Title: CrossedAuthor: Ally CondieSeries: Matched book 2 of 3Publisher: Dutton JuvenileReleased: November 1, 2011The hotly awaited second book in the dystopian Matched trilogy.
In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.
Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.
I really enjoyed the first book in this series (Matched) and have been looking forward to reading this sequel. I was not disappointed with Crossed but I do think Matched was better. I've read really mixed reviews on this sequel and I can see why. Personally I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the final book in the trilogy.
Crossed was definitely more character driven instead of plot driven. The writing is very poetic and beautiful but that also makes it slow in places. There just really is not a lot that happens in this story. My husband asked me about one of the books I read recently and there was no way I could have even begun to summarize it unless he has 10 or 15 minutes to listen to me. By contrast I could sum up what happened in this book in about a minute. Yes I'd be leave out a lot of back-story and details about characters but as far as plot-line for this book there just isn't much that happens. That said I really did enjoyed this book. I liked learning more about the characters and the society.
Usually in a book that has a love triangle I have a strong opinion on who the main characters should end up with. I don't have that with this book. I'm open to Cassia ending up with either Ky or Xander.
I really think the third book has potential to be the best in the series. My fingers are crossed.
Content: Clean
Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book
Source: I bought a copy but I ended up listening to the audio version which I downloaded from Audible.com
The hotly awaited second book in the dystopian Matched trilogy.
In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.
Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.
At the St. George book festival on Saturday I got my hands on a signed copy of Crossed by Ally Condie. Since I love to share books and want someone else to have a chance to read this fabulous book, I'm giving away my once read signed copy.
Giveaway Details:Open to US only unless you are willing to pay the extra shipping charges.
Ends 11/28/11
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Crossed will be released tomorrow November 1, 2011.
Welcome to Author Ally Condie. Ally is the author of many books for young adults and recently released the highly anticipated book Matched.
Interview:If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?Ironically, I think I’d go back to the past. I like writing about the future, but for some reason actually going there might scare me. I’d like to go back in the past, not too far, to see people I love who have passed on.
If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose? I’m going to assume they have to be living. J Apolo Ohno, Michael Phelps, John Stockton, Neil Diamond, and Michelle Kwan. Hmmm. With the exception of Neil, I seem to have a bit of an Olympian theme going on here.
What is one book everyone should read?Crossing to Safety, by Wallace Stegner. It’s achingly beautiful in every way.
Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters? Great question! I’m going to put a full playlist up on my blog soon for Matched, but one of the songs I listened to often while writing it was Grapevine Fires by Death Cab for Cutie.
What is your guilty pleasure?Tikka masala from this wonderful restaurant in town called The Bombay House. I use any excuse I can to try to acquire it.
MatchedBy Ally Condie
Published by Dutton Juvenile
Website:
http://www.allysoncondie.com/Book Summary:(from Goodreads)In the Society, Officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.
Cassia has always trusted their choices. It’s barely any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one . . . until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path no one else has ever dared follow—between perfection and passion.
Matched is a story for right now and storytelling with the resonance of a classic.
Giveaway Details:One copy of Matched by Ally Condie
Ends 12/16
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I agree, there wasn't a ton of action, but enough happened that it was still good. I thought Xander was really redeemed in this book (which is ironic considering his lack of page time). I'm very curious to see where the last book takes the characters.
I haven't started it yet since I am currently reading through "The Wolves of Mercy Falls" trilogy, but I did pick it up for a great price and it is on my "to be red" list! Thanks for the great review! This is how I felt about Hunger Games. The first book was great, the second and third were okay. Great writing, but nothing like the first! I am seeing that trend a lot lately - as a writer it is good to know! I better step it up with my trilogy!!
I haven't read this series yet and am looking forward to it based on the reviews. I appreciate your honest review of saying that it was more character than plot driven.
Thanks for the post!
I totally agree with your review. I don't think I liked it quite as much as you did, but my thoughts are basically the same.
And, Alyce, I agree 100% with your thoughts about Xander! I've always been rooting for him, and I certainly hopes he wins in the end. Shortly after I finished Crossed, I started wondering if he was the one who put Ky on Cassia's microcard - like he wants to know if she would actually choose him if there was no Society matching them.
LOL that's funny. I liked CROSSED better than MATCHED. :)
Amber
The Musings of ALMYBNENR