Crossed by Ally Condie

Author: Ally Condie
Publisher: Razor Bill, Penguin
Released: 1st November 2011
Pages: 367
Notes: Matched #2
Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis contains spoilers for those who haven't and hope to read Matched, but review is spoiler free.

Rules Are Different Outside The Society.
Chasing down an uncertain future, Cassia makes her way to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky--taken by the Society to his sure death--only to find that he has escaped into the majestic, but treacherous, canyons. On this wild frontier are glimmers of a different life and the enthralling promise of a rebellion. But even as Cassia sacrifices every thing to reunite with Ky, ingenious surprises from Xander may change the game once again.

This is going to be one strange review everyone, so I apologise in advance if I confuse and/or bore you! First off I have to say that this was my second attempt at reading Crossed and I'm glad I stuck with it because overall it was quite a good read. It had some loveable characters, a unique storyline and a few twists to keep the attention of the reader.

I feel I owe you an explanation. My first attempt at Crossed was a while back and after only a couple of chapters I decided to put it on hold because I found it a little slow and I just wasn't really enjoying it. But here's the wierd thing. When I read Matched (the first book) almost the same thing happened! I didn't find it that good the first time I read it, but when I read it the second time I really liked it - and for all you wondering why I read Matched a second time, it was because I had just bought Crossed and felt I should re-read it so the plot and story were fresh in mind for going into the sequel. Does that make sense? Has anyone else ever been in a similar situation? I know, strange. Anyway. No use babbling for my whole review.

Just to clear up. Yes, it was a little slow at times but I'm definetly glad I kept reading because overall Crossed was quite good!

The book is split up into two points of view. Cassia and Ky's. I actually settled into this part of things really quickly and enjoyed reading both of their stories and opinions. I can't even pick a favourite because they were both really fun to read! I do warn you now though, Condie likes to leave you on a slight cliffhanger at the end of one chapter and make you wait another one until the other character is finished!

Cassia and Ky were both strong, brave and determined and I really liked that about them. They would fight for what they believed in. However, they weren't the only great characters, there were a few I loved! Strong, straight to the point Indie. Young, brave, talkative Eli. Strong, secretive Vick. They were all brilliant characters and I hope we meet some of them again in the next book!

Just as the synopsis has stated, a little love triangle has formed. It wasn't really that big a deal, just Cassia comparing Xander and Ky in the smallest of ways really. In the first book I preferred Xander but now that I've read from Ky's point of view, I like him a tad more. The next book, I think anyway, shows us Xander's story so I really want to see how that works out... and if I change my mind. I thought that the romance between Ky and Cassia deepened in this book. It felt more serious and meaningful but surprisingly I didn't find it too much. Who's she going to choose - Ky or Xander? We're all just going to have to wait and find out. ;)

Overall I quite liked Crossed. It had great characters, some romance and an enjoyable plot. Even though sometimes it was a little slow it was never unbearable and since we get to see both Ky and Cassia's point of view it makes up for it. I liked it enough (*cough*the second time*cough*) to have it hype me up a little for the sequel, Reached.


Happy Reading,
Rachel xoxo

PS: Sorry if I confused and/or bored you!