About the Book
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Author:
- Cecelia Ahern
Cover Story: Big Face
BFF Charm: Yay
Talky Talk: Stilted
Bonus Factor: The End
Relationship Status: Acquaintances
Content Warning: There’s a scene in Perfect in which characters are forced to strip and put on revealing, uncomfortable, and unflattering clothing to make them feel small.
Danger, Will Robinson! Perfect is the second book in the Flawed series. If you have not read the first book—Flawed—turn away now. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. If you have read the first book, however, feel free to continue below. I will refrain from major spoilers in my review, but there will be hints at plot points and details about the story.
Cover Story: Big Face
We meet again, you old frenemy! Can’t really say that I’ve missed you.
Also, not to be a total mom, but push that hair out of your face. No one can see how pretty you are when it’s hanging in front of your features like that.
The Deal:
Celestine North is the most Flawed person in the history of, well, ever. But just because the Guild court—mainly Judge Crevan—found her to be that way, doesn’t mean she truly is. Or, rather, she’s coming to terms with the fact that society’s views on Flawed individuals is in itself flawed.
On the run and hiding from those who want to bury her and her story, Celestine must figure out a way to prove that being Flawed isn’t the negative people think it is without compromising herself, her loved ones, or her ideals.
BFF Charm: Yay
When we first met (in Flawed), I felt like Celestine had a lot of growing to do. And in Perfect, she does a lot of just that. No longer is she able to blindly follow the rules society sets, and her eyes have been opened to the injustices and double standards the Guild upholds. She understands that she broke the law, but finally sees clearly that the law is the thing at fault. Celestine learns that her Flawed characteristics are what make her human, and that realization—in addition to her inner strength and willingness to go to extremes for what’s right—make me like her a whole lot more.
Swoonworthy Scale: 5
Celestine and Carrick grow a lot closer in Perfect—being on the run will do that to a couple, or so pop culture has taught me—but their blossoming relationship is strained by their situation (and Celestine’s eye rolly unresolved business with Art). There’s a swoony scene between Celestine and Carrick that leads to a decidedly adult situation … but I didn’t realize it had happened until it was expressly stated after the fact? Definite fade-to-black situation, and not even an all that clear one.
Talky Talk: Stilted
My main complaint while reading Flawed was that the action of the book all seemed very surface level, even when it should have come across like a gut punch. This remains true in Perfect. I never felt anxious for Celestine, even when she was hiding from the Whistleblowers or facing down her enemies. There’s a lack of emotional resonance to the story.
Additionally—and this might just be the ARC I was reading—but the writing in Perfect really went downhill from that of Flawed. The book was filled with runon sentences that lacked coherence and fragments that often didn’t make a whole lot of sense. The dialogue was also frequently awkward and unnatural. All of these factors combined made for a reading experience that didn’t flow nicely at all.
Bonus Factor: The End
I assumed, incorrectly as it turns out, that the Flawed series would be a trilogy. I think Perfect is the end of the road for these characters. It does wrap the action up nicely, with just the right amount of wiggle room for the reader to imagine what comes after.
Relationship Status: Acquaintances
Our time together was interesting, Book, but nothing special. Sorry if that seems harsh, but sometimes you just gotta be truthful. I think we’re better going our separate ways, but it’s totally cool if you occasionally like an Instagram post of mine; I won’t think it’s weird.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Feiwel & Friends, but got neither a private dance party with Tom Hiddleston nor money in exchange for this review. Perfect is available now.
