Rating
"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 rebellion. But even as Cassia sacrifices everything to reunite with Ky, ingenious surprises from Xander may change the game once again.
"Narrated from both Cassia's and Ky's points of view, this hotly anticipated sequel to Matched will take them both to the edge of Society, where nothing is as expected and crosses and double crosses make their path more twisted than ever."
~ Jacket copy
Matched has been sitting on the shelf in the classroom staring at me for quite some time. It didn't help that the school librarian kept suggesting it. However, it was a book I had already read and didn't remember particularly enjoying. (A look back at my previous post shows that I was correct). Despite my better judgment—while packing up endless boxes of books for my head teacher—I decided to give Matched another chance and then get further into the series. It didn't help that Reached was on the book shelf in my mentor teacher's classroom. It appeared as though I was . . . doomed!
At the conclusion of Matched, the readers see Ky sent to the Outer Provinces and Cassia on a train with her family as their being relocated for her mother's new job assignment—or so they've been told. When Crossed starts, Ky is serving in what looks like the military and Cassia is in a work camp. Through these limitations and no idea where the other is at, Cassia sets off on a trek to find Ky as he is trying to escape from certain death.
To be honest, the second time around, I actually enjoyed Matched more than I did the first time. It might have been for the escapist value. That being said, I cannot say the same for the second book. The concept of the split narration gives an interesting spin on books and allows the reader a peak into the minds and rationale of the other main characters; however, it has been overdone. In addition, it needs to be done well. Granted, Ky had all the potential of being an interesting character in the first book, but narrating the story from his side did not add any depth. Condie would have been better served by not splitting the narration. As it stands, it detracting from the story.
Between the first and second book, something was lost. I did not feel the same connection to the characters in this book. They felt rather one dimensional and banal. Cassia always was a tad bit vapid, but it felt as though this book turned her into a flat archetype of a heroine. Not only that, there was little to no development and she fell into typical stereotypes. The same can be said about Indie and Eli.
The book took too long building to the climax and then the "resolution". Looking back at it, I wonder if there truly was a full climax in the book. There was the possible threat of the Society swooping down and taking them away; however, it was never really followed. The biggest problem they dealt with was the green pills and the chance of a flash flood. Not only that, the end was rushed.
All in all, this book was adequate as far as a sequel. It left a lot to be desired. Considering the previous book, I am not too surprised at how this one turned out. I'm not sure whether I will take the time to pick up the third book. After skipping large chunks of needless word vomit, I am happy that this was a library book.
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