Title: Devious
Author: Cecily von Ziegesar
First published November 1, 2009
256 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780316073943 (ISBN10: 0316073946)
Rating: 3.91
Overview
Devious by Cecily von Ziegesar is the ninth thrilling addition to the It Girl series. Jenny Humphrey is back and trouble seems to be following her once again.
The new semester at Waverly Academy is in full swing and with it comes new students, including a stunning brother-sister duo that has everyone talking. As the girls swoon over the new guy on campus, they soon realize that his sister is not to be underestimated.
With only one It Girl title up for grabs, the competition is fierce and the drama is at an all-time high. Get ready for a wild ride filled with scandal, secrets, and unexpected twists that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
About the Author
Cecily von Ziegesar is a renowned author, famous for her Gossip Girl novels, which were adapted into a popular television show. She was born in New York City and had a passion for ballet from a young age.
However, despite starting ballet lessons at the age of three and auditioning for the School of American Ballet at age eight, she was not accepted.
During her teenage years, von Ziegesar commuted to Manhattan every day at 6 a.m. to attend the Nightingale-Bamford School. She later attended Colby College and spent a year in Budapest working for a local radio station.
Von Ziegesar returned to the United States to study creative writing at the University of Arizona, but she dropped out soon after.
Back in New York, von Ziegesar worked at book-packaging firm Alloy Entertainment, where she found inspiration to write the Gossip Girl series. The novels follow the lives of privileged teenagers in New York and quickly became a sensation, topping The New York Times best-sellers list in 2002.
The It Girl, a spin-off series, also made the list in 2005.
The Constance Billard School for Girls, featured in the Gossip Girl series, is based on an exaggerated version of von Ziegesar’s alma mater, Nightingale. She also incorporated events from the lives of her very wealthy friends and her own life as a perpetual gossip into the books.
Today, von Ziegesar resides in Brooklyn, New York, with her family.
Editoral Review
Devious by Cecily von Ziegesar is a compelling novel that follows the lives of wealthy teenagers living in New York Citys Upper East Side. This book is an installment in von Ziegesar’s Gossip Girl series, known for its exploration of the lifestyles of the rich and famous, their scandals and high society drama.
It was first published on November 1, 2009. The plot revolves around a group of teenagers as they navigate their way through the rigors of private school, family drama, and romantic entanglements.
The main character, Blair Waldorf, must cope with her parents’ divorce while Teddy Bellington struggles with a serious drug addiction. Meanwhile, Serena van der Woodsen finds herself embroiled in a steamy love triangle with Nate Archibald and Dan Humphrey.
At the same time, Chuck Bass is plagued by his own demons as he tries to avoid falling for a girl who could ruin his life. Von Ziegesar explores the themes of love, betrayal, friendship, and identity as the characters try to find their place in the world.
Through her vivid writing, von Ziegesar skillfully brings to life the excess of the wealthy elite and the struggles of adolescence, making the reader feel both a part of their world and an outsider looking in. The author’s writing style is raw, humorous, and witty, which makes for an engrossing read.
However, readers should be aware that this book and the series as a whole is not suitable for younger audiences due to the sexual content and occasional harsh language, which accurately reflects the lifestyle depicted in the book. One strength of the book is its ability to balance light-hearted humor and deep themes.
The author does an excellent job creating realistic and relatable characters that she draws beautifully as they struggle with their personal demons. However, one weakness of the book is that the prose can be at times repetitive and lacking in sophistication.
The narrative arc is also somewhat predictable and formulaic. These limitations, though, are not so pronounced as to detract from the overall entertainment value of the book.
Devious delves deep into the intricacies of adolescent life and the privileges that come with their social standings. Through the experiences of the characters, the novel addresses the issues of drug abuse, social class, and gender and sexual identity struggles, making it a relevant contemporary read.
In conclusion, Devious is recommended for readers who are fans of young adult literature written in a fast-paced tone with humor and introspection. Though the book can be predictable at times, it is an enjoyable read and a worthy addition for those interested in the Gossip Girl series.
I give this book an 8 out of 10, for its engaging storylines and the exploration of themes that are relevant for todays teenagers.
