If Flawed was about Celestine North discovering the cracks in her seemingly perfect world, Perfect is about her deciding what to do with that knowledge—and how much she’s willing to risk. This sequel picks up right where the first book left off, with Celestine on the run, hunted by the ruthless Judge Crevan and clinging to a secret that could bring down the entire system.

The pacing in Perfect is much faster than in the first book, which makes sense given the high stakes. Celestine has gone from being a girl caught in an unfair system to someone actively working to expose it, and watching her transformation is both exciting and frustrating. She’s making rash decisions and struggling to figure out who to trust, but that’s part of what makes her journey compelling.

Carrick plays a bigger role in this book, and while there is romance, it never overshadows the bigger themes of justice, power, and resistance. The world Ahern has created feels even more oppressive this time around, and there are moments that are genuinely unsettling. The injustice of it all is infuriating, but that’s what makes the story so engaging—you want to see Celestine win, not just for herself, but for everyone who has suffered under this broken system.

That said, there are a few moments where the book feels a little repetitive, especially with reminders of past events. And while Celestine’s growth is undeniable, there are times when she feels a little too perfect, making it harder to connect with her struggles. Still, Ahern does a great job of keeping the tension high and making sure every choice Celestine makes has real consequences.

The ending is satisfying and wraps up the duology well. It doesn’t shy away from the difficult questions the series raises, and while it’s not a fairytale ending, it feels right. If you enjoyed Flawed, you’ll definitely want to see how Celestine’s journey plays out in Perfect. It’s an emotional, gripping, and ultimately rewarding conclusion to a thought-provoking series.

Adored the first book, now the sequel to the bestselling YA debut Flawed,
Pick up this gorgeous hug of a book and get transported to a beautiful place wraps itself round you like a cosy blanket.

Perfect is the sequel to Flawed. While I believe the first book was superior, I did enjoy the sequel. It was an excellent read and to today's world.

4.5 stars

I read these books when they both initially came out. A different genre for Cecilia Ahern, but well executed! The first book was stronger than this, but it was a great experience and relevant to today’s world.