Review for Crossed by Ally Condie

Crossed (Matched #2)
By Ally Condie
Published by Dutton Juvenile
Source: Personal Copy
367 pages

"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."-Goodreads

What a highly anticipated book.... I think everyone was disappointed: including myself. Crossed is a beautifully written book that will awe those who appreciate poetry but that is as far it goes.

Unlike Matched, Crossed is told through two points of view. Cassia and Ky. I actually loved this aspect, it gave the story more anticipation in a way - because I was thinking ooh I wonder what Ky feels about that. Both Cassia and Ky open up in this book. More so for Ky. We find out more about him, his feelings, background - his story. Cassia we don't necessarily learn more about her but we do discover her feeling on matters. But they're not the only ones we learn more about... Xander too! I'm totally torn between the two, I'm so undecided on this love triangle! What I really enjoyed were the secondary characters. Eli, Vick, and Indie had my attention, with all their different stories yet all tied together with the goal of survival. This was definitely a character driven book, which I liked to a degree.

The plot. Oh the plot! I mean it was practically non-existent. Sure there were moments where it got interesting but then the plot draagged. It was slow going, I somehow though was still intrigued, I finished it in two sessions! The poetry and character centered plot are commendable but for an action girl like me, it doesn't appeal too much. That being said the things that did happen definitely set the base for events to come. The writing is simply beautiful and I admire Condie for being able to write like that!

I definitely recommend it to those who have started the series, although its a slower pace book I think its worth reading to continue the series. After all, the third book probably will have all the action and you'll need the information from Crossed to understand! Plus, the cover looks really pretty on your shelf.

Excerpt:

I'm standing in a river. It's blue. Dark blue. Reflecting the color of the evening sky.
I don't move. The river does. It pushes against me and hisses through the grass at the water's edge. "Get out of there," the Officer says. He shines his flashlight on us from his position on the bank.
"You said put the body in the water," I say, choosing to misunderstand the Officer.
"I didn't say you had to get in yourself," the Officer says. "Let go and get out. And bring his coat. He doesn't need it now."
I glance up at Vick, who helps me with the body. Vick doesn't step into the water. He's not from around here, but everyone in camp knows the rumors about the poisoned rivers in the Outer Provinces.
"It's all right," I tell Vick quietly.

Book Trailer:

I personally don't care for this trailer, I think that it doesn't tell the story enough and the actors are too old.. they're supposed to be teenagers (I also imagined them totally different in appearance)