Monday, November 29, 2010

Matched by Ally Condie

Book: Matched
Author: Ally Condie
Release: November 30th, 2010
Other: Novel's website 
Pages: 369
Source: Publicist & later bought hardcover
YA Book Queen's Summary: 
The seemingly perfect Society takes care of it's people. No one suffers, no one has too much or too little, and nothing is ever left to chance.

After eagerly awaiting to see who the Society matches her with, Cassia Reyes is relieved to see that it's one of her best friends, Xander. Except later on, when viewing what should be a microcard all about Xander, she sees another face where Xander's should be. Ky Markham's face.

Ky, who is so unlike Xander, is not the kind of person Cassia should be with, or even notice. Yet the more she spends time with him, the more she realizes that everything she thought she knew just might be wrong. The closer they get, the more Cassia pushes the Societies limits and rules. She'll have to decide how far she'd go for true love and the ability to decide for herself, even if it means defying every rule the Society has....  
Review: "I won't go gentle. I'll find a way to soar like the angels in the stories and I will find him." (Condie 320)

Matched is a dystopian novel I'll definitely be remembering for quite some time. Narrated in the first person present tense by Cassia, her story begins at the Matching Banquet. Her personality slowly shines throughout the chapters, and the uniqueness of the "perfected" Society is revealed with wonderful pacing. Condie managed to let other characters grow as well, and I don't think there was a single character that didn't interest and intrigue me. 

The writing in Matched is beautiful. At times, it felt enchanting, thoughtful and lyrical. Condie's words drew me into another world that felt real, and the story that resides inside such a stunning (and fitting) cover is bound to attract readers.

Matched essentially comes down to two things: love and choice. And yes, you absolutely should read this novel, especially if you enjoy thoughtful novels with a very believable romance. 

Highlights: Cassia's voice is completely engaging that I could spend weeks rereading this novel. Rarely do I read a novel where there is a love triangle that makes me struggle with deciding who the protagonist should end up with (just like in Andrea Cremer's debut, Nightshade). Both guys are truly different and they make sense with Cassia - that's the best thing I can ever say about a love triangle. This novel pulled at my heartstrings, and kept me eager for more with every word. 

Lowlights: There are just a few moments where the pacing slows, but I think that's where the magic of this story lies. It slows, keeping you captivated with every word, and picks up again. 

Rating:   



Signature

14 comments:

  1. Awesome, awesome review, Lea! I'm dying to read this one, and I'm SO glad to see another great review for it! It sounds incredible :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I completely agree Lea! I absolutely adored this one and it kept me thinking about it for weeks after I was done. Definitely one I could read again and again:) I loved both Ky and Xander, and I can't wait to read more of this story.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Can't wait for this one! Great review--I love a believable, difficult love triangle :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've heard such awesome things about this book! "Tugs at heartstrings"? That's just what I want to hear. Thanks for your review.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great review - I totally agree. The action aspect isn't really there, so the pacing isn't fast. But the constant vigilance makes it creepy and suspenseful. It has great world building and beautiful writing. I loved it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm dying to read this one too; there have been so many good reviews about Matched and so much hype that I'm itching to get my hands on it!
    It sounds great!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oooo I can't wait to try this. It sounds sooo goooood.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Amazing review! ONe of the best I've read so far, and it definitely got me interesting in reading Matched!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great review. Must have. 'Nuff said =)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oooh! I love a good love triangle. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Great review. :) I cannot wait to read this one!

    ReplyDelete
  11. This one has been on my book radar for a little while now... Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great review! I just bought this one & can't wait to read it!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am looking forward to reading this, I am intrigued :) Great Review!

    Jess :)
    http://sheknownasjess.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  14. I really, really, really want to read this, especially as everyone who's read it has been saying how amazing it is! I can't wait to get my hands on it!

    ReplyDelete