Uglies Summary

Description

Here you will find a Uglies summary (Scott Westerfeld's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

Uglies Summary Overview

In a city just outside Pretty Town, the protagonist, Tally Youngblood, anxiously awaits her upcoming transformation. Her friend Peris has already undergone the mandatory cosmetic procedure that turns him into a "Pretty," a process she is eager to experience herself. However, after defying the rules and visiting Pretty Town, she's met with hostility and confusion from her old friend Peris. Tally then stumbles upon another girl, Shay, who shares her suspicions about their society's obsession with beauty, and the two form a friendship. The pair spend their time learning to hoverboard and challenging societal expectations. Shay introduces the concept of a society beyond their city where the citizens live without the mandatory cosmetic surgery. On the day of Tally's scheduled surgery, she is intercepted by Special Circumstances, the city's secret police. They demand that Tally infiltrate Shay's proposed society or forfeit her chance to ever become "Pretty". Tally reluctantly agrees, fearing a lifetime of ugliness and isolation. Tally embarks on a dangerous journey to the alternative society, referred to as the Smoke, where she's unexpectedly embraced by its members, including Shay. However, after discovering the dark truth behind the Pretty surgeries, she decides to destroy her spying device, unknowingly activating it. The peaceful society is swiftly destroyed by Special Circumstances, leading Tally on another mission to rescue the captured members. Despite her guilt and the chance to finally become Pretty, Tally willingly offers herself as a test subject for an experimental cure for the surgeries' side effects, hoping to mend her actions and save her friends.

chapter 1

Tally Youngblood, a fifteen-year-old resident of Uglyville, longs for her friend Peris who has recently undergone the compulsory beauty enhancement surgery at 16, transforming him into a "Pretty". After the transformation, Pretties relocate to Pretty Town, a place off-limits to "Uglies" who are yet to have the surgery. Desperate to see Peris, Tally decides to infiltrate Pretty Town, crossing an old bridge over the river that separates the two settlements. She finds herself amidst a festive crowd and takes cover until they pass. Tally then dons a pig mask abandoned on the street and ventures further into the town.

chapter 2

Peris resides in Garbo Mansion, the dwelling place for recently-transformed Pretties. An upscale event is underway, and Tally's casual attire attracts unwanted attention. She narrowly escapes the crowd by fleeing into a lift, finding Peris there. He's irritated with Tally for endangering herself, insisting she stays away until she undergoes her procedure. Tally is taken aback, noticing his hand scar - a shared symbol of their bond - is gone, and he lacks enthusiasm in her presence. He suggests bungee jumping off the tower as her safest exit strategy. However, her attempt to divert attention by triggering a fire alarm backfires, attracting even more scrutiny. Officers rush to the location, but Tally just manages to slip away, seeking refuge in the undergrowth.

chapter 3

Tally, concealed among foliage, becomes aware of a patrolling safety warden approaching. This warden, a "Middle Pretty," is a person of middle-age who has undergone another operation to appear safe and trustworthy. When questioned, Tally responds with an apology, only to discover there's another Ugly, Shay, hidden close by. Shay is on her own covert mission to visit friends in Pretty Town. Together, they evade the town, using a homemade ladder Tally crafted to cross the old bridge. Shay maneuvers with a hoverboard, a device for aerial travel. Tally confesses her lack of experience with hoverboards, but shows keen interest in mastering it.

chapter 4

Shay instructs Tally on hoverboard use, explaining its sensor adapts to the rider's motions. They bond over shared experiences of friends lost to Pretty Town, as those who transition never seem to keep connections with the Uglies. They promise to remain friends post-operations. Coincidentally, they share a birthday, meaning their surgeries will coincide. Shay, unlike Tally, isn't thrilled about the upcoming procedure. They question why new Pretties never return. Tally suggests it's because they don't want to associate with the Uglies.

chapter 5

Tally is eager to use a morphos game, which lets users tweak their looks to preview post-surgery appearances. Shay, however, isn't enthusiastic, arguing it propagates the idea of ugliness. Eventually, she succumbs to Tally's coaxing and forms her own morphos. The game works by replicating one side of the face, producing a perfectly symmetrical image. Tally queries Shay on her preferred facial side, disclosing her fondness for Shay's left side. Shay, however, becomes annoyed when Tally modifies her features on the game. She expresses a wish for Tally to accept her as she is. Shay insists that her face is perfectly fine, showing a preference for hoverboarding over these activities.

chapter 6

Shay proposes a nocturnal hoverboard adventure to Tally, not towards Pretty Town as expected, but to the Rusty Ruins. This is the wreckage of an ancient city located far from their present location, a place typically visited by Uglies during school trips. Tally, however, has never experienced the ruins under the cover of darkness. Shay reveals that she has visited at night and has been eager to share the experience with Tally after learning about Tally's daring break into Pretty Town. Shay admires Tally's defiant nature, seeing in her a kindred spirit. She points out that their time for such adventures is running out as they will soon transform into uninteresting Pretties. Despite her initial reluctance, Tally agrees to the journey.

chapter 7

After sunset, the girls set off, trailing the river to the Rusty Ruins. Tally observes that the river's flow is hastening. Shay hands Tally some goggles, disclosing their plan to ride the rapids, which unsettles Tally due to the perceived risk. Quickly, Shay maneuvers slightly above the water's spray. She soon stops, revealing they must proceed on foot. She points out their hoverboards, relying on magnetism, only function where there's underground metal. Rivers carry minute quantities of metal and iron ore, hence the boards' operation on them, Shay enlightens Tally. As they venture deeper into the wilderness, Tally ponders the feasibility of solitary forest life.

chapter 8

Upon reaching the derelict site, Shay introduces Tally to an unfamiliar object, a roller coaster. Guided by Shay, Tally follows the coaster's rusty tracks with her hoverboard. Suddenly, they encounter a missing section of track, causing Tally to experience a brief moment of terror as she plunges toward the ground. Fortunately, her hoverboard's crash bracelets activate, saving her from a disastrous fall. Upset, Tally confronts Shay for not warning her about the track's gap. Shay justifies her actions, stating she also wasn't forewarned about the interruption and wanted Tally to experience the same unexpected thrill. Tally then inquires about Shay's discovery of these hidden sites and Shay credits her friend David for introducing her to them.

chapter 9

Shay introduces David, a lad residing beyond the city ruins, to Tally. They conceal themselves within a dilapidated building and ignite a flare to signal David. After a lengthy wait, an impatient Tally expresses her desire to return home. Seeing no sign of David, Shay concurs, expressing her disappointment. As they depart, Tally takes a final glance at the ruins. She thinks she perceives a distant flare but is uncertain. Choosing not to inform Shay, Tally resolves to continue home. She has no wish for any further detours.

chapter 10

Returning to the city, the girls plan a prank on the Littlies, kids on the verge of transitioning to the "Uglies" phase, a period between being a Littlie and a Pretty. Tally is relieved that she's about to exit this awkward stage. The girls wear masks and Shay bungee jumps among the kids, frightening them. Later, Tally refers to herself as ugly. Shay corrects her, stating she's been conditioned to believe she's ugly. This leads to a confrontation. Tally expresses her eagerness to mature and accept herself, something she believes will occur when she turns into a Pretty. She suggests Shay is scared of maturing, causing Shay to storm off, upset and wounded.

chapter 11

With only six days left until her transformative operation, Tally is consumed by mixed feelings. She tries to convince herself that parting ways with Shay was for the best. Unexpectedly, Shay reappears, enticing Tally to elope with her to an unexplored place called the Smoke, where David resides. Shay discloses her previous failed attempt to escape with others, an act which Tally interprets as fear of maturity. Despite the offer, Tally chooses to stay, equating the natural lifestyle of the Smoke to that of a beast's. Before departing, Shay cryptically instructs Tally on how to find the Smoke, should she have a change of heart, and makes her swear to secrecy. Tally vows to keep her promise, symbolized by her scarred hand.

chapter 12

On the day of Tally's surgery, a Middle Pretty escorts her to the hospital located near Pretty Town's boundary. Tally attempts to impress her escort with her minimal packing. She feels odd about going alone, without her parents or any companions. Her concern for Shay, who she failed to persuade to stay, deepens. As she waits for her surgery in a room, a man bearing bird-of-prey-like features enters. He informs her of a complication with her surgery and requests her to accompany him.

chapter 13

Tally finds herself in Special Circumstances, the eerie secret police headquarters, surrounded by unnervingly beautiful individuals. A meeting with Dr. Cable reveals that they've been tracking refugees like Shay, who they believe are in cahoots with dangerous outsiders beyond the city. Tally instantly connects the dots – the outsiders must be David and the Smoke. Despite pressure from Dr. Cable, Tally keeps her lips sealed, mindful of Shay's trust and Dr. Cable's sinister intent. Dr. Cable then presents a stark choice: disclose Shay's location or stay Ugly forever.

chapter 14

Tally goes back to the dormitory where her parents, Sol and Ellie, pay her a visit. To her astonishment, they are aware of Special Circumstances, and they even support their demands. They blame Shay for Tally's wrongdoings and insist she should transform into a Pretty and move forward with her life. Tally finds her dad's response odd and realizes he's oblivious to the life beyond the city, unlike her. She considers him gullible for trusting individuals like Dr. Cable. Tally expresses her wish to return home, only for her parents to advise her to remain in the dorms. This leaves Tally feeling like an stranger. She is isolated from her family and, without the surgery, she's left as a nobody among her dorm mates.

chapter 15

Tally spends four days in her dorm, mulling over what's next. The other kids can't understand why she's yet to transition and suspect something's amiss. To distract herself, Tally goes hoverboarding. Peris pays her a visit, speaking of rumors that she's in hot water and that Special Circumstances could be involved, sparking interest among the Pretties. He implores her to expedite her transformation so they can jointly enjoy popularity in Pretty Town, reminding her of the commitment she made to him before Shay. Tally, captivated by Peris's good looks and persuasive talk, chooses to go against Shay. She reaches out to Dr. Cable.

chapter 16

Tally ends up in Special Circumstances, where Dr. Cable unveils the clandestine letter Shay gifted her. This revelation shocks Tally as it showcases Special Circumstances' extensive power. Dr. Cable insists that Tally is the only one capable of deciphering the letter and must journey to the Smoke alone. The prospect of survival in the wilderness terrifies Tally. She is equipped with survival tools and a heart locket, which can be activated by eye scan upon arriving at the Smoke. Tally contemplates abandoning the mission, but when Dr. Cable displays Tally's unattractive face, she succumbs. The fear of remaining unsightly for life is too much for Tally.

chapter 17

Tally is compelled to reach the Smoke quickly as her departure four days post-birthday might raise doubts among Shay and others there. The initial direction instructs her to follow the roller coaster beyond the gap in the tracks. The next instruction hints at finding another extended, flat track. This leaves Tally puzzled as she fails to comprehend a flat roller coaster. Soon, she stumbles upon some railway tracks and comprehends that these are the tracks Shay was indicating. She is then directed to trace the tracks towards the ocean. Tally feels motivated by her effortless navigation and her swift progress.

chapter 18

Tally continues on her journey, following Shay’s cryptic instructions to watch for 'breaks.' The meaning is lost on her until she nearly plunges into a vast chasm while navigating a decaying bridge. She takes a pause to refuel, finding her rations consist solely of dehydrated meals named 'SpagBol.' The next clue from Shay's message advises her to commit the 'worst mistake' at the 'second break.' Feeling sufficiently exhausted from the day's events, Tally decides to rest. She allows her solar-powered hoverboard to soak up sunlight and readies her sleeping bag. On closer inspection, she realizes that every meal packet in her bag is labeled SpagBol, indicating a monotonous diet of spaghetti Bolognese for the remainder of her journey.

chapter 19

In a dream, Tally imagines herself soaring above the sea without a hoverboard, only to plunge and meet her end in the water. She awakens to her next challenge: intentionally making a grave error. As she ventures forth, she comes across another fracture in the bridge and resolves to plummet into the canyon. She trusts that the iron-rich cliffs beneath will rectify her blunder. She overshoots, causing her hoverboard to cut off. As she descends freely, the iron in the water at the cliff's base rescues her. This was Shay's cryptic hint about the "worst mistake." Tally's succeeding directive is to press on for four days. On day three, she bathes in the frigid river. A distant noise catches her attention.

chapter 20

A loud flying contraption with a spinning disk startles Tally; it's an unfamiliar sight from the "Rusty Era", a helicopter. It briefly hovers above her, damaging her sleeping bag. Undeterred, Tally continues on, arriving at a river's bifurcation. Shay's note instructs her to choose the "side you despise", which puzzles her initially. However, she soon discerns it's referring to her disliked right side of her face, a sentiment she once shared with Shay. Thus, she opts for the right river fork, leading her to a picturesque meadow filled with pristine white flowers. Shay's message instructs her to search for 'fire-bug eyes' amidst the flowers, a cryptic instruction that leaves Tally confused. Opting to rest, Tally naps, only to awaken to a rapidly spreading fire engulfing the meadows.

chapter 21

Tally rouses from sleep to the sight of a massive fire raging around her. She attempts to flee the flames and choking smoke by riding her hoverboard to the river. The helicopter reappears, astonishing Tally as she realizes it's deliberately exacerbating the fire. A sudden gust sends her tumbling off her board and into the river. The helicopter descends onto rocky terrain and figures disembark, heading towards her for rescue. She observes that they sport masks featuring insect-like eyes.

chapter 22

The helicopter pilots are rangers and, uncharacteristically for Pretties, they have sharp reflexes. They are tasked with managing a destructive white orchid that has overgrown the terrain. This orchid, a product of Rusties' genetic engineering efforts, has ended up creating a monoculture by destroying everything in its way. It's been a 300-year battle against this plant for the rangers. The rangers have an unspoken deal with the Smokies to assist fugitives and they recognize Tally as one. Tally nearly exposes herself by not seeming eager enough to reach the Smoke. After the rangers let her off, Tally follows her next direction: to linger on the bald head until dawn. She spots a hill with a bare side in the distance and decides to wait there.

chapter 23

Smokies in disguise arrive to retrieve Tally, who recognises her friend Shay among them. They embrace, and Shay mentions Tally's lateness. To hide her delayed departure, Tally lies about the duration of her journey. The Smokies discover a tracking device on her hoverboard, which Tally surmises was a ploy by Dr. Cable. They then set off towards the Smoke, journeying through an old-growth forest. David, a friend of Shay's, explains the forest's role in preventing the spread of orchids, which only grow in deforested areas. Upon ensuring Tally carries no more bugs, the group emerges from the forest and arrives at a valley, the location of the Smoke. Tally feels relief at last.

chapter 24

Shay introduces Tally to the settlement known as the Smoke, leading her to their library. There, Tally encounters "the Boss," an elderly and unaltered man in his forties. In the library, Shay presents Tally with historical magazines, filled with images of people from the Rusty Era. Shay details that the slender ones are akin to what they would term "models," yet Tally recognizes them as the anorexic women she learned about in school, the reason for initiating the operations. The sight so disturbs Tally that she nearly reveals her true intentions. However, her confession is cut off when Shay inquires about her pendant, leading Shay to mistakenly believe Tally has a secret lover back in their city. Tally attempts to clear the air once more, only to be interrupted by the Boss who reprimands them for soiling the magazines.

chapter 25

Tally gets acquainted with the inner workings of the Smoke and is shocked to learn they cut down live trees. She's introduced to three more of Shay's pals - Croy, Ryde, and Astrix. Despite running away only recently, they already exude David-like confidence. During lunch, the group is eager to hear more about Tally's adventures and her city's gossip. She enjoys the attention and embellishes her tales for effect, claiming she evaded rangers for four days instead of one to hide the timing of her departure. Afterwards, Shay guides Tally to disused railway lines to collect metal using a powerjack to extricate it from a tangle of vines and roots.

chapter 26

During her grueling day of metal scavenging, Tally's hands become raw and blistered, prompting David to suggest a break. They head to a partially collapsed old railroad tunnel. Sensing Tally's unease about being in the Smoke, David discloses his upbringing there. His parents, once middle Uglies and doctors in the city, opted to leave and undo their operations. Seeing Tally's surprise, David reassures her, explaining he only shared because he knew she could handle the truth. Tally starts fidgeting with her locket, realizing the implications of her mission. Should she obliterate the Smoke, David's way of life and that of many others would be decimated.

chapter 27

As Tally shares more of her escapades at the night bonfire, she unintentionally almost reveals that she was hiding in the orchids for a single day, not four. Shay then escorts Tally to the exchange station where they swap SpagBol packets for a fresh sleeping bag and sweater. Tally begins to feel gloomy considering her predicament: to deceive her friend and the Smokies' lifestyle or accept a life of bartering for necessities and consuming tasteless food. Shay, sensing Tally's secretiveness, queries about her pendant, wrongly deducing that Tally had informed someone in their previous home about the Smoke. Shay comforts Tally, admitting she had also broken her promise to David about keeping the Smoke a secret, as she had revealed it to Tally. Tally's guilt intensifies.

chapter 28

Tally is steadily improving physically from the grueling work. David offers his extra work gloves to Tally, to shield her hands. Croy grows increasingly skeptical of Tally, questioning her about the abundance of SpagBol packets she has considering her long stay in the wilderness. Tally quickly fabricates a lie, attributing it to skipped meals. Shay, too, confronts Tally. Tally assumes Shay is also doubtful, but Shay is actually upset about David's gift of gloves. Tally then understands that Shay harbors feelings for David. An agitated Shay insists Tally reveal the truth about her pendant and her secret romantic involvement with someone back at her place. Shay believes Tally has ulterior motives to snatch David from her and feels betrayed.

chapter 29

Tally starts comparing herself to the white orchids, feeling intrusive and destructive. David pulls her aside for a conversation. He mentions how unique she is, being the only loner to escape to the Smokies, and comments on her bravery. David's trust in Tally stems from her decision to abandon everything for Shay. As he compliments her, she notices a shift in his appearance. His scars, crooked teeth, and high forehead start to seem appealing. Tally's hand drifts to her locket, catching David's eye. She is on the verge of revealing her secret, but David interrupts. He assumes she has someone special waiting for her back home and reassures her it's fine, but insists she meet his parents.

chapter 30

David guides Tally to a mountainside bunker—his parents' dwelling. Tally takes note of Maddy, David's mother, who despite being an 'old ugly' radiates beauty when she smiles. She sees the striking resemblance between David and his father, Az, who jovially comments on the perplexity Tally must feel observing their unaltered genetic features. David's relationship with his parents, marked by equality, catches Tally's attention. David urges his parents to reveal their concealed truth, but they resist, voicing their disapproval of Tally's presence and the risk it poses. Counteracting their fears, David insists that Tally, having endured a perilous journey, has earned the right to know. Eventually, they give in and consent to share their secret.

chapter 31

Maddy and Az disclose to Tally that they're plastic surgeons. Their paths crossed serving on a board that determined beauty standards citywide. Az's anesthesia research led to a discovery of tiny brain lesions in most Pretties. Further inquiry showed the unaffected ones were those in mentally demanding and physically taxing jobs, such as firefighters and doctors. Maddy and Az suspect these lesions are deliberately inflicted. Tally queries David on the distinct behavioral change in Pretties, noting the absence of conflicts and warfare. David responds that the transformation procedure alters their mindset.

chapter 32

Maddy and Az reveal they were once Pretties, yet managed to undo their surgery using a chemical to melt the special plastic. However, they haven't been able to reverse the brain damage yet. They established the Smoke to study the impact of these lesions on the brain. Tally starts to realize her parents' naivety. David guides Tally back to the camp, sharing that he couldn't let her go back to the city without understanding the reality. He declares her beautiful, astonishing her. Moreover, he cherishes her scars as they narrate her story. Tally decides to drop her mission and, to demonstrate her commitment, she throws the pendant into a bonfire. After a few hours, Special Circumstances shows up.

chapter 33

Hybrid helicopter hovercars, operated by Special Circumstances, launch an invasion. They catch Tally off-guard, without shoes. She observes that the Pretties possess extraordinary strength and agility. Tally manages to flee to the forest and stumbles upon the Boss who's hiding with a bag full of magazines and pepper dust. He's physically weaker than Tally, so he asks her to run with the magazines. However, her lack of footwear makes this impossible, so he leaves her with the pepper dust and races away. As she watches him go, a Special knocks her down and binds her with plastic cuffs. Utilizing the pepper dust, Tally manages a brief escape, but the resultant coughing from the pepper dust allows another Special to capture her.

chapter 34

Tally is escorted to a makeshift prison, where other captives are being held. The Specials label her as a dangerous insurgent and handcuff her. Among the captives is Croy, who confesses that he found Tally's absence at breakfast suspicious, but now believes in her innocence. A battered and bloody Shay joins them, blaming Tally for their predicament. Despite Croy's defense of Tally, Shay is further irked, accusing Tally of not only stealing her love interest but also of destroying their haven, the Smoke. The Specials then proceed to scan each captive's eyes. Upon reaching Tally, they inform her that Dr. Cable is awaiting her presence and subsequently remove her handcuffs. Shay is now thoroughly convinced that Tally has deceived them.

chapter 35

Tally finds herself bewildered about the Specials' discovery of their location, given that she had annihilated the pendant. She comes face-to-face with Dr. Cable, who queries her presence amidst the resistance. Tally, quite adept at fabricating lies on the spot, conveys she was merely safeguarding herself from the Smokies. Dr. Cable inquires about the pendant's whereabouts, revealing that its destruction triggers its activation. Tally realizes she unwittingly alerted the Specials. Claiming that the pendant is concealed at the trading post, she's tasked by Dr. Cable to retrieve it. She's doubly shackled and escorted by a guard. Leading the guard to the rooftop, where hoverboards are being charged, Tally skillfully deceives and disorients him with fabricated jargon. She manages to make him falter and unshackle her cuffs. Seizing the moment, she absconds with a stolen hoverboard.

chapter 36

Tally makes a daring getaway towards the railway lines, barefoot and without her crash bracelets. She is on Croy's hoverboard, which isn't accustomed to her physique. Hot on her heels are the Specials, whose hovercars operate with helicopter blades and aren't dependent on metal like Tally’s board. Despite their superior maneuverability, they speed past her due to their high velocity. Tally opts to skim low and make a beeline for the railway cave that David once used to evade heat detection. She leaves her board afloat to give off the illusion of a tumble. Tally finds refuge inside the cave, devoid of her board, shoes, water purifier, and food. Just when she's on the brink of despair, she discerns a voice. It's David.

chapter 37

David and Tally share a moment. David explains that spotting the Specials approaching prompted him to hide in the cave. Tally paints a grim picture of the situation at the camp, which makes David inquire about his parents. Tally, feeling guilty, admits she didn't see them. Tally expresses her determination to save everyone from Special Circumstances, which leads David to question how she knows about it. Tally conceals her secret by saying she was caught after trespassing into Pretty Town. David remembers Shay's tale and is confused about Tally getting caught since he doesn't remember that part. Tally invents a story that she was apprehended afterwards. David's curiosity is piqued as to how she managed to clip her cuffs under the Specials' surveillance. Misinterpreting her actions as bravery, David finds himself falling deeper in love with Tally.

chapter 38

In the morning, Tally and David journey to their torched camp. Seeing a wolf snatch a rabbit, Tally ponders how swiftly nature reclaims its rule. She questions David about the necessity of burning the library. He replies, it's to obliterate any trace of the past life. Spotting a mound of shoes, Tally understands they were left by Croy, who saw her flee shoeless. This realization brings about guilt. They stumble upon the Boss in the forest close to his bag of periodicals. He's been killed. Noticing marks of fight on his corpse, Tally deduces he was probably defending her. At last, they proceed to the dwelling of David's parents.

chapter 39

Maddy and Az's residence is now in ruins, with no evidence of a fight found. David's parents have vanished, and even their teacups remain untouched. David is irritated by Tally's ongoing handcuffs and attempts to cut them with his father's knife, but the tough plastic resists. He's puzzled how Tally was able to remove her own cuffs and questions why she has two pairs. Tally invents a story, claiming she broke them with a stone. David is skeptical, yet his focus remains on his missing parents. His father's abandoned knife indicates they might have been captured. They collect his parents' emergency kit before departing.

chapter 40

Departing from the Smoke, Tally and David traverse the remains of the Rusty civilization on David's board. David imparts knowledge on the fall of the Rusties, a tale he learned from the Boss. A self-created bacterium that infected their oil caused the civilization's demise. Once exposed to air, the bacterium sparked a massive combustion. The Rusties were left with no escape as their world was instantly consumed by fire. Tally mulls over this untold chapter of history, contrasting the version she learned in school portraying the Rusties as simply reckless and heavily reliant on oil. David cautions Tally, highlighting that the vulnerability of a civilization isn't necessarily tied to their dependence on a material, but could also be a flawed idea.

chapter 41

David and Tally find themselves stuck due to a hurricane. During their wait for the weather to clear, they share stories about their childhoods. A disagreement causes David to leave momentarily. Once the storm subsides, they proceed to the Rusty Ruins. Tally grows bolder about being alone in the dilapidated buildings. She mentions that the city preserves the ruins as a lesson for youngsters, who visit on school trips. Eventually, they reach the city. Taking the lead, Tally guides them to the Special Circumstances building, surrounded by a fence wired with sensors. She devises a strategy for them to bungee jump from their boards onto the building's rooftop.

chapter 42

Tally escorts David to the former scene of her and Shay's mischief at the art school where they swiped bungee jackets from the little ones. Suddenly, David spots safety flares in the distance, signaling the presence of additional Uglies. They navigate their way to the Ruins and discover Sussy, An, and Dex are the ones reaching out to them. To prevent discouraging potential new members, Tally keeps quiet about the Smoke's demolition. Instead, she diverts their concerns by claiming the Smoke often changes locations as a security measure. The news of the Smoke's disappearance saddens David, yet he understands that they can always recruit more people. Tally seeks the assistance of these Uglies, assuring them that when the Smoke is re-established, they will be the first to know. Her strategy is to use them as a diversion against the Specials.

chapter 43

David and Tally eagerly anticipate the Uglies' signal, which suddenly emerges as the phrase "The Smoke Lives" crafted from sparklers and fireworks in the sky. The appearance of the signal draws Special Circumstances' attention, who are quick to respond and focus on the Uglies. Taking advantage of the situation, David and Tally proceed towards the now unguarded Special Circumstances building. Using their hoverboards, they leap over the sensor fence and descend onto the building's roof using their bungee jackets. Tally, however, misses the roof and holds onto a rain gutter to prevent falling off the building. David assists her, expressing amazement that in Uglyville, bungee jumping is a recreational activity. Tally, basking in his attention, confesses that the Uglies only bungee jump to kill time before their reality becomes numbed.

chapter 44

Tally and David use high-tech adhesive to seal themselves inside a hovercar hatch on the roof. They plummet down the shaft, relying on their bungee jackets to cushion their fall. They force open an elevator door using a powerjack and make their way further into the building. They move towards the basement, where David believes Dr. Cable is keeping her captives. As they approach the basement corridor, they bump into Dr. Cable. Tally diverts her attention by declaring her intention to surrender, allowing David to knock her unconscious with the powerjack. Suddenly, Tally hears another woman's voice nearby. To her dismay, she identifies the voice as Shay, who is now a Pretty.

chapter 45

Shay's welcoming reaction surprises Tally. Shay, who has been forced into the operation by Dr. Cable, is actually relieved about it and is currently intoxicated due to a party. Seeing Shay's state, Tally feels guilty about her betrayal. Noticing Dr. Cable's lifeless body, Shay teases Tally and David for their knack for trouble, but agrees to assist them, stating her desire for excitement despite being pretty now. Shay assures Tally she'll safeguard her secret, making Tally realize Shay is aware of Dr. Cable's situation. Meanwhile, David employs the powerjack to liberate the imprisoned Smokies, including Maddy, Croy, Astrix, and Ryde. David inquires about his father's whereabouts, but Maddy reveals it's too late to save Az as he's already deceased.

chapter 46

Maddy removes the tracking mechanisms from their orange clothing, instructing everyone to scatter them to mislead the Specials. Tally and Shay share a hoverboard, allowing for a heartfelt conversation. Shay expresses to Tally she no longer holds a grudge for Tally's betrayal at the Smoke and her role in taking David away. She considers herself more mature now. Tally, hoping to reason with Shay, asks her a series of questions, trying to highlight the inconsistencies in Shay's logic. Despite Tally's efforts to persuade Shay out of her mental damage, she fails. Tally is filled with sadness when she finally accepts that Shay's condition is permanent. In an attempt to comfort her, Shay reaches out, but Tally admits nothing will make her feel better.

chapter 47

The Smokies regroup in a cave by the Ruins, with Croy informing Tally that Maddy and David spent the night camping elsewhere. Despite her urge to leave, Tally is kept in place by Croy's insistence on following Maddy's orders. The following day, Tally awakens next to a post-operation Shay, who is visibly heavier and complaining about their camping experience. Tally notes that it doesn't occur to Shay to leave on her own. Eventually, they reunite with Maddy and David, where Tally and David share a tender moment. Maddy discloses that she has managed to steal some of Dr. Cable's research, hoping to reverse the damaging effects of the Pretty surgery. This revelation worries Tally, who fears Shay might start despising her again.

chapter 48

Maddy is actively seeking a remedy for the brain damage caused by the procedures. Meanwhile, the Smokies are gathering more Uglies from the Rusty Ruins. The secret she formerly protected is now openly shared amongst the Smokies. The Specials attempt to trap the Smokies, yet their widespread presence in the Rusty Ruins keeps them safe. After nearly three weeks, Maddy discovers a cure. She offers the medication to Shay who declines. As a medical practitioner, Maddy notes she cannot distribute the pill without consent. She then discloses to Tally that Az’s death was a result of Dr. Cable’s experimental amnesia cure. Overwhelmed by guilt, Tally willingly volunteers to take part in the experiment.

chapter 49

Tally proposes to willingly return to the city to undergo the transformation procedure, thus becoming a test subject for Maddy's antidote. David is against the idea, not wanting Tally to harm herself. Tally then admits to David her real role as a spy for Dr. Cable. She had initially arrived at the Smoke with ulterior motives, only to change her stance. She inadvertently triggered the pendant by tossing it into the fire. David leaves in an upset state with Tally attempting to chase after him, but Maddy bars her way. Tally sees a harsh glint in Maddy's eyes and comprehends that she's being blamed for Az's death. Maddy urges Tally to leave before either she or David reconsiders. Tally concurs, but also promises that if David finds it in his heart to forgive her, he will come for her after her surgery.

chapter 50

Tally composes a note to her future self, ensuring she consented to taking the pills. As she can't write, Shay pens the letter for her. Shay expresses relief that Tally is opting for the operation and returning to civilization. She feels guilty for Tally's sustained unattractiveness and that's why she stayed with her in the ruins. She is eager about their imminent transformation into Pretties and the prospect of dominating the social life back in their town. Tally ponders over whether her affection for David might hinder the operation's effect on her mind. Once they arrive at the city, a warden is puzzled by an Ugly and a Pretty traveling together. Tally presents herself and asks to be transformed into a Pretty.

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Brandon Sanderson

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