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Privilege

(Privilege #1)

Kate Brian

3.96 · Rating details · 6,370 ratings · 279 reviews

Most girls would die for a life of privilege...
Some would even kill for it.

Ariana Osgood ruled exclusive Easton Academy -- until she was arrested for murdering Thomas Pearson. She's spent the past two years at the Brenda T. Trumbull Correctional Facility for Women plotting her escape and is determined to get a second chance at the glamorous life she left behind. And Ariana ...more

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Paperback, 291 pages

Published December 30th 2008 by Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers (first published December 23rd 2008)

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Jan 11, 2009 Rachael rated it really liked it

It’s not fair. Ever since Ariana Osgood was arrested for the murder of Thomas Pearson, her life has been nothing compared to the luxury of how it used to be. So what if the Brenda T. Trumball Correctional Facility for Women is one of the nicer places she could’ve been sent? Who cares if she’s still allowed to wear her precious fleur-de-lis necklace because of her father’s bribery? That doesn’t change the fact that Ariana is still locked up for at least twenty years. But Ariana knows she can’t st ...more

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Sep 21, 2011 Hikachi rated it liked it

Shelves: mystery-or-thriller, kids-and-ya

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Ariana Osgood is living what most people wished for. She has the look, the brain (a wicked one at that), the attitude, she practically have everything.
Or well... used to have.

After spending two years in Brenda T. Trumbull, with regular sessions with Dr. Meloni, whom she hates so much. Ariana decided that it's time to be free. She befriend another inmate, Kaitlynn Nottingham, and after listening to numerous sob stories from Kaitlynn about how she's wrongly accused and framed by her "former" best Ariana Osgood is living what most people wished for. She has the look, the brain (a wicked one at that), the attitude, she practically have everything.
Or well... used to have.

After spending two years in Brenda T. Trumbull, with regular sessions with Dr. Meloni, whom she hates so much. Ariana decided that it's time to be free. She befriend another inmate, Kaitlynn Nottingham, and after listening to numerous sob stories from Kaitlynn about how she's wrongly accused and framed by her "former" best friend, Briana Leigh Covington. Ariana knew what to do. Her mind formulated a plan to escape and teach this Briana Leigh some lessons, namely return to her former life and stripped Briana high and dry, then she'd escape with Kaitlynn to Australia or Europe.

However, her plan failed. Okay, not exactly failed that fast. Her plan actually worked at first. She managed to bust herself out from Brenda T, smooth talk some shop attendant at Neiman Marcus for some cosmetics, stole some clothes and some pair of shoes, and finally waltzed herself to enter Briana Leigh Covington's life.

"At first" is the keyword here. For a while, Ariana confided with her own intelligence and all those information she gathered from Kaitlynn. Then there's some complications. Briana Leigh turned out to be penniless and depend heavily on her grandma until she's twenty five. Oh, and there's also this cute hunk named Ashley Hudson who studied in Harvard Prep and totally into Ariana. When she found out that Briana has no money, Ariana's plan went to shambles. Luckily for her, at the same time, Briana's boyfriend, Teo, proposed her, and put her into a fight with her grandma. Ariana came up with this plan to switch, she's sort of admit to Briana that she's penniless and so forth and convinced Briana to fly to Ibiza with Teo while she'll attend the school Grandma C has chosen for Briana, under Briana's name.

Again, it's another "her plan works, at first". When Ariana finally found the truth, as in real truth, about Briana, Kaitlynn and obviously, herself, Ariana decided to stick with her plan B and didn't pursue or even try to formulate a plan C. Everything will come at its own time.

I've never read the prequel Private series. But I can say that I like this book. I like how Ariana is fleshed out. It's like... Gossip Girl with less romance and more crime. I might be biased because I haven't read much teen-YA novels. But there are things I don't like from this book.

I kind of like the twist, how Kaitlynn turned out to be the bitch, and Ariana has been a part of her plan to escape Brenda T. But I don't really like how it's all cramped into a few chapters. Okay, it's the climax. I know. But still, there should be more room for some extra stuffs, without dragging the storyline too much. :/

But maybe that's just me.
...more

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Jan 12, 2009 Lauren rated it it was amazing

I am seriously starting to think Kate Brian can't write anything but an awesome book.

Privilege was a mysterious and addicting read that I finished in less than a day. In Privilege you really get to see who Ariana is behind the smart and nice girl she presents herself as and it sure isn't nice most of the time. Kate Brian also introduces new characters into Privilege such as Kaitlyn, the suspected killer of her ex-best friend's dad, who Ariana befriends behind bars, Briana Leigh, Kaitlyn's ex bes ...more

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May 16, 2009 Tiny Pants rated it it was amazing

Shelves: young-adult, fiction, series

In spite of my rather tepid review of "Last Christmas," I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the first in the Private spin-off series featuring Ariana Osgood as narrator. While it remains somewhat uncomfortable being placed in the position of identifying with an obvious sociopath, this book is too fun to get completely freaked out by -- it's more of an extended caper than anything else, though obviously darker than the books in the Private series.

I kept thinking I'd figured out what was going on, but In spite of my rather tepid review of "Last Christmas," I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the first in the Private spin-off series featuring Ariana Osgood as narrator. While it remains somewhat uncomfortable being placed in the position of identifying with an obvious sociopath, this book is too fun to get completely freaked out by -- it's more of an extended caper than anything else, though obviously darker than the books in the Private series.

I kept thinking I'd figured out what was going on, but there are more twists in this book than in a poodle's coat (a horrible metaphor, I know, but I needed something that would convey "a lot" more than just saying "a lot"). No one is who they seem, most of all Ariana. In addition to reading for the most part as a self-contained novel, the last few chapters will leave you itching to read the next one. Though there's a romantic plot that's a bit irksome, most of the focus is on the main plot, which is an absolute page-turner.

On a related note: Definitely read these books in the order they come out in order for them to make sense. There's just enough reference to the other books to spoil them if you haven't read them first, but at the same time not enough for an unfamiliar reader to actually know what's going on or who the different people within this world are. Though it's unclear where this book falls in the timeline of the Private series (i.e., there are events within it that are unmentioned in that series but do involve characters from it), you'll definitely want to have Private 1-4 and the prequel Last Christmas under your belt before you start this series.

On a slightly less related note: I do wish there were a little more continuity between the two series, and not just with time. In these books Ariana runs into trouble coming up with things she knows about Chicago, but one of her Easton BFF's in the Private series, Taylor Bell, is from Chicago. Really, she has no anecdotes from Taylor to draw on? Also I wish these were edited more carefully on a line-by-line level -- the occasional verbless sentence, as well as added words (e.g. "was she was crying") are annoyances. Still though, not enough to stop me from salivating at the thought of the next book in this series. ...more

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Feb 08, 2016 άτнέηά rated it did not like it

Recommends it for: People who want to read the shallow plight of a psychotic murderer

Recommended to άτнέηά by: Myself, unfortunately

Shelves: v1, young-adult, heroine-obnoxious, heroine-mentally-unstable, could-be-good, wanted-to-fling-at-the-wall, sadly-a-library-book, improbably-happy-ending, die-book-die, wtfery

[warning: rant]

Okay, I should've known a book that marketed a "chance for a free makeover from ELF!1!1!" on the front cover wouldn't exactly be quality reading. (view spoiler)

Still, it so ...more

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Jul 24, 2009 Shonda rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-2009

Ariana Osgood is first introduced in the Privates series by Kate Brian. I strongly recommend you read the first four books (Private, Invitation Only, Untouchable and Confessions) prior to reading this book.

In the Private series, Ms. Brian hints that Ariana is a bit, well. . .unstable. In Privilege, she shows the reader how true this really is. (I find it hard to write this review without giving anything away!) When the reader is allowed to see Ariana for who she really is, well it’s a bit scary. ...more

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Jul 06, 2011 Hanna added it

Even though Privilege is a spin-off of the Private series I started out reading the Privilege series first (Why? They didn't have Private in the book store and I was in desperate need of something). One should probably do the opposite, but anyways!

First of all, Kate Brian is an amazing author. Ariana Osgood is a sick, twisted teenage girl who should be locked up. That much is obvious. But because of the way Brian writes I still find myself sympathizing with this horrible girl. I want her to succ ...more

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Jan 20, 2017 Jayla rated it it was amazing

I loved this book. Privilege is an addicting, roller coaster ride of a book that I couldn't get enough of. I could barely put my book down. Privilege is about a girl named Ariana Osgood who was locked up for murdering her lover, Thomas Pearce. She lives in a cell with her "best friend" Kaitlynn, and is constantly having to visit a crazy therapist who never stops reminding Ariana that she will never be able to leave.
But of course, Ariana knows something her therapist does not- she will not be ...more

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Jan 26, 2009 Lindsey rated it liked it

Great guilty pleasure and a quick read

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Nov 26, 2016 Bren rated it really liked it

Shelves: young-adult-mystery, read-and-reviewed

The book that started the series! How I loved this series! read the whole thing..binge read it

I personally think the Privilege series is even better then Private.!

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Apr 18, 2019 Natalie rated it really liked it

Shelves: young-adult, read-in-2019

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 06, 2009 Jennifer Wardrip marked it as to-read

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews, series-bk-1, teen, fiction, kindle-can-buy

Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com

Most of us know all too well why Ariana Osgood landed herself in the Brenda T. Trumball Correctional Facility for Women. And for those who don't, it's simply because she murdered Thomas Pearce, the one she loved but who turned on her.

Ariana fully understands what she did was wrong, but she believes that spending the rest of her life in this correctional facility is a bit too much. Even though the Brenda T. is the best place to ...more

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Apr 13, 2009 PurplyCookie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: book-series, 1st-in-a-series, young-adult, guilty-pleasure, bitch-lit, boarding-school

Ariana Osgood ruled exclusive Easton Academy -- until she was arrested for murdering Thomas Pearson. She has spent the past two years at the Brenda T. Trumbull Correctional Facility for Women plotting her escape and is determined to get a second chance at the glamorous life she left behind.

They say that most girls would die for a life of utmost privilege, but some, like Ariana, would be willing to kill for it. If you've ever rooted for the villain or sympathized with their motivations then you'l ...more

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Nov 14, 2011 Roxy Smith rated it really liked it

Privilege is the first book in Brian’s spin-off series which is based on the original series, “Private.” In Privilege you get to go inside the head of Arianna Osgood, the merciless killer from Private. Brian shows us the way that Arianna’s deceitful and conniving mind works that is, the mind of a sociopath. Brian writes Arianna’s thoughts in such a way that you find yourself thinking of things that Arianna will do next and each chapter leaves you on a cliff hanger wanting more. Even though Arian ...more

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May 03, 2009 Marian rated it really liked it

Shelves: readit, private-series, 2009

It's got to be a little difficult to write about a murderer and still aim for sympathy. Even more impressive is the way you actually do feel badly for Ariana throughout Privilege. For as well as she can read most people, poor Ariana's talent leaves her when presented with someone just as psychotic as she is. And while she realizes her little skill is failing her just when she needs it most, she never seems to realize that the people most likely to trip her up are just like she is.

Anyway, the en ...more

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Oct 12, 2011 Karilyne rated it really liked it

Privilege was better than the Private series.

Ariana who was once a privileged girl has now escaped from prison and is living in secret. Miraculously Ariana's appearance fits the girl she murdered so stealing her identity was no biggie. Also Ariana seems to have talent for forgery, voice mimicking, and exceptional acting skills... Great to hide herself with ;D

I simply love Ariana because the author's way of writing doesn't make her sound like a murderer at all! Just a young girl pressured into ...more

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Jun 20, 2010 Angela rated it it was amazing

Shelves: chick-lit

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jun 01, 2014 Christine rated it did not like it

Shelves: couldnt-finish

Well, fuck. I read the first chapter and immediately hated it. I just knew that there's no way in hell that I'd read the rest of it. The girl was downright annoying--and her explanation in the first chapter, about how she didn't mean to kill the guy pissed me off. You killed someone. You should suffer the consequence, especially if your reason is as pathetic as that. If she'd given something else, like hey, it was self defense, or some other shit, I might have understood, but hell.

Stupid brat. ...more

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Dec 31, 2008 Virginia Mae rated it it was amazing

What can I say about a new series so psychotically delightful, so insanely messed up and glorious? Ariana's adventures are akin to the good old days of Sweet Valley High's Margo, mixed with a bit of a Talented Mr. Ripley vibe. It's like Private on crack and you have to love it. Kate Brian is the best! Can't wait for the next book to see what the Talented Ms. Osgood will scheme up next! ...more

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Jan 15, 2009 Jay-wa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: enlightening-books, good-books

This book is full of palm-slicking, heart pounding adventures. Ariana is refreshing, and compelling while she lives out and insane and cascading life. Full of unexpected twists and turns, in leaves a dent in your mind, making you constantly wonder about her new life and what she left behind..

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Dec 04, 2012 Michelle Wrona rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery-thriller-murder

I liked this book.. A lot. In the beginning, it was kinda boring but, I got into it. Ariana was very brave, funny, sweet compared to the two brats, Kaitlyn and Briana Leigh. (What kind of name is that?) I hated Ariana in the Private series, but now I understand her rough past. Good book!

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May 01, 2014 Shilo rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Okay, so I called the ending in the first few chapters, but I don't even care. I didn't know all the details, just the big picture. I absolutely LOVED this book. Read it in a day, couldn't put it down, got annoyed at myself for even leaving to pee loved it. ...more

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Sep 17, 2014 Caitlin rated it it was amazing

This is a great, easy book to read! It leaves you hanging at every chapter and I was always surprised at all the drama that happened, especially the plot twist at the end! I definitely recommend to anyone looking for a quick read!

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Feb 22, 2018 Erin rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. After reading all the Private series books I have realized Kate Brian is a new favorite author. (I am the type of person who does not have a single favorite. I have more than one favorite music artist, more than one favorite actress or actor, more than one favorite author etc. I do not see why someone should have only one favorite.) To begin with, this series is a spin off from the Private series. In other words, they do have to do with each other. I found it intriguing to find out what happened ...more

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Oct 20, 2020 Selena rated it really liked it

Shelves: rich, mystery, audio-books, 2020

Arianna is a girl who is stuck in a mental facility (jail of sorts) for the murder of her boyfriend. She befriends Kaitlyn, who is sweet and innocent and accused of murdering her best friend Brianna Leigh’s father. One thing you learn from this book is things aren’t always what they seem.

Arianna manages to sneak out and assumes the name and identity of Emma. She befriends Brianna Leigh because she has the trust fund Kaitlyn spoke about, and comes up with a plan to get the money, and get her fri ...more

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Nov 29, 2017 Chloe Roberts rated it really liked it

I was apprehensive about reading 'Privilege'. I've had the whole series on my bookshelf for years; I was a huge fan of the 'Private' series in my teens. I never got round to reading the spin-off, and I was worried that doing so in my twenties would ruin my memories of the 'Private' series.

I was wrong. There's something about Kate Brian's writing that enthrals me.

There was the odd typo - in particular, I should note the reference to the wrong character on page 219 - but that didn't really seem to ...more

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Apr 14, 2018 Patricia Miller rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: fans of PLL

This book is the actual definition of roller coaster every time you think what you believe is right, trust me its not, when they tell you that is a lie it might not be, everything is a lie and everything is true, which should be frustrating but its not its amazing, its just done so well here and it all adds up perfectly with the storyline, i would recommend this book for fans of PLL, the premise may not so sound so much like pll and im not saying the books are similar because they're not but the ...more

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Sep 02, 2017 Katie VanderPoel rated it it was amazing

Shelves: all-time-favorites

The privilege series is my favorite because of the main character Arianna Osgood. She is the most fascinating character that I have ever read about. I always say that I would love to have her as one of my clients in therapy as her shocking character traits and behavior are extremely multifaceted and complex. Like other sociopathic serial killers there is so much below the surface that motivate the person she has become.

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Dec 08, 2019 Pin de Lis rated it really liked it

This was unexpected. I was hoping to find more of school scenes rather than the jail (Brenda T.) and at the house scenes (Briana Leigh's), which was the reason I bought the whole series at first. I know the next book will be at the school because Ariana already enrolled as Briana Leigh Covington at this fancy private school, Atherton-Pryce Hall. So hopefully it will be what I'm looking for in this series. Though, I'm pretty sad that the real Briana Leigh died. And omg, Kaitlynn...

3.8 stars ...more

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Mar 06, 2019 Eero rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
What's the Name o...: SOLVED. YA fiction book about teen girl who escapes prison, befriends rich engaged girl, and assumes her identity [s]	4	19	Mar 28, 2018 01:13PM
What do you think of Arianna? Maybe Some Spoilers	6	25	Mar 05, 2015 08:34PM
Privilege~	4	37	Feb 04, 2012 02:37PM

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About Kate Brian

Kate Brian

2,215 followers

Kate Brian is the author of the SHADOWLANDS TRILOGY (SHADOWLANDS, HEREAFTER & ENDLESS), as well as the New York Times bestselling PRIVATE and PRIVILEGE series, and the wildly popular MEGAN MEADE'S GUIDE TO THE MCGOWAN BOYS. She also writes teen fiction under the name Kieran Scott. ...more