, I don't think we'll be following them off to college, will we?
Despite these elements, I'm still anxious to see what happens. I want to know what happened to Aria in Iceland on their trip that she's so secretive about. And what ever happened to the "Ali" in Twisted that goes to that new school.
I love being involved in the girl's lives as a reader, it feels like I've known them forever.
But, things are starting to get a bit out of hand. Just how much can these girls go through? And how is it that all of these "A's" just happened to be in the same health facility with Courtney/Ali? Plus, they're almost out of high school years, I don't think we'll be following them off to college, will we?
Despite these elements, I'm still anxious to see what happens. I want to know what happened to Aria in Iceland on their trip that she's so secretive about. And what ever happened to the "Ali" in Twisted that goes to that new school.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
richard rouillard
The new A May not be who the Pretty Little Liars think. Who is the new A? That is the question torturing the girls, oh, and the guilt from their mistakes and secrets. Finally, we see the girls unravel because of new A; some turn on each other and one may be losing her sanity. When the girls visit the Preserve, like them, you are overwhelmed by the sanitarium's sinister vibes. And the engraving on the bench...omg! Overall, Shepard gives us another nail biting...nerve wrecking...can't sleep 'til you finish installment to the PLL collection!
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
yeldah
Another good book in the Pretty Little Liars series. I didn't like this book as well as some of the others, but it was still ok. The ending was Pretty good. I'm really interested to see what happens in the next book.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
sean conner
I had high hopes for the tenth book of Pretty Little Liars because I like how Sara Shepard did the 9th book it was interesting and I thought that she could totally make the series work with 4 books like she never ended it at book 8. This book was disappointing and my thoughts were like maybe the series should have stayed at book 8. All the author did was repeat stuff from the last couple of books as if we forgot what happened in the past. I'll probably read the 11th and 12th book just to see how it ends. I'm hoping for more excitement like in the others. This book didn't have it. I will give this a postitive note though. At least they're still friends and they'll work together to stop A at he/she's evil games.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
edna
Book 10 was really good! Surprisingly no deaths in this one! Imagine that! Lol I liked the plot twists and turns, just when I thought I had something figured out, I was wrong. This series is long, but I honestly don't mind it. All the books are connected and each book tells something new. I'm exited to find out how the series ends!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
comixgal
This is the tenth book to the Pretty Little Liars series. While Spencer at Penn taking AP courses, she's been taking pills to keep her awake. Phineas gave her the " Easy A". She is arrested but asks Hanna to frame her roommate, Kelsey, as the dealer so that Spencer doesn't have to face the charges. Emily meets Kelsey at a party and starts to flirt her. Kelsey overdoses adn attemtps to commit sucide at the same place where Mona died. Emily saves her and Kelsey is sent to the preserve for treatment. Tabitha went to the same perseve and is the same age as Alison. Hanna falls fro the son of her dad's opponet, and breaks when she releasizes he was with other girls. Noel dumps Aria but she goess back with him when she realizes Ezra and Klaudia are now dating.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
jen terpstra
I've been a huge fan of Sara Shepard books for a couple of years now. I can't believe that this is the tenth release of the Pretty Little Liars series! Amazing! A huge problem that happens in long series is the longevity of the series also takes on a sort of dragged-on and repetitive tone. I was pleasantly surprised to read this book and how fresh it was in spite of how long the series is.
A is back torturing our four favorite liars in this installment. It's filled with scandalous plot twists, moments of exhilarating excitement, and lots of badassery. No seriously, this is probably the most exciting since what we thought was the series finale PLL #8! It kept my attention, and I just HAD to finish it as soon as possible. There is one thing in this novel that I was thankful to have back since a lot of that didn't happen in previous books, which was character development. The characters definitely developed and the mystery deepened throughout this novel. Fans will enjoy the depth of both the characters and plot.
A definite must read for fans of the series.
A is back torturing our four favorite liars in this installment. It's filled with scandalous plot twists, moments of exhilarating excitement, and lots of badassery. No seriously, this is probably the most exciting since what we thought was the series finale PLL #8! It kept my attention, and I just HAD to finish it as soon as possible. There is one thing in this novel that I was thankful to have back since a lot of that didn't happen in previous books, which was character development. The characters definitely developed and the mystery deepened throughout this novel. Fans will enjoy the depth of both the characters and plot.
A definite must read for fans of the series.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
ryan lane
I have read every Pretty Little Liars book so far and might I say each book just gets better and better. I'm read each book in less then a week, and am always excited yet quite bummed that we have not discovered who "A" truly is. I know each book always has a premonition, but I can typically tell that the real "A" isn't going to be someone the Pretty Little Liars would ever guess. To me, "A" is going to be someone that no one would every suspect "A" to be. Take Mona Vanderwaal for instance, no one ever would have guessed her to be creepy stalker "A" considering she was Hanna's best friend.
In this exciting 10th Pretty Little Liars novel Spencer deals with college issues really backfiring to "A" as always. Hanna's having boy troubles mostly because of her dads Senate campaign. Aria's thrilled to have Ezra back, and then just as soon as he comes Aria doesn't know what hit her. Noel and Aria eventually sort out their problems. Emily is being pressured by Spencer to stay away from "Kay" who is really Spencer's friend from a summer program at Penn. Kay is really named Kelsey who Spencer got in trouble for hiding drugs in her dorm room and Hanna is Spencer's help with this plan. Spencer has the major premonition that Kelsey is "A" which would be why she is telling Emily to stay away. The signs are really all there, but all of us know that you can't identify "A" that simply. Emily is still hiding the crazy secret about her summer pregnancy. It's a lot for Carolyn to have to keep this from her parents and the rest of the world. Emily was even pretty hesitant on letting her old best friends in on the secret that she and Isaac have a baby. Of course Isaac has no clue that he's a father. Spencer's gone a-wall about "A", which is most definitely what "A" wants. Spencer's performance as Lady Macbeth in Macbeth ends up truly fantastic.
Basically, "A" will not rest until these four liars are dead! We all know, that these four liars won't die until "A" stops. We're all always on our toes waiting for what will come next!
In this exciting 10th Pretty Little Liars novel Spencer deals with college issues really backfiring to "A" as always. Hanna's having boy troubles mostly because of her dads Senate campaign. Aria's thrilled to have Ezra back, and then just as soon as he comes Aria doesn't know what hit her. Noel and Aria eventually sort out their problems. Emily is being pressured by Spencer to stay away from "Kay" who is really Spencer's friend from a summer program at Penn. Kay is really named Kelsey who Spencer got in trouble for hiding drugs in her dorm room and Hanna is Spencer's help with this plan. Spencer has the major premonition that Kelsey is "A" which would be why she is telling Emily to stay away. The signs are really all there, but all of us know that you can't identify "A" that simply. Emily is still hiding the crazy secret about her summer pregnancy. It's a lot for Carolyn to have to keep this from her parents and the rest of the world. Emily was even pretty hesitant on letting her old best friends in on the secret that she and Isaac have a baby. Of course Isaac has no clue that he's a father. Spencer's gone a-wall about "A", which is most definitely what "A" wants. Spencer's performance as Lady Macbeth in Macbeth ends up truly fantastic.
Basically, "A" will not rest until these four liars are dead! We all know, that these four liars won't die until "A" stops. We're all always on our toes waiting for what will come next!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
karen hasterok
i loved all of the pretty little liars books! Although i do think some of the things they get there selfs into is a little unbelievable but it keeps you guessing which is the most importand part. I am impressed on how sara sheppard can keep this whole ride going even though Ali is suppose to be dead, she makes it believable that she could still be alive and stalking the liars at all times. The only thing i can say about this book is my own personal opinion of how Emily drives me crazy! She is way to trusting and falls for people way to fast! I think Em needs to get more tough in order to deal with everything! cant wait until the next book!
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
romarin479
Of course you're going to see the fangirls out there who will rate this book five stars just because its a PLL book. I will be honest, i loved all 9 books. They were full of suspense and lots of juicy secrets. This time, not so much. It read more like a story. There's no "wow" moment and no great cliff hanger. I think Sara was going to stop PLL series after the whole "Ali was really Courtney" thing but PLL got popular and Sara was paid more. Maybe she ran out of ideas. Her contract still has more books so i'm hoping shes not rushing these. Another thing i'm sick of is the repeating. I know all about Ali, i know about about Emily being called Killer etc! It's as if Sara forgot we read the other books. Its a waste of ink and page numbers to repeat yourself so many times. Just because this book wasn't as great, it won't stop me from finishing the series. Crossing my fingers for a better book next time.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
roy deaver
The quality of the book is great. Better than expected seriously for buying a used book but I'm extremely happy with it. I haven't got around to reading just yet but I'm in love with the pretty little liars series!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
caldercraig
Ezras character slightly disappoints me....Bring back the old Ezra...so when i came to the part when i realised tht Ezra was back i was very excited..but maybe the character change did not work this time:(
Otherwise a very good book
Otherwise a very good book
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
pdorff
I have really liked all of the books in the series but this book kind of dragged and we didn't really get anywhere. I want to see what happens next since I'm already invested in it but we're not any closer to finding out who A is.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
aluap
so i didnt even know that there were more books out when i was shopping on my kindle tonight and i saw that there were 3 books i hadnt read yet and i HAD to buy them. So I read t
up to this one so far and you will be sooo surprised. the ppls are SO not pretty anymore..theyre ugly...on the inside. and they are getting what they deserve from A. this book is so worth it.
up to this one so far and you will be sooo surprised. the ppls are SO not pretty anymore..theyre ugly...on the inside. and they are getting what they deserve from A. this book is so worth it.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
diana
This book was so good. I enjoyed every second of it. At first I disagreed with Spencer about her A theory, but then I realized it made sense. I think that Emily should tell her besties about that open door at the Poconos. It seems like the best thing for her to do...
Kisses
-A <3 <3
Kisses
-A <3 <3
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
davis
i loved this book but the only reason i rated it with four stars is because of Ezra. I agree with the others that he was very out of charchter and this disapoints me because he was one of my favorite charechtors.
Please RateBook 10), Ruthless (Pretty Little Liars