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Pretty Lies
The truth isn't treason.
The Northern Unity has always been safe. When the Enlightened Society took over what was known as the United States of America, they made the wellbeing of the people their top priority. Safety and knowledge are the powers that hold the country together-- a contrast from the ways of the Old World. But what happens when that safety is an illusion and the knowledge is fabricated?
When nineteen-year-old Ivy (Olivia) Clearson wanders the streets one night after curfew, she becomes a witness to a horrendous crime. She knows she has to report it, but in doing so, she risks re-education for her own violation of the law. Slowly, her eyes are forced open to the secrets that are harbored by those she thought she could always trust and the Society.
Ripped away from everything she's ever known and accompanied by someone she's been forced to believe is a terrorist, Ivy is on the run, desperate to escape her grim fate while uncovering the darkest secrets of this near-perfect world.
The Northern Unity has always been safe. When the Enlightened Society took over what was known as the United States of America, they made the wellbeing of the people their top priority. Safety and knowledge are the powers that hold the country together-- a contrast from the ways of the Old World. But what happens when that safety is an illusion and the knowledge is fabricated?
When nineteen-year-old Ivy (Olivia) Clearson wanders the streets one night after curfew, she becomes a witness to a horrendous crime. She knows she has to report it, but in doing so, she risks re-education for her own violation of the law. Slowly, her eyes are forced open to the secrets that are harbored by those she thought she could always trust and the Society.
Ripped away from everything she's ever known and accompanied by someone she's been forced to believe is a terrorist, Ivy is on the run, desperate to escape her grim fate while uncovering the darkest secrets of this near-perfect world.
328 pages, Hardcover
Published June 19, 2020
2 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Scurlock
2 books26 followersJessica Scurlock is a NorCal native currently residing in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and their two children. Her debut novel, Pretty Lies, is a project she began at the age of fifteen, abandoned for nearly six years, and picked up again at twenty-one-years old.
When she's not writing, Jessica enjoys immersing herself in the flow arts (hula hooping and contact staff), singing, critiquing other writers' manuscripts, moshing with her husband at metal concerts, and traveling.
IG: jess_scurlockauthor
When she's not writing, Jessica enjoys immersing herself in the flow arts (hula hooping and contact staff), singing, critiquing other writers' manuscripts, moshing with her husband at metal concerts, and traveling.
IG: jess_scurlockauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 25, 2020
The world of Pretty Lies is one that sucks you in from the get-go and swirls you around at top speed. And, people, what a ride!
In a world where the Enlightened Society runs a tight show, all the citizens of the Northern unity know is that the rules are there to keep them safe. For young Ivy, the secure existence of her regimented life is all she's ever known - and trusted. But when she witnesses a gruesome crime and her world comes crumbling around her, turning her from a law-abiding citizen into a fugitive associated with the rebellion, Ivy can do nothing to stop the chaos that ensues.
Pretty Lies is an absolute stunner of a book. It's beautifully written, with perfectly crafted characters, an action-packed plot and some deliciously witty dialogues. The pace of the story is just right, with more than enough to keep you turning page after page after page.
I loved the book's dystopian premise, but my favourite part was how it handles an incredibly delicate topic. It talks of the difficulty of going against the grain, of fighting everything you've ever known when you're suddenly faced with a different truth.
The book isn't just about going counter-current as an individual against an oppressive and controlling system - though it covers that expertly. It goes further: how do you fight your own conditioning? How can you know what's true when the fabric of your reality starts to fray? How do you emerge back from questioning everything, even yourself?
Pretty Lies is one of these books that's full of subtlety. One that will make you both reflect and feel deeply. A highly recommended read.
This book is the first in its series, with the sequel coming out in the autumn of 2021 - and I, for one, cannot wait to see what happens next!
In a world where the Enlightened Society runs a tight show, all the citizens of the Northern unity know is that the rules are there to keep them safe. For young Ivy, the secure existence of her regimented life is all she's ever known - and trusted. But when she witnesses a gruesome crime and her world comes crumbling around her, turning her from a law-abiding citizen into a fugitive associated with the rebellion, Ivy can do nothing to stop the chaos that ensues.
Pretty Lies is an absolute stunner of a book. It's beautifully written, with perfectly crafted characters, an action-packed plot and some deliciously witty dialogues. The pace of the story is just right, with more than enough to keep you turning page after page after page.
I loved the book's dystopian premise, but my favourite part was how it handles an incredibly delicate topic. It talks of the difficulty of going against the grain, of fighting everything you've ever known when you're suddenly faced with a different truth.
The book isn't just about going counter-current as an individual against an oppressive and controlling system - though it covers that expertly. It goes further: how do you fight your own conditioning? How can you know what's true when the fabric of your reality starts to fray? How do you emerge back from questioning everything, even yourself?
Pretty Lies is one of these books that's full of subtlety. One that will make you both reflect and feel deeply. A highly recommended read.
This book is the first in its series, with the sequel coming out in the autumn of 2021 - and I, for one, cannot wait to see what happens next!
November 30, 2020
In a future where The Enlightened Society rules all and the resistance is increasing it’s “terrorist-like” attacks, Ivy, is thrust into a life-altering predicament. She must find strength within herself and learn to trust those around her, if she’s going to stay hidden and survive.
With this debut novel, Scurlock has created an exciting and believable world where the secrets of both sides - the light and the dark - seep through the pages as the reader is ‘enlightened’ alongside the main character, Ivy.
With action, a touch of romance and thought-provoking content, Scurlock has crafted an excellent story, highlighting the current global issue of human trafficking.
I read through this novel so quickly, and I am very excited to follow Ivy’s story when the sequel - Counter Ops - comes out in 2021.
With this debut novel, Scurlock has created an exciting and believable world where the secrets of both sides - the light and the dark - seep through the pages as the reader is ‘enlightened’ alongside the main character, Ivy.
With action, a touch of romance and thought-provoking content, Scurlock has crafted an excellent story, highlighting the current global issue of human trafficking.
I read through this novel so quickly, and I am very excited to follow Ivy’s story when the sequel - Counter Ops - comes out in 2021.
July 5, 2020
Pretty Lies is a 4.5 star read for me as the book kept me on my toes with it's deception, action, and alluring characters. This is a stellar debut novel as Scurlock does an amazing job of keeping the reader's attention while elaborately detailing how the Northern Unity works and how the characters fit into this world. There were times where Scurlock's writing was so beautiful it almost felt poetic. There's so many layers to how society works in this book, and I really enjoyed discovering things at the same time as Ivy. Also, I liked the chapter titles and so many times after reading them I was like oh gosh what's about to happen now.
Nixon was my favorite character in the book, and I would love to learn more about his past and entire life because he was such a complex character and yet was very selfless and truly believed in his mission. I thought Ivy was a great depiction of people who feel such allegiance to a world that isn't what it actually appears and who struggle to listen to reason. I think her naivety did annoy me at times though as I felt that she should have been more understanding and realized that nothing was what it seems but at the same time it felt very realistic.
This is one of those books that is hard to talk about with spoiling what happens, but I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I can't wait to read the second book in the series as I desperately need to know what happens next and how the characters overcome the tricky situations they found themselves in at the end of the book.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
Nixon was my favorite character in the book, and I would love to learn more about his past and entire life because he was such a complex character and yet was very selfless and truly believed in his mission. I thought Ivy was a great depiction of people who feel such allegiance to a world that isn't what it actually appears and who struggle to listen to reason. I think her naivety did annoy me at times though as I felt that she should have been more understanding and realized that nothing was what it seems but at the same time it felt very realistic.
This is one of those books that is hard to talk about with spoiling what happens, but I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I can't wait to read the second book in the series as I desperately need to know what happens next and how the characters overcome the tricky situations they found themselves in at the end of the book.
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
July 3, 2020
Received my book yesterday and just finished reading it today. Great book! I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next one!
February 8, 2021
Pretty Lies is a dystopian novel that focuses on a character named Ivy as she tries to uncover some family secrets and navigates her way through some tricky situations around a terrorist group.
Jessica does a fantastic job as an author at building a believable future world. There is a fall incident that is only touched on. Something happened to the modern world we know today and the society left behind is segregated by class. The wealthy are doing strange things with their power, as you might expect, and Ivy is learning everything on the fly as her family has bigger ties to the class struggle than she originally knew.
My biggest compliment is the way Jessica pays attention to the detail of thought. Rarely does a moment pass where we are not deeply inside Ivy’s mind. This level of depth makes it easy to connect with the protagonist.
Overall this is a well-balanced book. It has strong world-building, characters, action, romance, plot, and drama. All of this is guided by the pen of an author willing to invent and explore dark places in our minds and society.
5 Stars!
Check out my YouTube channel for a video version of this review on February 1.
https://youtu.be/PYjeuHUY4SA
Jessica does a fantastic job as an author at building a believable future world. There is a fall incident that is only touched on. Something happened to the modern world we know today and the society left behind is segregated by class. The wealthy are doing strange things with their power, as you might expect, and Ivy is learning everything on the fly as her family has bigger ties to the class struggle than she originally knew.
My biggest compliment is the way Jessica pays attention to the detail of thought. Rarely does a moment pass where we are not deeply inside Ivy’s mind. This level of depth makes it easy to connect with the protagonist.
Overall this is a well-balanced book. It has strong world-building, characters, action, romance, plot, and drama. All of this is guided by the pen of an author willing to invent and explore dark places in our minds and society.
5 Stars!
Check out my YouTube channel for a video version of this review on February 1.
https://youtu.be/PYjeuHUY4SA
July 27, 2021
In a futuristic Unites States, a new world order has taken charge. Brainwashed by the Society, Ivy lives a normal, happy life . . . or so she thinks. After a run-in with a resistance leader, she finds herself thrown into a world she doesn't understand. Will Ivy rise up and join forces with those she's been taught to despise? Or will she be crushed under the yoke of the Elites?
Pretty Lies is a quick read and a fun dystopian adventure. The world is full of little dystopian sprinkles that are way too real-world for comfort (always a plus!) and there are plenty of shady characters with questionable motives (again, a plus in my opinion). I also love that readers are dropped into Ivy's world at the moment it starts to crumble. I'm a firm believer in novels that start in the middle of the action, and my immediate response to the opening sentence was "F***, yeah!"
Now, as for the rating:
The novel is written in the first person, present tense, and while it can be a very accessible method of storytelling, it also results in serious limitations on the writing style. It may seem like a silly thing to focus on, but being completely restrained by the immediate thoughts and feelings of a single character dulls the story. Some of this just boils down to the fact that our heroine, Ivy, is a little bit dense. She's slow on the uptake and has a tendency to focus on immaterial things (considering her circumstances) but we, as readers, only have her to guide us . . . and that leaves us in the dark far too often.
Speaking of being in the dark, there's a bit of an issue with showing vs. telling in some of the most critical character-building scenes. For example, when Ivy starts to warm up to Nixon (and vice versa) instead of experiencing the scene alongside the characters, readers are left with a few clipped thoughts that amount to: "Nixon told me A, B, and C about his family last night. Now I understand him." The problem is, the reader doesn't know exactly what Nixon said or how he said it. We hear everything second-hand through Ivy, so we don't really get to experience the growth for ourselves. I would have really loved to see those conversations as they were playing out instead of just hearing Ivy's summary.
Because of the showing vs. telling, Pretty Lies does have a bit of an Act II slump, but Acts I and III were a lot of fun! I love the direction that Scurlock took with the plot, and if the final few chapters are any indication, book two should be a fun read! Looking forward to it!
Pretty Lies is a quick read and a fun dystopian adventure. The world is full of little dystopian sprinkles that are way too real-world for comfort (always a plus!) and there are plenty of shady characters with questionable motives (again, a plus in my opinion). I also love that readers are dropped into Ivy's world at the moment it starts to crumble. I'm a firm believer in novels that start in the middle of the action, and my immediate response to the opening sentence was "F***, yeah!"
Now, as for the rating:
The novel is written in the first person, present tense, and while it can be a very accessible method of storytelling, it also results in serious limitations on the writing style. It may seem like a silly thing to focus on, but being completely restrained by the immediate thoughts and feelings of a single character dulls the story. Some of this just boils down to the fact that our heroine, Ivy, is a little bit dense. She's slow on the uptake and has a tendency to focus on immaterial things (considering her circumstances) but we, as readers, only have her to guide us . . . and that leaves us in the dark far too often.
Speaking of being in the dark, there's a bit of an issue with showing vs. telling in some of the most critical character-building scenes. For example, when Ivy starts to warm up to Nixon (and vice versa) instead of experiencing the scene alongside the characters, readers are left with a few clipped thoughts that amount to: "Nixon told me A, B, and C about his family last night. Now I understand him." The problem is, the reader doesn't know exactly what Nixon said or how he said it. We hear everything second-hand through Ivy, so we don't really get to experience the growth for ourselves. I would have really loved to see those conversations as they were playing out instead of just hearing Ivy's summary.
Because of the showing vs. telling, Pretty Lies does have a bit of an Act II slump, but Acts I and III were a lot of fun! I love the direction that Scurlock took with the plot, and if the final few chapters are any indication, book two should be a fun read! Looking forward to it!
May 6, 2022
“Pretty Lies” is a debut dystopian novel by Jessica Scurlock set in a near- future United States, now called the Northern Unity, which, after a second civil war, has been drastically reordered into four semi-autonomous zones. The Enlightened Society, as the government is called, has brought about some positive changes, vast reductions in crime, for instance. The general message to the citizenry: What came before was bad, what is now is stable and fair, so support it.
Our heroine, Ivy, is a get-along to get-along girl, generally happy with the new order despite nightly curfews required to thwart would be terrorists. Some things set her apart, however, from the typical teen living in the Green Zone, one of the four geographic divisions of the old United States. First is that her father, the former police chief for her zone, disappeared under mysterious circumstances and without warning, leaving Ivy, Ivy’s brother, Liam, and Ivy’s florist mother to pick up the pieces.
Ivy defies the nightly curfew to search for clues about her missing father, despite the threat of punishment in the form of “re-education” should she be caught. On one of these trips, she witnesses a murder which understandably upsets her. Meanwhile, a terrorist attack on an airplane causes the authorities to crack down on the populace of the Green Zone via massive, indiscriminate house-to-house searches. During this period, Ivy is introduced to her brother Liam’s friend, Nixon, who she initially does not care for (spoiler alert, her feelings change). Events happen, intertwining Ivy, her family, Nixon, the witnessed murder, and the authorities’ reactions into one story which slowly reveals who really runs things in Ivy’s “enlightened” society.
I enjoyed Ms. Scurlock’s book, which despite a smattering of profanity, had a real YA feel to it. The main characters are late teens to mid-twenties young and deal with issues consistent with folks that age, in addition to kidnappings, safe houses, pursuit and capture, secret agents, and a host of other tribulations normally not on a young person’s Saturday night to do list. There is a lot of romantic tension developed between two characters which just when you think will be realized, dastardly doings (or sometimes just social awkwardness) keeps them apart. There is a bit of family drama in the novel—the missing father and a bitter mother’s resentment of his departure plays a prominent role.
Despite the feeling that all four zones are right next to each other which seems odd, given how big America is, and a few happenings that seem a bit unrealistic, I kept reading at a quick clip to see if Ivy and her friends would ever make it clear from trouble. Given that this is the first in a series, I did not expect a complete wrap up of all the plot lines and the book expectedly does end on a cliffhanger.
“Pretty Lies” allows you a quick vacation from your problems by delving into twenty-something dystopian angst which I found fun.
T.C. Schueler, author of “22 Dutch Road”
Our heroine, Ivy, is a get-along to get-along girl, generally happy with the new order despite nightly curfews required to thwart would be terrorists. Some things set her apart, however, from the typical teen living in the Green Zone, one of the four geographic divisions of the old United States. First is that her father, the former police chief for her zone, disappeared under mysterious circumstances and without warning, leaving Ivy, Ivy’s brother, Liam, and Ivy’s florist mother to pick up the pieces.
Ivy defies the nightly curfew to search for clues about her missing father, despite the threat of punishment in the form of “re-education” should she be caught. On one of these trips, she witnesses a murder which understandably upsets her. Meanwhile, a terrorist attack on an airplane causes the authorities to crack down on the populace of the Green Zone via massive, indiscriminate house-to-house searches. During this period, Ivy is introduced to her brother Liam’s friend, Nixon, who she initially does not care for (spoiler alert, her feelings change). Events happen, intertwining Ivy, her family, Nixon, the witnessed murder, and the authorities’ reactions into one story which slowly reveals who really runs things in Ivy’s “enlightened” society.
I enjoyed Ms. Scurlock’s book, which despite a smattering of profanity, had a real YA feel to it. The main characters are late teens to mid-twenties young and deal with issues consistent with folks that age, in addition to kidnappings, safe houses, pursuit and capture, secret agents, and a host of other tribulations normally not on a young person’s Saturday night to do list. There is a lot of romantic tension developed between two characters which just when you think will be realized, dastardly doings (or sometimes just social awkwardness) keeps them apart. There is a bit of family drama in the novel—the missing father and a bitter mother’s resentment of his departure plays a prominent role.
Despite the feeling that all four zones are right next to each other which seems odd, given how big America is, and a few happenings that seem a bit unrealistic, I kept reading at a quick clip to see if Ivy and her friends would ever make it clear from trouble. Given that this is the first in a series, I did not expect a complete wrap up of all the plot lines and the book expectedly does end on a cliffhanger.
“Pretty Lies” allows you a quick vacation from your problems by delving into twenty-something dystopian angst which I found fun.
T.C. Schueler, author of “22 Dutch Road”
June 21, 2021
Pretty Lies depicts an America 'post fall'. This is a utopian society in a dystopian world. Until the main character, Ivy, witnesses a horrendous crime - a murder - in a society that is supposed to be safe. She cannot tell the authorities what she saw, because that will reveal she was out past curfew. Rule breakers suffer 're-education' at the hands of this new government, so she must remain quiet.
But her brother, Liam, and his strange friend, Nixon, know about the murder. The victim was their friend. Ivy realises she cannot trust anyone, as she begins layer by layer to uncover the truths beneath the society: there is a splinter cell of fighters who resist the - as it turns out - corrupt and vicious leaders. They are thought of as terrorists, but are truly dedicated to freeing the peoples of this regime. Members of this resistance group are closer to Ivy than she realises, and she herself is drawn into the battle. Underneath it all is her greatest desire: to locate her missing father.
Jessica Scurlock has created a fantastic debut, and this is the first in a series, the second arriving late 2021. The dystopian world is rich and believable; the writing is just perfect - straight to the point, not too flowery yet not too blunt; and she tackles an issue here that is crucial. Human trafficking is probably the most insidious crime on our planet, and it is so real and so prevalent. America is rife with it right now, especially port cities down south. So for Jess to tackle this issue is noble and important. It's the kind of thing, once you look into it and witness the methods used to pull off these crimes, you can never look back. I am proud to call Jess a fellow writer and friend.
For fans of dystopian, action, adventure, mystery fiction.
But her brother, Liam, and his strange friend, Nixon, know about the murder. The victim was their friend. Ivy realises she cannot trust anyone, as she begins layer by layer to uncover the truths beneath the society: there is a splinter cell of fighters who resist the - as it turns out - corrupt and vicious leaders. They are thought of as terrorists, but are truly dedicated to freeing the peoples of this regime. Members of this resistance group are closer to Ivy than she realises, and she herself is drawn into the battle. Underneath it all is her greatest desire: to locate her missing father.
Jessica Scurlock has created a fantastic debut, and this is the first in a series, the second arriving late 2021. The dystopian world is rich and believable; the writing is just perfect - straight to the point, not too flowery yet not too blunt; and she tackles an issue here that is crucial. Human trafficking is probably the most insidious crime on our planet, and it is so real and so prevalent. America is rife with it right now, especially port cities down south. So for Jess to tackle this issue is noble and important. It's the kind of thing, once you look into it and witness the methods used to pull off these crimes, you can never look back. I am proud to call Jess a fellow writer and friend.
For fans of dystopian, action, adventure, mystery fiction.
January 2, 2021
Pretty Lies by Jessica Scurlock is a great debut novel with distinctive characters, action, and mystery.
Scurlock takes us into a world of totalitarian government rule. Our main character, Ivy, moves and flows through this world, believing herself to be kept safe by the Enlightened Society, once known as the United States of America. While sometimes certain aspects of the setting were difficult for me to believe, this was a fun read.
One of Scurlock’s strengths as a writer is her ability to create a situation with characters that draws you in, as if it were you experiencing it as one of the characters. Scurlock did a phenomenal job at this, and I always wanted more.
My favorite moments were the chemistry between two of the characters. This was hot and very real. I loved it. I also loved the occurrence of hot cocoa. Hot cocoa brings not only family together, but friends. It is the very thing that calms troubled minds, even in the worst of times. I drank a lot more hot cocoa (I even attempted several homemade batches!) while reading this story.
If you’re looking for something fun, that’ll pull you in, then this is your story.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“No matter what tribulations we face, the small things still have an enormous impact.”
“The cracking of bone splits the night, the echoes burrowing into my skull.”
I enjoyed Shurlock’s story, and I’m excited for book two!
Scurlock takes us into a world of totalitarian government rule. Our main character, Ivy, moves and flows through this world, believing herself to be kept safe by the Enlightened Society, once known as the United States of America. While sometimes certain aspects of the setting were difficult for me to believe, this was a fun read.
One of Scurlock’s strengths as a writer is her ability to create a situation with characters that draws you in, as if it were you experiencing it as one of the characters. Scurlock did a phenomenal job at this, and I always wanted more.
My favorite moments were the chemistry between two of the characters. This was hot and very real. I loved it. I also loved the occurrence of hot cocoa. Hot cocoa brings not only family together, but friends. It is the very thing that calms troubled minds, even in the worst of times. I drank a lot more hot cocoa (I even attempted several homemade batches!) while reading this story.
If you’re looking for something fun, that’ll pull you in, then this is your story.
Some of my favorite quotes:
“No matter what tribulations we face, the small things still have an enormous impact.”
“The cracking of bone splits the night, the echoes burrowing into my skull.”
I enjoyed Shurlock’s story, and I’m excited for book two!
March 1, 2021
The journey inside and into the greater world
Here we have the superb dystopian novel. I was opening this book with some doubt, cause dystopian novels are not exactly my genre. Yet, I fell for the description and decided to dive in.
The Northern Union is a safe place with the established way of living. It’s a good way, of course, or at least it’s how the one should think about it. But everything goes to hell for Ivy when the terrible crime happens before her eyes. The illusion is broken, and the unknown ways lay under her feet. The author invites us to share her journey, both inside and into the greater world.
I sipped the first chapters at once, and jumped to the whole book immediately! The narration is incredibly smooth and easy to read, the plot is… well, you can barely make pauses to your life. Pay attention, it comes from another genres lover! The great deal of a page-turner.
The language is rich, and this fact adds the great deal to the book’s style. Linguistic please - definite tick!
I enjoyed the developing love story of a couple. Bright characters are easy to relate to. I’d order the author’s muse the story from Nixon side! The first-person narrative made reading a bit difficult for me. My preference is strongly the third-person storytelling. But this is simply a preference.
This is a well-balanced story, with the next part in progress currently. Definitely recommended to enjoy it!
Here we have the superb dystopian novel. I was opening this book with some doubt, cause dystopian novels are not exactly my genre. Yet, I fell for the description and decided to dive in.
The Northern Union is a safe place with the established way of living. It’s a good way, of course, or at least it’s how the one should think about it. But everything goes to hell for Ivy when the terrible crime happens before her eyes. The illusion is broken, and the unknown ways lay under her feet. The author invites us to share her journey, both inside and into the greater world.
I sipped the first chapters at once, and jumped to the whole book immediately! The narration is incredibly smooth and easy to read, the plot is… well, you can barely make pauses to your life. Pay attention, it comes from another genres lover! The great deal of a page-turner.
The language is rich, and this fact adds the great deal to the book’s style. Linguistic please - definite tick!
I enjoyed the developing love story of a couple. Bright characters are easy to relate to. I’d order the author’s muse the story from Nixon side! The first-person narrative made reading a bit difficult for me. My preference is strongly the third-person storytelling. But this is simply a preference.
This is a well-balanced story, with the next part in progress currently. Definitely recommended to enjoy it!
June 6, 2020
I have always been a fan of the dystopian YA genre, and this book is the epitome of a good YA dystopian book. When Ivy finds herself in a situation she can't control, unsure of who to turn to, and not knowing who she can trust, she has to rely on one person to see her through, Nixon. This book created two incredibly strong and loveable characters, people who's journey's keep you wanting to turn the pages. I made the mistake of starting the book late into the evening and ended up staying up WAY too late reading, because I couldn't put it down. The story is so smooth and crisp to read that, once you hit the last page, you get emotional because you just want to keep reading more and more of this world and these characters.
I also believe, with the current state of the world as it is right now in June of 2020, this book is an incredibly IMPORTANT book to read. We need more voices like Jessica Scurlock and I cannot wait to see what else she comes up with for this series.
I also believe, with the current state of the world as it is right now in June of 2020, this book is an incredibly IMPORTANT book to read. We need more voices like Jessica Scurlock and I cannot wait to see what else she comes up with for this series.
July 13, 2020
I give this book 3.5 stars. I got an ebook from Voracious Readers Only. I am usually not a reader of dystopia or fantasy, but the book sounded really good. I am probably older than most of the books targeted audience.
The book started out really good for me. I was very impressed when I found out the author was so young. I liked the premise of the book. A world without poverty or racism. There was a lot of new problems in the future world.
The romance of the book was sweet. It did make the book lighter. It seemed a little to predictable.
The main character seemed to forget her old life too easily. Just seemed to move on so quickly.
At the end of the book, I still had a lot of questions. Maybe, the questions will be answered in the next book. The ending focused on the love interest, instead of the main character.
I always believe a book has a point. I couldn't find out what it was trying to say. I was appreciative that I don't live in the new world.
The book started out really good for me. I was very impressed when I found out the author was so young. I liked the premise of the book. A world without poverty or racism. There was a lot of new problems in the future world.
The romance of the book was sweet. It did make the book lighter. It seemed a little to predictable.
The main character seemed to forget her old life too easily. Just seemed to move on so quickly.
At the end of the book, I still had a lot of questions. Maybe, the questions will be answered in the next book. The ending focused on the love interest, instead of the main character.
I always believe a book has a point. I couldn't find out what it was trying to say. I was appreciative that I don't live in the new world.
May 27, 2020
This book immediately goes into my top 10 favorite books, and that doesn't happen often. I stayed up all night and read it straight through. I seriously could not put it down. Pretty Lies is such a well written book. You feel every emotion with Ivy, from happiness to confusion to anger. This book has everything from action to touching family moments. However, it keeps you on the edge of your seat and is far from predictable. This is unlike any dystopian book I've ever encountered, and I've read many. This isn't just another Divergent or The Giver. It's better because it is so real. The characters have depth, and they aren't just more heroes who save the day without any emotions or struggles. I would recommend this book to anyone who is tired of the same boring dystopian tropes because it is so much more than just another dystopian novel.
July 16, 2020
A fast-paced book with strong characters. Okay, no spoilers, so I'm going to keep this a bit vague. I really enjoyed the start and end of this book. That was where the most action took place! The middle was maybe a hair slow for my taste. Overall, I felt Ivy (Olivia) was a likable character, albeit stubborn on occasion (but who isn't?). I was also a total fan of the romance that developed over the course of the novel. My biggest pet peeve is I strongly dislike romances that feel forced and this one didn't at all! Props to the author! The concept of the book was strong. I enjoyed the element of mystery, and the author gave you just enough information to keep asking questions and wanting to turn the page. A great debut! I'm looking forward to Scurlock's second installment.
June 24, 2021
Probably one of the easiest five stars I've ever given! This book was incredible! The story was gripping and moved at a pace that never felt like it was lagging. I have to admit that I have trouble holding my focus for very long, but this book had me walking around the house with the Kindle in front of my face, I just couldn't put it down!
I am not usually a fan of 1st POV but Jessica wrote it so well. I felt emersed in this world and as Ivy was discovering just how crooked her society was, so was I, when she was scared I was scared, and when she learned to trust and be brave I felt it all too.
I'm excited to see what is coming next in this series after THAT ending! I will gladly step back into this wicked twisted world time and time again!
I am not usually a fan of 1st POV but Jessica wrote it so well. I felt emersed in this world and as Ivy was discovering just how crooked her society was, so was I, when she was scared I was scared, and when she learned to trust and be brave I felt it all too.
I'm excited to see what is coming next in this series after THAT ending! I will gladly step back into this wicked twisted world time and time again!
July 4, 2020
A disclaimer: This is actually the first dystopian novel I have ever read. I have read a lot of books in a lot of genres, but had stayed away from this genre because I didn't think it would be interesting. Was I ever wrong! This book was very well written. It flowed nicely, and with a slow burn and thickening plot, left me reading the last few chapters fast to see what would happen, although I didn't want to see it end. When I can say I don't want a book to end, that's when I know I have read something good. The author is writing a sequel to this, which I look forward to. For a debut novel, it is a winner, and I recommend it highly.
July 10, 2020
I received a review copy of this book from For Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars. The plot is there as are the characters, and the book started off strong. As the book continued, there were a lot of scenes that were expanded and just seemed to keep going and going. This slowed down the plot substantially. I did start skimming towards the end just to get to the end of the book so I could find out what happened.
For me, tightening up the plot and making this more action oriented would have helped. Also, is it V, Olivia, or Ivy? I get nicknames, but three were confusing.
3.5 stars. The plot is there as are the characters, and the book started off strong. As the book continued, there were a lot of scenes that were expanded and just seemed to keep going and going. This slowed down the plot substantially. I did start skimming towards the end just to get to the end of the book so I could find out what happened.
For me, tightening up the plot and making this more action oriented would have helped. Also, is it V, Olivia, or Ivy? I get nicknames, but three were confusing.
November 30, 2020
This was my first experience with dystopian fiction, and I was impressed to say the least. I always enjoy when I come across a book that is capable of keeping me on my toes, guessing at every turn what might happen next. I'm also pleased to say that I was wrong at nearly every guess, and found the rug pulled out from under me each time I thought I was close to knowing where the story was about to go. (and that is no small feat) The characterization was strong throughout, particularly when it came to Ivy and Nixon. The book ended on a powerful note, too, leaving me excited to see what the author has in store next.
December 18, 2021
I love this book with everything in me!
Where do I begin with "Pretty Lies?" I've been drawn to this book for a while since I'm a huge dystopian lover and thought it would be a good read for me.
This book surpassed my expectations. It's brutal and honest and so raw. You feel like you're right there with Ivy and Nixon as they dodge danger and try to escape.
I don't even have the words to describe this novel, you guys. I love these characters so much.
Scurlock is an amazing author and her world is so beautifully created and tainted with all the "Pretty Lies" Ivy was brought up to believe.
What happens when her world is turned upside-down and she has to face the truth?
Please, please, please from the bottom of my heart go read this book and find out for yourself.
Where do I begin with "Pretty Lies?" I've been drawn to this book for a while since I'm a huge dystopian lover and thought it would be a good read for me.
This book surpassed my expectations. It's brutal and honest and so raw. You feel like you're right there with Ivy and Nixon as they dodge danger and try to escape.
I don't even have the words to describe this novel, you guys. I love these characters so much.
Scurlock is an amazing author and her world is so beautifully created and tainted with all the "Pretty Lies" Ivy was brought up to believe.
What happens when her world is turned upside-down and she has to face the truth?
Please, please, please from the bottom of my heart go read this book and find out for yourself.
June 21, 2020
I am ASTONISHED. Jessica, this book is amazing. I’ve been super busy, so I kept getting interrupted but I’ve finally finished. Everything is so well written and thought out, the romance has me dying for more, I can’t wait to see where those two unlikely lovebirds go. Everything about it was PERFECT. I’m so happy to say I truly loved it and I cannot wait for book two!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2020
Three and a half stars
This book, a quick read, is not bad, but lacking in surprises until you're about 2/3 of the way into it. In addition, as a part of a series, the ending contains a cliffhanger. Most of the classic book series (Foundation, Lord of the Rings, etc) have books that can stand on their own. This does not. And since I found I wasn't that thrilled with it to begin with, I do not have an interest in reading further into the story.
This book, a quick read, is not bad, but lacking in surprises until you're about 2/3 of the way into it. In addition, as a part of a series, the ending contains a cliffhanger. Most of the classic book series (Foundation, Lord of the Rings, etc) have books that can stand on their own. This does not. And since I found I wasn't that thrilled with it to begin with, I do not have an interest in reading further into the story.
July 21, 2020
Received copy of book from Voracious readers.
Loved this book and can’t wait for the second. I couldn’t put it down and if it wasn’t for work would have finished in one day instead of two. I need to know what happens with all the characters and how they fix everything.
Loved this book and can’t wait for the second. I couldn’t put it down and if it wasn’t for work would have finished in one day instead of two. I need to know what happens with all the characters and how they fix everything.
July 24, 2020
I can't get over how great this book is I got right into it and it's a never put down book for sure I am looking forward to the next book in 2021 Jessica has done a great job and has me a a fan from this first book I've read super happy for next book can't wait 😁
May 28, 2020
So excited!! I have began to read it and omg!!! I am not disappointed!!!!🥰
August 5, 2021
This is a MUST READ!
I am absolutely blown away by this book and I can't wait to read the next one! Great job Jessica! The characters were all so well written and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Hurry up book 2!
I am absolutely blown away by this book and I can't wait to read the next one! Great job Jessica! The characters were all so well written and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Hurry up book 2!
January 1, 2022
A fantastic dystopian debut.
As a lover of dystopian fiction (and a writer of it myself), I’m so glad I picked up this superbly written, original and exciting dystopian adventure. It was one of my favourite reads of 2021.
Jessica Scurlock is one of those writers that ooze talent. The gripping way in which she makes you feel intimately close with the characters, feeling their every moment—whether triumphant or terrifying—is a testament to that talent. Her poetic prose and emotionally charged narrative are enviable, and made it easy for the reader to become invested in Ivy and Nixon’s harrowing plight.
The story itself is inventive and realistic. The themes are confronting, as good dystopian novels should be, and I love how Scurlock has found equilibrium between writing something suitable for a mainstream audience, but also genuine enough to portray the sometimes-graphic nature that accompanies dystopian themes. One of my biggest gripes with modern dystopian fiction is making it too YA, too sugar coated, too Hollywood. Pretty Lies still holds onto elements of gritty brutality. Scurlock, in my opinion, has kept true to the genre.
Ivy is likable, if a little naïve. The propaganda and ruthless rules of the Enlightened Society justify that naiveté. I found Nixon admirable and perhaps, as a male reader, the more agreeable of the pair. I hope to see more of his story in the second novel. Pretty Lies has created the foundation for a superb dystopian series and I’m already gagging to get straight into book number two. Read this book. You will not be disappointed.
As a lover of dystopian fiction (and a writer of it myself), I’m so glad I picked up this superbly written, original and exciting dystopian adventure. It was one of my favourite reads of 2021.
Jessica Scurlock is one of those writers that ooze talent. The gripping way in which she makes you feel intimately close with the characters, feeling their every moment—whether triumphant or terrifying—is a testament to that talent. Her poetic prose and emotionally charged narrative are enviable, and made it easy for the reader to become invested in Ivy and Nixon’s harrowing plight.
The story itself is inventive and realistic. The themes are confronting, as good dystopian novels should be, and I love how Scurlock has found equilibrium between writing something suitable for a mainstream audience, but also genuine enough to portray the sometimes-graphic nature that accompanies dystopian themes. One of my biggest gripes with modern dystopian fiction is making it too YA, too sugar coated, too Hollywood. Pretty Lies still holds onto elements of gritty brutality. Scurlock, in my opinion, has kept true to the genre.
Ivy is likable, if a little naïve. The propaganda and ruthless rules of the Enlightened Society justify that naiveté. I found Nixon admirable and perhaps, as a male reader, the more agreeable of the pair. I hope to see more of his story in the second novel. Pretty Lies has created the foundation for a superb dystopian series and I’m already gagging to get straight into book number two. Read this book. You will not be disappointed.
February 6, 2021
This book will absolutely captivate you, I'm sure. Pretty Lies is full of suspense that keeps you on your toes as you're trying to read quickly to see what happens next. Though it also has a sweet simmering unexpected romance, the love, strength and unity of family, allegiances, foes and relates so much to the world as we know and live now. This book will bring out many different emotions in you, as it did me. I absolutely can not wait for Counter Ops Book 2 to be released and I am pretty bummed I have to wait until 2021. Absolutely amazing beautifully written read, I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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August 21, 2022Scurlock really knows how to craft a story. It's well written, fast paced, intriguing and the characters have true depth.
It's a dystopian upper YA set in the near future and we see the MC's journey in dealing with underground factions, revelations about the true nature of society, loss of loved ones, betrayal - the whole gammet of emotional trauma really. But what was clear was her resilience to continue discovering answers not only about the wider world but about who she was, even when faced with such difficult circumstances.
The characters all have a lot of depth and it was a pleasure to get to know more about them as the story progressed. There were some thrilling turns and a twist or two to keep readers guessing what was to happen next.
An enjoyable and easy read for anyone who likes a fast paced, character driven story with dark themes.
It's a dystopian upper YA set in the near future and we see the MC's journey in dealing with underground factions, revelations about the true nature of society, loss of loved ones, betrayal - the whole gammet of emotional trauma really. But what was clear was her resilience to continue discovering answers not only about the wider world but about who she was, even when faced with such difficult circumstances.
The characters all have a lot of depth and it was a pleasure to get to know more about them as the story progressed. There were some thrilling turns and a twist or two to keep readers guessing what was to happen next.
An enjoyable and easy read for anyone who likes a fast paced, character driven story with dark themes.
April 11, 2022
I’m not sure how I feel about this. Overall, Pretty Lies is a fast, fun read that I quickly absorbed and finished. But there were issues. My biggest complaint is that a lot of the relationship building is told to us and not shown. Ivy summarizes a lot of important scenes between her and other characters as she grows closer to them. Doing this (multiple times) makes it very difficult to develop emotional ties to the deep relationship she’s supposed to be building with certain people. There were other things, too, that bothered me but that was by far what bothered me most. I am undecided if I will read the sequel
June 21, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC).
This book was such a great read! The book falls into the "new adult" category, not quite young adult, but not quite adult. It really fits in well into this category.
The writing is detailed that you get absorbed into the character's thoughts and everything going on around them. It's just detailed enough that it isn't TOO detailed that it becomes exhausting.
The characters are well developed and each off them has their own unique and distinct characteristics about them.
I can't wait to see where this series goes next and I'm looking forward to reading subsequent works by the author!
This book was such a great read! The book falls into the "new adult" category, not quite young adult, but not quite adult. It really fits in well into this category.
The writing is detailed that you get absorbed into the character's thoughts and everything going on around them. It's just detailed enough that it isn't TOO detailed that it becomes exhausting.
The characters are well developed and each off them has their own unique and distinct characteristics about them.
I can't wait to see where this series goes next and I'm looking forward to reading subsequent works by the author!
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