Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Matched by Ally Condie

Matched by Ally Condie


Released: November 2010
Publisher: Dutton
Genre: Young Adult - Dystopia
Pages: 384
Source: Around the World Tours


Rating: ♥♥♥♥

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.



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I'm new to the Dystopia genre. After discussing it on twitter with Sab, I came to realize I have read it before, but what can I say I have a bad habit of sticking in my comfort zone of reading. Since Matched was one of the most anticipated books this year, I decided to pop my head out and see what the fuss was about.

Ally Condie's style of writing is very poetic. The words slip in nicely and flow so easily it amazed me how far into the story I was without even realizing it. The only downside I think some readers will find in the beginning of Matched is a bit slow. Normally I can't do a slow book, but the whole world that Cassia is placed in had me so intrigued. The thought of living in a world, one that was controlled from what you ate, to what you wear, to who (if anyone) you will spend the rest of your life - that's just crazy!

For someone who doesn't think of a futuristic world, it was a bit weird at first trying to view a main character who had never really had her own thoughts. Cassia has never went against what she has told, but soon her mind begins to wonder. One thing I loved was seeing a lot of the 'past' which some of it was only fifty or sixy years ago being intertwined in the stories. (Double bonus for using some of Dylan Thomas's work). When Ky's face appears on the screen, it's like the first time Cassia's life actually turns into a life. She suddenly so confused when she shouldn't be, and her feelings are sprinkled throughout the pages and the character growth was paced out so wonderfully - it just made this read so fantastic.

What really makes Matched stand out to me is how beautiful the relationship between Ky and Cassia is. I am a sucker for a good romance, and each chapter my stomach become fluttery wondering what was going to happen to these two. If anything did, I was on pins and needles wondering what the outcome would be.

I will give out a semi spoiler, but it's one I think everyone should know so they don't have the same reaction I did. There is a sequel (and thank you Jenny for reassuring me of it!) so when you get to the last page don't chuck the book on the table shouting out a WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?! Because Cassia's story is far from done, and I am so, so very glad of that.

♥amber

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I want to read this very badly, thank heavens it's out by christmas! Good review, I'm glad you liked it :)

Anonymous said...

I've been wanting to read this, but was kind of afraid it wouldn't live up to expectations. Hearing that you enjoyed it has alleviated my fears :)

amberargyle said...

Ohhh, I want to read this. It sounds positively yummy.

prophecygirl said...

Ace review Amber. I loved it too (as you know) and agree with the 5 stars. It's my favourite book of 2010 so far, along with Firelight. :D

And yes, thank God there's a sequel! If not, I really would have thrown my book across the room. Or possibly out of the window.

girlsinthestacks.com said...

Okay, I will finish this book.

Vivien said...

This book needs to be out now!! I've been wanting to read this so badly for months now! Great review.

brandileigh2003 said...

I love this story so much! I couldn't decide between the guys and that is a sign of a wonderfully written love triangle. This is such a wonderfuly written universe
I CANNOT wait until the next one!

Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog

Thao said...

I've always wanted to read this book and your review makes me want to read it more than ever now.

Megan said...

I have been wanting to read this one for a while now. Thanks for giving your take on it.

Unknown said...

Great review! I read (and reviewed) this a few weeks ago and I loved it :D I'm glad you did too!

I'll be hosting a giveaway for an ARC of Matched starting this Wednesday :)

I'm a new follower, btw, and I'd appreciate if you followed me back!

Hafsah @ IceyBooks

Llehn said...

I am so salivating over this one! I hope it lives up to expectations!

Tales of Whimsy said...

I just finished this one and can not wait for book 2. I need to know more about the world and what happens to Ky.