Book Nerds Across America: crossed

Friday, January 12, 2018

Review: Crossed by Ally Condie

Jacque's Review:

I really enjoyed Matched, the first book in the series, and gave it 5 stars. This book, however, seemed to have a much slower pace. It took forever for things to really pick up, which could cause some readers to lose interest. I will tell you, the ending was definitely worth plugging through some of the slower parts.

Ky and Cassia alternate telling the story, so we get to see what is happening to both of them through out the book. Ky was sent to the Outer Provinces, essentially to die, because he is an "Aberration". Cassia is sent to a work camp to train for her new job assignment, but escapes to look for Ky. In the process, she meets Indie and learns more about the rebellion.

Ky is leery of the rebellion because his father was one of the leaders. It ended up getting both of his parents killed, but he no longer wants to live under the control of the Society. He meets another boy who is interested in the rebellion and they decide to escape, taking a young boy named Eli with them.

Throughout the journey we learn more about the rebellion and how it has infiltrated all levels of the Society. Xander even makes a surprise appearance and we learn one of his secrets, thanks to Ky. He doesn't tell Cassia, because he doesn't believe it is his secret to tell, but it could make a drastic impact on how things turn out in Reached.

Overall, I enjoyed Crossed and look forward to seeing how the series will conclude. I'm not sure Ky is really the best choice for Cassia, so I hope she keeps her mind open to the possibility of Xander.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Crossed by Ally Condie

Note: Spoilers for Matched ahead. Proceed with caution if you have not read Matched.

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. (from Goodreads)

Oh Ally Condie, how you play with my heart! I loved learning more about both boys. I loved that the reader got to see more that happened in Matched. I enjoyed the new characters. I loved seeing the bigger picture become clearer to Cassia and its relation to the 3 main characters. And I was absolutely not expecting that ending!!!

~Flo~

Note: I am also on staff at a fansite for the Matched trilogy, The Matched Department: thematcheddepartment.com. Check it out!