Now that Netflix has acquired the rights to adapt “Uglies“, which stars Joey King (A Family Affair and Train Bullet) and Chase Stokes (Outer Banks and The Beach House), readers are truly excited to see what the film will bring.

The science fiction drama is based on the writings of Scott Westerfeld, which have left a lasting legacy in young adult and dystopian literature. It has achieved significant success both in terms of sales and cultural impact.

The popularity of the works has led the American author, also known for Leviathan, to explore this universe in other works and related projects, keeping interest in his vision of a dystopian future.

How many books are in the Uglies saga?

The “Uglies” saga consists of four books. The first was published in 2005 and the last in 2007. Each of them has had notable success both in the literary world and in popular culture since then.

The first three books in the series were published in a relatively short period, which helped maintain interest and enthusiasm. “Extras” also received a positive reception, though it focuses on a new protagonist.

The franchise has received praise from critics and readers for its innovative vision of a dystopian future and for addressing relevant themes such as beauty, identity and social control, marking a significant impact in the young adult genre.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld: Reading order of the books

  • Uglies (2005)
  • Pretties (2005)
  • Specials (2006)
  • Extras (2007)

‘Uglies’ books: Official synopsis

Uglies

Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can’t wait. In just a few weeks she’ll have the operation that will turn her from a repellent ugly into a stunning pretty. And as a pretty, she’ll be catapulted into a high-tech paradise where her only job is to have fun.

But Tally’s new friend Shay isn’t sure she wants to become a pretty. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world—and it isn’t very pretty. The authorities offer Tally a choice: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. Tally’s choice will change her world forever….

Pretties

Tally has finally become pretty. Now her looks are beyond perfect, her clothes are awesome, her boyfriend is totally hot, and she’s completely popular. It’s everything she’s ever wanted.

But beneath all the fun — the nonstop parties, the high-tech luxury, the total freedom — is a nagging sense that something’s wrong. Something important. Then a message from Tally’s ugly past arrives. Reading it, Tally remembers what’s wrong with pretty life, and the fun stops cold.

Now she has to choose between fighting to forget what she knows and fighting for her life — because the authorities don’t intend to let anyone with this information survive.

Specials

“Special Circumstances”: The words have sent chills down Tally’s spine since her days as a repellent, rebellious ugly. Back then Specials were a sinister rumor — frighteningly beautiful, dangerously strong, breathtakingly fast. Ordinary pretties might live their whole lives without meeting a Special. But Tally’s never been ordinary.

And now she’s been turned into one of them: a superamped fighting machine, engineered to keep the uglies down and the pretties stupid.

The strength, the speed, and the clarity and focus of her thinking feel better than anything Tally can remember. Most of the time. One tiny corner of her heart still remembers something more.

Still, it’s easy to tune that out — until Tally’s offered a chance to stamp out the rebels of the New Smoke permanently. It all comes down to one last choice: listen to that tiny, faint heartbeat, or carry out the mission she’s programmed to complete. Either way, Tally’s world will never be the same.

Extras

A few years after rebel Tally Youngblood takes down the Specials regime, a cultural renaissance sweeps the world. “Tech-heads” flaunt their latest gadgets, “kickers” spread gossip and trends, and “surge monkeys” are hooked on extreme plastic surgery. Popularity rules, and everyone craves fame.

Fifteen-year-old Aya Fuse is no exception. But Aya’s face rank is so low, she’s a total nobody. An extra. Her only chance at stardom is to kick a wild and unexpected story.

Then she stumbles upon a big secret. Aya knows she is on the cusp of celebrity. But the information she is about to disclose will change both her fate…and that of the brave new world.